I think first design is simple and helps people focus only on certain information and stories before diving deeper. I think the second layout tries to fit too much information on one page and therefore nothing is highligted.

I just want to say that one of the most frustrating things for me as a user many webpages is needless change in interface. The osu.edu page is a central hub for information and management of school related issues. The present interface works. It looks professional and one can efficiently find what s/he needs with smooth navigation. Any design will benefit or harm the experience of any NEW user to a page. Any change will disrupt the 60,000 plus present users. We learn where things are and know where to look when certain needs arise after a quarter. I'm angry that the library search interfaces have changed. I knew them well and could accomplish what I needed in an efficient manner. Now it has been changed and I have to waste time learning where things are specifically. New themes (colors, patterns, picture changes, etc.) are good to keep the experience fresh, but structural changes are OBNOXIOUS.

As a senior in HS presently who is down to deciding between OSU and MIT, I've noticed a few key differences about the web design for each institution.

www.mit.edu

Going there, finding EVERYTHING you could ever possibly want in ONE click is a possibility. The one click advantage is huge.

Also, if you click, under Admissions, "Undergrad", it takes you to a comprehensive, almost self-supporting area of the web site designed for prospective students. THAT is the real area I would like to see redesigned.

High schooler such as myself don't usually have a lot to go on when college searching. These days, we usually rely HEAVILY on the college's website to sell itself. So the prospective undergrad area is CRUCIAL, and MUST be easy to navigate.

Even more so, and this ties back to the subject of my comment, BLOG ACCESS is key! Again, if you go to mit.edu and then click Undergrad, it takes you immediately to an area where blog posts are organized and accessible. You have to navigate a bit through numerous menus to find the OSU student blogs. And there is NO place where we can see all student blogs.

I promise, students looking for colleges LOVE student blogs; they answer questions that you don't get to ask anywhere else, particularly with Student Life. And Student Life is something OSU does extremely well.

Thanks,
Rob

mit has changed quite a bit ( in a good way). I am afraid of change and be the first one to admit.

The second layout is way too busy, way too much content, but that's just my opinion. Colors are great, I don't think it can get better. Great job overall.