Tell me about ISU...

[IndyTreeFan]

Just up the street a bit from Chaifetz (?) Arena is Pappy’s Smokehouse. I’d go to SLU just so I could eat there every day…

 

[Jason Svoboda]

Lived in St. Louis for over 30 years, and in a variety of locations. With Ball Park Village, the new Aquarium and Farris Wheel at Union Station, and the new Soccer Stadium going up along side some new clubs, downtown St. Louis is actually a very cool place to be. IF you want to talk ghetto, North St. Louis is a place that I stay away from. That is primarily where the crime happens. Quite sad. SLU itself, of course, is downtown...to describe it as a "ghetto" is quite an overstatement.

Didn't East St. Louis used to be the bad side?

If it were my kid and they had full rides at every place, I'd probably point them to Washington based on rankings. That said, I'm always advising people to go to the place that will allow you to come out with zero debt because I am of the belief that if you're going to take on debt service, it should be on the graduate degree that usually carries a much better ROI.

 

[Sycamorefan96]

East St Louis is comparable to Gary, Indiana. It's worse than St Louis, but St Louis certainly isn't as wonderful as everyone pretends it is on here.

But what do I know? I'm just a truck driver that has drove in 46 different states, and has drove all over numerous territories north and south of the U.S. border on vacations. I'm sure I don't know what a hood is when I see one.

Quote from a Google Search - Is SLU in a bad neighborhood?
One of the top responses: "Once you step on campus, you won't know you are still in a big city. However, the area right outside of campus is terrible. St. Louis is one of the most dangerous cities in America, and SLU is no exception."

 

[letsgoAces]

Didn't East St. Louis used to be the bad side?

If it were my kid and they had full rides at every place, I'd probably point them to Washington based on rankings. That said, I'm always advising people to go to the place that will allow you to come out with zero debt because I am of the belief that if you're going to take on debt service, it should be on the graduate degree that usually carries a much better ROI.

East St Louis is in Illinois but is counted as metro-St. Louis. It's as bad there as ever. Sauget, (directly next to East St. Louis) is considered the poorest city in the country. It's very sad. Lot's of good people become victims of violence on a daily basis.
I absolutely agree with you about going to place to that will pay your way, and then take the debt from the graduate school which means the most. My daughter will definitely be going to grad school somewhere.
Jason, should we make the visit to ISU, and I think that will happen, where is a good place to take her to eat?

 

[Jason Svoboda]

East St Louis is in Illinois but is counted as metro-St. Louis. It's as bad there as ever. Sauget, (directly next to East St. Louis) is considered the poorest city in the country. It's very sad. Lot's of good people become victims of violence on a daily basis.
I absolutely agree with you about going to place to that will pay your way, and then take the debt from the graduate school which means the most. My daughter will definitely be going to grad school somewhere.
Jason, should we make the visit to ISU, and I think that will happen, where is a good place to take her to eat?

I'll have to defer to @SycamoreStateofMind as he is the Terre Haute expert and I've been gone for awhile. I will say I've been jonesin' something bad for a Ballyhoo Pizza King barbeque pizza out here in Vegas.

 

[letsgoAces]

Just because I RESIDE here in St. Louis for over 30 years, and actually lived downtown, what do I know about the violence in St. Louis???? It is almost entirely isolated on pockets on the north side, headed towards the football stadium. I work at a hospital and I see the results of the violence most everyday...and I know where most of it comes from. Statistics bear that out
No one here is trying to portray St. Louis as "Disney World". It has it's share of problems. I am guessing if you were living in Mayberry and decided to go to SLU, that might make you feel that way, I don't know.
But hey, if you goggled it,....gotta be true

 

[4Q_iu]

4Q, I have heard similar statements towards ISU than what you stated concerning USI. USI actually rated higher than ISU in College Factual in their ranking universities in Indiana, and the Midwest. Personally, from prior experience, I find that folks who criticize other schools usually never attended them, and have some unknown personal bias towards them. That said, polls, rankings, etc. most often don't tell the whole story. My feeling is a university can can give you the tools to be a success and it largely depends on just how much a student wants to apply themselves. Period. What I will be looking for with my daughter is both her comfort level with the school, city, students, and her instructors. The intangible's to me are what I will be examining closely, such as just how much will her academics counsellor and instructors be interested in her as a person first? How close knit is the school itself, and can I trust those in charge that my daughter will be cared for? What is campus life like, and what does the city offer than can enhance her college experience? I personally know people who graduated from SLU, ISU, and USI and went on to great success. It's about finding the right fit.

You chose/opted to not reveal what your daughter intends to study at any of the colleges - was that intentional?

ISU, SLU are national universities; UE and ISUE (usi) are regional schools

you are correct polls, rankings don't tell the whole story - in fact, they don't tell a story, they're numbers, gleaned from a small sample size

everything you mentioned in looking for a college for your kid is correct - the question you forgot, ignored is where is she hoping to work?

nearly every ue and isue grad I know personally are working IN evansville, some in louisville, some in indianapolis -- most of the ISU grads I know work around the country, around the world

the ue grad I know the best, was forced out of his career of choice (education) b/c he couldn't, WOULDN'T keep his hands off the students - literally.
the isue grads I know best, went there b/c they only had Ivy Tech as another option

if her short list is ue, isu, usi and slu

SLU should be # 1 - academics
ISU - 2
ue - 3
isue - 4

 

[SycamoreStateofMind]

@letsgoAces

Bar Basco is a fairly new really good Italian restaurant and bar. Great cocktails, pasta, pizza and cool vibe. But no one under 21 is allowed. Price point is higher’ish but nothing ridiculous. Owners are friends of my wife and I - they’re pretty awesome. Walk around and give you shots - bottles of wine - deserts. It’s an experience for sure.

Sushi Umi is as good of sushi that you will find in the Midwest if you like Sushi it’s a must try… DM and I can send you some off menu rolls to inquire about.

Stables/JFords are two different high end stake houses. Fords is better but more expensive and the environment is a little stuffy - unless you sit in the bar and it’s chill. Stables is fun and pretty good.

If you like pizza Wise Pies pizza downtown TH is pretty tough to beat - it’s never very busy but don’t be scared away by that. It’s no Turonies though - that’s my favorite spot in Eville forever and always. But as Jason said pizza at the Ballyhoo is always good as well - but basically just a college bar through and trough. I wouldn’t steer anyone to our pizza unless you are just feeling some pizza.

Sonka Irish Pub or Charlies are really good bars (must be 21) but they both have great bar food - locally owned and operated. Cool environment at both. Tweety burger at Charlies is always a safe bet. At Sonka I like the Leprechaun Chicken Salad or the Cod fish platter.

If you’re in early and like coffee Federal Coffee downtown is trendy with good food and drinks. Java Haute is outside of town a bit but fantastic - I stop at Java about 3 times per week on my way to work.

Ricks BBQ if you like bbq it’s pretty good - down close to Memorial Stadium. I usually have it once every couple months or so when I’m in the mood for some bbq.

Those are my main spots… Let me know if you have any questions! Hopefully this is helpful. Side note - as a diehard Cubs fan STL is one of my favorite cities in America. I have several favorite spots and my wife and I enjoy visiting.

 

[letsgoAces]

Wow!!! You must be the official host of ISU and Terre Haute. Appreciate very much your suggestions.
I won't hold it against you that you cheer for the Cubs. LOL Glad you enjoy St. Louis...there are many interesting places to go to. You may want check out "The Hill" if you haven't already. Wonderful and fully authentic Italian eateries on the SouthWest side of St. Louis.

 

[SycamoreStateofMind]

Wow!!! You must be the official host of ISU and Terre Haute. Appreciate very much your suggestions.
I won't hold it against you that you cheer for the Cubs. LOL Glad you enjoy St. Louis...there are many interesting places to go to. You may want check out "The Hill" if you haven't already. Wonderful and fully authentic Italian eateries on the SouthWest side of St. Louis.

We always visit The Hill - specifically we always go to Missouri Baking Co. thank you for the suggestion!