<p>Berea’s mission is to serve kids from Appalachia so they are favored. That said, their admit rate is low, sitting right between U Penn and CIT, fewer % admits than Amherst. I’d look into how many of the rejected were NOT from their target geographical area.</p>
<p>S visited to Berea and applied, it was the only school that rejected him. We live in Ohio, not the Appalachian part, but his stats were well above Berea’s so it’s hard to determine if it’s a reach or match based on stats. Also, if your family makes more than $X you will not be able to apply. An interview is mandatory. </p>
<p>But by all means look at it. It’s in a beautiful town, the campus is gorgeous and the teaching seems to be first class. And it’s basically free, though you work 10+ hours a week for the duration. But for someone who wants out of KY and to a big city…well Lexington is like 30 minutes away and that’s the 'big city".</p>