I have found that all of my teachers are always ready to help. They have office hours, which is free one-on-one tutoring! Having my teachers available has greatly enhanced my learning experience. With that being said, I have encountered classes that are boring, and it makes it harder for me to be excited for that class subject, in turn making it harder to learn. Overall, however, I have learned a lot, and not just about calculus, English, and biology. I’ve also learned how to make a presentation “STICKY”, how to dance the chorus to Lady Gaga’s “Bad Romance”, and how to be more social. The wonderful thing about Bloomington is that there is such a wide diversity of people and ideas that you will always learn about a new religion, the best places in town, life lessons—it’s all here! Another great thing about IU is that there is such a wide array of classes that you really do become a well-rounded person because you do not feel bound to your major. Electives are not just electives here; they are supplementary material to your core classes. For example, I am working towards a biology, pre-med major, and I am taking a business class presentations class. The skills I have learned in that class will help me tremendously when I have to present a research lab project, or even when I interview for new opportunities such as internships, scholarships, medical school.
Do you enjoy the experience at your school?
IU is awesome! Bloomington is a lively town that has a lot of activities to become involved with, both on and off-campus, such as IU Timmy Foundation, church, HOLA radio, Boys and Girls Club, the list goes on and on. There are restaurants galore, the variety of people here is amazing, most people are friendly, there are so many free events, such as soccer, volleyball, movies at the IMU, even choir concerts—it really does provide for a fun and exciting experience. (And let’s not forget about the famous IU parties). Bloomington is a very social place, but not in an overwhelming way. I love it! It's small enough where you don't feel lost, but big enough where you don't feel bored or stuck in a small town.
Do you feel you’re getting value for the money you’re spending on college?
IU is expensive, let’s be honest. That’s why if you are reading this and you are a high school senior, I recommend applying to as many scholarships as possible, starting now! However, IU does give you a lot of bang for the buck. I have found awesome advisers here that I cannot say enough good things about, the professors really do care about your education, the variety of classes is so huge that you will want to take them all, and the social scene is booming! Also, the meal points here work great because you get 60% discount on every meal you buy. And we have these great little convenience stores (c-stores) where you can use your meal points to buy medicine, cleaning supplies, or a late-night snack, and still get 60% off! You also get access to both gyms on the campus, the school and public buses; you get to check out all kinds of movies here (for free!). There is the world-famous Lilly Library, an art museum, even an Observatory! There is HPPLC (Health Professions Pre-Law Center) where there are advisers to guide you through the process of being a pre-law and pre-med student. You have the opportunity to take classes in the Kelley School of Business, Ernie Pyle School of Journalism, and Jacobs School of Music. You have it all, it seems like. But the only way you get the bang for the buck is if you take advantage of such resources.
Do you have any tips for prospective students?
1. Know yourself, and be honest about who you are, what your values are, and what you are looking for in a college. Don’t choose a school for the name, the reputation, or for any other reason except for that it makes you happy.
2. Visit the campus as many times as possible! You might think this is not necessary, but you need to know if this feels like home to you. Participate in activities while visiting, especially activities that are not part of the organized schedule.
3. Make sure you pay attention to all the details when choosing a school—the costs, the courses offered, the degree programs, extra-curriculars, the town, distance from home, etc.
4. Ask current students about their experience at IU, and ask them to be honest. A lot of times, tour guides like to emphasize the positive and downplay the negatives. After all, they are trying to “sell” the school to you!
5. Try not to go home as much, especially during the first two months. This will really help make college be your home.
6. Go to office hours! You will hear this again and again, and for good reason! This is your chance to let the professors know you care.
7. Explore everything a college has to offer you, and take advantage of that!
8. Apply to scholarships!
Which types of students will excel at your college?
IU is great for any student that wants a great education, loves being involved, can handle being one of many students, and likes to be challenged. I see ALL types of students when I walk to class. There are no stereotypes here because nobody fits into one. You can come to IU and be the person you have always wanted to be. I will say this, however: IU is a big school, and you can feel lost if you do not form connections with other students, mentors, academic advisers, and professors. You have to be assertive enough to take control of your education and life. If you are not assertive, that does not mean you will not be successful at IU. In fact, coming to IU may help you with that, but it is something to take into consideration.
I have found that all of my teachers are always ready to help. They have office hours, which is free one-on-one tutoring! Having my teachers available has greatly enhanced my learning experience. With that being said, I have encountered classes that are boring, and it makes it harder for me to be excited for that class subject, in turn making it harder to learn. Overall, however, I have learned a lot, and not just about calculus, English, and biology. I’ve also learned how to make a presentation “STICKY”, how to dance the chorus to Lady Gaga’s “Bad Romance”, and how to be more social. The wonderful thing about Bloomington is that there is such a wide diversity of people and ideas that you will always learn about a new religion, the best places in town, life lessons—it’s all here! Another great thing about IU is that there is such a wide array of classes that you really do become a well-rounded person because you do not feel bound to your major. Electives are not just electives here; they are supplementary material to your core classes. For example, I am working towards a biology, pre-med major, and I am taking a business class presentations class. The skills I have learned in that class will help me tremendously when I have to present a research lab project, or even when I interview for new opportunities such as internships, scholarships, medical school.
IU is awesome! Bloomington is a lively town that has a lot of activities to become involved with, both on and off-campus, such as IU Timmy Foundation, church, HOLA radio, Boys and Girls Club, the list goes on and on. There are restaurants galore, the variety of people here is amazing, most people are friendly, there are so many free events, such as soccer, volleyball, movies at the IMU, even choir concerts—it really does provide for a fun and exciting experience. (And let’s not forget about the famous IU parties). Bloomington is a very social place, but not in an overwhelming way. I love it! It's small enough where you don't feel lost, but big enough where you don't feel bored or stuck in a small town.
IU is expensive, let’s be honest. That’s why if you are reading this and you are a high school senior, I recommend applying to as many scholarships as possible, starting now! However, IU does give you a lot of bang for the buck. I have found awesome advisers here that I cannot say enough good things about, the professors really do care about your education, the variety of classes is so huge that you will want to take them all, and the social scene is booming! Also, the meal points here work great because you get 60% discount on every meal you buy. And we have these great little convenience stores (c-stores) where you can use your meal points to buy medicine, cleaning supplies, or a late-night snack, and still get 60% off! You also get access to both gyms on the campus, the school and public buses; you get to check out all kinds of movies here (for free!). There is the world-famous Lilly Library, an art museum, even an Observatory! There is HPPLC (Health Professions Pre-Law Center) where there are advisers to guide you through the process of being a pre-law and pre-med student. You have the opportunity to take classes in the Kelley School of Business, Ernie Pyle School of Journalism, and Jacobs School of Music. You have it all, it seems like. But the only way you get the bang for the buck is if you take advantage of such resources.
1. Know yourself, and be honest about who you are, what your values are, and what you are looking for in a college. Don’t choose a school for the name, the reputation, or for any other reason except for that it makes you happy. 2. Visit the campus as many times as possible! You might think this is not necessary, but you need to know if this feels like home to you. Participate in activities while visiting, especially activities that are not part of the organized schedule. 3. Make sure you pay attention to all the details when choosing a school—the costs, the courses offered, the degree programs, extra-curriculars, the town, distance from home, etc. 4. Ask current students about their experience at IU, and ask them to be honest. A lot of times, tour guides like to emphasize the positive and downplay the negatives. After all, they are trying to “sell” the school to you! 5. Try not to go home as much, especially during the first two months. This will really help make college be your home. 6. Go to office hours! You will hear this again and again, and for good reason! This is your chance to let the professors know you care. 7. Explore everything a college has to offer you, and take advantage of that! 8. Apply to scholarships!
IU is great for any student that wants a great education, loves being involved, can handle being one of many students, and likes to be challenged. I see ALL types of students when I walk to class. There are no stereotypes here because nobody fits into one. You can come to IU and be the person you have always wanted to be. I will say this, however: IU is a big school, and you can feel lost if you do not form connections with other students, mentors, academic advisers, and professors. You have to be assertive enough to take control of your education and life. If you are not assertive, that does not mean you will not be successful at IU. In fact, coming to IU may help you with that, but it is something to take into consideration.