TU welcomes most Merit Scholars of any university this fall

Merit Scholars provide their own insight on why they came to TU.
The University of Tulsa has welcomed 151 National Merit Scholars on campus this semester, more per capita than any other university in the country.
The National Merit Scholarship Corporation runs the National Merit Scholarship Program that recognizes academically talented high school students.
President Brad Carson released a statement regarding this accomplishment stating, “We are thrilled that so many National Merit scholars have enrolled at The University of Tulsa as first-time college students. These students see TU’s legacy of high academic standards and what’s possible when students are supported holistically. From internationally ranked STEM programs, a curriculum rooted in the arts and humanities, and a 9:1 student-to-faculty ratio, The University of Tulsa offers a unique educational experience for top students. Having met many of these scholars over the past year, I know that these academic superstars are seeking civic engagement, study abroad opportunities and entrepreneurial endeavors. TU works to ensure those goals can be met.”
Hunter Linn, a National Merit Scholar and Engineering-Physics major from South Carolina spoke about why he chose TU:, “The scholarship was a big reason for why I chose TU — I didn’t want to cost my parents more money than I had to. However, I wasn’t going to choose TU just for the money, which is why I’m happy I fell in love with the campus and the city of Tulsa when I visited!”
Cara Plaisance, a TU freshman Chemistry major from Louisiana, spoke on her experience becoming a National Merit Scholar: “Like every national merit scholar, I took the PSAT my junior year in order to qualify; however, coming from a less than good high school I had to take some extra steps. I learned of the program’s existence over the summer before my junior year, and I realized that becoming a scholar was my only chance of being able to leave home for college. As my school did not offer the PSAT, I had to petition my school board and beg just to get a chance to take the test. Next thing I know, I’m in a testing room with my entire future reliant on three hours. After receiving a qualifying score, I was able to fill out the scholarship application with mostly smooth sailing. As the first-ever national merit finalist from my high school, I hope my fighting for this program paves the way for more in the future.”
Plaisance further commented on why she chose TU, “While the National Merit scholarship was the reason I applied to The University of Tulsa, I chose to come here because TU had everything I was looking for in a school. When I started to apply to colleges I didn’t have the privilege of being able to apply to any school I wanted due to cost. My dream school didn’t have a name; however, when I visited TU for the first time I knew I found my place. Highlights like undergraduate research, academic rigor, small class sizes and a diverse environment ultimately helped me decide to join TU’s freshmen class. Without The University of Tulsa’s National Merit scholarship, I would not have been able to achieve my ideal college experience.”
When asked why they think other Merit Scholars chose TU, students had a variety of responses. National Merit Scholar Rhett Spencer from Idaho responded, “I think the really good scholarship and nice campus brought all of the National Merit Scholars here.”
Plaisance said, “While I’m sure everyone’s story is different, I’d imagine many of my peers chose to come here for the same reasons.The majority of the scholars I have talked to also initially applied here because they heard of the scholarship but decided on enrolling after hearing about all of TU’s amazing opportunities.”
Linn claimed, “I think TU has so many Merit Scholars because the National Merit Scholarship is extremely generous here. Plus, a lot of people who weren’t finalists (such as myself) had much fewer options when it came to national merit-related scholarships at different schools.”