Why I Chose Rose: Getting a Jump Start on College Published July 24, 2023

By Sydney Watkins, RSC Alumni & Strategic Communications Major

I began taking concurrent classes online at Rose State during the summer before my junior year of high school. I attended Carl Albert High School and was eligible for the Ticket to Rose scholarship. The online classes made the scheduling incredibly easy to get college credits while still being able to attend every tennis tournament and pep assembly.

Senior year came around, and as applications opened for colleges, I wasn’t ready to leave home yet and Rose State was only 15 minutes away. My friends fretted about how on earth they would afford the tuition at four-year universities, I however, would be able to graduate with an associate's degree from Rose debt-free.

There were multiple scholarships available, and I received the State Regent Scholarship which would pay for eight semesters of tuition up to $30,000. I would not have gotten that scholarship, if I hadn’t chosen Rose.

I interviewed and was accepted into the President’s Leadership Class and was able to serve the community that had given me so much and meet new friends along the way. I have learned so much in my classes, and about myself.

I came in with 30 hours of concurrent credit which made it possible for me to graduate from Rose with an associate's degree in one year. I was then able to transfer to a four-year institution, Oklahoma State University, with all of my general education classes completed. It was a much more affordable way to complete my degree. Also, transferring with an associate’s degree under my belt meant that I had a much higher chance of my classes transferring seamlessly.

Rose State is bigger than high school, but not too big where you become a number. It feels like a family because the professors and advisors genuinely care about your success now and in the future. I am proud to say I made the best decision when I chose Rose.