Best in the Big 10, Baby!

Introduction
As far as choosing a school, all it took for me was one visit to Purdue's campus. Purdue boasts a very welcoming atmosphere and has definitely become my home away from home. To make the best of your time at Purdue, I advise you to get really involved on campus. If you're the type of person that likes to waste away in your room, Purdue is not the school for you (the only time Purdue students stay in like that is early mornings after a big night of drinking when they're too hung-over to be productive, but I digress).

Purdue has literally HUNDREDS of student organizations where you can take on leadership, scholarship and service opportunities that really will inspire and improve you as a person. The Greek scene here isn't all about partying (contrary to what some may think): there's a fair bit of commitment involved. In Purdue's Greek system, you'll work with other members in a variety of spheres including community service, and you will meet friends to cherish the rest of your life. And having said that, one of the other great things about Purdue is that if you're one of the 80% of the students that doesn't choose to "Go Greek," there's zero rivalry between Greeks and Non-Greeks. It's not an issue.

Campus Life and Social Life
"Work hard, party hard" is the unofficial creed of Purdue students. During the week we bust it studying, working hard, going to class. When the weekends come, however, we know how to throw down. Picture frat parties with hundreds (sometimes over 1,000) people, students flocking to the bars...you get the idea. Drinking here is definitely a major part of the social culture. Aside from getting wasted, there are hundreds of student organizations to get involved in: from intramural sports to academic clubs. If you want to get involved in your college community, this is the place for you! Academics
Although Purdue is known for its Engineering programs, the school also boasts top ranking in other departments across the board. The Pharmacy school is #1 in the nation, and Purdue also offers unique and rare majors like Hospitality and Tourism Management that rank as #1 as well!

Part of the advantage of a large school is the availability of so many majors. I would say Purdue has great majors in just about any department with the EXCEPTION of the arts. Music and Film just aren't the main focus here.

Aside from that, professors here are generally very open and willing to help (or offer you the assistance of their TA, who are committed and smart too). The workload here in Science programs is VERY demanding, but other majors have a pretty typical workload.

Student Body
Most students at Purdue are white, middle to upper-middle class and from the Midwest. Purdue's stellar reputation, however, has drawn some students from the coasts and seems to draw more out of state students each year. Most students here are laid-back, know how to get their work done, and then love to let loose and party. Students here are constantly balancing academics, extracurricular commitments and their social lives, and most are pretty damn good at it!

In Closing...
Purdue is truly a one-of-a-kind university, where your experience is whatever you make of it. With amazing academic programs, the 3rd largest Greek system in the nation, hundreds of student clubs and organizations, Purdue offers something for everyone.