<p>Hey. I have a dilemma, and any input of any form would be greatly appreciated.<br>
I am somewhat of a top student at a tiny school (translation: run of the mill for the likes of CC :)) but I want to get the best education I possibly can. The problem is that while I <em>might</em> be capable of getting admitted into a top school, there's no way I can pay for it without major scholarships--and I'm not that perfect of a student. I am a junior and I live in Mississippi. I can get a full scholarship to Ole Miss or Mississippi State, but I really want to find a school with a more intellectual and academically rigorous system. A nerd school, basically, or at least a really challenging one. I am not sure what I want to do but leaning vaguely towards liberal arts--int'l relations, politics, business, journalism..I really just don't know yet. My parents are pushing me to save the expensive but great school for graduate degrees. (aka Vanderbilt, Rice, and a few others). I'm okay with this, but I really want to find the best state school I can for undergraduate. I am having trouble finding much information about southern public universities. For example, does Alabama, Auburn, or Tennessee have a better liberal arts curriculem or reputation than Ole Miss? Ole Miss is supposedly quite good, but I can't stand the oppressive preppiness. Are any honors colleges particularly good in the southern-publics? Does anyone know of any reliable resources for finding such information? Any help would be GREATLY appreciated! Thank you.</p>
<p>Try University of Florida, University of Georgia (very good honors program), and, if you can get in, chapel hill.</p>
<p>UNC-Chapel Hill, UF, UT-Austin, University of Georgia, Georgia Tech, UMD-CP...try studentsreview.com for info on colleges.</p>
<p>It's a private LAC, not a state school, but look at Hendrix College in Conway, AR. Excellent liberal arts education and generous with financial aid. Good luck in your search!</p>
<p>From what I understand, the Honors program at Ole Miss is one of the best in the country. The academic experience you want may be close to home. There is also the New College of Florida, which is gaining a very positive reputation for academic rigor. <a href="http://www.ncf.edu/%5B/url%5D">http://www.ncf.edu/</a></p>
<p>Also, if one is an accomplished student, even at a high school that may not offer all the opportunities others might, private colleges can often be cheaper than even in-state colleges because of the merit aid provided. There is a thread dedicated to schools with good merit aid on the Parents Forum.</p>
<p>Alabama Honors isn't bad, especially the Blount</a> Undergraduate Initiative for liberal arts folk and the Computer-Based</a> Honors Program for science and engineering students. I hear Ole Miss Honors is quite respectable regionally.</p>
<p>thanks to all of you!</p>
<p>UNC--Chapell Hill and UVA are really REALLY good. UGA (honors), exas--Austin, and University of Florida are also really good. UGA (not honors), USC (South Carolina), and NC State are good too. Auburn and LSU aren't bad.</p>
<p>Rice is MUCH cheaper than other comparable private colleges.</p>