IUB Biology Major

Some schools, such as Purdue, like to say IUB students are "stupid" and "not serious" about their work, and just a liberal arts school. IU is known as a party school by not only other schools and current students, but even from princetonreview.com lists and Seventeen magazine (saying our school had the biggest 'party'--Little 500 week.) Also it is said a lot that our campus is greek vs. non-greek. And it is sad that there are "too many white suburban kids." Also people believe it is easy to get into this school because it is very large, or just easy. IU is said to have very "hot" or gorgeous girls. We're known to be able to throw a kick-ass party whether in the frats, a house, or apartment.

All right, in accordance to all of those stereotypes and whatnot:

1) IU students are not "stupid." No college is just full of "stupid" kids. Firstly, Purdue=rivalry school. They know we're better (we did beat them in football and basketball this year-2008.) I will admit that there are a handful of not-so-serious students at IU than at Purdue. This is a liberal arts school-- it offers many rather easy majors. Purdue is a school full of engineers, etc. And yes, liberal arts students. But there is no comparison, they are two different types of schools. The academics here at IU are incredible (save for the chemistry department, which, once you are on campus, you will hear the horror stories; it is commonly said they "don't want us to pass!" I know from experience. And the math department could use improvement.) Newsweek called IU the Hottest Big State School. There is no doubt-- IU's name is getting more & more well-known. Our excellence is becoming a familiarity around the country, and around the world. A degree from IU is a highly respected one. Also our business school is among the best in the nation, as is our music school, said to top Julliard! Our biology program and life sciences programs are great, as well as our pre-law and pre-medicine and other medicine-related majors. Don't like our majors? You can make your own major at IU!!!!
2) IU is a party school with a thriving social life. Though we are a 'dry' campus, it doesn't show (note the popular "Dry Campus / My Ass" tee shirts from Greetings on Kirkwood.) There is a party pretty much every night, whether in the frats or a house on Grant. And the princetonreview.com lists don't lie ;)
3) Our campus can be greek vs. non-greek on some level. A lot of non-greeks are friends with greeks. However, it is noticeable that the greeks in general believe they are a higher up race than those who are not greek. Honestly, as it has been said, and been proven true over & over, greek life at IU is *the* stereotypical greek life. Take it or leave it.
4) Too many white suburban kids? Yes, the majority of kids at IU are white and from the 'burbs. However, our school is very, very diverse as is the town it resides in. IU is very popular with international students as well. This is the United States, people. There is bound to be more white kids in a midwest school than other races. However, IU is a diverse school and makes its diversity known through various events & celebrations & opportunities.
5) It is not easy to get into this school. Yes, it accepts a lot of people. But IU wont take just "anyone." People are waitlisted, and, yes, rejected. Also, our admission standards are being raised (see http://www.idsnews.com/news/story.aspx?id=49457&comview=1).
6) We do have a lot of pretty girls. We just do. They seem to flock to IU. Playboy had us in the top 10 for hottest girls. Sorry, Purdue...
7) Can we throw a kick-ass party? Hell yes. You just need to know where to go-- and there are many options.

Best thing about IUB? The gorgeous campus, the thriving social scene, the amazing academics, and the opportunity to enjoy all 3 of these things as an IUB student :)
What would I change? I'd make the admission standards even higher. I wish I could find more serious and studious academics on campus.
Size? IU is huge. And perfect that way.
When I tell people to go to IUB, they say "it's too far away!" Most of my old friends are on the east coast, though there are a LOT of east coasters here.
Bloomington, or as most know it, B-town is THEE college town. I'm not going to spoil it for you, you just need to come experience it for yourself. But it's centered around IU. Without IU, there wouldn't be a B-town.
IUB's administration is very knowledgeable and qualified. I think it could be hiring better teachers in the chem & math departments, and a few in bio, but who am I to complain? Makes it challenging, haha.
Biggest/most recent controversy on campus? People want a basketball student section, but who know if we'll ever get one. Also the whole Kelvin Sampson incident... eh.....
School pride? Tons of it. It provides a unified feeling, as though you have something in common with a stranger you don't even know-- but you;re both hoosiers.
Unusual about IUB? Well, you can make your own major, which is pretty rare and pretty great. Also our buildings are made from limestone. And the Dalai Lama's brother lives in Bloomington, so he visits (though rarely.)
One experience I'll always remember? It hasn't happened yet, but it is bound to be the week of Little 500!!
Most frequent student complaints? Chem department, math department, parking issues (it's hard to get a spot around here), price of textbooks, lack of a fall break, no bbal student section, no weekend health center hours, expensive dorm food.

A lot of IU classes are huge lectures, and I like it. No subjective competition or teacher-student favoritism. Just hardcore grades and points. Yet a lot of classes are very small, beginning in your freshman year. And of course as you move up, they become smaller. However, the smaller the class, the more strict the attendance policy is. IUB students are not cutthroat competitive. If anything, I've noticed they are always willing to help or lend me notes if I miss class. We're in it together. I still think IU's admission requ's should be raised.

Students can be cliquey, and stick with their own kind. But just talk to people and they will open up. If they are going to be an ass, who cares. This is college and people need to learn to relate to others. There are a good amount of jock-y guys, and preppy-sorority-girls. However, there are also a lot of nerdy (in a good way!) rock, indie etc. people. There is every kind of student, here, someone for everyone. And there are serious students who like to have a good time (i.e. the SOS club!)

A lot of people tailgate for football, but don't necessarily go to the game (unless it's the Bucket game!!) But we still do go. Basketball is a big deal here, of course. On my weekends, I usually go to house parties rather than frats. House parties are everywhere, and everyone usually knows of at least one. Then there's that one house that mimics frats, but I won't reveal its name here :) Love you GGGG's! If you don't want to drink on the weekend, just chill in the dorms with people, order Baked or Insomnia cookies, or go on Kirkwood, see a movie, go to the mall, go out to eat, have a slumber party thing, go to an IU event, there's lots to do.

IUB is an amazing school. It has everything-- gorgeous campus, great social scene, nationally noted academics and countless successful alumni, etc. It has everything you could ever want in a college experience. There is no doubt that there is a place for everyone at IU to be happy. If if you don't like big schools, you can make it feel small. The only thing I wish IU had was more science-related clubs and organizations, but that's why I love SOS :) But when I say it, I mean it. IU has something for EVERYone!