Top States For 2023 Grads?

Though my students still apply to dream schools in the northeast and midwest that admit <15%, the collective gaze has shifted south. Colleges in these states attracted the most applications (increasing in order). Since decisions are still coming in, I’ll report on that later.

Students submitted 10 applications to schools in Alabama, Kentucky, Louisiana, Texas, and West Virginia. Along with the usual enthusiasm for the Crimson Tide, I saw my first applicant to Ole Miss. The Texas privates: SMU, TCU, and Baylor prevailed, since the state system admits <10% out-of-state students. West Virginia University and the University of Kentucky offered significant merit aid, and super-selective Tulane admitted two students ED.

Next came Virginia, with 19 total applications to JMU (most popular), Virginia Tech (very selective for STEM), the University of Richmond, the College of William & Mary, and UVA (ED for any edge).

North Carolina colleges received 22 applications (many to annual favorite and increasingly selective Elon). NC State gets more attention each year, as does UNC Wilmington. Two were interested in East Carolina (admitted), and a few were UNC-Chapel Hill hopefuls (denied–no surprise there).

Florida followed, with a total of 26 applications. Most applied to Florida’s few test-optional colleges: the University of Tampa, which checks many students’ boxes, the University of Miami, which uniquely blends selectivity and merit aid, and Eckerd and Flagler, two small beachside colleges. Students reached for the University of Florida, Florida State (both very selective), and the University of South Florida, which all require test scores.

Finally, South Carolina tops the list with a grand total of 27 applications divided between Clemson, the University of South Carolina, and the College of Charleston. (No wonder so many were deferred.) Add to that Coastal Carolina, a growing favorite offering interdisciplinary majors and resort-like atmosphere.

This southern trend continues as I build my juniors’ lists (LSU is another new addition). I’m visiting more of these schools (I’ve done Florida and Georgia tours, and am heading to North Carolina later in March), so I can help my southern-hopeful students more. South Carolina is next!

Georgia College Trip Reviews

UGA, Georgia Tech, and Emory visits were planned: discovering SCAD Atlanta was an exciting surprise.

University of Georgia: Enjoyed a private tour of the sprawling campus and a delicious southern dinner at The Last Resort with a former student/current freshman accounting major. The work can be challenging, but she's loving every part of the traditional college experience. Met with our gracious NJ rep the following morning and learned that UGA is receiving many apps and they are committed to giving each one the time it deserves. With 28,000 undergrads, UGA looks to enroll a class of 6,000 and do not admit by major. Becomes more highly selective each year: average recalculated GPA is over 4.2 with top rigor. Hospitality is the newest major.

Georgia Institute of Technology: GTI’s modern campus in downtown Athens reflects its STEM focus and dedication to solving the world’s problems. Every major, including liberal arts, earns a STEM-sealed BS degree. 60/40 instate and out of state, male and female. Lots of first-year support--supplemental sessions of 20 meeting w/one TA to make large classes manageable. Top paid co-op opportunities (many students do three, others just one) with Microsoft, Google, Coc-Cola, Home Depot, CDC, American Cancer Society and many more. Must select a major. Nearby Tech Square campus houses the Scheller College of Business.

SCAD-Atlanta Campus: Unplanned, we wandered in, and were blown away by what students are doing at SCAD’s Advertising and Branding campus. Atlanta is called “the Hollywood of the South” because at least 50 movies, television pilots, series, reality shows, feature films are currently in production. Along with those opportunities, SCAD’s Schools of Business Innovation, Creative Technology, Visual Communication, Building Arts, Animation & Motion, and others give students access to Fortune 500 companies, a thriving arts scene and limitless professional opportunities. The creative energy is palpable and SCAD is growing, with new luxury dorms in the works (the existing dorms are already luxurious).

Emory University: Biggest thrill? Seeing my former student so happy. How to be admitted to one of the most selective Universities in the south? Be an intellectually curious problem solver who engages with community and understands the interdisciplinary nature of majors and professions through your essays and life experience (and of course, take the most rigorous courses offered at your school). The rolling-hilled campus features mostly classic marble buildings with modern additions for the sciences and student center. Hospitals on campus and nearby support Emory’s nursing and pre-med students. But Emory is playful: we met Dooley, the “Lord of Misrule," a skeleton that embodies "the spirit of Emory." In 1899, the skeleton from Emory's biology classroom began writing letters commenting on student life to the college paper. Calling himself "Dooley" the bone man evolved to become Emory’s beloved mascot.

Details from the Florida Fiesta Tour: 6 colleges in 3 days

Florida Atlantic University: 15,000 students, traditional college experience with school spirit in beautiful Boca Raton. Most competitive major: direct-entry nursing. Unique offering within FAU: Wilkes Honors College: app 800 students, small seminar-style courses, live on campus in Jupiter for the first 2 years. Affiliation with Scripps College. Research in medical science/BS/MD program. New 35 million dollar Brain Institute.

Lynn University: Also in Boca Raton, small but full of opportunities. Block scheduling means one or two classes, 2.5 hrs per day, 4 days a week for a month. Top aviation program with private airfield; student-run PR agency; terrific internship options. IAI Learning Support program helps students learn strategies and skills while integrating to college life, then apply them to real-world challenges.

Florida Institute of Technology: Great option to add to list of STEM majors who want a Florida college. Located on the Space Coast 45 minutes from Cape Canaveral, FIT was founded by a NASA scientist/engineer; buildings funded by top local companies. 3500 students; most engineering majors, with aeronautical most popular; aviation management and meteorology. Top psychology program with the largest autism research program in FL. All programs have 5-year masters except for psychology. Impressive campus with new buildings and lush tropical walkways.

Beacon College: What a surprise…highly selective (45%), small college for LD students in beautiful Leesburg, FL. Exceptional staff of professionals implements a unique method to teach and guide students to academic, social, and career success. Each student is assigned a learning specialist and has a dedicated team of support. Some students find genuine success here for the first time in their lives.

Rollins College: The alma mater of Mr. Rogers and oldest college in FL (1885) boasts a breathtaking campus in upscale Winter Park suburb of Orlando. Known for business programs (esp. Masters), Rollins offers a mix of FL, international and OOS students a liberal arts education, school spirit, and ⅓ Greek life on its small lakeside campus. The luxurious campus must be seen to be believed.

University of Central Florida: One of the largest US universities feels less so on its main campus, which is set in 3 concentric circles around a reflecting pool. Engineering is the largest major and the Knights have an Honors program of 1700. Within UCF, the Rosen School of Hospitality has a beautiful nearby campus full of future theme park, hotel, and senior living hospitality majors. 3 internships required to earn 250 of the 1000 required hours may include trips to Switzerland and France. 97% have jobs at graduation.