Indiana University School of Law, Bloomington Forum

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Indiana University School of Law, Bloomington is located in Bloomington, IN. It appears on the Top Law Schools Rankings page.

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[Eriro]

Hey,waiting to hear from IU - B right now for 2008-2009. Can you guys tell us what it's like? When did you hear from them, what kind of aid did you get, were you in-state or not?

[SJaxWarriors]

I am mainly familiar with the IU-Bloomington area, not the law school itself, so I hope this QOL piece can be supplemented by others' more academic perspectives.

For anyone who hasn't personally visited, IU-Bloomington is spectacularly beautiful. Especially during the fall and spring seasons, the weather and wooded areas out and around campus are gorgeous. The campus itself is also very nice and a far cry from the perception that out-of-towners may have of Indiana as a cornfield state. Campus life is vibrant and fun, especially during basketball season. IU is also (obviously) a very respected degree throughout the state of Indiana, and for the Kelley School of Business and a few other departments, like foreign language, reputations carry outstide the state as well.

The main point of this post is to encourage those who have thought about applying to IU-Bloomington, or those who have been accepted, to go visit in person. It is probably prettiest campus in the Midwest (and maybe all of America, excluding Pepperdine! ). Also, from long distances, one can fly into and out of Indianapolis and check out IU-Indy, definitely a different vibe but also a quality school on the rise.

[rmyoun06]

I applied to IU-B in the beginning of October and still haven't heard back. Fuckers.

If you haven't been accepted, can you still go to Law Day?

[Vandy0L]

IU Bloomington is a hidden gem. The school itself is beautiful. It is probably the only town in Indiana that I would ever want to live; and it really separates itself from the rest of the state. The law school places pretty well in the midwest. You would need to get top 20% to guarantee yourself a job making 160k in biglaw; They place those students mostly in either Chicago or DC. Top 1/3 will probably get you an interview at these firms. If you want to stay in the Midwest, it is a great school and I look for it to move up in the rankings as it has just received a bunch of money from Eli Lilly to attract top notch faculty. It also looks like they are handing out a bunch of scholarship money this year. I received a full ride but will be regrettably turning it down....3.7 +, 170 + ;

In state tuition is really cheap, and you would be a fool to turn it down for a more expensive school if IUB is the highest ranked school you got into. I would probably take it over many of the schools ranked 20-40. Also, I would not hestitate to take it over Notre Dame if scholarship money is involved. Finally, if choosing between IUB and IU-Indy. IUB is the no - brainer unless you get a fullride to IUI, which is unlikely because they give little money.

[Eriro]

Vandy0L,

first: thanks!

second: withdraw already and tell them to give me your money!!!!!!!!

[welkin]

I just visited the school last week and am really excited to be going there in the fall (originally I was a little dissapointed that they are making it so impossible for me to turn it down with a full ride compared to the handful of small scholarships I've been offered from pretty much every other school ranked 20-35 in the midwest). However, the facilities are nice, all the people were genuinely helpful, the career services looked solid, and the town seemed fun in general. I'm not going to be able to go to the law day, so if anyone can remember to make a report back of what it was like after it happens, I'd be grateful. Is anyone else planning on going there? If so, what reasons do you have? I'd be curious to see why other people are choosing it over comparable schools.

[msumike75]

I just visited the school last week and am really excited to be going there in the fall (originally I was a little dissapointed that they are making it so impossible for me to turn it down with a full ride compared to the handful of small scholarships I've been offered from pretty much every other school ranked 20-35 in the midwest). However, the facilities are nice, all the people were genuinely helpful, the career services looked solid, and the town seemed fun in general. I'm not going to be able to go to the law day, so if anyone can remember to make a report back of what it was like after it happens, I'd be grateful. Is anyone else planning on going there? If so, what reasons do you have? I'd be curious to see why other people are choosing it over comparable schools.

I am choosing Wisconsin over it because I was deferred at IUB

[rmyoun06]

I just visited the school last week and am really excited to be going there in the fall (originally I was a little dissapointed that they are making it so impossible for me to turn it down with a full ride compared to the handful of small scholarships I've been offered from pretty much every other school ranked 20-35 in the midwest). However, the facilities are nice, all the people were genuinely helpful, the career services looked solid, and the town seemed fun in general. I'm not going to be able to go to the law day, so if anyone can remember to make a report back of what it was like after it happens, I'd be grateful. Is anyone else planning on going there? If so, what reasons do you have? I'd be curious to see why other people are choosing it over comparable schools.

It's beautiful, it's a good school, it's close to home, but I will NEVER go there, just because they have given everyone I know a full scholarship but have yet to contact me at all

[SJaxWarriors]

It's beautiful, it's a good school, it's close to home, but I will NEVER go there, just because they have given everyone I know a full scholarship but have yet to contact me at all

best of luck

[RonSantoRules]

...

[rmyoun06]

It's beautiful, it's a good school, it's close to home, but I will NEVER go there, just because they have given everyone I know a full scholarship but have yet to contact me at all

best of luck

Hey, thanks, man

[indiana_student]

Let me set this straight (and as a lifetime Hoosier I'd say I know what I'm talking about), Bloomington =/= Indiana. Yeah, it is in the state, but that is where the similarities end. A Sports Illustrated feature on the Little 500 once opened "A blue oasis in a red state." Bloomington is honestly somewhere I can see myself retiring. After five years in Bloomington I will go elsewhere for graduate school, but I will ALWAYS rave about Bloomington/IU-B. I have been to everyone Big 10 campus outside of Happy Valley and only Madison compares. Here is a PM, most of the feedback was based on specific questions, I wrote someone else to give them an idea of the school (BTW, thanks for the Kelley plug to the person that mentioned it ):

*The university's art museum is very nice, if you want to go to a regular museum you'll have to drive 50 miles up the road to Indianapolis.

*The university isn't incredibly diverse (in terms of blacks and hispanics), but there are a lot of Asians. A fair # of LBGT (I think it goes hand in hand with the reputation of the music school). The university is pretty liberal (not incredibly), so you'll encounter little if any racism.

*The music scene is good for a town its size. There are tons of bars and tons of acts that frequent the bars, some Independent, some local, and some major label. Every year during Little 500 week about three or four frats get bigger named artists to perform. The university also gets a main artist. In the past this has included Dave Matthews, Nelly, The Roots, Michael Jackson, Wilco, and John Mellencamp. The music school is always #1 or #2 in the rankings (with Julliard), and they put on TONS of shows.

*The closest professional sports franchises reside in Indianapolis (again 45 minute drive north). However, the Indiana Hoosiers basketball program is the pride of the state. Every game, every year sells out (we just wne through a coaching change and were a major story for 11 straight days). After all the movie Hoosiers, is about Indiana high school basketball. Indiana is the basketball capital of the world. The men's soccer program is year in and year out the best in the country (we've won two national titles while I've been in school) and actually draws nice crowds. The football team could use some work. Attendance picked up a little this year as we made our first bowl game in 15 years (we should repeat that feat next year). Season basketball tickets ran $260 for 18 games, and season football tickets were roughly $60 for six games. The rest of the sporting events are free. EVERY sports bar gets packed for road Indiana basketball games, I suggest you try to arrive at least 30 minutes early.

*You will learn VERY quickly that there is a lot of culture with the campus. Lotus Fair (a great indie music festival every year), maybe 30 ethnic restaurants within 5 blocks of the campus, etc. Indiana is a large university and puts on many, many events for the students. I can honestly say whatever you enjoy, you'll be able to do it in Bloomington.

*Offcampus housing is very easy to find. I currently pay $392.50 for my share of a two bed-room. I walk to campus every day. The walk is 15 minutes to my destination, but some places are five minutes away from my house. My place is very average, great maintenance, decent space. The nices places run $750 for a one bedroom ($1200 for two). If you don't wnat to do the apartment thing you'll be able to rent a house for about $350 a person (or $550 for one). You will NEVER have trouble finding close housing. If you decide you don't want to live near the campus you'll be able to get a cheaper place, but I like being close to campus.

*Indiana has always had at least three buildings in construction while I've been a student, so the facilities are pretty nice. The library is open 24-7.

*The nightlife is great. Just three years ago we ranked as the #1 party school in the country. You can be isolated from that with ease. I don't party nearly as much as I used to and still have a great time on weekends.

*Without the students, Bloomington has about 80,000 permanent residents. EVERYTHING revolves around the university. That has its benefits (new buildings everywhere because of all of the disposible income), and drawbacks (Bloomington summers are a bore). The town is fairly diverse. In southern Indiana, some people claim racism is a problem. I've never encountered it, but I always frequent spots where you can expect students (everyhting I need from bars, to Target, to eating, is close to campus.

*Compared to the rest of the state (including the Ball State, Notre Dame, and Purdue campuses) Bloomington is costly. Compared to any big city, Bloomington is incredibly cheap. (Gas, food, etc)

*I've actually never met a student that is doing well in school who didn't love their time in Bloomington.

*The campus is amazing. As I mentioned Bloomington is the epitome of a college-town. I'd say today was an average winter day weather wise and the temperature was 35 degrees. Not warm, but not Chicago, etc.

*Public transit is amazing in Bloomington (at least the school's bus routes, and the city's two main campus bus routes).

I honestly believe if you aren't looking for a city then you will fall in love with Bloomington upon your campus visit. Again, the campus is amazing (as far as best quality of life amongst Big 10 schools, the only school that compares is Wisconsin). Set up a college day and you'll love it.

FYI...I don't proofread on message boards.

[Eriro]

indiana_student:

I was already sold! I grew up in Indianapolis, and everything you said matches what I've heard. Now just tell them to accept me already and give me a little $$. My mom and dad both went there for undergrad and loved it. Sometimes I regret not going there myself.

[welkin]

Welkin sounds like we might be classmates next fall! I will be going to Law Day, but like you I visited on my own one weekend and came away impressed with the people, facilities, and Bloomington. I'll try to remember to report back with what happened at law day. Probably my only other comparable admit is Ohio State (W/$9500 year scholarship), and I think I will be going to IUB because I can't think of a good reason NOT to go (perhaps other than the fact it is in Indiana, but I like the Midwest). I have been racking my brain trying to come up with reasons not to (mostly because a full scholarship seemed to good to be true for me at first), but I really can't. Plus a lot of grads place outside of IN, and I feel like you aren't locked into working in state if you don't want to.

It does sound like I will probably see you in the fall! I got into OSU, too, but I just read a letter saying that the scholarship they offered is $9,500 over 3 years, so I really don't see much sense in considering them further because of IU's generous offer (even though I do love Colombus). Have you looked at housing at all there? I walked through one building, which was decent, but I didn't have time to see any others during my short trip. I would really appreciate a review of law day after you go. I'm sad that I will have to miss it, but I just can't take any more weekends off of school (I'm already leaving to go to a reception this weekend). I guess I can't think of reasons not to go either, but if you come up with any, do let me know... everyone I talk to seems to think its a no-brainer, I guess I don't want to accidently make a not well-thought out decision (if that makes sense).

[RonSantoRules]

I guess I can't think of reasons not to go either, but if you come up with any, do let me know... everyone I talk to seems to think its a no-brainer, I guess I don't want to accidently make a not well-thought out decision (if that makes sense).

...

[welkin]

I guess I can't think of reasons not to go either, but if you come up with any, do let me know... everyone I talk to seems to think its a no-brainer, I guess I don't want to accidently make a not well-thought out decision (if that makes sense).

This has been my thought process all along. I keep thinking to myself, "Why did I get offered a full tuition scholarship with my numbers (164, 3.. There has to be a catch, right?" So far I haven't found one (other than staying in the top half of the class to keep the scholly, which really isn't a catch). I'll be sure to report back after Law Day. I'm going basically to confirm that my first impression was correct, and they've got a full day of stuff planned so I'll be sure to fill you in.

Okay! For some reason its very reassuring to find out that someone else is going through a similar situation! I hope the Law Day is fun, I really am wishing I could go!

[whodat23]

Does anyone familiar with the bloomington area know what's the best area to live? I'm looking for probably a quieter location away from undergrads and closer to more grad students. I'll probably look for something in the $400-$500/month range per person

I'm probably going to end up at Indiana this fall, and I've been looking at apartments online. If anyone went to IU for undergrad or goes to IU for grad, can you help me with this?