Update-I visited LSU, Ole Miss, Alabama, South Carolina, and Florida over break. I loved all of them, but LSU and Florida are now out. I know UF is ranked more highly, but honestly, it didn’t get a feeling of “I can totally see myself here” like I did at Ole Miss, Bama, and SC. I don’t think the difference in prestige is worth me regretting not going to a school that checks more of my boxes. LSU we just didn’t get enough time at for me to make a decision on. Tennessee is also no longer in the running, and neither is Arizona. I can’t fit in a visit to UTK, and I loved UArizona but the vibe just isn’t different enough for me. As for the remaining three, I’m stuck.
Ole Miss- It was SO southern and so preppy. I loved the architecture, the feel walking around, the Greek areas, the housing plans, the colors, and of course, the Rebel pride. It was clear that like it was said on the tour, "You graduate from the university, but you never graduate from Ole Miss. Oxford was the cutest little town, although it wasn’t immediately off campus, which I didn’t love. Also, it was kind of small. After going to a small Catholic school for four years, I want to be sure my university feels big. I could absolutely see myself here, but I am worried about the size and how isolated UM is. There’s NOTHING around it, and I’m scared it will feel too claustrophobic. There are two kids from my school there as freshmen this year, and a girl from my cheer team will be attending there this fall. We’re friends and I have nothing against her, but I’m not sure how I feel about seeing two girls I know. I’m aware it’s not a small university, but especially because of Greek life, I may want to go to some school where I don’t know anyone, so it’s completely new. However, size/isolation and knowing people are the only downsides. I LOVE everything else about Ole Miss. I know I said before money isn’t an issue, and it still isn’t, but the price tag here is less than the other two, and I got a few thousand a year in merit scholarships, that I’m proud of.
Alabama- THIS CAMPUS IS JAW-DROPPING. Everything is huge and impressive. I fell in love with the quad, loved seeing the river on the outskirts of campus, and I love Tuscaloosa. There are so many restaurants around, a movie theater, and shopping close enough by. I didn’t feel isolated at all. The strip right off campus is so cute, and I loved the parts of T-Town right off campus as well. The Bama spirit was VERY evident, and Bryant-Denny Stadium has to be the second most amazing building I have ever seen (Sleeping Beauty Castle being the first). The sheer magnitude of the Greek life here drew me in, and I love how big everything is. Nobody from my school is going there this year, and I’ve been proudly rooting for the Tide since visiting last year. I could definitely see myself here as well, and I don’t see how anything could possibly compare to Alabama football. On the other hand, on parts of campus, towards the gorgeous rec center and also by Lakeside housing, I got worried that maybe this huge campus is too big. I also don’t love how so many people tend to live off campus, or on the other side by Lakeside. If I were to choose another school, I’m afraid I would regret not choosing Bama because of how in love I have been with their sports and spirit for the past year, especially since they win so many sports. (I know winning isn’t everything, but after coming from a back to back state champs in football high school where football is THE sport, that’s the culture I’m used to. Also, Bama is southern, but more cowboy boots than pearls, (I know Greek life is more preppy and I love the idea of t-shirts and Nike shorts to class, I’m just saying). That vibe isn’t quite as appealing as the ones at Ole Miss and UofSC, but I could totally get into the culture here at UA.
UofSC- Carolina is pretty different from the other two, but I kind of love how different it is. It’s in the city but there’s still a distinct campus feel, and much of the housing is next to each other. I ADORE the Greek village here, how the houses are gorgeous and in their own little neighborhood. That was a huge plus for me, as was the Strom. I loved the buildings here, the landscaping, and the beautiful trees and flowers. The surrounding area is a big sell for me as well. I’m not normally a city girl, much more of a suburbs fan, but I love Columbia. It’s so pretty, there is so much to do, and yet it doesn’t feel overwhelmingly huge like Seattle sometimes does here at home. The culture here, especially with Greek life was more preppy and southern, and I could actually see myself living in South Carolina. (Ole Miss and Bama would be four year experiences, so thank goodness for their huge alumni networks). The South Carolina weather is wonderful (I don’t mind humidity, it’s better than the nonstop rain, so that’s good), and I love how close Savannah and Charleston and Myrtle Beach are. I love the stadium as well. I don’t know of anyone from my school that has gone there in at least 6 years, so it would be a completely new experience. I also like how although Greek life is big, it’s slightly toned down in comparison to UM and UA. The only downside is missing out on Bama Spirit, since out of the 3, it seemed to be the least spirited. I LOVE everything else about UofSC, and truth be told, I know some of my family wants me to go there. (I do recognize this is my decision, I’m just putting it out there).
These three are in a neck to neck tie, and I don’t know how to choose, so any advice would be appreciated. Thank you!
