Teacher-Scholar Model
Segment #8 from Texas Christian University
Transcript
Now, let’s hit over and meet Cort. He’s a junior majoring in biology and minoring in business. He’s an honor student on the pre-med track and is gonna talk to us about the teacher-scholar model at TCU. Cort, you’re on, my man.
– Howdy, everybody. I’m excited to share with you all my experience as a student at TCU. I grew up just outside of Fort Worth so I always had time to visit and fall in love with the city. From dancing at Billy Bob’s to showing cattle at the Fort Worth Stock Show & Rodeo. What really sold me on coming to TCU though, was the size and academics. TCU was the perfect size for me. It has the feel of a large university with competitive sports programs and extremely well-versed professors, but maintains all of the benefits and close relationships of a small school. My favorite part of classes at TCU is that they’re taught directly by professors who make students their top priority. Through the teacher-scholar model, professors value building relationships to undergraduate students like me, just as much as they do conducting research. Beyond having office hours each week, where they’re available to chat or answer questions, professors put in extensive effort outside the classroom. Not only does TCU offer ample opportunity to get to know professors, well, you can work alongside them. When you walk down the halls of Sid Richardson and Winston-Scott, the walls are covered with publications by professors and students alike. If you see publications that interests you, you can talk to that professor about their lab and apply to join especially as an undergraduate student. TCU also takes a very active role in preparing students for their lives after graduation. As a student on the pre-health track, I took a three hour course to learn about the application processes to medical, dental, physician’s assistant and veterinary schools. I wrote essays required for the applications and received extensive feedback from multiple professors to ensure that I presented myself in the best light possible. I underwent mock interviews to practice my interview skills and better get to know my health professional advisory committee members who write letters of recommendation. Never have I felt lost or alone in the process of applying to medical school. I’ve also had so many great experiences at TCU outside the classroom. From director roles of first year experience programs to executive member roles in student government leadership programs and many other on-campus organizations. All of my experiences and classes at TCU have taught me what it means to be a student and a global citizen. If you’re looking for a university with a close knit community, professors and students alike, I highly recommend you give TCU a look. Thanks for letting me share my story with y’all. Back to you, Alex.
– Cort, great job. That’s fantastic. The experiences you have here with your professors and fellow classmates sounds amazing. Thank you again. Cheers, Cort.