Indiana University-Bloomington Top Questions

Yes, some professors do know my name because I often ask and answer questions. Class participation is so common.

Professors know your name if you put yourself out there by answering questions in class or especially going to office hours. My most favorite class was X220, an 8 week class in Kelley. It taught me the most relevant information that I can use outside the classroom. Students study as often as they need to. The library is always full around specific times, but in general it's spread out because there's always somewhere to study (Union, student building, etc). Class participation is common, since teachers like to call upon discussion. It's really your personal preference though, in big lectures, if you choose to participate. In smaller class it's much more frequent. Depending on the setting, students have intellectual conversations outside of class. You're not going to hear much talk about calculus at a party you're at, but when waiting for class to start, or walking to/from class, you'll engage in intellectual conversation. In science classes, students are very competitive, I feel like. In business classes, it's more of a collaborative setting, where students are really trying to help one another out more. There have been countless times when a student in my business class has offered to send me a study guide, or other study materials. The most unique class I've taken was K201. It was a class strictly focused on Excel and Access, which is a really relevant skill to have in the business world. I am a finance major in Kelley. I was originally Pre Med and Business, because I had the goal of going to medical school and someday owning my own practice. I always had a passion for business, as well as health care, so it just made sense. Unfortunately, there isn't much of a program or pathway that makes the two types of classes not completely overwhelming. It wasn't until this semester that I decided I was going to put my science classes off for a little while, and finish my ICORE (Kelley) prerequisites. I know that if/when I want to go back to medicine, I always can, so I am happy with the path I am on now. The only time I spend time with my professors is during office hours. Those are optional, of course, but they are very helpful. When on the edge, there have been times I have been boosted up because of the personal connection I made with a professor. I think Kelley is an amazing business school and I feel so privileged to be a student here at IU. They really make you a well rounded student as well as a person throughout the curriculum. I'd say the education at this school is equally geared towards getting you a job and learning for its own sake, but probably more heavily geared towards the job market. Kelley has a 98{4a082faed443b016e84c6ea63012b481c58f64867aa2dc62fff66e22ad7dff6c} job placement through their career services office. It makes you feel like you're in good hands.

Academics at IU are challenging but not impossible if you seek the help you need early. Class size varies from large lecture halls to small discussions of 15 students depending on the class. Be proactive and get to know your professors. They want to help.

Academics at Indiana University are incredible. IU is considered a Public Ivy, which is a school that provides an Ivy level education at a public school price. IU has over 120 majors and programs ranked in the nation's top 20. Professors are extremely knowledgeable, and many have written textbooks that are used widely. In addition to your major, an IU degree provides you with a background in a broad variety of academic areas. This has allowed me to take some really interesting classes that I would not have taken otherwise. My favorite elective has been an advertising class, and an ethnomusicology class.

Most of the classes I have taken have been fairly large. I have taken a few smaller classes that have allowed for more intimate discussion between students and the professor. In the smaller classes, the professor will know your name. Unless you make it a point to introduce yourself to the professor in larger classes, he or she probably will not know your name. The competition between students generally depends on the major. I'm a telecommunications major, so the competition isn't as fierce as in a pre-med major. The most unique class I have taken is probably "The Music of Bob Dylan."

I'm an Arts Management major which is located through the School of Public and Environmental Affairs (SPEA). I love the classes I get to take for my major, I feel like there are a lot of options within the curriculum so I can customize my degree for exactly what is going to benefit me the most. Some classes are harder and require more attention than others, but I haven't had a class yet that has been impossible. IU offers so many resources to help a student, like study groups and online tools, and all of my professors love when students come and talk to them.

Indiana University academics differ depending on what the student studies. I have heard that some programs are more lax, although as a part of the business school I have always felt challenged. I love being a student here and learning from such bright minds. Many of my professors write their own textbooks or are experts in their field. Professors care a lot about their students, and for every hour of class a professor must have an hour of office hours. I think some students might not study but if so, their GPA reflects it. To get excellent grades, it does not come easy. I enjoy the atmosphere of studies because studies are not extremely competitive or cutthroat. Instead, we all collaborate and work together. Indiana University is a school that is geared toward practical application, not theoretical silliness. Every program is geared toward career success, and they all have programs to help students find jobs. Some schools are stronger than others, for instance as a part of Kelley I understand that the career resources are especially strong. I also love that I can take so many different classes that still contribute to my business degree. Even if you study political science or history, you will not just take those courses. You are forced to get a good solid foundation of classes from all areas, and since there are so many topics of study you can learn anything you want- from basket weaving to accounting.

Academics at IU vary depending on which school you plan on graduating from (College of Arts and Sciences, Kelly School, HPER, SPEA, etc.) My experience from the College of Arts and Sciences has been a great one. I am a Spanish and Telecom major so I have experienced a few different kinds of classes. One of my general education lectures when I was a freshmen was 500 people large in one of IU's largest classrooms. In an environment like this, the professor never knew my name or even me directly. In large classes and even some small classes teachers have AI's or assistant instructors that are there to help the students on a more personal and individual basis. The AI can even be the person responsible for giving you your grade. It is a good idea to get to know your AI's. I have also have had more discussion based classes (Spanish classes) where the teacher learns all 20 of our names by the 3rd class meeting. IT is imperative that the teacher learns our names because in classes like this we usually meet 3 times a week and your grade is based on class participation. Classwork is not too difficult. My recommendation is that you stay on top of all of your studies. Don't fall behind and let something slip under the radar. Also, take every opportunity for extra credit, teachers sometimes don't give it out very often. Since teachers don't give it out very often it means you must make sure you give them quality work on all of your regular assignments.

IU has a top business school for me and a top (1st or 2nd) German department in the nation for me! Classes can be small and sometimes very large. Getting a professor to know our names in a large class takes us establishing a relationship with them; once established, it is very helpful and always pleasant to hear our name in a classes with 250 students. We all care about school, and our schools are always focusing on improving techniques and technology.

Professors are brilliant. Most classes aren't too big, and if they are there are smaller sections or T.A.s that can help you out. There are an abundance of programs at IU, plus an Individualized Major Program so literally everyone can find world-class programs that suit their academic interests. There are many resources for finding jobs after graduation as well. I've had a life-changing experience at IU. It's encouraging to be surrounded by such driven intellectuals.