<p>First, please learn to spell regarded and regardless, you are driving me crazy. Second, you are kidding yourself if you think most east and west coasters know a lot about Iowa compared to schools closer to them, of which there are very many. Of course they have heard of it, and as I say they probably even know about their famous writing program (although many not in the humanities will not). But most don’t have a clue about most other departments at Iowa and their reputation except MAYBE their own field of study. Do you think they know Nebraska? Oklahoma? Idaho? That’s a lot to expect that these people know enough to really rate these thousands of schools they likely have little to no interaction with other than possibly within their own field of study. So how are they really supposed to rate the school? Based on a few vague impressions and maybe a colleague or two they know there?</p>
<p>But that’s OK. You can keep kidding yourself that the PA scoring really means something.</p>
<p>^
Jeez… well you really lost me with your post. In no way would I be implying that Iowa is more well known on the east coast compared Rutgers, or more well known on the west coast compared to University of Washington. I am simply stating that the school is well known as oppose to a previous comment by tyler09. Are all of Iowa outstanding programs recognized/ known by citizens? Ofcourse not and once one finally discover it becomes unfortunate to their part but that’s all apart of marketing etc…</p>
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When I identify a school as outstanding ( like Iowa) PA score has no influence. Though many often ( like the moderator Alexandre) use it as an indication for some view points.</p>
<p>LOL. I got this thread confused with the one about USNWR Metrics. Iowa was used as an example in there. By me. LOL. Sorry.</p>
<p>I don’t think the OP is necessarily talking about retention rates, but rather colleges where kids want learn, and are not just in college to get a better job or because of pressure from their parents/society.</p>
<p>In this case i would recommend colleges like Swarthmore, Chicago, and Reed. Most selective colleges would fit this description though, in that most kids who worked hard enough in high school to get into these colleges actually like school.</p>
<p>I do not think Iowa fits OP’s description, I mean I am sure its a fine school, but OP is not talking about the schools as much as he is the student bodies.</p>