University of Iowa | Alexa Flash Briefing

There are over 4,000 colleges and universities in the U.S. And while the media tends to focus on just a handful of schools, we at College Coach encourage students to think outside the box during their college selection process and explore a wide range of colleges.  In this week’s School Spotlight, we check out the spirited and down-to-earth University of Iowa, where 24,500 undergraduates find a warm and welcoming community that’s bursting with academic, extracurricular, and athletic opportunities. The University features 24 varsity teams that compete in the Big Ten conference. Wrestling is a particular standout, with 23 national championships earned since 1975. First year students are divided into one of six colleges, with the Colleges of Liberal Arts & Sciences, Business, and Engineering being the most popular. Interested in pursuing a writing career? Not only does the University sponsor the world-renowned Iowa Writer’s Workshop, they also provide undergraduates the opportunity develop serious writing skills though courses such as The Art & Craft of Humor Writing, Creative Writing & Popular Culture, and Introduction to Literary Publishing. First year students looking for a supportive, tight-knit environment may want to consider joining one of Iowa’s residential communities. There are 19 options in all, including Women in Science & Engineering, First Generation, and Justice for All, each of which combines elements of residential life with academic coursework. Good to know: students who join the honors program have access to intimate honors-level classes, an honors residence hall, an honors student center, and special scholarships and funding opportunities.