<p>Well for the last year and a half, the University of Miami has been my dream school. They have Business, Communications, and Sport Management (all of my potential majors), warm weather, amazing beaches, South Beach, and an amazing football scene. UMiami is perfect!</p>
<p>But now, I'm thinking Indiana University may be my new favorite. While everything at UMiami sounds great....I'm starting to love the idea of going to a picturesque college town, and have the Big 10 experience. The idea of having my life revolved around my school is very appealing. And I'm thinking the Midwest and the snowy climate would be a great change.</p>
<p>I know cost will be a major factor down the road, but I'm just wondering your thoughts. In your opinion, would you rather have the UMiami or the Indiana University college experience?</p>
<p>Well, Indiana is ahead by miles as far as the undergraduate business program goes, though from what I've been told, Miami has the edge in communications. Indiana is also significantly cheaper, costing $14,316 to Miami's $42,676.* </p>
<p>Both are somewhat party-oriented. The main difference is location of them. At Miami, many more would be off campus, at exlcusive and costly clubs, making it harder to socialize if you're not that well off. Conversely, Indiana is a fairly dull state, so the action tends to stay on campus. And, being a Big 10 school, there is plenty of it, especially when there is an athletic win to celebrate. Of course, that also entails a degree of school spirit Miami wouldn't demand of you, so keep that in mind.</p>
<p>Personally, Miami strikes me as the South's answer to San Diego State, but with slightly less pathetic overall academics. Indiana is a huge school that represents the class media-portrayed college experience, but still allows you to learn quite a bit. If I were making the choice, I'd swing towards Indiana. But in fairness, I didn't apply to either, and only briefly contemplated using IU as a backup.</p>
<p>IU's Bloomington campus is gorgeous, one of the loveliest in the country. It is located in Brown County, a beautiful area of rolling hills, deep forests, lakes, creeks. Lots of hiking and biking. The town has good eats, too. Nice place to spend your college years. We have friends on faculty there from the West Coast and Northeast. They claim to be quite happy. Good luck! You're so lucky to have whittled your list down to just two.</p>
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Indiana is also significantly cheaper, costing $14,316 to Miami's $42,676.
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The OP isn't in-state. The COA would be $33,572 at IUB and $44,076 at Miami. According to its CDS, IUB gives out ~1800 merit scholarships to freshmen, and the average scholarship is $5000. </p>
<p>Personally, I'd go for Miami simply because I can't stand cold weather. :rolleyes:</p>
<p>If you are considering IUB, you should also look at OSU. The Fisher School is very highly ranked, the facilities are amazing, Columbus is a larger city, and OSU does give out some large merit scholarships that bring down the cost considerably.</p>
<p>^^^ Do what bookworm said. Apply to both and see who pays you more to go. On a less practical note, I have never been to Florida but did spend a chunk of time in Indiana in the fall. It was lovely and a great change from the west coast in feel, climate the whole shebang. Florida would be a cultural change for you but if you are looking for an entirely new experience Indiana would be a bigger change for a SoCal girl.</p>
<p>But anyways, Yeah I definitely have to wait to see the final cost (and to see If I was even accepted at these schools), but I'm just trying to get a head start, and figure out what atmosphere I want.</p>
<p>The Midwest college town vibe vs. living in Miami.</p>
<p>So if you guys have an opinion on which atmosphere you prefer and why...that would be great.</p>
<p>I know it depends on what I want, but since I haven't experienced being in either atmosphere, (unless you want to compare Miami to LA, and Bloomington to San Luis Obispo), it would be nice to hear some opinions on why one atmosphere is better. And then maybe I will have a better idea on which one is personally better for me.</p>
<p>I agree with chocoholic. Look at Ohio State. Much better football school. (And the stadium is right next to the campus, unlike Miami's). If you get you SAT scores above 1220 or whatever the ACT equivalent is (27?), you get a $7,000 scholarship per year right off the top.</p>
<p>I don't think the application is difficult either. Not as easy as Indiana's though :)</p>
<p>While you're looking at Midwest Big 10 schools, why not add UMich to the list along with IU and Ohio State? Ann Arbor: now that is a great university town, and though I am not an expert on business schools, I believe that the Ross school of business is quite well respected. (--blatant plug from an alum, but I do believe it!)</p>
<p>Nothing against Bloomington at all, but I feel I should tell our CA OP that it gets incredibly hot and humid for a couple of months during the school year. (Ann Arbor can, as well, but it tends to happen more in the summer)</p>