CU Boulder vs. Ohio State University vs. WPI vs. Lehigh vs. Iowa State University

Colleges and Universities A-Z Iowa State University
1

<p>Hi guys. I am an international student who has been accepted to University of Colorado at Boulder, Ohio State University, Worcester Polytechnic Institute and Lehigh University for engineering for fall 2011. Also I'm waitlisted at Rensselaer Polytechnic Institute, and Iowa State University.</p>

<p>I am having a tough time deciding where to go, and I have to make a decision quickly. Music scene is a priority in my decision. I am really into rock and metal music, forming bands and stuff. Apart from music, I also wish to have extensive research opportunities at college, although I know they are limited for an undergraduate student. As for social life, I do party, but it's not a major decisive factor when.</p>

<p>I really like the small class sizes and the personal feel at WPI. But the lack of academic variety seems a little boring to me. Plus WPI has offered me the Presidential Scholarship.
Lehigh isn't offering any financial aid, so the high fees is gonna be a problem, though I think I can manage it.
CU Boulder and Ohio State are different from the above two as in they're public, much bigger and diverse. But I think that affects the class sizes, the teacher-student interaction, research opportunities and the entire feel of the universities, in general. </p>

<p>Being an international student I only have limited knowledge about these universities, so any inputs at all about any of these universities (including Rensselaer and Iowa) are greatly appreciated. </p>

<p>Thank You.</p>

2

<p>Please reply guys. I really need your advice on this.</p>

3

<p>Hi there,</p>

<p>I’m a current student studying computer science at Iowa State University. I just finished my freshman year.</p>

<p>I personally prefer big schools. A lot of people say that you won’t get to know your deans or professors or lecturers at a big school, but that’s not true at all. You just have to actually take the initiative and meet them! All of my professors know my name, the dean knows my name, my advisor knows my name, etc. If you make yourself known, you’ll be known!</p>

<p>Iowa State is great for research as well. I did research (yes, as a freshman) with a computer science professor, and I know a LOT of people who did as well. Again, it’s just one of those things that you just ask about. Find a professor you want to work with, chances are they’ll either take you on or recommend a professor who would!</p>

<p>As for class sizes, just sit up front. There you go, instant small class. I actually have had only 2 larger classes at Iowa State, the rest have been smaller than 30 students. And, in each of those large classes, the professors knew my name.</p>

<p>Since you’re an international student, there’s a ton of support for you. There’s clubs all over the place for international students, there’s the Multicultural Student Affairs department, etc.</p>

<p>For the music scene, it’s up to you to find it. That’s not my scene so I don’t know a ton about it, but I know a few people who have formed bands who love it.</p>

<p>If you like to party, you can party. If you don’t, you don’t have to. There’s people from all walks of life (another advantage of a bigger school), so you will find a niche for you!</p>

<p>Iowa State is a premier school for engineering. We have the largest indoor career fair in the country for engineering, we’re highly ranked, our facilities are state-of-the-art, and the opportunities are endless.</p>

<p>I hope this all helps. If you have more questions don’t hesitate to ask!
Also, take a look at [Cyclone</a> Life](<a href=“http://cyclonelife.net/]Cyclone”>http://cyclonelife.net/) . It’s the Iowa State blog and you can read more about us there!</p>

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<p>Thanks Superandomness for such a comprehensive answer. You answered all of my questions. Really cool username, by the way. Can you tell me about the location of the university and the feel of the campus in general? Is it in a town, city or rural area? What is the environment surrounding the campus like? Thanks.</p>

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<p>The town that it is in is Ames. It is a smaller town, but has everything you could need. Target, Walmart, lots of restaurants and shopping. I cannot stress how friendly everyone is both on and off of campus. The campus it self is beautiful! The quad is huge the campanielle is beautiful and plays tunes at different times of day…</p>

<p>The campus was designed by the same person who designed Central Park in NY. We are rated one the top 3 most beautiful campuses.</p>

<p>Let me tell you that the food in the cafeteria’s for the most part is very very good. Lots of choices. We have visited other university’s and have been very disappointed with the food service.</p>

<p>Ames, Iowa is a very safe area. My DD never feels unsafe walking around campus. But they do have rides available from anywhere on campus if it is late at night.</p>

<p>Feel free to ask any other questions. My dd is going into her soph year and it has been a great year for her!</p>

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<p>Thanks buzymom3.</p>

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<p>Hey, guys. I’ve finally decided to attend Ohio State. Thanks for helping me make this strenuous decision.</p>