<p>S1 is interested in attending a socially and politically conservative college that is not affiliated with any particular religion. Conservatism doesn't need to be extreme, some liberal thoughts, ideas, and challenges should be part of a college experience. Anything right of center would be fine - just so he is not constantly distracted by the liberalism that permeates most college campuses and faculty.</p>
<p>Needs:</p>
<p>Engineering - At least Top 75 overall engineering programs (could be a smaller school w/ great engineering rep), but not engineering exclusive school.</p>
<p>Warmer weather preferred.</p>
<p>Big time sports preferred.</p>
<p>At least 5k students preferred.</p>
<p>Any suggestions? I really have all the data I need other than the conservative environment piece. Any thoughts on that would be welcome as would "best fits" among this specific group of criteria.</p>
<p>S has 31 ACT and a 3.8/4.3 GPA w/uw with a moderate level of ECs. Not a real strong writer so essays, where required, may be underwhelming.</p>
<p>Right now, I think Southern Cal, Virginia Tech, NC State, Cal Poly SLO, and Vanderbilt may be good fits for these set of criteria but I don't know much about their social/political climates. </p>
<p>Notre Dame and Villanova may also be good fits if religious affiliation is OK (assuming ND is still Catholic after the Pres. Obama fiasco).</p>
<p>So a top 75 engineering program, at a school that’s a bit more conservative than liberal, and which doesn’t have a specific religious affiliation. School should not be a pure engineering school. </p>
<p>Based on that, I think you should look at: Cal Poly SLO, Bucknell, Baylor, Virginia Military Institute, The Citadel, Georgia Tech, Virginia Tech, Texas A&M College Station, Case Western, Iowa State, Clemson, U Tennesssee, Kansas State U, U of Utah, US Military Academy, US Naval Academy, US Air Force Academy, and maybe Rensselaer Polytechnic. </p>
<p>Of course, some of those are more liberal than others, and you’ll need to check each one for your comfort level re: conservatism. But all are good engineering schools, and relative to most unis, they’re a bit more on the conservative side; and some are very conservative.</p>
<p>Folks, Thanks for all the suggestions. Great ideas. TAMU does seem to be a perfect fit given the criteria I listed, but I think that school may be a little too “Texas” for an introverted out-of-stater. Great school with fabulous traditions, but I don’t think it would be a good fit.</p>
<p>GT - another good fit, but S doesn’t like urban campuses.</p>
<p>Clemson - hadn’t really considered, but will now. I think the Carolina’s would be a great place to make a life after college.</p>
<p>Cal Poly and USC will probably make the final 6 or so for sure.</p>
<p>I agree with most suggestions that have been posted on here so far, but I’ll add my input… Texas A&M, Clemson, Auburn, and GA Tech are probably some of your best bets. </p>
<p>However, most of the conservative ones will be in the Southern US, generally speaking. But you could also try for someplace like Iowa State, Oklahoma, Mizzou, Arizona State, Nebraska, etc. They may not be right of center politically, but I imagine that they’re fairly balanced as far as colleges go.</p>
<p>Conservative and College? Hmm I think higher education is too elitist for real conservatives who relish in their anti-intellectualism. Just forgo college and listen to that slob Rush or that crybaby Hannity.</p>
<p>Agree with Harry B.- should take a look at Lehigh. Less than 5,000 student population, a top Engineering Department, gorgeous campus and does not lean to the left or right and will probably have the best 4 years of your life. Drawbacks…weather, hilly, mostly apathetic regarding D1 sports, except for the Lehigh-Lafayette rivalry.</p>