<p>I've gotten several emails and things in the mail lately about the Intensive Freshman Seminars at IU. With the IFS, you go to campus 3 wks before everyone else and take a 3 cr. hr. class. I've been thinking about it and it actually seems like a good opportunity to get on campus and get a feel for everything before regular classes actually start.</p>
<p>Anyone else thinking about applying or have previous experience with IFS? Thanks in advance for any info.</p>
<p>I’m also thinking about doing this, but I know almost nothing about it. How much does it cost?</p>
<p>D3 attended IFS last summer. Her experience there was much more than she expected it to be. She made good friends, learned how college classes differ from high school classes, was introduced to many different facets of the campus, and earned 3 credits. She had so much fun and has recommended IFS to every current senior she knows who is considering IU. The cost was around $1700. The only negative was that Welcome Week was sort of a let down because the type of experience enjoyed at IFS is not replicable when 7000+ freshman hit campus at once. D ended up at IU due to economic necessity and 2 weeks into IFS she called me and thanked me for insisting she apply there.</p>
<p>I’ve been thinking about doing IFS as well - they sent me a few emails and a postcard and it seemed like a really good idea. I’m sure that IFS would be a great way to get accustomed to the campus, meet people, etc., but is it really worth the time/money? Is it that much better than just going to orientation and then starting the first week with everyone else? Just curious - if anyone who’s gone through it has any advice, that would be great.</p>
<p>thanks for the advice hoosiermom, i probably will do the IFS</p>
<p>I’m really interested as well! Problem is, I haven’t received any sorts of email/information about it. Do you have to have a certain high school GPA or class rank to be considered?</p>
<p>I don’t think there are any GPA requirements, etc., from what i understand. I think it is open to all accepted IU students and fills up on a first come, first serve basis.</p>
<p>Info about IFS can be found here: [Intensive</a> Freshman Seminars - Home](<a href=“http://ifs.indiana.edu/index.php]Intensive”>http://ifs.indiana.edu/index.php)</p>
<p>Thanks for the link!</p>
<p>My son attended IFS last summer. It was his idea and we were supportive especially since we are from the east coast and figured it would be a good way for an out of state student to orient themselves to the lay of the land and make friends.</p>
<p>The programming was terrific. There were scheduled activities, like canoeing, going to shows, talent night, bbqs, etc. It was sort of like camp. </p>
<p>My son absolutely loved it. Even though he and his friends eventually went their separate ways after fall semester started, they get together occasionally. The campus is so big and there are so many students, that it was a really good thing to have some friends right from the start. Also, he got an A which started his GPA out really high 
</p>
<p>The other nice thing is that the courses are all Options courses which is a requirement and a nice class to introduce students to the level expected of college work as well as just getting it out of the way so that they can concentrate on filling prereqs in the freshman year.</p>
<p>For sure considering IFS. Donna101, I’m also from the east coast and see it as a great opportunity to get ahead on learning the layout of the campus. Plus, I’m sure it will teach me how to study differently.</p>
<p>I went to JEI (Junior Executive Institute) down at IU, sponsored by Kelley, and it was for a week. It was very intense…we were up most nights until like 2am near the end, but I honestly had the best time ever and still keep in touch with many of the people. Plus I also had talked with some girls who were there for a biology camp/not 100% sure and they said that they were doing tons of work also.</p>
<p>All in all, I think it will be a challenging program but there’s so much to learn from it.</p>