Purdue University, located in West Lafayette, Indiana, is a nationally-renowned STEM school, with multiple programs ranked in the top ten and top 20 in the country. Just over an hour away, Purdue provides students with a top-tier education that allows for students to gain their own experiences without having to travel too far from Crown Point, Indiana.
Application Process and Payment
Purdue University is home to a plethora of Crown Point alumni. However, this university does boast a relatively low acceptance rate, with the average being under 50 percent. The application process is difficult, and requires a comprehensive report of a student’s high school activities and home life in order to form a holistic review regarding their admittance.
“A very important part of the application process is doubtlessly the essays,” guidance counselor, Jamie Rodgers, said. “Purdue is looking to see if you are really a good fit for the university, even outside of academics. They want to know if you have depth, if you’re putting your heart and passion into your application.”
This essay must provide the Purdue admissions committee with a brief look into who each applicant is as a person, beyond their academic achievements. Purdue does expect a certain level of academic standing in order to facilitate admittance, but the admissions committee needs to see beyond just grades; they want to see who each applicant is at their core.
“Choosing what I should write about for my college essay was the hardest part for me,” senior Abi Wilson said. “It’s hard to narrow yourself down to one essay.”
Beyond the application process, many students also look forward to the financial opportunities afforded by Purdue University. Out of the many colleges located in Indiana, Purdue holds a relatively low price for in-state students. As such, applications may be increasingly competitive as Purdue’s tuition has not changed in over a decade, regardless of inflation.
“Purdue has had a tuition freeze for many years now,” Rodgers said. “This means that their tuition is set at a specific point, and will not increase regardless of inflation.”
Purdue is a competitive and nationally-acclaimed university, but holds itself to an affordable price tag. As such, there is a massive influx of applications as students around the nation and the world recognize the nature of Purdue University.
Academic Life
Beyond affordability, Purdue has a plethora of student resources and opportunities to obtain a more in-depth education. With an engineering program ranked in the top ten in the country, and is further acclaimed in many other fields such as: pharmacy, agriculture and more.
“I chose Purdue because their pharmacy education is ranked in the top ten in the nation,” senior Rylee Owens said.
Purdue also has incredibly strong programs in other majors. Boasting multiple majors ranked in the top 10 percent in the country, Purdue ensures that students obtain an education that can set them up for success.
“Purdue is really strong in engineering, but also has great programs in business, education and more,” Rodgers said.
Furthermore, Purdue provides a comprehensive education focused not only on learning from a book, but also on the importance of hands-on application of one’s education.
“I chose to go to Purdue because they have a lot of opportunities with hands-on material in their engineering/polytechnic departments,” senior Keewa Yu said.
Academically, Purdue provides students with a well-rounded education. Between their national rankings, their hands-on focus and their goal to ensure alumni success, Purdue University is a high ticket for a plethora of students, both inside and outside of Indiana.
“I know that by accepting my admission to Purdue I am ensuring that my academic ambitions will be supported and encouraged,” senior Tessa Hawkins said.
Social Life
Purdue focuses on ensuring that students fit in both inside and outside of the classroom. At Purdue, there are a plethora of opportunities to get involved in the community.
“Purdue has so many opportunities as far as clubs and things,” Rodgers said. “They want to ensure those admitted are going to get involved in the campus community, not just attend school there.”
Many future Purdue students have already chosen different clubs or organizations they wish to become a part of in the next academic year. Purdue’s reputation for their sheer number of extracurricular opportunities allows for individuals to begin to explore their future before they even enter college.
“Purdue University has so many opportunities to meet and build relationships with peers who share similar interests and passions,” Hawkins said. “One organization I hope to become involved in during my time at Purdue is the Honors Leadership Council which will provide multiple learning experiences while also helping me get to know fellow students.”
Outside of the typical extracurriculars, Purdue University also provides incoming students with the opportunity to obtain new relationships and foster new friend groups with beginning this next step of their educational careers.
“I’m excited to be on my own and start a new chapter where I get to meet and get to know new people,” senior Abi Wilson said.
Furthermore, Purdue University has an incredible opportunity for those looking to get into greek life, as they have more chapters than any other school in the country.
According to College Express, Purdue University boasts the number one ranking in the country for the sheer size of their greek life community. With over 78 fraternities and sororities, those looking to rush are pretty much guaranteed a house they will properly bond with.
Overall, Purdue University is an incredibly popular option for students’ secondary education. With a two-pronged focus on both academics and social life, Purdue works to ensure that their students feel seen, understood and supported both inside and outside of the classroom.
