Southern colleges putting stealth ads into popular TV shows, framing their campuses as fun and aspirational

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:Because so many teenagers watch TV dramas? With Billy Bob Thornton?

Parents and Grandparents do, then they might suggest checking out this cool college they heard about on the teevee.

God bless the Boomer grandparents who think their college advice is worth anything.

Mat God bless you with more humility and kindness.

It’s true, though. As a parent, my own personal experience from 30 years ago is hardly worth anything right now, to say nothing of something I saw on some dumb TV show.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:"Landman" starring Billy Bob Thorton is the biggest drama on TV. A top sports reporter is suggesting a storyline involving Thorton's ex-wife and daughter on the show -- a stereotypical very attractive rich high school senior -- and her applying to schools like Texas Christian University and Texas Tech was paid advertising (product placement). While Northern and East Coast colleges obsess over U.S. News rankings, Southern colleges are framing their colleges on TV shows as places wealthy pretty kids want to go to. Pretty fascinating.

TCU is a very plausible school for a rich high school senior to fixate on. So would SMU. That entirely fits a narrative arc in a tv show.

If there's any corruption here, it's the focus on Big 12 schools while excluding SEC schools.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:I kind of loved the depiction of ASU on Never Have I Ever. I feel like ASU did not approve or pay for that advertising!

There are a weird number of posts on here where the OP central theme is “Southern Schools are surpassing NE elite schools as the most desired, best, coolest schools with all the richest, smartest and best looking kids who have the most fun and get the best jobs.” All these posts seem sort of try hard and pick me. I have relatives who are professors at two of these schools so I’m not opposed to them, but it’s just so weird how it seems like someone is trying to astroturf support for them.

These big time southern schools are hyper aggressive in their marketing and efforts to grow. There’s no denying their efforts are paying off.

Marketing the cute but simple girls and football heroes is working. No surprise. Not everyone can go to the top Universities in the Northeast. Why not try Mississippi with a 97% admittance rate, same with Alabama and every other state school and most private schools.

If you’re a basic B /C student it might be a nice change to try the South. Enjoy the culture shock and have a blast at the football games and parties.

And get in to a top 10 med school at the same time! Can’t beat it - Roll Tide!

I don't think it matters much, but most Alabama pre-med kids who get accepted to Med school attend an Alabama Med school. That's not a shocking conclusion. The vast majority do not attend a top 10 med school.

The acceptance rate of 57% is good...but nothing compared to acceptance rates from top schools which are 80%+.

Nope!! There are those lucky enough to go to UAB (top 30 med school and very difficult admit), but other than that, they go all over the country.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:I kind of loved the depiction of ASU on Never Have I Ever. I feel like ASU did not approve or pay for that advertising!

There are a weird number of posts on here where the OP central theme is “Southern Schools are surpassing NE elite schools as the most desired, best, coolest schools with all the richest, smartest and best looking kids who have the most fun and get the best jobs.” All these posts seem sort of try hard and pick me. I have relatives who are professors at two of these schools so I’m not opposed to them, but it’s just so weird how it seems like someone is trying to astroturf support for them.

These big time southern schools are hyper aggressive in their marketing and efforts to grow. There’s no denying their efforts are paying off.

Marketing the cute but simple girls and football heroes is working. No surprise. Not everyone can go to the top Universities in the Northeast. Why not try Mississippi with a 97% admittance rate, same with Alabama and every other state school and most private schools.

If you’re a basic B /C student it might be a nice change to try the South. Enjoy the culture shock and have a blast at the football games and parties.

And get in to a top 10 med school at the same time! Can’t beat it - Roll Tide!

I don't think it matters much, but most Alabama pre-med kids who get accepted to Med school attend an Alabama Med school. That's not a shocking conclusion. The vast majority do not attend a top 10 med school.

The acceptance rate of 57% is good...but nothing compared to acceptance rates from top schools which are 80%+.

Nope!! There are those lucky enough to go to UAB (top 30 med school and very difficult admit), but other than that, they go all over the country.

Nope!!! Most attend UAB, University of South Alabama, ACOM and VCOM.

We aren't just talking about the 20 or so scholars here...but all of Alabama med school acceptees.

[Anonymous]

The kids I know, mostly nice UMC hardworking kids, just want a fun and relaxed time in college. In today's world there is unquestionably a trend towards big flagships and southern schools.

You may not like hearing me say this, but the perception of the old elite LACs and universities is increasingly one of angry clueless woke people with invented social justicism. I know it is unfair to an extent as these colleges still have many great and very hardworking students, but there is an element of truth to it too. But many kids are looking at the northern schools and wondering why shiver their butts off for 9 months of the year while listening to harridan woke professors shriek about how horrible white people /thr US/ your heritage / gender / sexuality is. Why pay for that "privilege" when you can go to a relaxed laid back school where the vibe isn't dogmatic and ideological, have a good time and get the degree and find a nice boyfriend or girlfriend and get on with life.

Incidentally, I went to a fancy prep school and today's college matriculation lists is dominated by large state schools and southern schools whereas 30 years ago it was almost all northern LACs and Ivies. Pretty telling.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:The kids I know, mostly nice UMC hardworking kids, just want a fun and relaxed time in college. In today's world there is unquestionably a trend towards big flagships and southern schools.

You may not like hearing me say this, but the perception of the old elite LACs and universities is increasingly one of angry clueless woke people with invented social justicism. I know it is unfair to an extent as these colleges still have many great and very hardworking students, but there is an element of truth to it too. But many kids are looking at the northern schools and wondering why shiver their butts off for 9 months of the year while listening to harridan woke professors shriek about how horrible white people /thr US/ your heritage / gender / sexuality is. Why pay for that "privilege" when you can go to a relaxed laid back school where the vibe isn't dogmatic and ideological, have a good time and get the degree and find a nice boyfriend or girlfriend and get on with life.

Incidentally, I went to a fancy prep school and today's college matriculation lists is dominated by large state schools and southern schools whereas 30 years ago it was almost all northern LACs and Ivies. Pretty telling.

That is fine. For the majority of college students that are not UMC and may be looking for more then relaxation out of their college education, there are other options. There is something for everyone.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:The kids I know, mostly nice UMC hardworking kids, just want a fun and relaxed time in college. In today's world there is unquestionably a trend towards big flagships and southern schools.

You may not like hearing me say this, but the perception of the old elite LACs and universities is increasingly one of angry clueless woke people with invented social justicism. I know it is unfair to an extent as these colleges still have many great and very hardworking students, but there is an element of truth to it too. But many kids are looking at the northern schools and wondering why shiver their butts off for 9 months of the year while listening to harridan woke professors shriek about how horrible white people /thr US/ your heritage / gender / sexuality is. Why pay for that "privilege" when you can go to a relaxed laid back school where the vibe isn't dogmatic and ideological, have a good time and get the degree and find a nice boyfriend or girlfriend and get on with life.

Incidentally, I went to a fancy prep school and today's college matriculation lists is dominated by large state schools and southern schools whereas 30 years ago it was almost all northern LACs and Ivies. Pretty telling.

I don't see this remotely true at any of the fancy prep schools around DC, NYC or really anywhere. Even at fancy prep schools in the South....say Atlanta prep schools...have tons of Northeast private schools as destinations for these kids (yes, many at UGA and Ga Tech, but like 85% are attending OOS)...as well as top 20 private schools like Duke and Vandy.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:I kind of loved the depiction of ASU on Never Have I Ever. I feel like ASU did not approve or pay for that advertising!

There are a weird number of posts on here where the OP central theme is “Southern Schools are surpassing NE elite schools as the most desired, best, coolest schools with all the richest, smartest and best looking kids who have the most fun and get the best jobs.” All these posts seem sort of try hard and pick me. I have relatives who are professors at two of these schools so I’m not opposed to them, but it’s just so weird how it seems like someone is trying to astroturf support for them.

These big time southern schools are hyper aggressive in their marketing and efforts to grow. There’s no denying their efforts are paying off.

Marketing the cute but simple girls and football heroes is working. No surprise. Not everyone can go to the top Universities in the Northeast. Why not try Mississippi with a 97% admittance rate, same with Alabama and every other state school and most private schools.

If you’re a basic B /C student it might be a nice change to try the South. Enjoy the culture shock and have a blast at the football games and parties.

And get in to a top 10 med school at the same time! Can’t beat it - Roll Tide!

I don't think it matters much, but most Alabama pre-med kids who get accepted to Med school attend an Alabama Med school. That's not a shocking conclusion. The vast majority do not attend a top 10 med school.

The acceptance rate of 57% is good...but nothing compared to acceptance rates from top schools which are 80%+.

Nope!! There are those lucky enough to go to UAB (top 30 med school and very difficult admit), but other than that, they go all over the country.

Nope!!! Most attend UAB, University of South Alabama, ACOM and VCOM.

We aren't just talking about the 20 or so scholars here...but all of Alabama med school acceptees.

My experience is with the smart, program kids. Most do not attend UAB. I’d say Texas is the most represented. But know kids going to Vanderbilt, NYU, UCSF…

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:The kids I know, mostly nice UMC hardworking kids, just want a fun and relaxed time in college. In today's world there is unquestionably a trend towards big flagships and southern schools.

You may not like hearing me say this, but the perception of the old elite LACs and universities is increasingly one of angry clueless woke people with invented social justicism. I know it is unfair to an extent as these colleges still have many great and very hardworking students, but there is an element of truth to it too. But many kids are looking at the northern schools and wondering why shiver their butts off for 9 months of the year while listening to harridan woke professors shriek about how horrible white people /thr US/ your heritage / gender / sexuality is. Why pay for that "privilege" when you can go to a relaxed laid back school where the vibe isn't dogmatic and ideological, have a good time and get the degree and find a nice boyfriend or girlfriend and get on with life.

Incidentally, I went to a fancy prep school and today's college matriculation lists is dominated by large state schools and southern schools whereas 30 years ago it was almost all northern LACs and Ivies. Pretty telling.

Amherst has an 7% acceptance rate versus 35% back in the 1980’s.

Yeah the only possible explanation is wokeness. It’s definitely not rational people reacting to “even if I get a 1500 it’s still a lottery to pay $100k a year, forget it.

[Anonymous]

I have never heard of "Landman"--let alone that it is "the biggest drama on TV".

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:I kind of loved the depiction of ASU on Never Have I Ever. I feel like ASU did not approve or pay for that advertising!

There are a weird number of posts on here where the OP central theme is “Southern Schools are surpassing NE elite schools as the most desired, best, coolest schools with all the richest, smartest and best looking kids who have the most fun and get the best jobs.” All these posts seem sort of try hard and pick me. I have relatives who are professors at two of these schools so I’m not opposed to them, but it’s just so weird how it seems like someone is trying to astroturf support for them.

These big time southern schools are hyper aggressive in their marketing and efforts to grow. There’s no denying their efforts are paying off.

Marketing the cute but simple girls and football heroes is working. No surprise. Not everyone can go to the top Universities in the Northeast. Why not try Mississippi with a 97% admittance rate, same with Alabama and every other state school and most private schools.

If you’re a basic B /C student it might be a nice change to try the South. Enjoy the culture shock and have a blast at the football games and parties.

And get in to a top 10 med school at the same time! Can’t beat it - Roll Tide!

I don't think it matters much, but most Alabama pre-med kids who get accepted to Med school attend an Alabama Med school. That's not a shocking conclusion. The vast majority do not attend a top 10 med school.

The acceptance rate of 57% is good...but nothing compared to acceptance rates from top schools which are 80%+.

Nope!! There are those lucky enough to go to UAB (top 30 med school and very difficult admit), but other than that, they go all over the country.

+1 for sure!

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:Texas is the new land of opportunity with better cost of living, job opportunities, state tax, low in state tuition, dozens of state medical schools accepting local residents.

The Texas job market is heading down just like everywhere else.

And depending on where in Tx the COL is going up. Ask those in Austin.

I hate Texas but Austin is one of the only places in America where rents are decreasing because they’re actually building there.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:I have never heard of "Landman"--let alone that it is "the biggest drama on TV".

Try googling it. It’s very good

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:You may not like hearing me say this, but the perception of the old elite LACs and universities is increasingly one of angry clueless woke people with invented social justicism. I know it is unfair to an extent as these colleges still have many great and very hardworking students, but there is an element of truth to it too. But many kids are looking at the northern schools and wondering why shiver their butts off for 9 months of the year while listening to harridan woke professors shriek about how horrible white people /thr US/ your heritage / gender / sexuality is. Why pay for that "privilege" when you can go to a relaxed laid back school where the vibe isn't dogmatic and ideological, have a good time and get the degree and find a nice boyfriend or girlfriend and get on with life.

This is not how a lot of people think about the old elite schools - most non-DCUM (or NY, LA, etc.) people still think that it's Chad and Muffy studying something with no immediate practical value that can only lead them to law school, b-school, or a no-show job in the family business. The UMC bubble of some of the major urban areas may have that perception, but, to most of the country, they either haven't heard of those schools or assume it's a bunch of snobs that belong to a country club that has an unspoken undesirables list. This area vastly overestimates how many people can even name five SLACs outside the northeast corridor and maybe some parts of California.

For most kids in the US (not this little rarified bubble), their state flagship continues to be their target destination, and it's become increasingly harder for them to get into them as the people who used to look down their noses at said state flagship decide they no longer want to shell out the big bucks to freeze their rears off at a school the size of most suburban high schools for $250K anymore.

And, if you think that the trendy southern schools aren't dogmatic or ideological, well, bless your heart. It's a different ideology, but there's definitely an ideology.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:Texas is the new land of opportunity with better cost of living, job opportunities, state tax, low in state tuition, dozens of state medical schools accepting local residents.

The Texas job market is heading down just like everywhere else.

And depending on where in Tx the COL is going up. Ask those in Austin.

I hate Texas but Austin is one of the only places in America where rents are decreasing because they’re actually building there.

That...and people who moved there from CA and the East Coast are moving back. Heck, even MAGA folks who moved their from LA during Covid are moving back to LA because Austin just isn't particularly exciting and the weather in LA is so much better. All the tech folks moved back to SF once AI took off.