<p>So, for those of us who went or are considering going out of state, what kinds of advantages are there to going to the Northern US versus the Southern US? We all know about the Ivy League in the northeast, but what about the premier institutions in the southeast? What are the main differences, in your opinion, between top schools in these different regions? What kinds of things influenced your decision to go North or South? What area of the US most attacts you, including the West and Midwest? Was geography even a factor at all in your college decision?</p>
<p>pshh...that is such a stereotype...I hate when people think that the south is full of conservative, religious freaks! It's so not true and there is a lot of diversity at many of the top Southern schools. Sometimes it seems like northerners stress the importance of diversity and tolerance, but they are always critical and non-understanding of the south. I think that if a lot of the northerners came to south, they would be surprised about how great it is "down here"...I mean, what's so great about snow anyway? ;)</p>
<p>there is a ton of diversity at southern schools, just not the surroundings.
I visit my gay uncle in Tennessee at least once a year and from what ive seen, its not a stereotype to think that.</p>
<p>I'm comfortable with the south, so I wanted to stay in an area that I was used to. You really cannot beat southern hospitality. For awhile, I considered schools further west, because I when I was younger I lived in Colorado. But, then I realized it wasn't what I wanted.</p>
<p>There is a lot of diversity in the south. There area kinds of people that have various religious, political views. Also, most of the people are quite friendly as well. Where I'm going to school, in Tennessee, the people are so warm and welcoming. They really love the school and when I say that I'm going their they are really happy for me.</p>
<p>I've never been to the northeast and had no desire to go there for school. I wanted to stay close to home and in an environment I knew I could feel comfortable in.</p>
<p>It's all about where you're comfortable. There are many stereotypes about both sides that scare a lot of folks off, but the best thing to do is just visit and see for yourself. </p>
<p>There aren't really <em>that</em> many differences in Southern and Northern cities, but as the population drops you will generally see more conservatism and strong religious attitudes. Even small Southern towns aren't without their moderates (me) and liberals or Agnostics (me again) and other non-Christians, though. I may not agree with a lot of my friends' beliefs, but I still love the Southern feel. </p>
<p>Oh, and many of those strong conservatives and Bible-thumping Christians are pretty accepting as well. My closest friends are all extremely involved with their churches (which range from Catholic to Church of Christ to Latter Day Saint)...you don't have to be identical to enjoy someone's company.</p>
<p>I've lived in the North my whole life (for the most part, I was born in Socal, but that doesn't really count as "the south"), i see no reason to leave.</p>
<p>This has been discussed before. I don't think its a north/ south thing but rather a "type of person thing." Bottom line is certain people are more interested in people like themselves, while others tend to look for diversity as a positive thing. I've heard so many rich white kids say "I don't think diversity is race" and then have only rich white people at their parties. Girls at these parties aren't trying to be rude to minority guys, but they are "just attracted to" white guys. Its both an attitude and a culture, and as a minority myself I know that its uncomfortable and demeaning. Not to be political, but I find conservatives to be much less open.</p>
<p>This attitude is clearly more prevelant in the south than the north, but conversely a place like Emory, UNC, or Duke is 10 times more comfortable than a place like Miami of Ohio (which is FULL of rich white kids who do no independent thinking).</p>
<p>or the other parties just keep putting up crappy candidates. most people didnt vote for bush cuz they liked him, it was because they didnt want kerry</p>
<p>No, it's more than being gullible, stupid, lazy or consumed with self-interest. I was making a bit of fun, but there is an interesting question here.</p>
<p>I suspect leadership has more to do with it. GWBush is a real leader, despite his faults. When times are uncertain, people like that quality. Call him names if you will, but you know he's going to do his all to defend the US. That's why he was re-elected. The first time around (2000) it was a toss-up.</p>
<p>Being rich, white, and conservative doesn't mean that you aren't an independent thinker. Prominent liberals are mostly rich, white, and sheep-like as well.</p>
<p>I know I'm going to sound like an ignorant hick to some of you for saying this, but I don't see a problem in people wanting to be friends with certain "types" of people. Whether that means intelligent, religious, liberal, white, rich, etc. I don't think it's a problem until you start to put others down. </p>
<p>I mean, nobody looks at the list of people they have invited to a party to make sure they invited the proper ratio of races or says "I need one more Asian friend to balance out my white friends or I'll look racist!" </p>
<p>...at least I hope nobody's that messed up.</p>