Seriously considering Elon but I have some questions that I really need to investigate before getting serious…
It seems like a lot of the southern schools have more girls than guys. Elon is 60% female. Is this ratio extremely noticeable? Do people date? I know at schools like UNC the ratio is even more severe due to the number of gay guys? Is this Elon?
Also, what are the stats for business fellows like (How does a 32 act look)? Once you get invited to Fellows weekend, how many people get rejected? What do they base the decision on once you are at fellows weekend? What is the reputation of the business school? What kind of students thrive on campus? I know there is partying at every school, but is there an excess of partying at Elon? Any and all info is much appreciated.
I can’t answer all these questions, but I’ll tell you what I can. My daughter (soph) says that the 60/40 ratio is noticeable. It’s one of the very few things she doesn’t like about Elon. I don’t think it’s just southern schools though, I think there are just a lot more girls going to college than guys. The really selective schools, like Vanderbilt where my son went, or more tech based schools tend to be able to get a 50/50 ratio with qualified students, but most schools don’t seem to be able to do it.
My daughter has been on a couple of dates but that is not the culture overall. There’s definitely a party scene element at Elon, and within that it’s more of a hook-up culture. This is consistent with most universities. But there is also a niche for students who don’t choose to party and my daughter has found great friends there. (As an aside, from the experiences of my friends’ kids, the only way to get away from the party/ hook-up culture is to find a nice Christian university)
When we were looking at colleges, I read a book on Elon called “Transforming a College”. It said that most of the students at Elon test as extroverts on a Meyers-Briggs (ostensibly because they are attracted to the engaged learning more than introverts), but my daughter has plenty of introverted friends who love Elon. My daughter is thriving there. I cannot believe how much she has grown in 2 short years. She’s extroverted and loves people. She’s very middle class, doesn’t wear brand names or fit the “rich kid” stereotype, and she fits in just fine, has made lots of great friends and can’t see herself anywhere else.
I’m a current student so I’ll try to chime in and help out. As for the ratio, it’s actually more of a liberal arts school thing to be 60/40 in favor of girls. Quite simply, more girls are attracted to liberal arts than men. Whether you notice it or not depends on your major, as a business major my classes are male dominated, but in regular liberal arts classes theres a slight edge to females. In reality I think the imbalance is pretty overstated, people still manage to talk to/date/hookup with members of the opposite sex no problem. Elon has a decent population of gay men and women, but I don’t think it exaggerates the ratio at all.
Do people date? Yes. I started dating a girl my freshman year and continued to senior year. All of my roommates are dating as well. To be honest, this campus is full of beautiful people, so I can understand why people may not want to date and instead just “play the field”. But that would always be a personal decision, not just because dating culture doesn’t exist, because it does.
Average SAT is a 2040, which translates to a 31 ACT, so you’d be good there. It is a highly competitive program to be accepted to, and a lot of the weight is put on your in person interviews at Fellows weekend. Having good interactions with current Fellows and the program directors are the key for that weekend.
The business school is excellent. I had a pretty solid experience getting interviews and eventually a job through their career services. The business school is well ranked, and has a lot of young alumni who love helping out other Elon students. That really is key when you’re applying to jobs in business.
Students who thrive: typically outgoing and highly involved. A lot of Elon students love their extra-circulars as much as their in class work. Being involved in multiple clubs and organizations seems to be the norm for high achieving students here. Introverts can also do very well, but I think the majority of Elon students are extroverts. Very friendly, outgoing people.
Excess of partying? Up to you. If you’re looking for a party, you can usually find one at a bar or off campus house nearby. In my opinion its kind of a work hard, play hard type atmosphere. Students buckle down during the week and get their work done, and are still able to have fun on the weekends. It’s only excessive if you choose to make it excessive.
Hope this all helps!