So you wanna be a Jayhawk?

Introduction
Choosing a college is one of the toughest decisions you will have to make, besides your major and what you want to do for the rest of your life! But the college does make a difference. You want to make sure it's the right fit for YOU (not your mom, dad, boyfriend/girlfriend, or best friend). Make sure you apply and take a full day to visit the campus to get a feel of what it would be like to spend the next 4, 5, or 6 years here. I chose KU because from the first campus tour I got, I just felt like it had a wonderful mixture of people, strong tradition and unity, and you definitely won't be bored in your years here. If you hate large campuses, this isn't the place for you. I personally transferred to KU from a much, MUCH smaller campus. I do have to leave 15-20 minutes before class. If you hate walking, you can get a bus pass. The bus system is reliable and convienient.
If you know you shrink and hate large classes, crowds, and exposure to alcohol, this isn't the school for you. Look for a smaller school with stricter policies.

Campus Life and Social Life
As far as social life, there's always something to do, something going on, or something to join. There's some party you can find almost every weekend. Lawrence is a college town, and has clubs and bars to fit any style. On the weekends, there will always be an option to let loose and have fun.
There are almost 500 clubs and recreational sports teams for students here. And if there's not a club here, you can start one. For those who like to workout, the Rec Center here is AWESOME with numerous cardio machines (treadmills, elliptical machines, cross trainers, and stair masters), resistance machines, and weight machines. There's also a rock climbing wall, racquetball and basketball courts, a suspended indoor track, plenty of classes, and personal trainers that can help you for FREE! There's always sign ups for tons of different teams for intermural play.
Of course, we have basketball. The games are a lot of fun and exciting. Tickets aren't too hard to come by. You won't be able to go to every game, but you can go to most. Advertisement
Academics
The great thing about KU is there are so many different programs and majors, and many have high reputations. The Engineering and Pharmacy schools are nationally renowned. The Journalism and Business programs are also great. Like any college, you have some professors that aren't so good, some that do not speak English as their native language; but for the most part, the professors are knowledgeable, friendly, and helpful. For the first year or two, classes are larger in auditoriums, with a discussion section led by a TA. The TAs are helpful and know what they're talking about.
The workload really depends on how much you did in high school, how much you're willing to do, and what field you're going into. This is college, so there's more reading, teaching yourself from the text, and professors are not going to chase you around to turn in papers. The workload is doable. Striking a balance between school and partying is key.

Student Body
The best thing about KU is you can't stereotype the students here. There are people from all walks of life. Each state is represented and there are over 100 countries represented here also. The wide variety of students is the reason there are close to 500 clubs and organizations to join. Whether you're into sports, reading, poetry, music, art, photography, computer, or whatever your forte may be, there is something here for you with a group of students with a similar interest. There is a majority of caucasian students, but there are all races and creeds represented. Social and racial tolerance are stressed here, and everyone is accepted. The unity of the students here can be seen at any football or basketball game, or hawk week (which is a fun couple of days before classes start) where everyone links arms, sings and chants the Rock Chalk Jayhawk chant.

In Closing...
University of Kansas is a great school set in the midwest, but not boring or super conservative. It's in the happenin' town of Lawerence, where there's always something to do or see. To see if KU is the school for you, I suggest looking into visiting the campus. For high schoolers, look for the "Junior Days" and "Senior Days" which allow you to come, take a tour, lunch in a dining hall, go though Allenfield house, and get a feel of what it's like to be a Jayhawk. By the end of the day you'll have a strong feel of whether you want to be a Jayhawk or not.