Between Indiana University and Ball State for biology, where should I go?

College Search & Selection
1

I have been to both and am torn between them for different reasons. Purdue is my first choice, but if I was denied by them me accepted to both IU and BS, I don’t know which I should choose. I like how Ball State is just a tad bit smaller and easier to get around (in the sense that is not-so-spread out), plus, I think the college side programs would be more fun. I mean, both offer programs you can either start or get involved in, but IU had that “whatever makes you happy” act and Ball State was more “We want you to participate, it will be amazing and you will never forget it” kind of feeling, which I beleive would make the students more enthusiastic about participation and more enjoyable. In short, I feel the smaller campus, the dead city (Muncie, which is not really much of a plus, but I’m looking on the bright side I the situation), and ease of access would force me to be more social able and enjoy the college life more (as a community of students)

IU, however, is statistically higher in academics, especially biology (in the health sense; Purdue is more STEM, that’s one reason I choose them over IU), so I feel it would be more impressive to have an IU degree rather than a Ball State degree. I know they say it should be what I want to do and go to, but in this case, I wonder if it is more about what my employer wants from me I.e. the school I went to. In the long run, is IU really better, even if it is not exactly what I want?

2

I went to IU back in the day, and loved it, but - the campus is HUGE, the administration often seemed impersonal and indifferent, and I personally found the Big Ten culture a bit too much at times - but I’m not into sports at all. :slight_smile:

I majored in Literature, though, so know nothing about the Biology dept., sorry.

However, B’ton is a great college town with lots to do, and there’s something on campus, and in town, for everyone. There is also a huge OOS and international presence, there, if you value meeting different types of people.

I also have a couple of friends who attended Ball State, and they loved it. Loved the campus AND Muncie, actually. I have another friend who works at BSU and lives in Muncie and he says it’s alright (my daughter is actually thinking of applying to BSU for 2016, but we haven’t visited yet).

My friends who attended majored in Humanities though, so, again, have heard nothing about Bio, there.

I’m assuming you’re in-state for IN and cost is about the same at all three?

Fwiw, btw, I don’t think IU is as “prestigious” outside the state of Indiana, as it is in-state - having grown up in Indiana, I know that for many people, it’s akin to getting into Harvard, :). Yeah, outside Indiana, it’s another Big Ten state school, albeit a well-regarded one. What I mean is, if you end up at Ball State and move outside the state - no one is likely to think less of you for it.

3

Generally speaking, IU has a far better academic reputation and also career connections outside the state than Ball State. With respect to your specific interests that may not be the case, but going into the decision you should assume an IU degree will serve you better until you get concrete data that Ball State is truly better.

There are pockets of strength at a BSU where they will be a better option than IU (for example I recall them being very strong in Actuarial Science and also Architecture)…just make sure what you are interested in is widely recognized as being better than what IU offers before deciding to go there.

4

I see that BSU offers nine different sub-fields within the major, and IU offers three, but - IU’s three are completely different than the nine offered by BSU.
I’m assuming OP has looked at each catalog/department website online - which of the sub-fields offered do you prefer, OP? That could also help you decide.

That is, if you don’t end up at Purdue? :slight_smile:

5

Well I thank you for your feedback, but it just kind of disappoints me. Not the answers, they were good, but the fact that IU would be better for me in the long run and BS is not that good. I will probably still enjoy IU just as much, if not, more than BS, but I will probably be asking myself every day “what would have happened if I went to IU?”, that is until I got the job of my dream! lol.