Question About the Big 10 Schools

I hear the term 'Big 10' tossed around quite a bit and know it's a group of colleges, but how exactly do these schools in the Big 10 differ from other universities? Are there advantages to attending a Big 10 school?

The Big Ten is one of the oldest athletic intercollegiate conferences in the United States, made up of 14 universities across the Midwest and Northeast regions. Here's some context: The term 'Big Ten' originally referred to the membership of these schools in this athletic conference, but over time it's taken on a cultural connotation that extends far beyond sports. These schools, which include prestigious institutions like University of Michigan, Northwestern University, and the University of Illinois, share a few key attributes:

1. Research Opportunities: Big Ten schools are highly research-oriented institutions, many of which also belong to the Association of American Universities (AAU), a group of universities recognized for their commitment to research. Here, students generally have many opportunities to engage in research projects, regardless of their field of study.

2. Size and Scale: Most Big Ten schools are large public universities, with the exception of Northwestern, which is a private institution. On average, undergraduate populations can range from 20,000 to over 50,000.

3. Sports and School Spirit: Big Ten schools are renowned for their robust athletic programs and extensive school spirit. Football and basketball games at these universities attract large crowds and can be a focal point of the campus culture.

4. Alumni Network: Another advantage of Big Ten schools is their extensive alumni networks, which can create beneficial networking opportunities for career and academic advancement.

5. Diversity of Programs: These universities offer a wide range of majors and programs across numerous academic disciplines, giving students a lot of flexibility and options.

However, it's essential to recognize that every university has its unique aspects, and attending a Big Ten school isn't inherently better or worse than attending a university from another athletic conference or an independent institution. It all comes down to individual fit and what you're looking for in a college experience!