<p>Junior daughter is interested in majoring in Advertising. We spoke to representatives from these two schools at a college fair and were impressed. I am concerned that neither schools seems to generate any mention on CC. Does anyone have any thoughts about these schools? She is also looking at some of the Big Ten. </p>
<p>Thanks!</p>
<p>As a student at Iowa State, I can give you almost any information you need--campus, social, academics, etc. I recently changed my major to pre-Business and am have learned alot about the programs available in the last few months. What is it that you're looking for?</p>
<p>I think these two schools (well I don't know about Drake) but Iowa State doesn't garner much attention because it's considered "just another state school" but don't let that fool you. It's a great place to be a student and get a post-secondary education.</p>
<p>Oops...didn't realize that Advertising is in College of Liberal Arts and not College of Business. I'm familiar with the College of Liberal Arts but not really the advertising aspect. But anything else, I'll probably be able to answer!</p>
<p>Thanks, Cards4Life. I have seen the rankings for Iowa State, so I am less concerned about it than Drake.</p>
<p>Do you enjoy campus life? My daughter has some concerns about living in a college town rather than a big city. She is very much into music, so she will want an active music scene. The last concert she went to was Dresden Dolls if that gives you an idea of her taste in music.</p>
<p>What do you think of the residence halls? We took a tour of U of Missouri and she was totally unimpressed with theirs. She would like a more modern suite style if possible.</p>
<p>Thanks again!</p>
<p>If you want a music scene, Iowa probably isnt the area of the country to look at. Boston, Chi-town, Phila., Memphis, NY, Austin, L.A., NOLA, etc. are all much better for music scenes.</p>
<p>I love campus life--there's always something going on. The week before elections there was Political Action Week where candidates for major elections came to campus and held open forums (governor, secretary of ag, etc). We have the #1 Intramural program in the nation if your daughter is into sports at all, or even if she's not. Every sport has a level for students with little to no experience (and everyone should play Broomball at some point in their life :) ). Sports are big but if you're not into them, don't worry, you won't be left behind. There are blood drives fall and spring, Greek events, lots of opportunities for community involvement. There are clubs galore--recreation, major-related, music, religious, political, the list goes on. Oh, and the campus itself is amazingly beautiful--old buildings, new buildings, plenty of sidewalks. And the campus was designed by the designers of Central Park, if that gives you an idea. Get me started on traditions if you'd like...it'll be another long post similar to this ;)
NOTE: Greek life is popular compared to most colleges but it's not overbearing.</p>
<p>Ames is a great college town. We have basically the same things as a decent size city, minus the skyscrapers. With the CyRide bus system (which is free to students) your daughter can go just about anywhere in the city without a problem. CyRide also runs through campus and is great for those cold days or when you're late for class. "Campus Town" is across the street from the south side of campus and has Dairy Queen, Jimmy John's, a small theater, a dance club (18 and up nights frequently), apartments, etc.</p>
<p>Regarding music: Hilton Coliseum (the basketball arena) hosts many big name concerts each year--Guns N Roses, Kenny Chesney, Def Leppard, among others. I'm not familiar with Dresden Dolls but the concerts at the Iowa State Center cover multiple genres. Also if she's into school band or chorus there are concerts almost every week in Music Hall or other performing acts in Stephens Auditorium. Also in the fall and spring, student bands like to set up on central campus and put on free shows.</p>
<p>Dorms: There are some really good dorms and some bad dorms. Friley is one of the oldest (might be oldest) on campus and as a dorm, it's not very nice but has that "homey" feel. Near Friley are the newest buildings, Martin and Eaton. These are ALL suite style with 2 double rooms sharing a bathroom. I believe they opened in '03 or '04. There are also a few 6-person suites with 3 double bedrooms in these two buildings. Martin and Eaton are the most expensive dorms not including the building for sophs and above. I live in Maple Hall, the newest on the east side of campus. I'm in a suite that is a double room and a single room with a bathroom. All other rooms on the floor are doubles and 4 rooms share a bathroom. Maple was recently renovated due to a summer fire that gutted the top half of the building and it is very nice. Maple and Eaton are also substance-free.
But what I love the most about living in the dorms is that if you're in a Learning Community you can live with students in your group. For instance, my floor and the boys floors above and below are all students in the College of Agriculture, with a few exceptions here and there. I'm not an Ag major but I don't feel left out either. All floors are also called "Houses" (large floors, like in Friley) have several houses per floor. Each house has a CA and holds a monthly meeting to go over upcoming on-campus events and such. And there's always somebody to eat or workout with.</p>
<p>I don't really feel "like just another number" in most of my classes. English is capped at 25 and most major related courses (even in freshman year) are approx 45 or fewer students. You'll have your big lecture occasionally but not too often, atleast in my experience.</p>
<p>Whew...that's alot of info...I have to say that I recommend a campus visit if at all possible. Or just ask...Have a great day!</p>