What’s the deal with TN?

[Anonymous]

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Anonymous wrote:DD 3.5 W was denied but offered Fall 2027 admit. 🙄. Thankfully she has other options.

So interesting about a 2027 admit offer, never heard of that! Also, the interest in southern schools from liberal DMV people is interesting, particularly because those schools tend to skew conservative.

Are you sure? These are R1 flagships with top researchers in liberal college towns. You might want to check your bias.

I'm just saying with the TN student population, one will be forced to deal with modern day republicans, something you wouldn't need to do with so many coastal schools.

And they will be forced to deal with modern day liberals. Which is a good thing for all concerned.

WTF do you think is the purpose of college?

Hint: it’s confronting new ideas, new people, and new environments, as well as learning the skills (hard and soft) that one needs to thrive.

+1
People like the PP enjoy living in their airtight echo chambers. God forbid others have different opinions.

My DS will be attending a NE private that is socioeconomically diverse with international students from all over the world. He will encounter a wider variety of cultures, opinions and lifestyles than he would at a SEC school with the possible exceptions of UGA and Florida.

What percentage of students at your kid’s school are Black? How about the state in which the college is located? I’ll be waiting.

Not the PP but UTK is 5% black. I'm not sure that's exactly a flex. Especially considering TN is 17% black.

So you’re saying the state of TN has a higher Black percentage than Mass? How interesting!

So you say a kid at UTK is going to venture off to Memphis while on spring break to commune with the black folks of TN? Give me a break. You're missing the headline. UTK is not representative of the state that it serves even though ~80% of UTK is from TN. You don't find that alarming?

Boston College and Tufts actually have black students that represent the state.

Again, this is not the flex you think it is.

-Black mom with kid going to HBCU

+1

We were struck by how white Knoxville is (both the campus and the town).

My husband wondered aloud if that might be one of the draws for some white kids from more diverse areas like the DC metro area. It’s just so striking…you can’t miss it when driving around.

We were also struck by how many people had so many visible tattoos (like, multiple huge ones). We felt like the only people without ink surrounded by people who looked like they had just done hard time in prison.

FTR, we don’t have a kid there and we didn’t seriously consider it. We were in the area for another reason.

HBCU mom. Also this is not a statement of anti south or even anti SEC. My kid is in the south and considered LSU. Didn't even apply anywhere north of PA.

I’m the pp that the HBCU mom is responding to, and FTR, I have two kids at SEC/southern schools…just not TN.

I think most dcum posters would be pleasantly surprised (shocked, even?) if they bothered to tour SEC schools or any school in a red state. They would probably be surprised to meet a diverse student body (including lgbtq students and profs) from across the country and around the globe. They would probably be surprised to see all different kinds of kids living and working together without issues.

This doesn’t fit their biased assumptions that aren’t grounded in any firsthand experience.

I think kids can get a fine education at an SEC school, and these schools are good fits for many of them. Lots of good people there.

But having spent time in the South with family, my DS concluded that he would have a culturally more diverse experience at an urban, large NE private, which is correct.

There’s a world beyond northeastern and Southern kids getting to know each other, a world beyond MAGA and liberals, and some of us are more interested in that.

Right…including kids like mine who were raised in the most diverse county in the country, attended very diverse mcps schools (not the ones on the west side of the county that are the most affluent and least diverse), were raised by very liberal parents with social justice type careers, who developed a very diverse friend group starting in preschool all the way through high school.

I’m glad my kids stepped out of their diverse-yet-liberal bubble for college. While they had traveled the US and abroad, they hadn’t lived in a red state before. Now they have. And I can report they are better for it.

I think going to a NE school or any private college in a blue state would have been strikingly comparable to mcps and MoCo.

My kid can basically thrive in any situation. Drop them into any social setting among strangers and they can quickly make friends, network, etc. No fear, no judgment, no labels; just leveraging soft skills backed up by a solid foundation of treating people the way they want to be treated.

As southern cities continue to boom, I wonder how some kids who have never set foot in a red state will fare if they wind up there for a job.

They'll be fine, given that a lot of big cities in red states are blue.

Honestly, how could they be fine when countless posters make clear they would sooner cut off their arm than allow their kid to go to school in a red state? That sort of blanket statement underscores a lifetime of bias, assumptions, and labels. College campuses skew liberal, yet these posters paint pictures of MAGA frat bros and ditzy blondes only interested in finding a husband comprising the entire student body. They assume everyone is white and stupid. Zero diversity, and rampant racial violence surely must occur during daily interactions.

It’s that sort of irrational fear that undoubtedly affects kids raised by such people, so how can they magically stretch enough to even consider a job in a (Gasp!) red state?

And even more directly: I wonder how many privileged white kids raised in diverse areas like DC who are essentially educated in elite, affluent, and mostly white schools and live in expensive, mostly white neighborhoods who go onto fancy private colleges in New England (or similar) would consider someplace like Atlanta or Birmingham (cities with large black populations) or anyplace in FL or TX (which have largely been labeled as no go zones by dcum). Heck, what about Arkansas? Would your grad from Northwestern or Columbia or Middlebury even consider a six figure job offer in any of these places, or would they be frightened by the possibility?

Based on the nonsense I routinely read on dcum posted by presumably good people with liberal views so strong they have created black and white lines that prompt them to immediately make assumptions and label people, schools, and entire states, I am hesitant to believe kids raised under such circumstances are open-minded and comfortable in any setting.

WELL SAID. Probably the best post I’ve ever read on DCUM.

[Anonymous]

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Anonymous wrote:DD 3.5 W was denied but offered Fall 2027 admit. 🙄. Thankfully she has other options.

So interesting about a 2027 admit offer, never heard of that! Also, the interest in southern schools from liberal DMV people is interesting, particularly because those schools tend to skew conservative.

Are you sure? These are R1 flagships with top researchers in liberal college towns. You might want to check your bias.

I'm just saying with the TN student population, one will be forced to deal with modern day republicans, something you wouldn't need to do with so many coastal schools.

And they will be forced to deal with modern day liberals. Which is a good thing for all concerned.

WTF do you think is the purpose of college?

Hint: it’s confronting new ideas, new people, and new environments, as well as learning the skills (hard and soft) that one needs to thrive.

+1
People like the PP enjoy living in their airtight echo chambers. God forbid others have different opinions.

My DS will be attending a NE private that is socioeconomically diverse with international students from all over the world. He will encounter a wider variety of cultures, opinions and lifestyles than he would at a SEC school with the possible exceptions of UGA and Florida.

What percentage of students at your kid’s school are Black? How about the state in which the college is located? I’ll be waiting.

+1

My kids both opted for SEC/southern schools that I’m quite confident are far more diverse both racially, culturally, socioeconomically, and politically than the pp’s small NE private bubble where everyone looks, talks, and thinks alike.
Their parents might as well homeschool them since they clearly aren’t interested in having their 18 year old actually broaden their horizon, live and work among people from all walks of life, challenge their opinions, and (gasp!) be open to discovering that at the end of the day most of us have far more in common (think: our humanity, goals, and morals) and are far more than any political label.

Re: TN - Like Clemson, Auburn, and many other southern schools, TN quickly became very popular. The sudden and dramatic influx of applications (including tons of smart kids from the DC metro area and east coast looking for merit dollars and a fun college experience) allow the school to be more selective. Just a handful of years ago these schools were safety schools, and now kids with great stats are being deferred.

If you want to get ahead of this, the new schools throwing big money at kids from our DC area are Ole Miss, LSU, KY, and Bama. I know kids on full rides at these schools who will go onto med school and law school. Their parents are thrilled to have money available for grad school, and their kids will likely have an edge when they apply when coming from schools that aren’t the typical feeders—and when their essays, internships, volunteer work, etc. demonstrate a unique and well-rounded life experience.

+100
So sick of blowhards like the poster bragging that her kid’s “NE private” is somehow more diverse than a large state school in the South (or anywhere). Spare us all.

That is not what PPs said. A PP expressed an expectation that the diversity of a college (especially a state college) match that of its state. Tufts in fact does while UTK's does not. For what it's worth Ole Miss is over 10% Black but that is MUCH lower than the Black population of the state (around 30%).

In any case, I have no problem with the SEC schools and understand why a lot of students love them. What I find downright weird is how many posters claim that they are MORE desirable than the private colleges in the Northeast. When you compare the numbers of applicants between say Alabama and NYU (roughly same size schools), NYU has twice as many. And of course the acceptance rates and yield rates are even more spread apart.

How about comparing NYU to top flagships like UF, UGA, Texas?

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:DD 3.5 W was denied but offered Fall 2027 admit. 🙄. Thankfully she has other options.

So interesting about a 2027 admit offer, never heard of that! Also, the interest in southern schools from liberal DMV people is interesting, particularly because those schools tend to skew conservative.

Are you sure? These are R1 flagships with top researchers in liberal college towns. You might want to check your bias.

I'm just saying with the TN student population, one will be forced to deal with modern day republicans, something you wouldn't need to do with so many coastal schools.

And they will be forced to deal with modern day liberals. Which is a good thing for all concerned.

WTF do you think is the purpose of college?

Hint: it’s confronting new ideas, new people, and new environments, as well as learning the skills (hard and soft) that one needs to thrive.

+1
People like the PP enjoy living in their airtight echo chambers. God forbid others have different opinions.

My DS will be attending a NE private that is socioeconomically diverse with international students from all over the world. He will encounter a wider variety of cultures, opinions and lifestyles than he would at a SEC school with the possible exceptions of UGA and Florida.

What percentage of students at your kid’s school are Black? How about the state in which the college is located? I’ll be waiting.

Not the PP but UTK is 5% black. I'm not sure that's exactly a flex. Especially considering TN is 17% black.

So you’re saying the state of TN has a higher Black percentage than Mass? How interesting!

So you say a kid at UTK is going to venture off to Memphis while on spring break to commune with the black folks of TN? Give me a break. You're missing the headline. UTK is not representative of the state that it serves even though ~80% of UTK is from TN. You don't find that alarming?

Boston College and Tufts actually have black students that represent the state.

Again, this is not the flex you think it is.

-Black mom with kid going to HBCU

Speaking of “not quite the flex you think it is,” your kid is opting to go to a school where everyone there is just like them. So much for your concern about diversity!
DP

Very much so. My concern for diversity is because we ARE in the minority group in this country. One where nooses are no longer considered a hate symbol. Walk a mile in our shoes and I dare you not to want safety and belonging during these times. I'm not trying to flex, I'm supporting my kid's desire to be in a safe and nurturing environment. But if you're that concerned, you'll be happy to know my kid is on track to also get a dual degree from GA Tech as well.

The HBCU dual degree programs really are the best of both worlds.

[Anonymous]

TN is a great state and Knoxville is a charming small city. You can give it a chance, or you can sit comfortably in your prejudices. Either works for me.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:DD 3.5 W was denied but offered Fall 2027 admit. 🙄. Thankfully she has other options.

So interesting about a 2027 admit offer, never heard of that! Also, the interest in southern schools from liberal DMV people is interesting, particularly because those schools tend to skew conservative.

Are you sure? These are R1 flagships with top researchers in liberal college towns. You might want to check your bias.

This is true but UTK has a very conservative culture and was considered one of the most homophobic colleges anywhere in the US

Cite?

https://www.wbir.com/article/news/education/ut-most-lgbtqia-unfriendly-university/51-9e1231c8-bb40-40ae-b9b4-0e22c1d609d5

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:DD 3.5 W was denied but offered Fall 2027 admit. 🙄. Thankfully she has other options.

So interesting about a 2027 admit offer, never heard of that! Also, the interest in southern schools from liberal DMV people is interesting, particularly because those schools tend to skew conservative.

Are you sure? These are R1 flagships with top researchers in liberal college towns. You might want to check your bias.

I'm just saying with the TN student population, one will be forced to deal with modern day republicans, something you wouldn't need to do with so many coastal schools.

And they will be forced to deal with modern day liberals. Which is a good thing for all concerned.

WTF do you think is the purpose of college?

Hint: it’s confronting new ideas, new people, and new environments, as well as learning the skills (hard and soft) that one needs to thrive.

+1
People like the PP enjoy living in their airtight echo chambers. God forbid others have different opinions.

My DS will be attending a NE private that is socioeconomically diverse with international students from all over the world. He will encounter a wider variety of cultures, opinions and lifestyles than he would at a SEC school with the possible exceptions of UGA and Florida.

What percentage of students at your kid’s school are Black? How about the state in which the college is located? I’ll be waiting.

+1

My kids both opted for SEC/southern schools that I’m quite confident are far more diverse both racially, culturally, socioeconomically, and politically than the pp’s small NE private bubble where everyone looks, talks, and thinks alike.
Their parents might as well homeschool them since they clearly aren’t interested in having their 18 year old actually broaden their horizon, live and work among people from all walks of life, challenge their opinions, and (gasp!) be open to discovering that at the end of the day most of us have far more in common (think: our humanity, goals, and morals) and are far more than any political label.

Re: TN - Like Clemson, Auburn, and many other southern schools, TN quickly became very popular. The sudden and dramatic influx of applications (including tons of smart kids from the DC metro area and east coast looking for merit dollars and a fun college experience) allow the school to be more selective. Just a handful of years ago these schools were safety schools, and now kids with great stats are being deferred.

If you want to get ahead of this, the new schools throwing big money at kids from our DC area are Ole Miss, LSU, KY, and Bama. I know kids on full rides at these schools who will go onto med school and law school. Their parents are thrilled to have money available for grad school, and their kids will likely have an edge when they apply when coming from schools that aren’t the typical feeders—and when their essays, internships, volunteer work, etc. demonstrate a unique and well-rounded life experience.

+100
So sick of blowhards like the poster bragging that her kid’s “NE private” is somehow more diverse than a large state school in the South (or anywhere). Spare us all.

That is not what PPs said. A PP expressed an expectation that the diversity of a college (especially a state college) match that of its state. Tufts in fact does while UTK's does not. For what it's worth Ole Miss is over 10% Black but that is MUCH lower than the Black population of the state (around 30%).

In any case, I have no problem with the SEC schools and understand why a lot of students love them. What I find downright weird is how many posters claim that they are MORE desirable than the private colleges in the Northeast. When you compare the numbers of applicants between say Alabama and NYU (roughly same size schools), NYU has twice as many. And of course the acceptance rates and yield rates are even more spread apart.

How about comparing NYU to top flagships like UF, UGA, Texas?

ok, here you go:

School Undergrad Enrollment Total Applications Acceptance Rate
NYU 29,500 120,633 7.7%
UT Austin 42,400 90,690 29%
U. of Florida 38,500 75,000 23%
U. of Georgia 32,400 47,800 37%

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:DD 3.5 W was denied but offered Fall 2027 admit. 🙄. Thankfully she has other options.

So interesting about a 2027 admit offer, never heard of that! Also, the interest in southern schools from liberal DMV people is interesting, particularly because those schools tend to skew conservative.

Are you sure? These are R1 flagships with top researchers in liberal college towns. You might want to check your bias.

I'm just saying with the TN student population, one will be forced to deal with modern day republicans, something you wouldn't need to do with so many coastal schools.

And they will be forced to deal with modern day liberals. Which is a good thing for all concerned.

WTF do you think is the purpose of college?

Hint: it’s confronting new ideas, new people, and new environments, as well as learning the skills (hard and soft) that one needs to thrive.

+1
People like the PP enjoy living in their airtight echo chambers. God forbid others have different opinions.

My DS will be attending a NE private that is socioeconomically diverse with international students from all over the world. He will encounter a wider variety of cultures, opinions and lifestyles than he would at a SEC school with the possible exceptions of UGA and Florida.

What percentage of students at your kid’s school are Black? How about the state in which the college is located? I’ll be waiting.

+1

My kids both opted for SEC/southern schools that I’m quite confident are far more diverse both racially, culturally, socioeconomically, and politically than the pp’s small NE private bubble where everyone looks, talks, and thinks alike.
Their parents might as well homeschool them since they clearly aren’t interested in having their 18 year old actually broaden their horizon, live and work among people from all walks of life, challenge their opinions, and (gasp!) be open to discovering that at the end of the day most of us have far more in common (think: our humanity, goals, and morals) and are far more than any political label.

Re: TN - Like Clemson, Auburn, and many other southern schools, TN quickly became very popular. The sudden and dramatic influx of applications (including tons of smart kids from the DC metro area and east coast looking for merit dollars and a fun college experience) allow the school to be more selective. Just a handful of years ago these schools were safety schools, and now kids with great stats are being deferred.

If you want to get ahead of this, the new schools throwing big money at kids from our DC area are Ole Miss, LSU, KY, and Bama. I know kids on full rides at these schools who will go onto med school and law school. Their parents are thrilled to have money available for grad school, and their kids will likely have an edge when they apply when coming from schools that aren’t the typical feeders—and when their essays, internships, volunteer work, etc. demonstrate a unique and well-rounded life experience.

+100
So sick of blowhards like the poster bragging that her kid’s “NE private” is somehow more diverse than a large state school in the South (or anywhere). Spare us all.

That is not what PPs said. A PP expressed an expectation that the diversity of a college (especially a state college) match that of its state. Tufts in fact does while UTK's does not. For what it's worth Ole Miss is over 10% Black but that is MUCH lower than the Black population of the state (around 30%).

In any case, I have no problem with the SEC schools and understand why a lot of students love them. What I find downright weird is how many posters claim that they are MORE desirable than the private colleges in the Northeast. When you compare the numbers of applicants between say Alabama and NYU (roughly same size schools), NYU has twice as many. And of course the acceptance rates and yield rates are even more spread apart.

How about comparing NYU to top flagships like UF, UGA, Texas?

ok, here you go:

School Undergrad Enrollment Total Applications Acceptance Rate
NYU 29,500 120,633 7.7%
UT Austin 42,400 90,690 29%
U. of Florida 38,500 75,000 23%
U. of Georgia 32,400 47,800 37%

well, my formatting messed up but you can see that the smallest of the four (NYU) gets BY FAR the most applications.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:DD 3.5 W was denied but offered Fall 2027 admit. 🙄. Thankfully she has other options.

So interesting about a 2027 admit offer, never heard of that! Also, the interest in southern schools from liberal DMV people is interesting, particularly because those schools tend to skew conservative.

Are you sure? These are R1 flagships with top researchers in liberal college towns. You might want to check your bias.

+1 Many DCUM posters are ignorant as regards the south and southern schools.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:DD 3.5 W was denied but offered Fall 2027 admit. 🙄. Thankfully she has other options.

So interesting about a 2027 admit offer, never heard of that! Also, the interest in southern schools from liberal DMV people is interesting, particularly because those schools tend to skew conservative.

Are you sure? These are R1 flagships with top researchers in liberal college towns. You might want to check your bias.

I'm just saying with the TN student population, one will be forced to deal with modern day republicans, something you wouldn't need to do with so many coastal schools.

And they will be forced to deal with modern day liberals. Which is a good thing for all concerned.

WTF do you think is the purpose of college?

Hint: it’s confronting new ideas, new people, and new environments, as well as learning the skills (hard and soft) that one needs to thrive.

+1
People like the PP enjoy living in their airtight echo chambers. God forbid others have different opinions.

My DS will be attending a NE private that is socioeconomically diverse with international students from all over the world. He will encounter a wider variety of cultures, opinions and lifestyles than he would at a SEC school with the possible exceptions of UGA and Florida.

What percentage of students at your kid’s school are Black? How about the state in which the college is located? I’ll be waiting.

+1

My kids both opted for SEC/southern schools that I’m quite confident are far more diverse both racially, culturally, socioeconomically, and politically than the pp’s small NE private bubble where everyone looks, talks, and thinks alike.
Their parents might as well homeschool them since they clearly aren’t interested in having their 18 year old actually broaden their horizon, live and work among people from all walks of life, challenge their opinions, and (gasp!) be open to discovering that at the end of the day most of us have far more in common (think: our humanity, goals, and morals) and are far more than any political label.

Re: TN - Like Clemson, Auburn, and many other southern schools, TN quickly became very popular. The sudden and dramatic influx of applications (including tons of smart kids from the DC metro area and east coast looking for merit dollars and a fun college experience) allow the school to be more selective. Just a handful of years ago these schools were safety schools, and now kids with great stats are being deferred.

If you want to get ahead of this, the new schools throwing big money at kids from our DC area are Ole Miss, LSU, KY, and Bama. I know kids on full rides at these schools who will go onto med school and law school. Their parents are thrilled to have money available for grad school, and their kids will likely have an edge when they apply when coming from schools that aren’t the typical feeders—and when their essays, internships, volunteer work, etc. demonstrate a unique and well-rounded life experience.

+100
So sick of blowhards like the poster bragging that her kid’s “NE private” is somehow more diverse than a large state school in the South (or anywhere). Spare us all.

That is not what PPs said. A PP expressed an expectation that the diversity of a college (especially a state college) match that of its state. Tufts in fact does while UTK's does not. For what it's worth Ole Miss is over 10% Black but that is MUCH lower than the Black population of the state (around 30%).

In any case, I have no problem with the SEC schools and understand why a lot of students love them. What I find downright weird is how many posters claim that they are MORE desirable than the private colleges in the Northeast. When you compare the numbers of applicants between say Alabama and NYU (roughly same size schools), NYU has twice as many. And of course the acceptance rates and yield rates are even more spread apart.

How about comparing NYU to top flagships like UF, UGA, Texas?

ok, here you go:

School Undergrad Enrollment Total Applications Acceptance Rate
NYU 29,500 120,633 7.7%
UT Austin 42,400 90,690 29%
U. of Florida 38,500 75,000 23%
U. of Georgia 32,400 47,800 37%

well, my formatting messed up but you can see that the smallest of the four (NYU) gets BY FAR the most applications.

What’s your point?

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:DD 3.5 W was denied but offered Fall 2027 admit. 🙄. Thankfully she has other options.

So interesting about a 2027 admit offer, never heard of that! Also, the interest in southern schools from liberal DMV people is interesting, particularly because those schools tend to skew conservative.

Are you sure? These are R1 flagships with top researchers in liberal college towns. You might want to check your bias.

I'm just saying with the TN student population, one will be forced to deal with modern day republicans, something you wouldn't need to do with so many coastal schools.

And they will be forced to deal with modern day liberals. Which is a good thing for all concerned.

WTF do you think is the purpose of college?

Hint: it’s confronting new ideas, new people, and new environments, as well as learning the skills (hard and soft) that one needs to thrive.

+1
People like the PP enjoy living in their airtight echo chambers. God forbid others have different opinions.

My DS will be attending a NE private that is socioeconomically diverse with international students from all over the world. He will encounter a wider variety of cultures, opinions and lifestyles than he would at a SEC school with the possible exceptions of UGA and Florida.

What percentage of students at your kid’s school are Black? How about the state in which the college is located? I’ll be waiting.

+1

My kids both opted for SEC/southern schools that I’m quite confident are far more diverse both racially, culturally, socioeconomically, and politically than the pp’s small NE private bubble where everyone looks, talks, and thinks alike.
Their parents might as well homeschool them since they clearly aren’t interested in having their 18 year old actually broaden their horizon, live and work among people from all walks of life, challenge their opinions, and (gasp!) be open to discovering that at the end of the day most of us have far more in common (think: our humanity, goals, and morals) and are far more than any political label.

Re: TN - Like Clemson, Auburn, and many other southern schools, TN quickly became very popular. The sudden and dramatic influx of applications (including tons of smart kids from the DC metro area and east coast looking for merit dollars and a fun college experience) allow the school to be more selective. Just a handful of years ago these schools were safety schools, and now kids with great stats are being deferred.

If you want to get ahead of this, the new schools throwing big money at kids from our DC area are Ole Miss, LSU, KY, and Bama. I know kids on full rides at these schools who will go onto med school and law school. Their parents are thrilled to have money available for grad school, and their kids will likely have an edge when they apply when coming from schools that aren’t the typical feeders—and when their essays, internships, volunteer work, etc. demonstrate a unique and well-rounded life experience.

+100
So sick of blowhards like the poster bragging that her kid’s “NE private” is somehow more diverse than a large state school in the South (or anywhere). Spare us all.

That is not what PPs said. A PP expressed an expectation that the diversity of a college (especially a state college) match that of its state. Tufts in fact does while UTK's does not. For what it's worth Ole Miss is over 10% Black but that is MUCH lower than the Black population of the state (around 30%).

In any case, I have no problem with the SEC schools and understand why a lot of students love them. What I find downright weird is how many posters claim that they are MORE desirable than the private colleges in the Northeast. When you compare the numbers of applicants between say Alabama and NYU (roughly same size schools), NYU has twice as many. And of course the acceptance rates and yield rates are even more spread apart.

How about comparing NYU to top flagships like UF, UGA, Texas?

ok, here you go:

School Undergrad Enrollment Total Applications Acceptance Rate
NYU 29,500 120,633 7.7%
UT Austin 42,400 90,690 29%
U. of Florida 38,500 75,000 23%
U. of Georgia 32,400 47,800 37%

well, my formatting messed up but you can see that the smallest of the four (NYU) gets BY FAR the most applications.

What’s your point?

PP asked me to compare so I did.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:
TN is a great state and Knoxville is a charming small city. You can give it a chance, or you can sit comfortably in your prejudices. Either works for me.

+1 definitely!