Elite students Are Choosing Southern Universities-And Politics May Be Why
By Priyashah, World-Today-News.com
Published: June 12, 2024
Key Takeaways: A growing number of high-achieving students are bypassing customary Ivy League institutions in favor of universities in the American South, driven by a desire for more welcoming campuses, a stronger sense of community, and a perceived escape from politically charged environments.
For generations, the path to prestige for ambitious American students ran thru the hallowed halls of Ivy league universities and elite coastal schools.But a quiet shift is underway. Increasingly, top students are setting their sights on campuses further south – a trend fueled, in part, by concerns about political polarization and a desire for a more balanced college experience.
Trevor Traina, a San Francisco tech entrepreneur, witnessed this firsthand with his son, Robby, a high-achieving varsity athlete with a perfect 4.0 GPA. Despite his fatherS Princeton pedigree, Robby opted for Wake Forest University in North Carolina. “They view the schools as unfun, judgey and biased against white boys,” Traina explained, reflecting a sentiment he says is shared by many of his son’s peers. They are actively seeking institutions like Duke, Vanderbilt, and Tulane, perceived as offering a more inclusive atmosphere.
this isn’t simply anecdotal. Admissions data confirms a surge in applications to Southern universities from students traditionally drawn to the Northeast and West Coast. But politics isn’t the sole driver. A new college ideal is emerging, one prioritizing belonging, affordability, and civility.
The Allure of Community and Tradition
The appeal of Southern universities extends beyond a rejection of perceived ideological biases. Ainsley Matteson, a senior at the University of Tennessee, embodies this shift.She traded her lifelong loyalty to Ohio State for the vibrant community spirit of Knoxville, finding a sense of belonging centered around the university’s celebrated sports culture. “If you’re wearing orange on game day, there’s this sense of belonging,” she says.
social media is also playing a role. High school senior Cameron McManus, from the Washington, D.C. suburbs,is drawn to UNC Chapel Hill,Clemson,and the university of South Carolina,influenced by TikTok and Instagram videos showcasing their lively campus life and warm weather.Stories from older siblings further reinforced his impression of Southern schools as “vibrant” places to be.
Vanderbilt: A Beacon of Institutional Neutrality
Vanderbilt University in Nashville is experiencing a especially notable increase in applications from students outside the region.Chancellor Daniel Diermeier attributes this to the university’s commitment to free speech and institutional neutrality on political issues.
“We’ve noticed from conversations with parents that top of mind for them is whether campus will be a place where their son or daughter can thrive without ideological homogeneity,” Diermeier stated. He notes that these concerns have intensified since the October 7th Hamas massacre and the subsequent wave of pro-Palestine protests that disrupted campuses nationwide, including the cancellation of Columbia University’s graduation ceremony.
Diermeier’s approach to campus protests – prioritizing discipline and order while upholding free expression – appears to be resonating with families seeking a more stable learning surroundings. “Our students explore the most challenging topics but can do so in a climate of respect and civility,” he asserts.
A 50% Request Jump and a Shift in Priorities
The trend is undeniable. addie Rogers, a high school senior in Washington, D.C.,reflects the growing desire among her peers to head south. ”The main thing that appeals to me is the school spirit of Southern schools,” she says. “I don’t want to go to college and focus only on studying. I want to have fun. That’s what Southern schools are all about.”[Link to Wall Street Journal article on the trend -[LinktoWallStreetJournalarticleonthetrend-
[LinktoWallStreetJournalarticleonthetrend-if available, insert hear]The changing landscape of college admissions signals a broader shift in priorities for incoming students and their families. While academic rigor remains paramount, the desire for a supportive community, a vibrant social life, and a campus
