Hey guys, so I’ve gotten into 4 colleges one of them being Iowa. I can’t decide if Iowa would be the right fit for me or not. I’m from Maryland, and I’ve never been to the Midwest before. I’ll be unable to visit so I have to make this choice without seeing Iowa. I was originally looking at city schools so I want to make sure I won’t feel isolated in Iowa City. I know it’s a small city but I was wondering about the overall feel and things to do there. I’m also very liberal, and want to make sure I won’t feel out of place there. I’ve heard Iowa City is liberal compared to the rest of Iowa but how liberal/accepting is it there? I plan on majoring in journalism and maybe double majoring in political science. Does anyone know anything about Iowa’s political science program? Overall, how would a student from the east coast fit in at Iowa?
I mean your political views barely matter at any colleges unless they are highly ranked. As for the campus…it’s amazing. The campus is made to wow people as they visit. The recreational center is literally stunning. Iowa is a great school. Top 100 nationally. Why not visit? What are your other colleges that you are considering? Just asking…
It’s too expensive for me to visit since it’s such a far flight. I’ve been accepted to Towson University, st joes in Philadelphia, and George Mason, and waiting to hear from some others including Michigan and Delaware. All over the place I know.
I know my political views don’t matter, but since I’m planning on majoring in political science I just want to make sure I wouldn’t feel like a fish out of water
Iowa is an amazing school…go there…i’m planning on attending next year and am anxiously waiting for the day to come.
I can’t comment on the political atmosphere, but I have visited the school. There is a high spirited vibe. The students are extremely friendly and fun-loving (in a good way). The campus is very beautiful and easy to navigate.
I’m with you here- I’m from NY and was unable to visit UI but I really want to go there. I think that being an East Coast-er won’t matter, maybe it’ll help us because someone new! haha
Good luck anyway (and sorry I couldn’t help you)
you will like it most of the students are from Iowa and lots from IL. you will surely fit in.
I doubt you will feel out of place as a liberal student in Iowa City. The area is big on gay rights and local foods for example. On the other hand, the student body is large enough that I think conservative students can feel perfectly at home too.
Iowa city is pretty vibrant for its size.
My daughter is a second semester freshman and is not happy at Iowa. We are from a large city and she visited 17 colleges, professing her preference for Iowa. Too much of a party school, perhaps. You might consider the logistics of travel to the school since it is really far from any major airport, in your case you’d probably find it most economical to fly to Des Moines.
msd228, I am so sorry to hear your daughter doesn’t like the school! It’s so difficult for a HS senior to make a decision of this magnitude when there are so many unknowns.
Sadly Iowa is a party school but it’s very big and there is something for everyone. Is your daughter returning? If so please encourage her to increase her involvement with ANY groups on campus that interest her. Every group she joins gives her 20 instant friends with things in common. I think it takes a lot of work to acclimate to a large school; to find that niche. I hope she can do it!
@beastman Thank you for your kind words. She has deactivated from the sorority, a contributing factor to her unhappiness. Too bad they have rush at the beginning of first semester, before they have a chance to make dorm friends. She can’t wait to study abroad to get away from Iowa City! Hopefully next semester she will join some other organizations.
msd228, if she ditched Greek life after less than a year she’s on the right track! How much worse can campus life possibly be than the separatist, elitist, totally artificial world of Greek life? Get her in a LLC dorm next year where she can find like minds. Tell her to give IC another chance - it’ll take awhile for her to reform her brain and individuality, both of these having been sucked out and flushed by the sorority.
@beastman So tell us how you really feel about fraternities and sororities! LOL.