Southern Oregon University

1250 Siskiyou Blvd, Ashland, OR 97520

http://www.sou.edu/

School Description

Provided by Southern Oregon University

With smaller classes and individual attention from faculty, you won’t be a number at Southern Oregon University. Our four-year university specializes in a strong liberal arts and sciences curriculum balanced with career-focused preparation. At SOU, you will have 34 majors and more than 100 areas of study to choose from. We are committed to making the educational experience unique and enriching for all of our students.

Southern Oregon University is an inclusive campus community dedicated to student success, intellectual growth, and responsible global citizenship.

Situated in sunny Ashland, Southern Oregon University combines quality education with a spectacular location. Surrounded by rugged mountains, rivers, and lakes, the beautiful 175-acre campus is home to 5,500 students from around the world. SOU, a four-year university specializing in liberal arts, sciences, and select graduate and professional programs, offers 100 areas of study, including 37 majors in the schools of arts and letters, sciences, social sciences, and business. Southern specializes in individual attention offering small class sizes. Take a closer look and see why Southern Oregon University can take you further than you ever imagined.

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Southern Oregon University

From Wikipedia, The Free Encyclopedia

Southern Oregon University (SOU) is a public liberal arts college located in Ashland, Oregon, United States. Founded in 1926, it was formerly known as Southern Oregon College (SOC) and Southern Oregon State College (SOSC). The university is known for its criminology, natural sciences, including environmental science, Shakespearean studies and theatre arts programs. It is also the headquarters for Jefferson Public Radio and public access station Rogue Valley Television. SOU is also a member of the Council of Public Liberal Arts Colleges.

The Institute

Southern consists of the College of Arts and Sciences, the School of Business, and the School of Education. In addition to Southern's main campus, classes are also offered on the University's satellite campus in downtown Medford. The main campus is also home to an Oregon Health Science University satellite campus.

The College of Arts and Sciences (CAS) was formed in 2007 by combining the SOU School of Arts & Letters, School of Sciences, and the School of Social Sciences.

History

Southern Oregon University began as Ashland Academy in 1872, founded in part by Reverend Henry Skidmore of Oregon's Methodist Episcopal Church. In 1878, the school was renamed Ashland College, and then renamed Ashland College and Normal School in 1879. In 1887, the State of Oregon proclaimed the school an official state normal school. However, the state did not provide any funding for the school, and in 1890 the school closed before reopening in 1895. In 1892, the school selected a new site in the city with financial assistance from Methodists in Portland, and construction began on what was then named the Ashland Collegiate Institute. The school then reopened in 1895 as the Southern Oregon State Normal School (SOSNS), with state funding, beginning in 1899.

In 1904, the school became a full state school, but funding was eliminated in 1909, leading to the closing of the campus. In 1926, the state reestablished Southern Oregon State Normal School in Ashland at a new location on land donated by the city, the site on which the university is currently located. The residents of Ashland passed the "Normal School Site Bonds" to build the new facility. The building was later named Churchill Hall after SOSNS' president Churchill who oversaw the relocation project. Churchill now serves as Southern's administrative building, with the president's office on the first level. Churchill Hall closesly resembles Eastern Oregon University's Inlow Hall. Both buildings were built at during the same time from the same architecture semantics. The buildings were designed by architect John Bennes and retain their original Renaissance style.

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Read the full entry on Wikipedia

Quick Facts

Chance of Admission:
Location:
Northwest
Setting:
Small Town Setting
Type:
Public
Size:
Medium (2,000 to 5,000 Undergrad)

Students & Campus Life

Undergraduate Enrollment:
4,963
On Campus Housing:
Available
Full Time Students:
93%
Athletic Programs:
Available
> More Students & Campus Life

Expenses

Average Tuition:
$ 16,054
Students Receiving Aid:
51%
> More Expenses & Financial Aid

Admissions

Application Fee:
$ 50
Selectivity:
Selective
> More Admissions

Degree Programs at Southern Oregon University

Bachelor's Level Programs

  • Agriculture and Natural Resources

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    • Natural Resources and Conservation See more schools with programs in Natural Resources and Conservation
      • Environmental Studies.
        A program that focuses on environment-related issues using scientific, social scientific, or humanistic approaches or a combination. Includes instruction in the basic principles of ecology and environmental science and related subjects such as policy, politics, law, economics, social aspects, planning, pollution control, natural resources, and the interactions of human beings and nature.
        See more schools with programs in Environmental Studies.
  • Arts & Humanities

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    • English Language and Literature See more schools with programs in English Language and Literature
      • English Language and Literature
        A general program that focuses on the English language, including its history, structure and related communications skills; and the literature and culture of English-speaking peoples.
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    • Film and Theater See more schools with programs in Film and Theater
      • Drama and Dramatics/Theatre Arts
        A program that focuses on the general study of dramatic works and their performance. Includes instruction in major works of dramatic literature, dramatic styles and types, and the principles of organizing and producing full live or filmed productions.
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    • Foreign Languages See more schools with programs in Foreign Languages
      • French Language and Literature
        A program that focuses on the French language and related dialects and creoles. Includes instruction in French philology, Metropolitan French, Canadian French, African and Caribbean Creoles, French regional dialects, and applications in business, science/technology, and other settings.
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      • German Language and Literature
        A program that focuses on the German language and related dialects as used in Austria, Germany, Switzerland, neighboring European countries containing German-speaking minorities, and elsewhere. Includes instruction in German philology; Old, Middle, and High German; Plattdeutsch and other regional dialects; and applications to business, science/technology, and other settings.
        See more schools with programs in German Language and Literature
      • Spanish Language and Literature
        A program that focuses on the Spanish language and related dialects. Includes instruction in Spanish philology, Modern Castillan, various Latin American dialects, regional Spanish dialects, and applications in business, science/technology, and other settings.
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    • General Studies See more schools with programs in General Studies
    • History See more schools with programs in History
      • History
        A program that focuses on the general study and interpretation of the past, including the gathering, recording, synthesizing and criticizing of evidence and theories about past events. Includes instruction in historiography; historical research methods; studies of specific periods, issues and cultures; and applications to areas such as historic preservation, public policy, and records administration.
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    • Music See more schools with programs in Music
      • General Music
        A general program that focuses on the introductory study and appreciation of music and the performing arts. Includes instruction in music, dance, and other performing arts media.
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      • Music Pedagogy
        A program that prepares individuals to provide musical instruction and tutoring to clients in private and institutional settings. Includes instruction in music theory, music composition, mastery of one or more instruments, familiarity with various musical genres and styles, principles of music education, and client communications.
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      • Music Performance
        A program that generally prepares individuals to master musical instruments and performing art as solo and/or ensemble performers. Includes instruction on one or more specific instruments from various instrumental groupings.
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    • Visual Arts See more schools with programs in Visual Arts
      • Art/Art Studies
        Art and Art Studies is a general, introductory program that focuses on the study and appreciation of the visual arts. Students of these two or four year programs receive instruction in art, photography, and other visual communications media.
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  • Business

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    • Accounting & Related Services See more schools with programs in Accounting & Related Services
      • Accounting
        An accounting program provides the tools to practice accounting and to perform related business functions. This program includes instruction in accounting principles and theory, financial accounting, managerial accounting, cost accounting, budget control, tax accounting, legal aspects of accounting, auditing, reporting procedures, statement analysis, planning and consulting, business information systems, accounting research methods, professional standards and ethics, and applications to specific for-profit, public, and non-profit organizations.
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    • General Business See more schools with programs in General Business
      • Business Administration and Management
        Generally, this program prepares individuals to plan, organize, direct, and control a firm or organization. To aid them in taking a leading role in business, individuals in this program study management theory, human resources management and behavior, accounting and other quantitative methods, purchasing and logistics, organization and production, marketing, and business decision-making.
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    • Management See more schools with programs in Management
      • Business, Management, Marketing, and Related Support Services
        This major includes program in business, management, marketing and related support services. Check with the school to find out the specifics of a particular program.
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  • Communication & Media

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    • Communication Studies/Speech Communication and Rhetoric
      A program that focuses on the scientific, humanistic, and critical study of human communication in a variety of formats, media, and contexts. Includes instruction in the theory and practice of interpersonal, group, organizational, professional, and intercultural communication; speaking and listening; verbal and nonverbal interaction; rhetorical theory and criticism; performance studies; argumentation and persuasion; technologically mediated communication; popular culture; and various contextual applications.
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  • Education

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    • Teacher Training See more schools with programs in Teacher Training
      • Teacher Education, Multiple Levels
        A program that prepares individuals to teach students at more than one educational level, such as a combined program in elementary/secondary, early childhood/elementary, elementary/middle school, or junior high/high school teacher education.
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  • Fitness, Recreation and Leisure Studies

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    • Physical Fitness See more schools with programs in Physical Fitness
      • Health and Physical Education
        A general program that focuses on activities and principles that promote physical fitness, achieve and maintain athletic prowess, and accomplish related research and service goals. Includes instruction in human movement studies, motivation studies, rules and practice of specific sports, exercise and fitness principles and techniques, basic athletic injury prevention and treatment, and organizing and leading fitness and sports programs.
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  • Interdisciplinary Studies

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    • International/Global Studies
      A program that focuses on global and international issues from the perspective of the social sciences, social services, and related fields.
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    • Mathematics and Computer Science
      A program with a general synthesis of mathematics and computer science or a specialization which draws from mathematics and computer science.
      See more schools with programs in Mathematics and Computer Science
    • Multi-/Interdisciplinary Studies
      Any instructional program that is derived from two or more distinct programs to provide a cross-cutting focus on a subject concentration that is not subsumed under a single discipline or occupational field.
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  • Life Science

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    • Biology See more schools with programs in Biology
      • Biology/Biological Sciences
        Students in this program study general biology at an introductory level. This major provides students with a broad overview of biology and includes instruction in general biology and programs covering a variety of biological specializations.
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  • Mathematics and Statistics

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    • General Mathematics
      A general program that focuses on the analysis of quantities, magnitudes, forms, and their relationships, using symbolic logic and language. Includes instruction in algebra, calculus, functional analysis, geometry, number theory, logic, topology and other mathematical specializations.
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  • Natural Sciences

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    • Chemistry See more schools with programs in Chemistry
      • General Chemistry
        A general program that focuses on the scientific study of the composition and behavior of matter, including its micro- and macro-structure, the processes of chemical change, and the theoretical description and laboratory simulation of these phenomena.
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    • Geology See more schools with programs in Geology
      • Geology/Earth Science
        A program that focuses on the scientific study of the earth; the forces acting upon it; and the behavior of the solids, liquids and gases comprising it. Includes instruction in historical geology, geomorphology, and sedimentology, the chemistry of rocks and soils, stratigraphy, mineralogy, petrology, geostatistics, volcanology, glaciology, geophysical principles, and applications to research and industrial problems.
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    • Physics See more schools with programs in Physics
      • General Physics
        A general program that focuses on the scientific study of matter and energy, and the formulation and testing of the laws governing the behavior of the matter-energy continuum. Includes instruction in classical and modern physics, electricity and magnetism, thermodynamics, mechanics, wave properties, nuclear processes, relativity and quantum theory, quantitative methods, and laboratory methods.
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  • Security and Protective Service Careers

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    • Criminal Justice/Safety Studies
      A program that focuses on the criminal justice system, its organizational components and processes, and its legal and public policy contexts. Includes instruction in criminal law and policy, police and correctional systems organization, the administration of justice and the judiciary, and public attitudes regarding criminal justice issues.
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    • Human Services
      A program that focuses on the general study and provision of human and social services to individuals and communities and prepares individuals to work in public and private human services agencies and organizations. Includes instruction in the social sciences, psychology, principles of social service, human services policy, planning and evaluation, social services law and administration, and applications to particular issues, services, localities, and populations.
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  • Social Sciences

    See more schools with programs in Social Sciences
    • General Social Sciences
      A program that focuses on the general study of human social behavior and social institutions using any of the methodologies common to the social sciences and/or history, or an undifferentiated program of study in the social sciences.
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    • Anthropology See more schools with programs in Anthropology
      • General Anthropology
        A program that focuses on the systematic study of human beings, their antecedents and related primates, and their cultural behavior and institutions, in comparative perspective. Includes instruction in biological/physical anthropology, primatology, human paleontology and prehistoric archeology, hominid evolution, anthropological linguistics, ethnography, ethnology, ethnohistory, socio-cultural anthropology, psychological anthropology, research methods, and applications to areas such as medicine, forensic pathology, museum studies, and international affairs.
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    • Economics See more schools with programs in Economics
      • General Economics
        A general program that focuses on the systematic study of the production, conservation and allocation of resources in conditions of scarcity, together with the organizational frameworks related to these processes. Includes instruction in economic theory, micro- and macroeconomics, comparative economic systems, money and banking systems, international economics, quantitative analytical methods, and applications to specific industries and public policy issues.
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    • Geography See more schools with programs in Geography
      • General Geography
        A program that focuses on the systematic study of the spatial distribution and interrelationships of people, natural resources, plant and animal life. Includes instruction in historical and political geography, cultural geography, economic and physical geography, regional science, cartographic methods, remote sensing, spatial analysis, and applications to areas such as land-use planning, development studies, and analysis of specific countries, regions, and resources.
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    • International Relations and Affairs See more schools with programs in International Relations and Affairs
      • General Political Science and Government
        A general program that focuses on the systematic study of political institutions and behavior. Includes instruction in political philosophy, political theory, comparative government and politics, political parties and interest groups, public opinion, political research methods, studies of the government and politics of specific countries, and studies 0f specific political institutions and processes.
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    • Psychology See more schools with programs in Psychology
      • General Psychology
        A general program that focuses on the scientific study of individual and collective behavior, the physical and environmental bases of behavior, and the analysis and treatment of behavior problems and disorders. Includes instruction in the principles of the various subfields of psychology, research methods, and psychological assessment and testing methods.
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    • Sociology See more schools with programs in Sociology
      • Sociology
        A program that focuses on the systematic study of human social institutions and social relationships. Includes instruction in social theory, sociological research methods, social organization and structure, social stratification and hierarchies, dynamics of social change, family structures, social deviance and control, and applications to the study of specific social groups, social institutions, and social problems.
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  • Technology

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    • Software Development See more schools with programs in Software Development
      • Computer and Information Sciences
        A general program that focuses on computing, computer science, and information science and systems as part of a broad and/or interdisciplinary program. Such programs are undifferentiated as to title and content and are not to be confused with specific programs in computer science, information science, or related support services.
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Master's Level Programs

  • Agriculture and Natural Resources

    See more schools with programs in Agriculture and Natural Resources
    • Natural Resources and Conservation See more schools with programs in Natural Resources and Conservation
      • Environmental Studies.
        A program that focuses on environment-related issues using scientific, social scientific, or humanistic approaches or a combination. Includes instruction in the basic principles of ecology and environmental science and related subjects such as policy, politics, law, economics, social aspects, planning, pollution control, natural resources, and the interactions of human beings and nature.
        See more schools with programs in Environmental Studies.
  • Arts & Humanities

    See more schools with programs in Arts & Humanities
    • Music See more schools with programs in Music
      • General Music
        A general program that focuses on the introductory study and appreciation of music and the performing arts. Includes instruction in music, dance, and other performing arts media.
        See more schools with programs in General Music
  • Business

    See more schools with programs in Business
    • General Business See more schools with programs in General Business
      • Business Administration and Management
        Generally, this program prepares individuals to plan, organize, direct, and control a firm or organization. To aid them in taking a leading role in business, individuals in this program study management theory, human resources management and behavior, accounting and other quantitative methods, purchasing and logistics, organization and production, marketing, and business decision-making.
        See more schools with programs in Business Administration and Management
  • Education

    See more schools with programs in Education
    • General Education See more schools with programs in General Education
      • General Education
        A program that focuses on the general theory and practice of learning and teaching; the basic principles of educational psychology; the art of teaching; the planning and administration of educational activities; school safety and health issues; and the social foundations of education.
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    • Teacher Training See more schools with programs in Teacher Training
  • Interdisciplinary Studies

    See more schools with programs in Interdisciplinary Studies
    • Biological and Physical Sciences
      This general program is either a synthesis of the biological and physical sciences, or a specialization which draws from the biological and physical sciences.
      See more schools with programs in Biological and Physical Sciences
    • Mathematics and Computer Science
      A program with a general synthesis of mathematics and computer science or a specialization which draws from mathematics and computer science.
      See more schools with programs in Mathematics and Computer Science
  • Social Sciences

    See more schools with programs in Social Sciences
    • General Social Sciences
      A program that focuses on the general study of human social behavior and social institutions using any of the methodologies common to the social sciences and/or history, or an undifferentiated program of study in the social sciences.
      See more schools with programs in General Social Sciences
    • Psychology See more schools with programs in Psychology
      • General Psychology
        A general program that focuses on the scientific study of individual and collective behavior, the physical and environmental bases of behavior, and the analysis and treatment of behavior problems and disorders. Includes instruction in the principles of the various subfields of psychology, research methods, and psychological assessment and testing methods.
        See more schools with programs in General Psychology

Students

General

Full-Time vs. Part-Time
Full-Time 93%
Part-Time 7%
Men vs. Women
Women 55%
Men 45%
Race/Ethnicity
Caucasian 81%
Other 12%
Hispanic 3%
Asian 3%
African-American 1%

Geography

In State vs. Out-of-State
In-State 80%
Out-of-State 20%
Top States for Incoming Freshman
Oregon 80%
California 5%
Hawaii 3%
Alaska 2%
Washington 2%
Percent of Students International: 2%

Housing

On-Campus Housing Available: Yes
Percent of Students Living On-Campus: 29%
Freshman Students Required to Live on Campus: Yes

Athletics

Member of: NAA, NAIA
Sports Include: Football (Division I Independents)
Basketball (Cascade Collegiate Conference)
Track (Cascade Collegiate Conference)
Tuition & Fees (undergraduate) In-State Out-of-State  
Published Tuition and Fees:
$ 5,005 $ 16,054  
Average Tuition for Full-Time Undergrads:
$ 3,720 $ 14,769  
Required Fees for Full-Time Undergrads:
$ 1,285 $ 1,285  
Financial Aid Avg. Amount Received % of Students Receiving Aid  
Federal Grants:
$ 3,198 25%  
State and Local Grants:
$ 1,775 33%  
Institutional Grants:
$ 1,580 33%  
Student Loans:
$ 3,563 51%  
Any Aid:
  51%  

Selectivity (Undergraduate Only)

Acceptance Rate: 75% (Selective)
Test Scores  
SAT Scores:  
% of Students Submitting SAT Scores: 89%
Bottom 25th Percentile: Verbal: 460, Math: 450
Top 75th Percentile: Verbal: 580, Math: 560
ACT Scores:  
% of Students Submitting ACT Scores: 15%
Bottom 25th Percentile: Composite: 18, Verbal: 18, Math: 17
Top 75th Percentile: Composite: 24, Verbal: 25, Math: 23

Application Requirements (Undergraduate Only)

Application Fee: $ 50.00
Formal Demonstration of Competencies: Recommended
High School Diploma or Equivalent: Required
High School GPA: Required
High School Rank: Not Required
High School Record: Required
Recommendations: Not Required
TOEFL: Required
Test Scores: Required

College Advice

Yahoo

Question: What is Ashland, Oregon and Southern Oregon University like?

So I'm going to be attending SOU as a freshman this fall of 2009...(yay I have been accepted) and I was just wondering about the experience at SOU and in Ashland Oregon.... What is the weather like? I heard it snows alot and it would be really chilly? Do you need a car to get around Ashland or is it just better to walk? Is there a mall around the Ashland area? What do people usually wear at SOU? Sweats and comfy clothing? What are the dorms like? And I was thinking about trying out for SOU cheerleading. Should I do it...or will it affect my freshman year experience and study time? Is there anything else I need to know about Ashland or SOU?
11 months ago

Best Answer

I graduated from SOU. It is like any other college. You can goof off and party, or you can work and get an education. Your choice. The winters are cool because the town sits at the base of the Siskyou Mountains. Bring winter clothes and ski's if you snow ski. The summers are hot and dry so also bring summer clothes for fall and spring terms. The dorms are dumps. You can't study or get any sleep there. Students refer to them as the projects, and that is a good analogy. Ashland is a trendy, upscale, snooty Birkenstock type town, that passes ordinances designed to keep the poor and homeless out of town. Lots of shops, but they are expensive. Mall type shopping is in Medford 15 miles away. Public transportation is good, and being a student, you can buy a Rogue Transit Bus Pass at a discount price.

Question: What is the difficulty level of getting into Southern Oregon University?

I am very interested in Southern Oregon University and am worried of the chances of being accepted into this college. I have not taken the SAT yet, but will in 5 months from now. I'm taking two AP classes with a B or higher in both of them and one honors class, with average to high grades in all of my other classes. I'm also in an after-school club, though plan to be in more next year. Unfortunately, I don't like sports, in fact hate it, so I'm not on any school sports teams. What is the diffuculty level of getting in and how easy or hard would you presume for me to get in?
13 months ago

Best Answer

Eighty-three percent of applicants are accepted to Southern Oregon University. Grade point average is not even considered as an admission factor, but the rigor of your high school record and your standardized test scores are very important factors. Extracurricular activities are considered, as well as volunteer work, so try to join a couple clubs and get a lot more hours of community service than is required to graduate.

Question: Do you absolutely have to take the SAT to get into Southern Oregon University?

I forgot to take the march SAT, and I adore Southern oregon university! it has everything i ever needed for a college. but the problem is..they need official SAT/ACT scores. how could i worm my way through this rotting apple?
15 months ago

Best Answer

Yea ya do there are more SAT dates...or try the ACT
Kim
Kim

Question: What is life at Southern Oregon University like?

I'm thinking about going there in the fall of 09.
16 months ago

Best Answer

Although I've never attended classes at SOU, I did grow up in Grants Pass and visited Ashland a few times and did a week long camp at SOU as a child. From what I've heard the prof's are good and the class sizes are small compared to the bigger state schools. The campus is small and on a hill (ie uphill scramble to some classes). The dorms are typical - dingy. The town itself is artsy (Shakespeare Fest) and has a lot of plays, music, neat quirky shops, etc. Mt. Ashland is close by for winter sports and there are quite a few lakes and rivers nearby for summer fun. If you like a liberal atmosphere and a close, small town feel, Ashland/SOU is for you.

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Southern Oregon University
Ashland, OR 97520
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