Choosing a college is probably one of the most stressful events that can occur to any high school senior. Everything you have worked your entire life for is quickly approaching. So much thought and consideration go into making the right decision, including traveling to the campuses and talking with current students and faculty, and somehow you are supposed to make a decision based upon your short amount of time at each school.
Bigger is BetterOne major reason I chose IU was because of the large size of the school. I loved that I could be a part of something much greater than myself. In addition, I love the school spirit. On any given day, one can expect to see many students sporting their cream and crimson. Sporting events and other school wide events are things that students live for. It's awesome to be a part of student population where we share a favorite team and we all come together for a common cause. That isn't something you can experience, at least not to this extent, at a smaller school. With that being said, in my opinion, bigger is better! I feel like bigger schools offer more diversity among its students. You encounter new people every day, which I think is especially important for those like me who get tired of routine easily. A bigger school also allows for larger events to take place and there are more opportunities for involvement within the in school activities.
Many people are intimidated by large class sizes because they feel like it's not very personal and professors don't care about the students. This is absolutely false! Professors at IU are very interested in getting to know their students. If you are the type who likes to have an individualized learning experience, attend your lectures, but also go to office hours of your professors. They get to know you and you get an invaluable one on one experience. Not all classes are large either. Depending on the subject matter and the level of the class, most are actually quite small.
Distance from HomeIt was important for me to attend a school within my state for a number of reasons. The first is for financial reasons. When my parents first told me that Indiana Schools were my only options, I was devastated because I had dreams of going to school in Florida and California. When I started looking into Indiana schools, I saw a new light. I realized that staying in state gave me the opportunity to travel home for breaks, while many of my out-of-state friends had to stick around for the entire week of Thanksgiving Break. Staying in state also meant that I wouldn't be too far away from my high school friends considering many of them also chose to attend Indiana schools. IU is the perfect distance from home where I can feel independent, but I am still close enough to home that I can travel back on weekends if needed. It's just perfect.
AcademicsOf course it's very important that the school you are considering offers a program within your intended area of study. I did my research of each psychology program of the schools I was applying to. IU just seemed to be the best fit for my strengths and interests. If you are in the process of applying to schools, I encourage you to do your own research. Don't be afraid to contact people within your department of interest, either!
B-Town BeautyBloomington is absolutely gorgeous! The campus is covered in gorgeous trees and trails; it's beautiful any time of the year. The town itself has so much to offer. There are so many amazing places to eat, places to go, and things to experience, many for little or no cost at all. It's also close enough to Indianapolis and Brown County for fun day trips. Bloomington is the perfect town in a perfect location.
THIS IS INDIANA, a tradition that I am proud to be a part of. I couldn't be happier with my decision.
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