<p>megpmom - my son (in school in PA) is used to saying “yes, m’am” “no, sir”, etc. So far, everyone seems to be appreciative of it, but they immediately know he has southern roots!</p>
<p>getalifemom and smile, thank you for your honest and informative posts.</p>
<p>I live in the Chicago suburbs and my son is very interested in going to school in the South. He is preppy, conservative, and loves the idea of Southern culture and hospitality. </p>
<p>He’s going to visit U of Alabama and Auburn over President’s weekend and Ole Miss over spring break. </p>
<p>It’s disheartening to hear the responses that I get when I tell people from this area that my son is interested in going to school in the South. Even my pastor made a face and asked why!</p>
<p>For those who stereotype and turn their noses up at Southern schools and the South in general I would ask them to stop and think about how hypocritical their attitudes are. </p>
<p>I hope that my son attends one of the fine universities that I have mentioned. The experience of living in a different part of the country, along with well mannered and friendly people will serve him well.</p>
<p>lovemykids2: we are originally from NJ but relo’d to TN 8 years ago. My oldest D is a freshman at UA. When we made a trip back home this summer, a family friend asked her where she was going to college. She proudly said University of Alabama; the friend looked at her and said “aw, what’d you do wrong?” He was (kind of) kidding, but it stung a little. </p>
<p>What I wanted to say was “nothing, she has a full ride scholarship to a ranked research university, while your child is going to a CC (not that there’s anything wrong with that!)” but I didn’t because 8 years of living in the South has improved my manners. So I smiled and bit my lip :)</p>
<p>Loving this thread since D2 has Ole Miss on her list to look at.</p>
<p>Hi RobD,</p>
<p>I follow the U of Alabama thread closely, I love how lively it is! </p>
<p>My son won’t be receiving a full ride, how I wish! Good for your daughter, that’s terrific. I know that Alabama is very generous with scholarships, unfortunately, he’s a late bloomer academically so he won’t qualify for any. He has a 3.4 weighted GPA and scored a 23 on his first ACT, although I do think that will improve a few points on his February score.</p>
<p>He loves the idea of going South, even though he’s never visited before. My mother grew up in Virginia and we vacationed in the Carolinas throughout my childhood and I LOVE the South. </p>
<p>Selfishly, I hope that he ends up at Ole Miss, Alabama, or Auburn so that I have an excuse to visit more often! :)</p>
<p>Oxford is on my potential retire to list. :D</p>
<p>H is a southerner. I am from Maine.</p>
<p>Take a southern man any day of the week, personally. Both my kids grew up in Chicago and both say “yes maam,” “yes sir,” or their daddy would kill them. (figuratively, of course. They’d get a talking to, anyway.)</p>
<p>Youngest is a fan of all things SEC.</p>
<p>Hey ya’ll, don’t forget to have your precious young 'uns take a look at the University of Georgia! Red and Black are the proudest colors one could possibly wear. Goooooooooooooooooooooooooooo DAWGS!!! Sic 'Em!!!</p>
<p>Lovemykids - a man in our church, frowned and actually warned us of the “different thinking” before we sent our kid to New Hampshire!!</p>
<p>One of my friends warned that my D would “lose her religion” if she went to American. She received one of the clergy dependent scholarships and is leading a Bible study - go figure.</p>
<p>Er…Smile12157, I don’t believe that the OP has given much thought to whether or not the girls at Ole Miss are “drop dead gorgeous,” or that the speed limit on campus roads is 18mph. The OP wants to know what are HER chances, as a urban Minnesotan, of finding a good fit, academically and culturally at Ole Miss.</p>
<p>I think in between the “fun” things that smile12157 mentioned very useful information for the OP…
-like all the deep southern states, it is extremely hospitable
-the Sally McDonnell Barksdale Honors College is very good
-there is a large percentage of very serious students who get a very good education
-ole miss is a conservative school in a conservative area
-ole miss is very tolerant of liberals who are tolerant of conservatives
-fraternities and sororities are big on etiquette and manners
-the dress is preppy
-the small town is laid back, artsy and many aspiring writers reside in the corner coffee shops
-Oxford is a proud town and Ole Miss is a proud school
-traditions are entrenched although some traditions have been dropped that seem offensive to others</p>
<p>And I think the final lines sum it all up quite nicely -
"for the most part, the citizens of oxford and the students of Ole Miss are very generous, hospitable and tolerant of people from every where…however, the southern students are quite intolerant of northerners who think they have the world figured out and presume to know what is best for the southern culture… you would be wise to stay home if that is your attitude…you will simply be an outcast and ignored, politely of course "</p>
<p>Note: I don’t know anything about the OP, so I don’t really know what HER chances are. Only she can determine that. But smile’s post should give her a good idea of what Ole Miss is like.</p>
<p>“The OP wants to know what are HER chances, as a urban Minnesotan, of finding a good fit, academically and culturally at Ole Miss.”</p>
<p>I’m probably sure you read this on another thread, but my S spent last summer at Ole Miss. We are from the North East and he went to a rigorous competitive prep school. He had a great experience at Ole Miss on all levels. He is planning on going to Alabama next fall. </p>
<p>My opinions - If you are concerned about academics the honors college is top notch. You must have a high gpa to get in and stay in. Oxford is a beautiful town. It is a little small for my tastes. </p>
<p>S comments on the difference culturally was that people were more polite and generally more religious - meaning they went to church on Sunday. He was amazed how much he and his roommate from MS had in common - music, food, etc.</p>
<p>One of my best friends got accepted/attended UT Austin but then transferred mid year to Ole’ Miss… She loves it!</p>
<p>UT Austin to Ole Miss! Now that would be a culture shock! ;)</p>
<p>She said UT just wasn’t for her, but she loves Ole’ Miss!</p>