Indiana University-Bloomington Top Questions

The academics are top-notch, especially at the Kelley School of Business. The professors have their own businesses or consulting jobs, meaning they're teaching from experience rather than from a book. Most of the classes inspire greater intellectual conversations, but these classes are generally after students complete I-CORE, a comprehensive semester-long class.

Not many professors know my name because my lectures are full of 200+ students. Unless I have questions that my A.I.s cannot answer, I usually leave my professors to be bugged by some kiss-ass student who thinks it will help his grade. My favorite classes are the small ones. Probably my guitar class back freshman year. I study everyday; at least 3 hours a night. Literally. No joke. Students in my upper level science classes are very competitive. I'll be taking racquetball next semester! That's pretty unique! I am a Biology BS major. I do not spend time with my professors out of class; that would be weird. This school is a great school for someone like me who is trying to get into dental school.

The academics at my school, I believe, are very impressive. As a marketing student, I am attending one of the best-rated schools in the country for business, the Kelley School of Business, and I feel that I am constantly be pushed and challenged to become the best student and professional that I can be. At a school of over 40,000 students, I can see how one would become nervous that it would be difficult to get to know one's teachers, but, from my experience, even in my larger lecture classes, if you make the effort to introduce yourself and talk to your professors, then they will make the same effort to get to know you as a student. Most of my lecture classes also have smaller discussion or lab classes that are included so that you have the opportunity to learn in both a more public and a more intimate environment. The students here are very competitive and truly care about their future, which is beneficial because it challenges you to work harder.

Classes at Indiana University are very challenging and rewarding. The teachers here are very concerned with your overall success, and will not give a grade out that you do not deserve. Students here want to learn, and it is evident in the classroom.

I would have to start by saying that the best thing about IU is the size of the campus. It's so large that it breeds diversity and there are all kinds of people to meet and friends to make. It's definetely a college town. Also, IU offers a huge variety of classes from fly fishing and scuba diving to your typical business or science classes. And the staff is very knoweledgable of their fields; they're very top notch. Overall, I would not say that the campus is too large. Also, school pride is a pretty important thing at IU, so it's always fun to go to the basketball and football games, and the tailgating it like no other college's. Finally, the campus itself is very beautiful with all of the trees and openness. It defensively played a part in why I came here.

tough

Academics at IU is rigorous. The classes are enjoyable and challenging, and the teachers strive to make their respective subjects interesting. I feel that the academic requirements at IU are achievable and well designed to assist incoming freshmen, so as to accommodate them into the foreign college environment. It must be noted that political participation, voting, and debates/conversations often occur outside the classroom. One must be careful when using the term "intellectual", for how does one know which conversations can be described as "intellectual". However, a large number of conversations are stimulating and intelligent.

I'm not entirely sure what other student's study habits are like, but one thing that for sure; Indiana makes studying easy. I talk to my professors, I use the libraries, I participate in study groups...it just makes so much sense to take advantage of all the opportunities given to me as a student.

My academic advice would have to be this: make sure that your professor knows your name. A lot of career paths require recommendation letters and it is important to remember that a professor cannot write a recommendation if he/she doesn't know you. Also, make the transition from high school to college easier on yourself by remember that the nature of the beast is a lot different. High School and college are complete polar opposites and you can't hold yourself to the same standards that you do in high school. It's great if you are a straight A student, but don't expect to maintain that if you do the same amount of work. It'll be overwhelming and you cannot afford to let yourself become stressed because if you do, you're just going to waste a lot of energy bouncing around and end up where you started with the same problems.

The class sizes are vary diverse. From my experience, the beginning classes have the largest number of students and the more advanced classes have the fewest. Instructors and professors will bend over backwards to ensure success. There are always office hours available and students who utilize them are the most successful. Some of the upper level classes have been difficult, especially when dealing with lingiustics. It always helps to talk to the professor or instructor to get advice. Getting help from another student outside of class always helps too. I have not seen within the Spanish department too much of a competetive spirit among students, but rather, mainly a deep concern about one's own's grades. Again, professors are always available outside of class and the more time you arrange to spend, the better. There are all kinds of internships, jobs and other opportunities, and it's the student's responsibility to do the research.