The term selectivity refers to the entrance difficulty to a college. This is based on the number of applicants versus the number of open actual spots for admission. If this number falls below 33%, then the college is considered selective. Sometimes families do not consider looking beyond the Ivy League type schools; however, there are several other colleges that have similar admission selectivity. The following are a list of selective colleges in the South.
Washington and Lee University
Located in rural Lexington, Virginia, Washington and Lee is one of the best kept college secrets of the South. With only 400 students per graduating class, Washington and Lee offers students a unique, small town feel experience. Students are able to choose from 41 majors including their prestigious School of Commerce, Economics, and Politics. This private school mandates an honor code for all students and faculty. The school’s selectivity percent is 16.8.
Berea College
Berea College’s unique feature is that only selected students may apply. Once accepted students receive a full scholarship to attend, because only students from families of low socioeconomic backgrounds may apply. Since Berea is a private, Christian college, they are able to establish their own admission parameters. The college’s mission is to provide education to the most in need students. The school’s offers students “academic excellence, caring faculty, value, student life, career preparation, service and leadership, and diversity.” The college’s selectivity is 21.5%.
Delta State University
With a selectivity percent of 22.7 Delta State University is located in Cleveland, Mississippi. The school appeals to students from Mississippi who graduate at least in the upper 50% of their high school class. Ninety-seven percent of first year students are native to Mississippi. The college is very popular with students within Mississippi; thus, the high application rates to the college. Business, education, and nursing are among the most popular majors at the school.
Duke University
Well known for its athletic program, the Blue Devils, Duke also competes academically with most Ivy League schools. Duke holds academics, research, and athletics as the most prominent features on campus. Sciences are the most popular majors, all of which receive generous research grants and funding. If students are not participating in athletics, they usually are involved in campus activities like student government, volunteering/service learning, and special interest groups. Duke’s selectivity is 22.9%.
Transylvania University
Transylvania University is a small, Christian college located in Lexington, Kentucky. The small environment allows students and professors to build a strong, working relationship. Class sizes range from 8-13 students, which permits professors to know everyone of their students by name. A unique feature at Transylvania is that every student partakes in a career planning seminar and integrates that knowledge within their individual studies. The school’s selectivity is 23%.
Depending on the criteria that families are searching for in a college, many colleges offer quality education. Sixty-seven college institutions are considered selective, and they are located across the United States. The five colleges mentioned in this article represent the selective colleges in the South.
For more information on selectivity, please refer to the article Defining Ivy League Schools: Understanding the Meaning of Selectivity.
Kerrie Troseth - Kerrie is a licensed school counselor who works exclusively with adolescents. As a school counselor she is trained in the areas of ...
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