<p>I'm a Mom from the Chicago suburbs with a junior D, who is interested in going to school in the South. We have been researching, but feel like a fish out of water when it comes to Southern schools. It looks like there are some gems but would love to hear from anyone with firsthand experience.</p>
<p>D is a hardworking A/B student, who is social but unsure about Greek life. She attends a large, competitive high school. She seems to be interested in the 5,000 student size school but is open looking at the state schools.</p>
<p>Wake Forest and University of Richmond are about that size. Both are well-respected with a fair amount of geographical diversity of the student body. They are quite selective schools but not semi- impossible for admissions the way that Duke and now Vanderbilt are.</p>
<p>Is money an issue? If you are hoping for merit money, it is helpful to know test scores. The school that immediately comes to mind is Furman, but like almost every private school you look at the COA with be north of 50k.</p>
<p>I would also look at Elon, Emory, College of Charleston and Tulane. Smaller but also great are Centre, Rhodes, Transylvania, and Hendix. </p>
<p>The Greek issue will vary from campus to campus. At some schools Greek life can be over 30%. On campuses like that, it is often the case that Greek life is anything but typical. Kids that would never be Greek are happy in houses, and they find that the places have distinctive personalities. Large campuses with Alabama have a vibrant Greek life with enormous houses that have incredible variety among their members. Of course, she can always find a place outside of Greek life at most campuses. </p>
<p>I think campus visits are crucial for you. After living through all those Chicago winters I am sure she will appreciate the weather.</p>
<p>Thanks for your reply. She takes the ACT in 2 weeks. Her GPA is 3.6 and she’s 175 out of 1000 for class rank. However, she is not a strong standardized test taker.</p>
<p>I think she would do better in a more “nurturing” school, smaller class size, professor contact, etc.</p>
<p>Money is an issue as I already have 2 in college.</p>
<p>Have her take the SAT as well. Some do better on that.</p>
<p>Since money is an issue, be clear with your D about how much you’ll spend each year. That way she’ll know the limitations.</p>
<p>Most schools do NOT meet need. And, unfortunately the schools that give the best aid (especially if EFC for 3 is lowish), usually require highish test scores.</p>
<p>What is your EFC for each of your two that are in school? Will each child’s EFC be quite low once 3 are in school? </p>
<p>Use the NPCs on each schools’ website.</p>
<p>Look at Birmingham Southern (alabama)…use their NPC too.</p>
<p>University of Montevallo (alabama) is a public LAC…gives good merit for good stats. </p>
<p>Look at Truman St in Missouri</p>
<p>Does it have to be the South? How about DePauw in Indiana…gives good aid, but may not meet need especially if need is high.</p>
<p>Do you consider Texas the south? We have SMU, TCU, Rice, St. Edwards, Austin College, Southwestern Univ - all nice privates. State schools - UT Austin, University of North Texas, Texas A&M. </p>
<p>Thank you all so much for your replies. Lots of great info to research. Yes, I do consider Texas the south. The automatic tuition reimbursement post was awesome.</p>
<p>I really don’t think of Missouri as being a Southern state but since Mizzou is in the SEC, I am obviously wrong! In any case, check out Westminster College in MO. It is smaller than what your daughter thinks she wants but it does have small classes, and it is a LAC with an even M-F ratio. There is Greek Life but the sororities don’t have housing. Many students are from Arkansas, TX and of course MO. There also is a very large international student population. Your daughter’s scores should qualify her for merit aid.</p>
<p>Little factoid: Westminster College hosted Winston Churchill when he gave his Iron Curtain speech back in the 40s.</p>
<p>I believe the reason she is looking at the South is because very few kids from our area go to Southern schools, and she wants to venture somewhere different. I also think the weather plays a role. This has all surprised me, but she’s very determined. The more I look into it, the more appealing the idea is to me. I’ve read about some terrific schools, but we are going to do some campus visits this summer. No time to do before then.</p>
<p>Auburn is a great school. It’s in a very small town in Alabama and although it’s a little bigger than your D is looking for it doesn’t feel big when you’re there. The campus is so nice and I have never felt more southern charm than I did there. They also give out some decent scholarships. It’s worth taking a visit. I’m from the south, Florida to be exact, and I’m the exact opposite of your D. I want to head North!</p>
<p>We are from the Chicago suburbs, too. mgp above forgot to mention Trinity University in San Antonio, TX. My daughter went there and loved it. It has a beautiful campus, wonderful academics, is in a great place for you to visit your daughter, and no winter.</p>
In any case, check out Westminster College in MO. It is smaller than what your daughter thinks she wants but it does have small classes, and it is a LAC with an even M-F ratio. There is Greek Life but the sororities don’t have housing. Many students are from Arkansas, TX and of course MO. There also is a very large international student population. Your daughter’s scores should qualify her for merit aid.</p>