Iowa State University

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Students Say - Academics
Iowa State University holds true to its initial mission of providing affordable, practical education with a special focus on agriculture. Today, the school remains "a great agriculture school" with "a great food science program" and a strong pre-veterinary program. Students also proudly tout its status as "one of the top engineering schools" in the region (offering noteworthy support for women engineers) and the home to a "strong architecture program." Students praise this "large university with a small-town feel," telling us that "I felt like I could find a home here and be exposed to almost limitless opportunities." Throughout the curriculum, "There are a lot of opportunities for student research and 'hands on' learning;" so many, in fact, that some students claim ISU is "the best 'outside of class' university in the nation." Undergrads also appreciate a strong support network; one explains, "There are so many services on campus to help students, it is almost unreal. From tutoring to study sessions and counseling to mock interviews and resumé building, ISU offers a wide variety of services to students." The faculty "is one of ISU's strengths. If students take a chance and get to know their professors and other staff members, they make a great professional connection [with someone who] will bend over backwards, whether it be as a professional reference or helping fund a trip. The faculty really is here for students." Likewise, career services "are excellent" and offer such pluses as "one of the largest engineering career fairs."

Students Say - Campus Life
Life at Iowa State can be as great as you want to make it, with more than "600 clubs and organizations" plus "a large intramural program, great crowds at athletic events, various free events, and many ways to get involved in leadership positions." Intercollegiate athletics are quite popular; "There's always a great turnout for big events," and "oftentimes the discussions around campus are [about] football or other sports. Very rarely do you find a group of people discussing world issues." Just for fun students enjoy recreational and surrounding community activities."Hometown Ames is no bustling metropolis; the population "doubles with students around, and the city has adapted to this increase. That said, there is always plenty to do throughout the year. Many students take advantage of the dollar theater (which is actually $1.50) or attend events on campus." Ames also has some "unique restaurants," and Cyride (the bus system that is operated by the city and university) offers students free transportation to mostly everywhere in Ames." Students agree that "the campus is really beautiful."

Students Say - Student Body
As at many big schools, "It is hard to describe a typical student at Iowa State because there are many styles of students." "Every stereotype is here; sorority girl/frat boy, farmer kid, international student, nerd, computer geek, socially awkward, [and] goth. Iowa State has every kind of person." Iowa is a conservative state, and ISU has a large agricultural student population. The "population of out-of-state students seems to be growing," and "there is a diversity of international students" filling out the ranks as well, so most students can find a niche at ISU, and fortunately "Everyone here is laid-back and easygoing," so the overall vibe is live-and-let-live.

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