<p>We visited UW-Madison again on yesterday. The weather was beautiful and we did the campus tour again. Also, attended a welcome reception for all admitted students. </p>
<p>mm99,
you're absolutely right. I've been telling my son to follow his heart, and he just "clicks" with Iowa. Not that UW-Madison is a bad choice. It's actually a great school. We just feel Iowa State is a better fit for him. </p>
<p>Good luck to everyone making these tough decisions.</p>
<p>So has he made up his mind now that he saw Madison again?</p>
<p>So has he made up his mind now that he saw Madison again?</p>
<p>Yes, he really liked Iowa st. since we visited a few weeks back. The 2nd trip to Madison was just to be sure. We are very proud and happy for him.</p>
<p>Thanks for asking and I wish you well.</p>
<p>jasper</p>
<p>I hope he has a great time at ISU! And hopefully he gets a lot of scholarships.</p>
<p>So, are you decided yet?</p>
<p>Yep, ISU for sure. I am actually looking into one of their new majors, it is the only one like it in the US (there is one in British Columbia). It mixes business, science, and foreign language. </p>
<p>Global</a> Resource Systems - Global Resource Systems</p>
<p>Iowa</a> State's Global Resource Systems major first in the nation</p>
<p>Wow, that sounds exciting and something to consider. Iowa St. never ceases to amaze me. My son is majoring in engineering, but is undecided. He is thinking electrical or mechanical though. Also, he is a semi-finalist for a summer research internship in the College of Engineering. If he selected, he will start this 8 week program in June. </p>
<p>Things are falling into place. Housing contract has been signed. Btw, hoping to get in Friley. Only thing left to do before enrollment is take the placement test.</p>
<p>Bet you're waiting on pins and needles for the financial aid package? I know we are.</p>
<p>Does anyone know when that financial aid package comes out?</p>
<p>I also hope to get into Friley/Martin. But I am afraid since everyone applied to those two. I also picked a good buddy to room with and we did it in Feb. so Im hoping.</p>
<p>Yea, I heard the financial aid pkg should be posted online first week of April, and that seems about the norm. Some of my son's other choices haven't posted anything yet either.</p>
<p>I think we applied for housing back in Dec, figuring we could get a better spot. The only drawback is you'll loose $35 if you change your mind. I picked Friley because it was closer to the engineering dept. For a freshman though I don't think it matters much. My other criteria was A/C. There's a few houses that don't have it. Again, probably not much of an issue in fall/spring. </p>
<p>Maybe someone can comment on the housing choices? Are the boy/girl floors a better choice? Do all of the standard double room houses have the same ratio of persons/shower? </p>
<p>Also, do you think bringing a bike is a good idea? Seems to be a beautiful campus to enjoy riding in spring and fall. We're still deciding because as we were touring some the bikes looked liked they haven't been ridden in ages! Hate to see my son's bike rust away like that. </p>
<p>Any other info or tips is appreciated.</p>
<p>thanks,
jasper</p>
<p>I am in the same boat as you. When I went for my visit I talked to a guy who graduated from there with an engineering degree and he said if he had to do one thing over, it would have been staying in Friley. </p>
<p>Regarding the bike. I want to bring one but when if you get Friley then I think the engineering departments are only a 5 minute walk, but the workout center is a good 1/2 mile so a bike may be a good idea.</p>
<p>I have you all beat... I applies for housing in October! And I cannot wait for the finacial aid. Just applied for another scholarship on Wed.</p>
<p>And I don't know about bringing a bike. My parents and I are still arguing about the car.</p>
<p>mm99,
I know it's none of my business, but I have to side with your parents on the car. My son is leaving his at home, but he is OK with it. Busses come right through campus at almost annoying rate. Plus, your parents will get a discount on their auto insurance by you being away at college. </p>
<p>Admirable about the scholarship hunt. I hope you get it!</p>
<p>Does anyone know where to buy used books? Can you buy them at the school bookstore? Hoping to save a few bucks.</p>
<p>I just want to take my car for like Aug-Oct. leave it at home for the winter weather, then take it for the spring. And our issue is with winter driving/weather damage.
I live about 110 miles away from Ames and I want it to go home for events there. I already know of 4 things in the fall that I want/need to be at.</p>
<p>110 miles? Nothing a bike cant cover, your going to need your exercise in college anyways.</p>
<p>I'm going.<br>
All the private schools I got into would put me in over $100K of debt over 5 years (architecture...) so my almost-free-ride NMF scholarship at ISU is looking pretty appealing. I'm disappointed that I don't get to go to my dream school, but I know Iowa State is a nice place so I can't be too upset about it. I'll get more credit for my AP tests there too.</p>
<p>Congrats Lafayette!</p>
<p>Come sail away: I cannot even begin to imagine the pain I would be in if I bike to Ames. I still get sore playing on my Wii.</p>
<p>Thanks mm99 :)</p>
<p>I live about 30 miles farther away from Ames than you and I'm definitely taking a car. I'm going to have to get a newer car because mine is as old as I am and would probably die on one trip to Ames...
I know my sister used hers when she went to ISU.</p>
<p>Yeah I will try to take my car, except for winter. The car I have is alright, but I have had problems with the wires during winter getting to cold and breaking. That and I just hate wanting for my car to warm up and get defrosted during the winter.</p>
<p>Lafayette, where do you live in Iowa?</p>
<p>Do you guys all live in Iowa. Because I hear that a lot of people that live in Iowa go to Iowa schools and considering Iowa is the smartest state in the Midwest wouldn't that mean Iowa has the best public schools? </p>
<p>I live about 5 1/2 hours away just outside of Chicago.</p>