If you think tl/dr, i do summarize the thought in the last paragraph
My main issue with the state schools (yes I'm old so I'm going of 94 and definitely inform me of what is different) is their seeming idea of well rounded when I went to school was more uppidity than community oriented.
I grew up with parents and friends who believed in giving back to the community. We were active in things outside of our school that directly helped the community. Being on town betterment boards, running local events, helping with fundraiser. When I got to ISU, I never once had an advisor or instructor mention this as important. Instead, I was told that the world geography class or the english class that taught me the nuances of when to serve and drink which kind of wine was making me more well rounded and a better citizen. That same English class taught me how to dine when you have the 18 forks, 4 spoons and how to place my utensils to indicate im just pausing or finished with that course. I don't care if someone uses the wrong spoon or God forbid keeps a fork from their appetizer and uses it with their salad. I'm interested in where their passion and heart lies, how can we make this a better place for our kids, parents or just community members.
Community service and volunterrism was not stressed to me or my friends I had in college. I believe that what many schools think make you a better community member doesn't. I did have advisors tell me to be in the ag Bus club or NAMA or etc, but it was followed with, it will look good on your resume, instead of you need to give back for what others have helped to already build. The clubs I did join typically were concerned in fundraising to take trips to either competitions or conferences, in all those years, I don't remember working around Ames or surrounding communities just to help out.
It has been a while since I was there and things could have and hopefully have changed. Hopefully some sort of community work, such as soup kitchen, animal shelter or the such is required to show community volunteering is important.
I guess I ran this rant to show why people my age kinda scoff at some of the "well rounded requirments" that schools require.