Ames, Iowa – College decisions can be daunting for high school students, with factors like location, academic programs, and campus culture weighing heavily on their minds. For sophomore Bridget Sullivan, majoring in management information systems, the appeal of a big rural school in the heart of the cornfields drew her to Iowa State University.
Growing up in a city, Sullivan longed for the quintessential college experience that a rural setting could offer. Her father’s alma mater, a similar school nestled amidst vast fields, inspired her choice. “I really wanted a big rural school,” Sullivan explained. “I grew up in a city, so I knew I wanted to go somewhere, like, kind of in the middle of the cornfields. My dad went to a school like that, and my mom went to a city school. I wanted the college experience, and I feel like that happens in the middle of nowhere.”
In addition to the campus environment, Sullivan was impressed by the diverse academic programs offered at Iowa State. Originally drawn to computer science, she found herself intrigued by the robust offerings across various majors. “I really liked all the different programs here,” Sullivan noted. “I originally came for computer science, but I liked how all the other majors also seemed to have good programs. I like how it’s not just one specialty.”
Similarly, sophomore Joel Seifried, pursuing a degree in supply chain management, found the allure of Iowa State’s business school and picturesque campus irresistible. While considering smaller universities in his vicinity, Seifried was swayed by the reputation of the business program and the overall ambiance of the campus. “I considered some of the smaller universities in my area but the factors that really drew me in to Iowa State were the business school and the campus,” Seifried shared.
Family legacy also played a pivotal role in Seifried’s decision-making process, with several relatives endorsing Iowa State as an excellent choice. “I had a little bias when choosing colleges because I had a lot of family that went here,” Seifried admitted. “They all said it was great, and I thought that it would be, and it is. It was a great decision.”
For many students, the campus visit proved to be the defining moment in solidifying their choice. Sullivan recounted her experience touring Iowa State, where the bustling atmosphere and scenic beauty left a lasting impression. “I liked when I toured that there were people on central campus talking to each other and walking around and studying outside,” Sullivan recalled. “It felt like a school where people actually did stuff besides school.” The breathtaking sight of the campanile, chiming in the frosty air, added to the allure of the campus for Sullivan.
Similarly, undeclared freshman Ben Mitchell found himself captivated by the vibrant energy of the campus during his visit. “It was the perfect day,” Mitchell reminisced. “It was 70 and sunny and everyone was out and about. It just felt right.”
Beyond the initial attraction of the campus and academic programs, students like Sullivan sought a delicate balance between rigorous academics and a fulfilling social life. Iowa State’s reputation for striking this equilibrium resonated with Sullivan, who affirmed, “I wanted a school that would be academically challenging but not so challenging that that was my whole life. I wanted to have balance. My experience has been very similar to my expectations. I feel like I have a good balance of my schoolwork and social life.”
The university’s recent athletic success also contributed to its appeal for incoming students. Sullivan, reflecting on her time at Iowa State, expressed her surprise and delight at the achievements of the athletic teams during her tenure. “I ended up liking Iowa State even more than I originally thought that I would,” Sullivan enthused. “Obviously, the athletics in the last couple of years has exceeded expectations considering the stats we had before I came here.”
In conclusion, the allure of Iowa State University lies not only in its academic programs and scenic campus but also in the vibrant community spirit that resonates with students seeking a well-rounded college experience. As students like Sullivan and Seifried continue to thrive in this enriching environment, Iowa State University stands out as a beacon of higher education excellence.
