Katie
Hometown: San Jose, CA
High School: Notre Dame High School
Major: Honors BS Exercise Science
From the first time I came to Pocatello I was addicted to Idaho State University. I chose ISU because it has big school opportunities with a small school vibe. It's hard to find an adventurous and genuinely friendly town in the middle of the mountains that has loads of undergraduate research and internship opportunities, but ISU does and it is truly one of a kind. ISU offers everything from Biochemistry and Shoshoni to Scuba Diving and Human Osteology and that's just the tip of the academic iceberg. With loads of classes to fill your schedule and mind, ISU campus life easily competes to keep the rest of your schedule full with active, enriching, and engaging social events. It's not just anywhere that you can go ice blocking or run a mud-run, but at ISU there's time for that too. I came 830 miles to Idaho State University and not only found a school that teaches subjects I'm passionate about, but one that entices me with opportunities, challenges me to take them and encourages me to explore my education to my curiosity's extent.
Chris
Hometown: Emmett, Idaho
High School: Emmett High School
Major: Biology with Concentration in Biomedical Sciences/Pre-Optometry
I decided to attend Idaho State University for the programs it offered. Knowing that I wanted to become a part of the medical field, I knew that ISU would best prepare me for my future. Being the best health science school in the state of Idaho, I knew ISU would provide me a well-rounded education. Also, the location of ISU appealed to me greatly. Being four hours from home, I knew I would be able to be independent yet still close to home. I love ISU for the opportunities it has provided me. I feel as though I have obtained a great education but in way that can be applicable in everyday life. I see that my education and training is top-notch and cannot be obtained anywhere besides ISU. Also, being able to attend a Carnegie-Research High University and to have not acquired debt through my five years of education is ideal.
Amanda
Hometown: Pocatello, ID
High School: Pocatello High School
Major: Business
I decided to come to ISU because it has so much to offer. Being from Pocatello I was hesitant at first, but I absolutely LOVE this university! I have so many opportunities to study whatever I want, the outdoors are right in my backyard and I have had the greatest college experience with tons of student activities. I have not regretted the decision I made my senior year to come to ISU. I bleed orange and black and I couldn't be more proud!
Rachel
Hometown: Middleton, Idaho
High School: Idaho Virtual Academy
Major: Nursing
Since I was a freshman in high school, I attended the ISU Health Science fair in Meridian every year and fell in love with the nursing program. I learned about the University Honors Program, and knew I wanted to be a part of it. My senior year, I took a campus tour of ISU and it sealed the deal! I loved the campus and how friendly everyone was. After that tour, I knew that ISU was the school for me. It is now my second year here at ISU and it couldn't better. From my classes to the people to the nursing program to the rock wall - Idaho State University has a little bit of everything and I wouldn't want to be anywhere else.
Lyndsey
Hometown: Pocatello, Idaho
High School: Century High School/ Transfer
Major: Communication Sciences and Disorders (Speech-Language Pathology)
In high school I was very stubborn and wanted to get out of Pocatello. I attended another school for my first two years of college. Transferring to ISU was the easiest and best decision I have ever made. I have zero regrets. Sometimes you have to stray away to discover where you truly belong. I know without a doubt in my mind that I belong here at ISU. Both of my parents are alumni and I am so excited that I will get to carry on the tradition.
ISU offers unlimited opportunities for you to make new friends, get involved, have fun, and become successful. ISU has prepared me for my future in ways that I never would have imagined. One nice thing is that all the fun is happening right here on campus and with such a scenic landscape, you'd be crazy not to take advantage of all the outdoor recreational fun Pocatello has to offer.
It is nice to know that while I am getting involved, meeting new people, and experiencing the excitement of college, I am also receiving a quality education. ISU has so many free resources on campus that make success a reality. The faculty members are approachable, knowledgeable, supportive, willing to help, and always wanting students to succeed. ISU has offered me so many opportunities and I am more than proud to call myself a Bengal. GO BENGALS!!!
Whitney
Hometown: Hagerman, Idaho
High School: Hagerman Jr., Sr. High
Major: Nursing
I chose to attend Idaho State University because I knew that I wanted to take part in all of the health profession options available. Being the daughter of 2 ISU alumni, I was positive that I would have the ability to learn and grow in the major I chose to pursue. Now, in my third year this exact feeling that I had as an incoming freshman has continued on. Since becoming a Bengal I have been able to not only fulfill my goals academically, but also I have been able to become more understanding and open to the world around me. I love Idaho State University because it has helped to do things I would have never done before!
Miranda
Hometown: Idaho Falls, Idaho
High School: Skyline High School
Major: Dietetics
The 3 most important things that attracted me to ISU were the LDS Institute of Religion, the Dietetics program and the cost of attendance. ISU was also close to home but far enough away that I could feel independent. I was very attracted to all the diversity here as well. With so many different cultures, learning about everyone's backgrounds has been great!
Alex
Hometown: Emmett, Idaho
High School: Emmett High School
Major: Biomedical Science/Pre-Dentistry
ISU has something unique and special to offer everyone. I love how I felt right at home on campus at ISU. The campus is large and spacious but not overwhelming and the class sizes are just right. It definitely has that small- town community feel. ISU has great programs ranging from engineering and business to cosmetology and health professions. Attending school here has been a positive and rewarding experience for all 3 of my sisters and me. Growing up in Emmett, I was use to the outdoors and outdoor activities. ISU is nestled between beautiful mountains providing many activities such as rock climbing, mountain biking, fishing, snowboarding and more that are easily accessible to students. I love ISU! GO BENGALS!
Jenna
Hometown: Alberton, MT
High School: Alberton High School
Major: Dental Hygiene
I decided to come to Idaho State University after I came and toured campus with my mom. ISU has a great Dental Hygiene program, but I was also impressed with the people. Everyone was so helpful and friendly. It really made me feel wanted. I'm from a small, out-of-state town so I was worried I would just get lost or that nobody would care, but that is definitely not the case. I love how easy it is to get to know your professors and get help from them. I also love how there is always an event going on campus. It's so easy to get involved and meet new people. ISU is truly the best home away from home!!
Shayne
Hometown: Idaho Falls, Idaho
High School: Skyline High School
Major: Educational Interpreting Program
When I graduated from high school I had the perfect plan. I was going to go to Idaho State University, graduate from the dental hygiene program, and have a successful career. I knew ISU offered many excellent programs in the health fields, especially the dental hygiene program, so I knew this would be the university that I would attend. At first I was not thrilled with the idea of going to Pocatello for college. Luckily I still chose to attend ISU and have had a wonderful experience. After 2 years I wasn't sure if I wanted to stick with dental hygiene as a major. I changed my major to Educational Interpreting and have loved every minute of my program.
I learned a lot about myself, and I now know how lucky I am to have such a great university so close to home. One thing I really enjoy about ISU is the campus life. I love attending all of the athletic events, activities and participating in different clubs. I like that ISU has a large diversity of students. I also like the friendly atmosphere that you can find while walking around campus. At ISU, you don't feel like "just a number" in the crowd. In my experience, I have had great professors who really want to help the students succeed. I have made life-long friends, excelled in my academics, learned who I want to become, filled my mind with fun and lasting memories, and experienced being apart of something truly amazing. I am proud to be a BENGAL!
Cassidy
Hometown: Idaho Falls, Idaho
High School: Idaho Falls High School
Major: Business Management, Human Resource emphasis
I'm a local, southeastern Idaho girl. When I was in high school, there was no way I was going to stay close to home- absolutely no way. I ended up applying to 10 universities in-and outside of Idaho, to which I was accepted. After multiple disappointing trips to my choice schools, my Idaho State University alumni parents suggested that I apply to ISU. I remember thinking to myself, "Fine, I will go there and be miserable my entire four years." Now, I cannot imagine myself having spent my undergraduate years anywhere but here. This is home. I applied and was accepted. And then, like any senioritis stricken high schooler, I wanted a day out of class so I decided to take a trip to campus. That was when the magic happened. As I often say, "it was like getting married; you know when you know." Everyone I came to know here at ISU was so helpful and the campus is so beautiful and full of life- how could anyone not want to go here? That day, my college search ended, and I commemorated the day by buying a bright orange ISU sweatshirt that I still cherish. Years later, I still feel the same way that I did my first day here. I love the people and the places and the experiences ISU has brought to me. I have been truly blessed with the opportunities given to me here and I know that I will be a forever Bengal.
Tynan
Hometown: Boise, Idaho
High School: Rocky Mountain High School
Major: Health Care Administration
I picked ISU for a few reasons. I wanted to be on a college track team more than anything when I graduated high school. Thankfully ISU had a great track program, which I was fortunate to be a part of for my first year and a half. I also wanted to be a doctor at the time and ISU is the best university in the state for the Health Sciences, so it was logically the best choice. One major factor that came into play was the fact that ISU was the most affordable of all the schools I applied to. It isn't always the case that the most affordable school is the best school, but with ISU, it was.
ISU provides so many ways for students to get involved and love their college experience. I recall my first week at ISU and being enthralled with how much there was to do! At an event that ISU puts on just for incoming freshmen, I saw the cheer team for the first time and decided I wanted to be on that team too! Soon after, I became an ISU cheerleader and have loved every minute of it especially our trip to USA nationals in 2012 where we took 3rd place! I love ISU because I got involved and I have never met an ISU student who got involved and wasn't happy with their decision to come to here.
If you were to take student involvement out of the picture, our academics would still take the cake! Small class sizes lets you interact with professors on a person-to-person basis. You can really tell that these professors want you to succeed. ISU is so committed to providing a high quality education that all professors have office hours in order to help you get the grade and ultimately the degree you want. From having one of the safest campuses in the nation to having the #1 ranked mascot nationally, it's great to be a Bengal!
Crystal
Hometown: Jerome, Idaho
High School: Jerome High School
Major: Business Marketing
I decided to come to Idaho State University because home is where the heart is. My heart is with ISU! As soon as I walked onto campus I knew this is where I belonged. Choosing a school that fits you can be a daunting task. Luckily for me it was love at first sight. I was welcomed with a warm and positive environment. ISU offered my major and minor, and is small enough for me to feel at home. I can be comfortable and use all the great resources on campus. It's close to my hometown but allows me to create and explore new ideas. ISU holds many traditions that allow you to feel you are a part of something rather than just a number.
Kendra
Hometown: Kennewick, WA
High School: Madison High School
Major: Biology (Emphasis in Ecology and Conservation Biology), Business Minor
I decided to come to Idaho State University after I took a tour of campus. ISU offered me great scholarships, which initially caught my interest, but I didn't know that much about the school. On my tour of Idaho State, I fell in love with the idea of being a student here. The location was a huge attraction with a beautiful surrounding area and plenty of outdoor recreational opportunities. The students and faculty were all friendly and helpful. I felt wanted and welcome on campus. My decision to attend Idaho State has been my best decision yet.
After being active and involved on campus I have grown to love ISU more and more. I love the opportunities offered that allow students to grow and learn. I love how the professors actually care about the students instead of making students feel like just another face in a lecture hall. Students receive individual interaction with professors who want us to succeed and will do everything they can to help. Most of all, with a friendly active campus, I love how ISU sets students up to achieve our goals.
Kellyn
Hometown: Weiser, Idaho
High School: Weiser High School
Major: Dental Hygiene
I chose Idaho State University because of their outstanding Dental Hygiene program, which is sought after by students all across the country. It is a choice that I will never regret. I knew that ISU was the school for me the day that I arrived in Pocatello. The community and local businesses are welcoming to students and willing to help whenever they can. There are always exciting events going on around campus, and plenty of student activities. My professors are willing to help me whenever I need, and I learn so much from them and my peers. The small classroom sizes and availability of my professors is something I would never be willing to sacrifice. ISU is also the place that both my older sister and I have chosen, which makes it that much more special to me. We were raised to seek the best possible education, push to be the best and never settle for anything other than the best. For our career choices, we knew ISU was the only Idaho university that could satisfy our educational goals. Together we have shared unforgettable memories here that we will carry with us for life. The small, friendly campus has allowed us to make mutual friends. ISU is much more than just another college campus to me. I have had such a great time here already and cannot wait for what the future holds. I love ISU and believe it is a great choice for any student looking for a well-rounded education, and a great college experience.
Jordan
Hometown: Pocatello, Idaho
High School: Century High School
Major: Political Science Major with a Minor in the Performing Arts.
I decided to come to Idaho State University because I fell in love with our beautiful Performing Arts Center. I originally intended to major in acting/directing and was given a scholarship to do so. While taking my theatre classes, I took a couple political science classes and realized how much I enjoyed the program and the teachers. I felt like every single teacher in the political science department cared about me and wanted me to be successful. They were always there to answer my questions and help me when I was in need. I switched my major a year later, keeping theatre as my minor. I have enjoyed every moment I have had at ISU. I have gained extensive knowledge in both fields of Political Science and Theater and feel that I am well prepared to enter the real world. I am graduating this fall and am sad to leave Idaho State University's beautiful campus, all of my wonderful friends and teachers, and the town of Pocatello. It has been a wonderful journey and I wouldn't change one thing about it.
John
Hometown: McCall, Idaho
High School: McCall-Donnelly High School
Major: Microbiology and Applied Economics
I decided to come to ISU largely due to the hands on experience students receive to give them the competitive edge in the work force.
I love many things about ISU, but if I had to focus on just one thing I would emphasize the never- ending opportunities. There is never a dull moment in my life thanks to all the different activities going on at any given time on campus. Whether it is the Student Activities Board putting on their famous Bingo Night or the students getting together on Cadet Field to play Ultimate Frisbee under the lights, there is always something new and fun to try.
Camille
Hometown: Cheyenne, Wyoming
High School: Transfer
Major: American Sign Language
I transferred to ISU as a junior from a community college near my hometown in Wyoming. I chose ISU initially because the program I am involved in was not offered anywhere in Wyoming. But upon visiting the campus and meeting with some of the faculty and staff here, I really locked in my decision to become a Bengal. Never before had I felt so welcomed and accepted in a place I had never been before. It was obvious that they were excited to have me and excited to share their knowledge of ISU. Aside from the hospitality, there are so many things to do here on campus (like bowling, movies. Barbeques, etc.) that there is never a reason to be bored. ISU does a great job of keeping students involved and excited about being part of the Bengal family. And finally, school spirit is something I have always taken seriously and something that was lacking completely from my previous school. But as soon as you step foot on campus, the pride in ISU is displayed everywhere and it's overwhelmingly awesome! There's no doubt that Pocatello bleeds orange and black and I'm honored to be part of such a wonderful community. Go Bengals!
Katie
Hometown: Boise, Idaho
High School: Timberline High School
Major: Microbiology
I originally looked into ISU my senior year when I realized that an out-of-state private school would be very difficult for my family to afford. I always knew I wanted to go into a health science field, so I was directed towards the extensive science programs at ISU. When I learned about the amazing opportunities at ISU and the affordable tuition, I still wasn't convinced. When I scheduled my campus tour the spring of my senior year, I still had my sights set elsewhere. However, once I saw the campus and interacted with the amazing faculty and staff, I knew this was the school for me. People always say you get a feeling when you know you are at the right school. I didn't understand what that meant until I visited the ISU campus. Now in my second semester, I have realized that choosing ISU was the best decision I have ever made. The campus has an incredibly friendly atmosphere and we receive a lot of support from the community. I am so excited to say that I am proud to be a Bengal!
Mackenzie
Hometown: Nampa, Idaho
High School: Columbia High School
Major: Radiographic Sciences
I loved Idaho State University from the moment I visited. Everyone was so kind to me and the campus was big enough to be an adventure but small enough to feel like home. The medical programs that ISU offers are top notch and the professors are amazing. Everything about ISU excited me, plus it is far enough from home for me to feel like I am becoming an adult but close enough that I could go home to visit my parents when I got a bit homesick. This is a place where you will feel at home. Every activity is made with the student in mind and that really shines through. People at ISU actually do care about you, and you are not just another demographic and a check. I love all of the amazing people I have met here. It has been a great experience and the fun has only just begun.
Katie
Hometown: Covington, WA
High School: Kentwood High School
Major: Special Education
I decided to come to Idaho State University (ISU) for many reasons. The first reason was how welcoming people were when I came on my visit. Everyone was so friendly and helpful. The second reason was for my major. ISU has such an awesome Special Education program and I love how great my advisor is. The third and main reason I came to ISU was for the small class sizes. School doesn't come easy to me and being able to have a one-on- one connection with my professors really allowed me to be successful. They are always there to help and I feel like I have learned more than most would because of the one-on-one attention I get here.
There are events that are free or cheap for students on campus every day of the week. Two of my siblings went to big universities and they never got to experience many of the free and fun activities I have. I like clean air and the fact that ISU is a smoke free campus makes it all the more enjoyable.
Sasha
Hometown: Richfield, Idaho
High School: Richfield High School
Major: Nursing
I decided to come to Idaho State University because it offers everything I want in a university. I came to ISU mainly because when I took my campus tour, I could picture myself walking around here as a college student. The Student Union is a huge part of campus and it really caught my eye because it provides so many possible activities for students! ISU has a great nursing program that is highly competitive, which was a major selling point for me! Last but not least, I chose to come to ISU because of the faculty and students. Everyone I met on campus during my tour was so friendly and coming from a small town, hospitality is a big deal to me! My favorite part of campus is the activities. There is always something to do whether it is a free movie, sporting event, or bingo!
Bear
Hometown: Boise, Idaho
High School: Transfer
Major: Psychology and Outdoor Education
I decided to transfer to ISU because the opportunities to participate in psychology research and the wonderful outdoor education program. Due to the graduate program, I will be able to receive hands on approach in assisting and developing research, and establishing rapport with professors. Numerous friends of mine are alumni and the common thread shared by all was how a significant amount of the professors actually enjoyed teaching and wanted to be engaged with students. I also love the outdoor program and having the possibility of a double major in that area made me passionate about my decision.