In the world of higher ed, this is what we call a “viewbook.”
Most are filled with clever headlines, pretty pictures, well-designed charts and paragraphs of information you won’t read.
This year, we’re focusing less on the book and more on the view by skipping to what you’re actually interested in.
Real college life.
Straight from University of Central Missouri students who have been here and done that.
Compelling testimonials. Relatable struggles.
Stories about conquering anxiety and realizing you’re not alone.
Facing hardships and finding comfort in UCM’s support system.
Making a difference and gaining a new perspective on life.
It’s time to redefine what’s possible.
I’m not the only one who’s still figuring things out.
I saw that UCM offered an Open Option program, and not a lot of schools offer that. I was scared that it was just going to be me, but a lot of students were in the same boat as me so that eased my anxiety. I’m not the only one who’s still figuring things out. The trial and error of the Open Option program definitely helped me figure out what I wanted to do.
Jordy Ortiz Rivas
International Studies major Sedalia, MO
With UCM’s one-of-a-kind Open Option program, you can explore for up to two semesters until you find the right program for you – without falling behind or losing time toward graduation. | ucmo.edu/openoption
I didn’t think I could handle so much on my plate, and I can.
I was this really introverted kid, and I came out of my shell. I didn’t think I could handle so much on my plate, and I can. We have so many things to help students. I love my advisor. She did a four- year plan for me which helped me keep on track.
Urja Doshi
Pre-Med Biology major Bentonville, AR
UCM’s innovative Success Advising Center pairs you with a success advisor and an academic success coach to help you choose a major, enroll in classes, build an academic plan and point you to the resources you need to stay on track. | ucmo.edu/success
UCM’s financial support system is really, really solid.
UCM’s financial support system is really, really solid. The first thing that comes to mind is the Red and Black scholarship, which is a merit-based scholarship. And that one really does help give students a little bit of headway when they first come in to the university and start their classes. It’s another thing that they really just don’t have to worry about.
Justin Williams
Digital Media Production major St. Louis, MO
UCM provides lower-than-average tuition, and 94% of UCM undergraduates receive financial aid. Plus, we offer in-state tuition for 15 states including the eight states that border Missouri and UCM’s Mid-America Intercollegiate Athletic Association Conference (MIAA) border states. | ucmo.edu/sfs
I was really having a hard time coping with everything.
My dad passed away from COVID, and the following Monday, classes started. I had to get back for softball because that’s what he would have wanted me to do. I actually had arm problems as well the next year. I was really having a hard time coping with everything. [UCM’s Counseling Center] helped a lot – being able to help me work through the grieving and the problems of not being able to play the sport that I love.
Paige Petefish Entrepreneurship and Management
double major Topeka, KS
UCM is the only public institution in Missouri with an accredited* Counseling Center. Get free consultations for stress management, grief and loss experiences, relationship and family concerns, identity questions, substance abuse concerns, eating and body image issues, depression and anxiety, suicidal thoughts, traumatic experiences, self-esteem and more. | ucmo.edu/counselingcenter
*International Accreditation of Counseling Services (IACS)
The Learning Commons, located in the JCK Library, provides free tutoring online or in-person for 100+ courses, review and editing services via the Writing Center, and supplemental instruction for difficult courses. | ucmo.edu/learningcommons
Going to see a tutor really helped me.
The Learning Commons and going to see a tutor really helped me because I was able to meet with a tutor that had just been accepted into dental school. I was just going in to get organic [chemistry] help for my lab reports, just for him to check over my weekly problems. He was able to assist me or answer questions that I didn’t really think about going into dental school, so that was really nice.
Marisela Quetzecua Biology major Sedalia, MO
One-hundred percent of study abroad students receive grants. Plus, thanks to the generosity of an anonymous donor, students have the life-changing opportunity to travel the globe for free and serve individuals living in impoverished areas with the Global Vision Endowment. | ucmo.edu/studyabroad | ucmo.edu/globalvision
Honestly, it just kind of changed the way that I look at the world.
I was able to go to Peru over the summer for a week, completely paid for. That was something that I never really thought was possible. We got to work in Sagrada Familia. Some of them were orphans and some of them were just really, really low income. I got to use my Spanish and talk to them and we kind of taught them English. I got to use my teaching background too for that. And honestly, it just kind of changed the way that I look at the world.
Natalie Buss Elementary Education major, Spanish
minor Imperial, MO
I discovered what I truly want to do.
I originally went into the Professional Pilot program. Last fall I took the Career and Life Design class and discovered what I truly want to do – be in a finance position at a large commercial airline. I’m now on the United Airlines corporate real estate team as a financial planning and analysis intern. There were 40,000 applicants – only 300 people were selected. There are a lot of the large Ivy League names out here, and my experience with UCM allowed me to compete with those applicants. My career advisor and I did a lot of practice interviews so I was prepared.
Ethan Gerst Finance major Desoto, MO
UCM offers for-credit life design and career readiness courses and is connected with 25,941 employers who have posted 131,400 jobs in the past year for UCM students through our Career and Life Design Center. Get help with internships, résumés, cover letters, interview practice and more. Plus, our Professional Clothing Studio provides free business attire! | ucmo.edu/career
There were many times that I didn’t believe in myself, but they did.
My professors challenged me and they believed in me. There were many times that I didn’t believe in myself, but they did. They saw something in me that I sometimes was too scared to see and they pushed me. I would take UCM a thousand times over because I’m not just a number, I am an individual. I am a student that the school cares about and wants to see be successful. I will remember the support that I felt and I’ll remember the encouragement that I felt.
Rachel Baker Criminal Justice and Criminology and Psychology double major Vienna, MO
STUDENTS
AVERAGE CLASS SIZE
Because UCM has small classes, our expert faculty can spend time with you 1:1. You’ll always have someone in your corner who cares about your goals and finds opportunities to help you reach them.
“I feel like I fit right in. It’s made for a really great transition because I still get a little bit of that small town community feel, but it’s been nice to get a feel for that diversity that comes with a little bit bigger community.”
Loren Baker Economics major Richmond, MO
Bloom in THE BURG
Whether you’re from a town no one has heard of or a “mega metropolis,” you’ll find something to love about The Burg. There’s a lot packed into this little city. National favorites like Starbucks®, Chipotle®, IHOP® and more? Of course. Miles of hiking trails, beautiful lakes and a NASCAR-sanctioned race track? Absolutely. Festivals, parades and a farmers market with the Midwestern charm of a Hallmark® movie? You betcha. POPULATION
Feel THE VIBE
When you get here, you’ll get it – that sense of connection that tells you you’re exactly where you’re supposed to be.
SCHEDULE A VISIT
ucmo.edu/visit
“I instantly fell in love with the campus and was like, ‘this is where I want to be able to make my home and like, start my future.’”
“I’m really introverted, so I was scared that I wouldn’t be able to make friends. But that wasn’t an issue. I can’t walk anywhere on campus without running into someone; at least like five people that I know and say ‘hi’ to them.”
Nora Van Asten Business Management major Louisburg, KS
Begin YOUR STORY
Apply (for free) at ucmo.edu/apply.
Submit your housing application (May 1 priority deadline).
File your FAFSA at fafsa.gov using UCM’s code 002454.
Apply for UCM Foundation scholarships via UCM Scholarship Finder (Feb. 1 priority deadline).
Sign up for Orientation (May 1 priority deadline).
Pack your bags and prepare for the best years of your life!
TRANSFER Admissions | ucmo.edu/transfer | ucmo.edu/recentlyadmitted
Transferring Credits | ucmo.edu/transfer
Have Your Family Join UCM Family Connection! for resources like financial aid, health and safety, housing, university news and campus events!
I’m struggling unstoppable
Everyone wrestles with “what-ifs,” “I-don’t-knows” and wondering what they’re capable of. The university you choose and the people you surround yourself with matter. From your first day until your graduation day, we’re here to guide you, challenge you and cheer you on. At UCM, it’s only a matter of time before you feel unstoppable, too.
