<p>I apologize in advance for this long message.</p>
<p>My father graduated from Ole Miss and it was very important to him that I apply there. I've been accepted and have deferred to the spring semester of next year, which gives me time to decide whether I'd like to attend or not. However, something that concerns me after personal research is that I'm not quite sure Ole Miss is the fit for me.</p>
<p>I've actually read through old threads here about the university and the following is what really concerns me:</p>
<ol>
<li>Greek life is apparently dominant</li>
<li>Interest in football is an unspoken (assumed) must for fitting in</li>
<li>It's widely recognized as a party school </li>
<li>Very small town</li>
</ol>
<p>I've explained to my parents my concerns, which are that I'm not a party girl and I'm not into football at all, which might lead to me having a miserable time at a university that is apparently all about partying and football games. I do enjoy socializing and having a good time, but I don't drink and I don't care for sports. I'm also a bit shy so parties have never been my idea of a good time. And I just can't get into football - believe me, I have tried. ;)</p>
<p>I suppose the question here is, would someone who could not afford to even think about rushing for a sorority, is not a fan of parties, and is not a fan of football, flourish and be happy at Ole Miss?</p>
<p>Universities have a lot more to offer than that. With that said, if you really want to attend go ahead. Their is much more things to do at the school.</p>
<p>*at a university that is apparently all about partying and football games. *</p>
<p>I really doubt that this is a fair assessment. Just because a school has a Div I football team in a top conference, then that doesn’t mean that the university is “all about” football.</p>
<p>And, as for partying…I have news for you…kids at virtually all schools party (except maybe the bible colleges). My nephew goes to Tufts and he swears that the best parties are at MIT…so that’s where he and his friends head to on weekends. </p>
<p>My kids go/went to a “party school” also in the SEC. NO big deal. My kids have plenty of friends who don’t get wasted on weekends. Serious kids in serious majors can easily find many friends who socialize intelligently and are academically focused. </p>
<p>My older son had NO interest in football prior to enrolling. Zero interest. Nada. However, after going to a couple of games, he began to really like the “event aspect”…the music, the band, the dancers, and even the football game itself. Going to a big Div I football game is half about the game and half about the “fluff”…music, singing, videos on Jumbotrons, etc.</p>
<p>If you don’t like Ole Miss for other reasons…such as the small town limitations, then that can be a real challenge. What other schools interest you?</p>
<p>kgirl, I think your concerns are valid. My nephew attends Ole Miss and is frustrated with the same issues that you are concerned about (though I don’t think the small town part bothers him as much). Greek life is absolutely dominant there; and it’s definitely more of a party school than, say, Rhodes. My nephew joined a fraternity but doesn’t “love” it.</p>
<p>Have you applied to/been accepted at other schools that seem like a better fit for you? Would your parents be willing to let you choose another school? If you give Ole Miss a fair shake by visiting the campus, perhaps spending a night in the dorm, and still decide it’s not the best place for you, perhaps your folks would be comfortable with your decision to go elsewhere.</p>
<p>That said, mom2collegekids is no doubt correct that not <em>everyone</em> there is into partying and football. If you don’t have other options, no doubt you can make Ole Miss “work” for you by seeking out like minded students.</p>
<p>We are considering Ole Miss and have some of the same concerns as the OP. You might want to check out the new Residential College at Ole Miss. I think it might give you more of the experience you are looking for.</p>
<p>You’re right about the main culture there. However, at every school there will be people who share your interests. Keep an open mind - if you think it will be bad, it will be, but if you stay positive, you’ll definitely enjoy your time at Ole Miss. A girl from my school is going there too and is also shy, anti-football, and not a partier, but she’s already met several friends who share her (academic) interests, and she’s only just moving in.</p>