🎙️ In this powerful and wide-ranging conversation, I'm joined by Scott Anderson, Admissions Representative at the University of Kansas (KU). A KU alumnus, proud Kansan, and longtime educator, Scott shares his insider knowledge and infectious enthusiasm for all that KU has to offer.

From test-optional admissions and merit scholarships to mental health support, campus safety, and Jayhawk spirit, this episode is full of valuable information for students, families, and counselors navigating the college search.

🎓 Highlights Include:

✅ Straightforward Admissions Process

• Test-optional and GPA-based admissions.
• No required essays or letters of recommendation unless appealing a denial.
• Optional short answer: "Why do you want to go to college?" — for insight, not evaluation.

🎯 Scholarship Strategy

• Merit scholarships awarded automatically based on GPA.
• In-state: Up to $5,000/year
• Out-of-state: Up to $16,000/year (brings cost close to in-state level)
• Apply by December 1 for top consideration!
• FAFSA not required, but strongly recommended.
• Stackable with local/private scholarships — a key opportunity for families to reduce cost.

🌍 Geographic & Student Diversity

• About 45% of students come from outside Kansas
• Students from all 50 states and 110+ countries
• Strong regional recruitment efforts in cities like Chicago, Dallas, Denver, and Minneapolis

📚 Student Experience & Support

• 88% freshman retention rate (national average is approximately 70%)
• 500+ student clubs, including unique ones like Flapjacks & Lumberjacks 🥞🪓
• Writing Center, Career Center, and full academic advising
• Hawk Link and TRIO programs for first-gen and underrepresented students
• Mental health resources, psychological services, and Safe Ride 🚐 — a 24/7 transportation service for students

🏈 Athletics & Campus Energy

• 16 Division I sports, including national championship-winning basketball 🏀, Big 12 women’s soccer ⚽, and a revitalized football program
• New $450M football stadium and conference center opening soon
• Jayhawk pride is real: KU has 400,000+ alumni worldwide, and a campus culture that’s truly “Rock Chalk” proud

🏛️ Tradition + Fun = Balance

• “College isn’t just about getting a degree — it’s about having an amazing experience,” says Scott
• A dynamic, welcoming, and inclusive university where students want to return early
• “It’s easier to make a big school feel small than a small school feel big” — and KU proves it

🔑 Top 3 Tips from Scott Anderson for Students & Families:

📅 Start Early

Don’t wait — apply early, especially by scholarship deadlines. Get it done in the summer so you can enjoy senior year.

🔍 Find the Right Fit

Focus on academic, financial, and social fit. Ask: Does this school offer what I want? Can we afford it? Will I thrive here?

🧭 Visit Campuses

Don’t choose a school you’ve never seen in person. Visit, visit, visit.