I’m applying to TCU most likely as early decision however I am an atheist but I would really like to attend the school. Is the school as religious as it claims to be or is it really flexible? Also does applying as an atheist ruin my chances?
Their focus on Christianity is an important part of the school culture and there are many students who are not Christian who attend. You will have to take a religion class; there is a Christian focus and the majority of students are Christian and open about their beliefs. Also, being a Christian school. there is an expectation one will not be criticized or challenged for those beliefs. You might ask yourself why, if you seem to strongly identify as an atheist, you would want to attend a Christian school when there are many great schools without a particular faith focus. I don’t want to know, it’s just a (non-rhetorical) question you might ask yourself.
I live in the area and I’ve known plenty of people who have no specific religious belief or values who do just fine at TCU. It is quite the party school so I don’t see an overflowing religious zeal there.