As a student at a school in the Big 10 conference, I am well aware of our conference opponents and the ways each school differs from one another. In fact, each school in our conference has its own unique reputation, which is like its own personality. So here, I have generalized the "personality" of each school in the Big 10 as if it's a person. And the question becomes: which Big 10 school are you?
*DISCLAIMER: None of these "personalities" are meant to be offensive. I wrote this article entirely in good fun and have tremendous amounts of respect for all of the schools in the conference.
1. University of Michigan- Ann Arbor
You are a master at balancing school, extracurricular activities, and social events. You never give less than your best in all three which helps you gain many true friends (and possibly even more true enemies). However, at times when this balancing act becomes too tough, you may choke under pressure. But nonetheless, if you are able to be a stellar student, athlete/musician/artist, and everything in between, you are the University of Michigan.
2. Northwestern University
You spend most of your life studying hard in hopes to one day find a cure for cancer or discover a new law of physics. When asked where you live, you would never say your residence hall or apartment complex because the truth is, you probably spend more hours in the library. Occasionally you'll reward yourself for all of your hard work but let's face it, you're in college to educate yourself.
3. University of Iowa
You have many secret talents that you tend to keep hidden... but you unleash them when they truly matter. In class, you're the one who never says anything but secretly manages to nail an A, and nobody ever knows. However, you're humble and manage to endear yourself to others, so you become the one that everybody likes but nobody ever fears.
4. Rutgers University- New Brunswick
You tend to set high goals for yourself and strive to be the best at everything, even if it may become unrealistic sometimes. As a result, you have many skills and aptitudes but also a tendency to bite off more than you can chew. You like to improve yourself by surrounding yourself with tougher competition as a motivating force, whether it is taking higher level classes that scare you or training for a sport with the top athletes on the team.
5. Ohio State University
You have a very strong personality and, therefore, tend to prompt strong reactions, whether positive or negative. You always like to be the best in whatever you do and will do anything in your power to be in that top position. You have a tendency to be the leader in any group situation and others are most likely to follow what you do. However, some people will try to challenge you for that top position which makes you polarizing among other people.
6. Michigan State University
You tend to disguise yourself as somebody who is relaxed, carefree, and likes to have fun but secretly work hard for what you want behind closed doors. Among friends, you might be known as the wild free spirit who doesn't have a care in the world, but you'll secretly be studying or go in your room and will nail an A on the first exam. Everybody will wonder how on earth that could be possible but only you know.
7. University of Wisconsin- Madison
You are very competitive and often want to be the best at everything you do, even if that entails surrounding yourself with weaker competition. You definitely like to go to the fullest extent in every aspect of your life. As a result, sleep and relaxation are not your best friend. People would generally describe you as "over-the-top" but many people love you for that--that's part of your charm.
8. Purdue University
You are humble and seem low-key, but you're focused and passionate about what you do. On weekends, you're more likely to be found studying to ace a physics exam than you are out having fun, but you know that in the long run, that's what matters. You are very dedicated to your own pursuits which makes you very successful, but at times you may have difficulty branching out of your comfort zone. Nonetheless, you have your priorities straight and know how to work hard.
9. University of Nebraska- Lincoln
You are a homebody who is passionate about your own community. You are appreciative of what you have and tend to be a low-key, low-maintenance person. People tend to be drawn to you because you have a laid-back vibe and people can very easily get along with you. However, you are very quick to defend what you love, whether it is your identity, your beliefs, or, of course, your favorite sports team.
10. University of Minnesota- Duluth
You are open-minded, accepting, and adaptable, not very judgmental of different backgrounds or types of people. You are very willing to learn about other people. You are very okay with alone time and are less likely to be found partying hard on weekends. You likely have a diverse group of friends because they know you will welcome them with open arms, but you are not always surrounded by large groups of people.
11. University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign
You have a very tight-knit group of friends and know how to socialize and make connections, but also recognize the importance of challenging yourself academically. You usually stress out along with your friends about how you have two projects and four exams all in one week (what!!!???) and you haven't slept in over a month. Overall, you manage to be a very studious social butterfly (no, that's not an oxymoron) and work hard to maintain both your connections and your grades.
12. Indiana University- Bloomington
You are a total social butterfly who is constantly surrounded by large quantities of friends and generally know how to have fun. You are typically designated as the "leader" of your friend group because of your magnet-like ability to attract large groups of people who are drawn to your bubbly energy. You are very rarely found all alone, even when you're grinding out all of your homework.
University of Maryland- College Park
You enjoy challenging yourself and "doing the impossible," even if you may not succeed the first time around. While you value your friends and your free time, you accept that you have to work your way up to what you want and will take the necessary steps to do that. You are satisfied even if you aren't the best because you know that you will benefit the most from taking steps outside your comfort zone.
14. Penn State University- University Park
You have the biggest work hard, play hard attitude of anyone and pulled the most all-nighters, both when doing work and going out on the weekends. You are extremely passionate about your identity and your community...which can make you a little crazy sometimes. Overall, you pursue what you love and approach everything with an "all in" mentality!
