I wouldn’t draw any big distinction between Auburn and Clemson when it comes to rural setting. I’ve been to both many times. Clemson is sometimes tongue-in-cheek referred to as “Auburn with a lake” (since they are very similar but Clemson sits on Lake Hartwell, which is a big plus in my book). And Clemson is only a half hour away from Greenville, which is a “cool” small city.
“I’ve watched the UW board over the last several years, and while an incomplete sample for admissions results, it does seem that below a 30 seems to put an OOS at substantial risk of rejection. It is possible they could be postponed, and then admitted late in March, but just as likely will get rejected.”
No doubt. Wisconsin is one of my favorite schools, and, in my opinion, quite possibly the most underrated university in the country. Joining the Common App will only make it more selective, and quickly. I am glad they kept their two essays. It should ensure that most applicants are serious about attending, this protecting its yield.
SDSU has the L. Robert Payne School of Hospitality and Tourism Management.
^^^
I suspected that SDSU would have something because it’s a tourist location.
Thanks for all the suggestions! San Diego State is definitely a possibility - has sports and a hospitality program. But no guarantee she’ll get in with her stats (kids with better stats from her HS have been rejected in the past). She’s not going to get into UCLA. She’s just outside the top 10% of her class. To get into UCLA from our HS, you have to be in the top 10 period, not top 10%. Only 2 or 3 kids from our HS get admitted to Cal or UCLA each year and usually they’re the val and sal. She’s not going to get into Cornell either. Thought about Clemson, 'Bama, and Auburn, but she’s not keen on the South socially/culturally. We visited UNLV. Great hospitality program, but we were really disappointed with the environs… it’s right next to the airport (loud!) and it’s a commuter school (virtually no one lives on campus). Maybe take a flyer at USC, but the Big 10 seems like more fertile ground. Michigan State has a highly ranked hospitality management program and sports, and her 26 ACT is right at the middle 50%. But its OOS tuition seems really high compared to other Big 10’s. We’re adding Purdue to the list (has hospitality and is about $10k cheaper than MSU) and U Minn (about $15k cheaper - no hospitality, though a good business school - but brrrrrrr!!!). Thanks again!
How about UMiami? She may get some merit aid with her stats. The schools is improving academically (up to # 44 in USNWR) and the football team is on the rise also (#10 in AP 2 weeks ago before losing 2 games) plus bball team made the Final 8 in the NCAAs. It will offer her a better undergrad experience than a UC. It has a good undergrad business school also and good internships opportunities.
Boston University has a hospitality program:
http://www.bu.edu/hospitality/
Ha! I’m laughing because just yesterday we were researching U Miami and decided to add it to the list. Her mother (my ex) is a graduate, so she has legacy. And this afternoon we’re attending a BU info session in SF!!! No football at BU, but she does like the idea of Boston and being within walking distance of Fenway. I grew up on the South Shore and we’re big Red Sox and Patriots fans in our house.
DD#4 loved the BU info session, ended up applying ED, and got her admission to School of Hospitality Administration today! Great aid package too, which makes net cost the equivalent of a CSU so she can afford to go. Thanks everyone!
Add the University of Central Florida to the list. They have a hospitality school, it is a match for the OP’s stats, OOS tuition is $22,500, they have football and lots of parties, and more hotels than anyplace else in the country not named Las Vegas.
https://hospitality.ucf.edu/files/2016/05/Hospitality_Management_BS.pdf
I have to second the recommendation of Central Florida. The hospitality program is very well regarded and there is no better place to get experience in the hospitality industry than Orlando, UCF has a big party atmosphere and big time sports. Miami is probably a big stretch with a 26 ACT.
Update: As noted above, DD was accepted to BU’s School of Hospitality early decision, got a great financial aid package (surprised based on what I’d heard about BU), and will be attending. Oh, and she did raise her ACT to 28 on the 2nd try. But thank you for the comments.
That’s great!