<p>First of all....its a bit creepy, if you ask me, to start accusing other schools of being creepy. You are entitled to your opinion, but its getting a bit close to being over the line. </p>
<p>Her scores are not all that hot, to be frank about it. She should RETAKE the SAT and/or take the ACT and make sure she does some level of preparation for the exam. Its worth every dime you spend. If her parents can afford a private school, they can afford SAT preparation.</p>
<p>I support parents who want to send their kids to private and Christian colleges because they are obviously concerned about what goes at many schools. They are not wrong to be concerned. What goes on, even at prestigious schools, is often tragic and horrific. Every year we read in the newspapers about drunken parties that end up in tragedy. People have a right to expect that the money they are spending is not wasted on the immoral and illegal behavior of others. You may not agree with that. I have neighbors who say, "that is what ALL college kids do." NOT!</p>
<p>Second, Liberty is not 'creepy." Its a growing christian school in Lynchburg Virginia and has a growing reputation both academically and in sports. If its not your dream school, then that is fine. But it may be wonderful for your friend. She should visit and see for herself.</p>
<p>There is a never ending debate on whether parents have the right to control where their kids go to college. I am not a hard core "parents win" person, but I lean that way if they are paying for it. Its their money and they are under no legal obligation to pay for their kids education. They dont have to abdicate their role as parents (cf. best friends) just because their kids have graduated from high school and turned 18. That is my soapbox. I had a big influence, with my spouse, on what my kid decided, though it was my kid's decision in the end. We are happy with the decision.</p>
<p>Many schools have a religious heritage and that may or may not always equate to a moral and sober environment on campus. Some schools that are no longer officially sectarian, still have strict "dry campus" rules that are enforced. Some are more loose and teach theology and let the chips fall where they may. </p>
<p>Many so called "christian colleges" are very small, but some of them are wonderful schools. Some are affiliated with a particular faith, be it Catholic, Lutheran, Episcopal, Disciples of Christ, Quaker, Baptist, Presbyterian, Methodist, Moravian, etc. There are literally hundreds of schools like that in almost every state. </p>
<p>Your friend should pick up a copy of Barron's or Petersen's and start reading about each school. They are organized by state, geographically and contain some important and relevant information. Then make a list of 20 schools to BEGIN the process. Do more research online and by asking friends and counselors. Narrow the search down to 10 or so schools to make application after she RETAKES the SAT. She should NOT sit on her present scores. If she scores the same, after sufficient preparation, then that is what it is and it will help her select colleges that are either SAT optional or dont require uber high scores. But whatever she does, she (and you) should pick colleges that "fit" : academically, socially, culturally, geographically, financially etc. </p>
<p>Good luck.</p>