Purdue University-Main Campus Top Questions

purdue is an engineering school!

A common stereotype at Purdue University is Frat kids! Greek life is a major part of Purdue's Main Campus, and a very large number of students participate it in. Purdue encourages frat life, but a major stereotype regarding Greek life is that frat boys only party and try to be "cool." Although this stereotype is somewhat accurate, not all frat boys focus on partying. Instead, it is easily noticed that some frat students focus more on school work.

There are several stereotypes, both good and bad describing the Greek system at Purdue. The first common stereotype is that people in the Greek system party excessively, do not choose challenging majors, and think they are better than everyone else. The second stereotype revolves around the belief that people in the Greek system are more involved than others, having higher GPA's, and have a massive amount of school spirit. People generally believe one of the two depending on their own personal beliefs, values, and judgments. Engineering majors are generally though of as anti-social,socially awkward, yet well-respected because everyone knows they are going to make a lot of money someday. People from overseas and all other non-caucasian individuals are generally thought of as being rich for affording out-of-state tuition. Athletes are stereotyped as being unintelligent, yet well-respected for their athletic achievements.

There are several stereotypes, both good and bad describing the Greek system at Purdue. The first common stereotype is that people in the Greek system party excessively, do not choose challenging majors, and think they are better than everyone else. The second stereotype revolves around the belief that people in the Greek system are more involved than others, having higher GPA's, and have a massive amount of school spirit. People generally believe one of the two depending on their own personal beliefs, values, and judgments. Engineering majors are generally though of as anti-social,socially awkward, yet well-respected because everyone knows they are going to make a lot of money someday. People from overseas and all other non-caucasian individuals are generally thought of as being rich for affording out-of-state tuition. Athletes are stereotyped as being unintelligent, yet well-respected for their athletic achievements.

Way too many international students in engineering. Especially Asians! It is very true as Purdue ranks very high in terms of international student population (looked it up in the year 2011 annual report) especially in the engineering majors.

Purdue is mostly known for its engineering program, and I believe the stereotype is engineers and ag majors. However, this is not accurate at all. Purdue also has outstanding programs in Communication, Fashion Design, Hospitality and Tourism Management, and many others which students travel out of state for. There are so many different majors at Purdue, it's hard to keep track of them all. We really do have a very diverse student population!

A common stereotype of students who go to Purdue University is that we are intelligent! I think that this stereotype is very accurate. Purdue does an excellent job of recruiting the nation's most hard working and involved students. As a Big Ten school with over 39,000 students, Purdue is able to offer nearly 200 majors to cultivate the growth of intelligent individuals. Some excellent programs that Purdue is well known for include engineering and aviation. Many successful and intelligent people such as Amelia Earhart and Neil Armstrong have excelled on the foundation of a Purdue education. Although this university has stereotypically intelligent students, another thing that the school prides itself on is having a very diverse and well rounded student body. Purdue has students from all 50 states as well as over 130 countries! So many different types of individuals with different backgrounds, interests, and opinions attend the institution. It is very easy to find people with similar interests to your own at a school like this. The fact that Purdue is so diverse allows the University to constantly move forward and stay on the cutting edge of societal advancements.

A common stereotype of students at Purdue is that we are all male "enginerds". Although Purdue does have a large percentage of engineering students, we also have many other majors represented. Also, although the male population is slightly larger than the female, there still isn't a noticeable difference when you are walking around campus. A difference can be seen in the classroom though, depending on your major. Many of the engineering and science courses (upper level especially) are more male dominated, where as nursing and psychology have many more females. There are also many Greek students, but they don't necessarily have a negative reputation.

What is the stereotype of students at your school? Is this stereotype accurate?

I would say there is no stereotype student in Purdue University. It is really a diverse environment. However, one trend will be that the international students community has increased dramatically recently.