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 is a list of selective colleges in the Southwest.
Dallas Christian College
Dallas Christian College is located in Dallas, Texas and is home to around 340 students. Their selectivity percent is 18.4. The college is focused on three mission areas: to be people of influence, to be people under God’s Influence, and to be people of influence for life. In order to assist student to reach these areas, the college requires students to adhere to outlined policies of student behavior regarding righteousness, holiness, justice, and love.
An area of expectation includes dress and appearance. Students are encouraged to dress modestly and professionally. Students who violate this policy will be asked to change clothing. Another policy area deals with dorm life. Room inspections are done periodically to ensure cleanliness and safety. Freshmen do have a curfew of midnight during the week and 12:30 a.m. on the weekends. Each residence hall has community building activities including mandatory devotions. Additionally, the college has a strict policy regarding relationship expression and can lead to dismissal from the college.
Dallas Christian College has four specific departments for educational degrees: Bible Department, Arts and Sciences Department, Business Administration Department, and Education Department. Students can earn a Bachelor of Arts, and/or a Bachelor of Science degree while attending Dallas Christian.
Students attending Dallas Christian College are required to participate outside of the classroom. Students must meet a Christian service requirement to graduate. Examples of service can include joining a ministry team, teaching Sunday School, and tutoring elementary students.
Jarvis Christian College
Jarvis Christian College is located the rural town of Hawkins, Texas. Hawkins is located in the upper northwest corner of the state. The selectivity percent is 18.7. The college serves roughly 600 students a year. It is recognized as a Historically Black College and University affiliated with the Church of Christ. Over ninety percent of the student body is identified as black.
The academic programs at Jarvis are limited, but average to the comparable sized colleges. Students can choose from a degree in business and sciences, art, education, and/or business administration.
The administration at Jarvis has instituted student expectations, which are outlined in the student handbook. Included in the handbook are dress code guidelines, student expectation in language use, and classroom expectations.
Rice University
Rice University is nestled within the limits of Houston, Texas. This private college serves 3000 students. Rice’s selectivity percent is 22.8.
The school is known for its rich educational research focus. Rice secured over $77 million for research programs for the 2007 school year. Example research opportunities areas include biochemistry, English, psychology, physics, ecology, and bioengineering. The most popular majors are those in the sciences, including biology and psychology. Economics is also a sought after major.
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 three colleges mentioned in this article represent the selective colleges of the Southwest. 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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