<p>So I was checking out the state U (University of Kentucky, not that that's terribly important) and the impression I got (unsurprisingly) was that the school was terribly focused on partying and sports, to the detriment of, well, any actual education.
What are schools that are academic AND accessible? What I mean by that is, obviously the University of Chicago has a very serious academic culture, but most people. myself included, won't get admitted. In other words, what are schools that strike a balance between taking studies seriously but also being within reach of average to slightly above average students?</p>
<p>Even at the lowest-ranking institutions, and at the institutions with the biggest reputation for partying, there are hard-core academically focused students and professors. It is harder to find those people in a casual visit to the campus because they are holed up in the library, a laboratory, or a design studio. On your next campus tour, make note of the places that aren’t visited, then go there after the tour and check out how full those labs and library carrells are.</p>
<p>op, you’ve gotta be kidding. The current prime minister of Thailand was educated at even a lesser school, Eastern Kentucky I believe. Her older, former prime minister brother was educated at the very same school you mentioned. He is a billionaire as well. Well, I got curious after typing this message so I googled a list to inspire you… <a href=“http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/List_of_University_of_Kentucky_alumni[/url]”>http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/List_of_University_of_Kentucky_alumni</a> :)</p>
<p>A lot of big state schools that have reputations for partying have really good honors colleges, so you et the best of both worlds.</p>
<p>what are your stats? I can suggest schools if you give a bit more information. private message me if you’d feel more comfortable.</p>
<p>Okay, I found your stats and think I have a better idea of what you are looking for in a college.</p>
<p>Look at (some are a reach, so do interview if you can and make those essays spectacular):</p>
<p>-Ohio Wesleyan
-Beloit College
-College of Wooster
-Earlham
-Rhodes
-Centre College</p>
<p>super reaches (unlikely admission, but maybe choose one to aim for anyway, apply ED if you can afford to attend?) Look through their Common data sets to see the percentage of accepted students within your GPA range…may give you a better idea of which one to apply:
-Oberlin
-Denison
-Kenyon
-Case W</p>
<p>Does Ketucky have any reciproocity aggrements with other states? Just wondering if you actually have other state options? Sometimes if you are choosing a certain major, there will be an agreement that allows you instate tuition rates (New England has such an agreement and so do some of the mid-atlantic states with the Academic Common Market agreement). So look into that for Kentucky.</p>
<p>Send both your ACT and SAT scores --very impressive! Take 2-3 subject tests, send them as well. The super reaches require at least 2. You need some more nudging in your favor and you test very well. Good luck!</p>
<p>Truman State.</p>
<p>Average ACT is about 27; 25/75 range is 25-30.</p>
<p>Almost 45% of a graduating class will go directly to grad school.</p>
<p>Cheap also, with a 28 ACT and good grades, only about $20,000 per year for OOS.</p>
<p>Are you sure the super reaches require subject tests? I don’t think Denison does, I didn’t see it when I was looking at their admissions stuff for my son. Maybe I missed it.</p>
<p>jkiwmom - Thanks. I was vaguely aware of some of those colleges but hadn’t considered them, and some I hadn’t thought about at all.
All the southern states have reciprocity agreements with each other, but only for certain majors.</p>
<p>New College of Florida</p>
<p>Accepts more than half of applicants, and one of the cheapest schools around even for OOS. It’s a public school, but the complete opposite of a place like you described–the only varsity team is sailing and it’s one of the top schools for sending students to graduate schools, so you can bet on a serious environment. It’s also very small (think less than 800 students), and it’s kind of an alternative liberal artsy place with no grades. It’s like the Southern baby brother to Hampshire or Sarah Lawrence. It’s not for everyone (it’s a little small for my tastes) but you should definitely look into it.</p>
<p>@Haystack, true, no subjects tests required for Denison —it’s even test optional. Thanks for pointing that out! But I think with the OP’s gpa sending in scores to all schools is in their favor (33 ACT, 1400/1600 SAT, 2070/2400 SAT). A couple subject tests may help since OP tests well? Just a thought. Many applicants don’t realize that they can still send in additional scores although not required. Same is true for recs, although no one should over do it (the school has their rec limit in the fine print in “school forms section” on Common App. and it’s always 1 or 2 more than they require). </p>
<p>S1 loved Denison btw and came very close to attending (received Paschal Carter). I can’t say enough good things about DU --it’s a great school and a beautiful campus. I hope your son considers it!</p>
<p>* the state U (University of Kentucky, not that that’s terribly important) and the impression I got (unsurprisingly) was that the school was terribly focused on partying and sports, to the detriment of, well, any actual education.
*</p>
<p>You do understand that the profs and the school keep sports and academics separate, don’t you? There isn’t a “detriment of, well, any actual education.” That is a silly conclusion.</p>
<p>How about Transylvania? You can hang out at UK or avoid it all together.</p>
<p>Morehead and Centre are decent Kentucky schools. Also, check out Purdue and Miami. I’m kind of in the same boat as you.</p>
<p>Centre College, according to stateuniversity.com, is the best school in Kentucky. Forbes (granted, not the most respected ranking on CC) ranks it #14 in the country. I think almost any liberal arts college outside the top 40* or so should meet your criteria.</p>
<ul>
<li>depending on what you really mean by “slightly above average”</li>
</ul>
<p>Everyone should also be aware the OP is an international student.</p>
<p>If OP does not mind large research institution, just make the approx 3 hour drive (from Louisville, KY) up north to Columbus for great international community and quality of education at TOSU. Just got back from the local supermarket and saw USNWR Best College on magazine stand. As I glance through the latest ranking, I notice Ohio State scored 77, same as Boston College and Tufts in terms of Undergraduate Academic Reputation Index. Also, ACT score range 26-30 which is pretty accessible compared to other Top-Publics.</p>
<p>[Crowns</a> of Campus - YouTube](<a href=“- YouTube”>- YouTube)</p>
<p>OP: Definitely check out Dickinson College in Pennsylvania. They really have a strong mission toward attracting international students. Excellent academics but I also believe there is somewhat of a party atmosphere but every school has that. Not sure but I think USNWR rank is #37 and they accept about 50% of those who apply.</p>
<p>So, you’re an international.</p>
<p>Will your parents pay for wherever you go?</p>
<p>Are these your stats?</p>
<p>3.0 GPA and a 33 ACT?</p>
<p>I’m actually not an international student. I posted in the international student forums for Canada, because I am a dual citizen and entertaining the thought of studying up there. I was born in the United States, I live in Kentucky. Sorry for any confusion.</p>
<p>Yes, mom2collegekids, those are my stats.</p>