Im currently a junior in high school. Ive spent my whole life in Texas but I am looking for a true southern college experience. In college I wish to participate in Army ROTC. I plan on majoring in criminal justice or a business degree. I live for college football, especially SEC football. Can someone give me some insight on either university.
If you are interested in criminal justice, Tennessee has an excellent forensics program (you should do a search about its “body farm”). Not really “criminal justice”, but in the same genre. And, it is SEC (and if you consider Ole Miss real football, might as well add UT-K).
My daughter was born and bred in Houston. We knew nothing about Ole Miss until we visited. We both had a very positive experience there and it’s probably my daughter’s 1st choice. 1) Work had on standardized test prep this summer. Ole Miss has a published sliding scale on their website where they will give you X percentage off of out of state tuition with Y SAT/ACT score. If you do well, it could be cheaper than UT or A&M. 2) Reach out via email to the Ole Miss regional admissions officer in your area. In Houston its Roquee and she is an amazing resource. 3) Look at the Honors College there if you are a good enough student. They really treat the kids well there !!! 4) Do a road trip and visit with your parents. Its a beautiful place.
Ole Miss may offer a bit more “true Southern college experience” as it is smaller & less diverse. Only 40% of Alabama undergraduates are from Alabama, while 56% at Ole Miss are state residents. Oxford, Mississippi is a very interesting town.
Both schools report being 56% female.
Ole Miss had, and may still have, a special program for those seeking a career in the FBI.
Visit both and watch how requirements are changing for OOS merit.
My oldest attended Bama. I toured Ole Miss with my youngest.
I love everything Bama. I attended a small LAC in the Mid Atlantic. My personal preference is smaller, compact feel. This preference made me love Ole Misd campus set up. Felt like an enclosed campus. I loved the town square in Oxford.
Really, academically on par and both have devoted school spirit.
I’ve heard some people say a criminal justice degree isn’t all that marketable. Make sure you do some research about whether that degree will get you where you want to go. Ole Miss has this interesting alternative to a generic criminal justice degree:
http://chemistry.olemiss.edu/undergraduates/b-s-forensic-chemistry-degree/