Thanks much. I always figured Wisconsin was better, after Michigan and Minnesota. My dad told me to apply to Iowa about a dozen times last fall and I didn't do it until he pretty much cornered me over Christmas when I was physically present to try to explain why I wasn't. Well, I couldn't really, and so I applied. I drove through Iowa along I-80, across the whole thing, and wasn't blown away but it wasn't as bad as Kansas and Nebraska at all. I guess my mind was just a little too entranced by the big-city, vibrant vibe of other places, and Iowa, well, it sounds anti-climactic. I've since really put things in perspective, and honestly don't think I'd mind it much. I'm still curious as to how they manage to place so many people outside of Iowa---and whether or not that's to mainly Chicago..I'd rather be in DC or MPLS---not NYC, LA, or Chicago.ColtonDLong wrote: Hmm...I'm not sure why you're so shocked it is ranked so high. Its probably the second (in name only I mean) recognized Big 10 school I feel like. Iowa City is consistently among the top 15 or so most livable and best towns in the US, and the culture and night life is good. For the record Iowa city is also the third most educated town in the nation (according to USNWR). I was disappointed when I visited only because I drove four hours for a 25 minute tour. U of Mn's and Wisonsin's were longer, but especially at minnesota they seemed VERY highfaluting and unjustifiably so. Don't get me wrong, I think they have a lot going for themselves, but the atmosphere and air about the place was really pompous to me. All of my friends, one is a current student of the school, agrees. Anyway, my goals wasn't to put down U of Mn...like I said I really did like the school.
Point being, it shouldn't surprise you that they're ranked higher than Wisconsin, Indiana, Ohio, or the other Big 10 schools aside from Mich. and Mn. I visited almost all of them but Ohio, and I have to say that as far as the classes I sat in on and the professors I met, atmosphere, and students I met, Iowa won.
After rereading this I realized I didn't clarify that I'm targeting a lot of the to CBarlet more about Iowa's college town and atmosphere, but it is true that educational quality at Iowa is well known for its reputability although they've lost a few noteable profs in the past couple of years to retirement, etc.
Since the point of discussion is supposed to be on aesthetic glory, where does Iowa fit in?
