351. University of Oregon - Joelle Rankins Goodwin - Senior Associate Director for Recruitment and Outreach

🎙️ In this insightful episode, we welcome back the University of Oregon to the podcast! Joelle Rankins Goodwin provides an inside look at what’s new on campus since their last feature in 2023, what joining the Big Ten means beyond athletics, and how students can strategically navigate the UO admissions process. Whether you're applying this fall or just beginning your college research, this episode is packed with relevant, timely, and honest insights for all students and families 🧠💡.

🟢 Top 4 Takeaways for Students & Families:1. 🎯 A Truly Holistic Admissions Process

Joelle shares that UO’s admissions review is contextual and holistic, focusing not just on academics, but also personal achievements, essays, and extracurricular involvement. No GPA cutoff, no test score mandate — just a thoughtful review of each student’s story.

📝 Pro Tip: Essays and letters of recommendation help humanize the application — authenticity matters more than perfection!

2. 🏛️ Academic Powerhouses within a Public University

From the prestigious Clark Honors College (small-class liberal arts experience within a major research university) to standout programs like Lundquist College of Business and the School of Journalism and Communication, UO offers rigorous, hands-on opportunities across disciplines.

🌍 Fun Fact: The School of Journalism at UO is one of the oldest and most respected in the country!

3. 🤝 The Big Ten Move = More Than Just Sports

While fans are buzzing about Oregon Ducks football, Joelle explains how Big Ten membership expands academic collaboration and so much more!

🧬 Translation: More cross-campus research, academic partnerships, and increased visibility on the national stage.

🐤 Quick Facts About the University of Oregon:

1. 📍 Location: Eugene, Oregon – a vibrant college town with access to coastlines, mountains, and forests 🌲
2. 👩‍🎓 Undergrad Enrollment: ~20,000 students
3. 🏅 Test-Optional: Yes – for all applicants
4. 💼 Strong Programs: Business, Journalism, Environmental Studies, Education, Architecture, and more
5. 🧑‍🤝‍🧑 Student Life: Over 300 student organizations, robust support for first-gen and out-of-state students, and a strong commitment to diversity and inclusion
6. 🌟 Mascot: The Oregon Duck 🦆

Scholarship Websites mentioned in the podcast episode:

fastweb.com

scholarships.com

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