<p>I'm looking to add 1 more safety school and I'm interested in Iowa and Auburn. I want a school with a D1 football team in addition to being in a good college town. After visiting a ton of schools this summer, I have decided that I don't want my schools to be in the middle of nowhere (think Virginia Tech) but I still love the college town feel. I prefer schools in warmer climates but I'm willing to make a few exceptions. Also, I love being outdoors. Both of these schools have my intended major. I have the stats to be accepted to both of these schools and I would qualify for merit scholarships at AU. </p>
<p>With all of this in mind, would Auburn and Iowa be good fits for me?
And does Iowa offer a lot of scholarship $ to OOS students?</p>
<p>It sounds like they likely would be. Two things to consider. The upper Midwest is the coldest area of the mainland. You said you’re willing to make exceptions, but you might want to look up the weather there. I think it gets really freakin’ cold. Auburn, from what I’ve read and seen, is extremely Southern and fratty. Do you want that kind of environment? I’m sure that not everybody there is like that, but I know some people are really averted to Greek life.</p>
<p>I’m not sure that I would like a real “fratty” atmosphere and I’ll consider the weather at Iowa.</p>
<p>Any other opinions?</p>
<p>One of my D’s friends is at Iowa and loves it. Friendly and laid back students, solid academics, fun school spirit. A <em>lot</em> of the students at Auburn had parents and grand parents who went to Auburn. I wonder if it would be hard to fit in there.</p>
<p>D just started at Iowa. I agree Iowa has a great balance – nice campus and town, friendly, solid academics, good school spirit, relatively easy to get to by air (fly into Cedar Rapids and 30 minute shuttle), etc. As far as cost, they are the only Big Ten Fiske Best Buy and are known to have pretty good merit aid for OOS students. </p>
<p>As far as the weather, not as cold as Wisconsin, Minnesota, etc., but December - March can be on the very cold side. That said, the campus is smaller than most other Big Ten schools, and very easy to navigate. Get your housing application in early and you’ll get choice of dorms that minimize the walk to class. My D’s longest walk will be < 5 minutes, and total per day of 10-15 minutes outside if she walks fast. </p>
<p>Sorry, cannot provide any input on Auburn.</p>