“This Is Indiana University. College Should Be Like This” ~ Jennifer Ferentz

“This is Indiana University. College should be like this” ~ Jennifer Ferentz

Indiana University at Bloomington is a beautiful college campus situated 1 hour from the In- dianapolis airport. I had the opportunity to spend time on campus several years ago. The spirit on campus coupled with the charm and people of Bloomington, Indiana, made me realize what a great college experience Indiana offers. Recently, I attended a luncheon sponsored by the University which gave me some updated information to share with you.

There are about 32,500 undergraduates on campus with 15 schools and colleges to choose from. Students can design their own major, or choose from over 150 majors currently offered. Indiana has a strong business school which students can gain admission to either as a freshman or the following year if not admitted initially. Also, IU offers a strong language department, and is home to the world renowned Jacobs School of Music. Indiana is 7th in the nation for study abroad opportunities: there are over 100+ overseas study programs in 40 countries.

While Indiana University is not part of the Common Application, please do not be discour- aged to apply. Indiana has rolling admissions, and there is no essay requirement (unless applying to the Hutton Honors College or for scholarships, which have a November 1 priority deadline). Indiana University will super score the SAT and ACT scores for applicants. IU offers generous financial aid packages and about 68% of undergraduates receive financial aid. It is voted 39th best value among public colleges (Kiplinger’s Personal Finance) and named ‘Best Buy’ by the 2013 edition of the Fiske Guide to College. For more information, please contact your counselor, or Brandi Miller, Senior Assistant Director from Indiana Univer- sity directly ([email protected]).

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Drexel University: A Co-Op Approach ~ Jennifer Saxton, Jennifer Ferentz, Jenna Simon (guidance intern) The co-op approach to higher education is not a new concept, but in today’s current economy it is a model that has gained more attention and more student interest. Schools such as Northeastern, Bryant and Drexel University offer students experiential learning within their chosen fields while earning undergraduate degrees. In early Feb- ruary we visited Drexel University right in Philadelphia to see and learn more about this school that has created such positive buzz over the past few years. Drexel University offers its students the unique opportunity to enjoy a distinct campus experience within the city of Philadelphia. Unlike other city schools that sometimes seem swallowed up by the urban environment, Drexel has a campus feeling and vibe that is evident and separate from the city it is within. Students are involved in any of the 300 plus clubs and extracurricular offerings and also have access to the myriad opportunities the city of Philadelphia has to offer. Drexel University, along with the University of Pennsylvania and the University of the Sciences in Philadelphia, are part of what is known as “University City.” Within Philadelphia there are more than 250,000 college students. Known as the “walking city” or a “city of neighborhoods,” Philly is a city with much to explore. Drexel is actually composed of three distinct campuses united by a shuttle service. Each campus has been affected by and is part of a master plan initiative by Drexel to expand their physical footprint and build community both locally and globally. (There are some remarkable new facilities for undergraduates to use.) Drexel offers an expansive breadth of undergraduate and graduate programs in its thirteen schools. The College of Arts & Sciences, the School of Biomedical Engineering, Science and Health Systems, The LeBow College of Busi- ness, the School of Education, College of Engineering, College of Information Science and Technology, The West- phal College of Media Arts and Design, and The College of Nursing and Health Professions are the many options undergraduate applicants have when applying to Drexel. So whether a student is looking to work in fashion design, engineering, education or health sciences there are ample programs and pathways for each at Drexel. What makes Drexel so interesting is its approach to Co-op education. Drexel does not simply offer the Co-op experience, it is the philosophy around which the Drexel education is built. Students can choose from either a four year or five year program that includes up to three six-month co-op experiences. These are full-time employment opportunities within the student’s current major focus. Drexel is partnered with over 3,000 employers and places 5,000 students each session in co-ops. Most co-ops are located in or near Philadelphia, but students do travel to other states and even other countries for a six-month co-op. Not all of the co-ops are paid as the rates are driven by whatever industry the student is working in, but students who do earn money do not have to claim this as in- come on the FAFSA form. On average, students typically earn about $16,000 during a six-month co-op placement. Drexel is a growing university that should be considered if you like an urban environment and want to learn more about the co-op experience. Drexel grads are uniquely positioned within the job market upon graduation because most will have close to 18 months of solid experience behind them. This makes them more desirable, more experienced and more likely to earn higher starting salaries than other college grads just out of college.

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Ramapo College

~ Jennifer Kuo In December, I had the opportunity to attend a luncheon at Ramapo College in Mahwah, New Jer- sey. Ramapo College is a selective liberal arts college located approximately 10 minutes from Allen- dale, NJ and 30 miles from New York City. Nestled in the foothills of the Ramapo Mountains, Ramapo College is a strong liberal arts institution, offering five undergraduate schools with 40 different academic programs as well as six graduate programs. A close-knit community, Ramapo has approximately 6,000 undergraduate students. One of the unique programs highlighted during the luncheon was the Living-Learning Community (LLC). If accepted into the program, there are many benefits to living in a LLC. Students are housed according to similar academic, social, and cultural majors. They are also paired with peer facilitators who help provide a smooth transition into college life as a first-year student. LLC students can also take advantage of having specialized courses, close relationships with professors, and co-curricular activities. This is a very popular program, and students are encouraged to show their interest when applying for housing. There are a lot of exciting updates occurring on campus at Ramapo. Currently, there are several buildings receiving massive renovations including the science and psychology labs. There are also plans to renovate existing buildings including the library and some dormitories. One of the most exciting additions to campus will arrive in the fall of 2014. The Adler Center for Nursing Excellence will be the new home of Ramapo College's highly-acclaimed and expanding Nursing programs, as well as state-of-the-art labs to enhance the education of students in the sciences. In 2012, Ramapo was listed for the seventh consecutive year among the "100 Best Values in Public Colleges.” Whatever their career plans, Ramapo graduates leave the college well-rounded and prepared for life.

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RIAAO College

Denise Talotta attended the RIAAO College Tour in April and discovered Providence, Rhode Island boasts one of the biggest college student populations in the U.S. with five colleges in the city proper as well as five additional colleges only 20-45 minutes away. Roger Williams University, located in Bristol, Rhode Island is only about a 30 minute drive from the state capital of Providence. It's a terrific university for students looking for a supportive, personal environment with class sizes aver- aging about 19 students, an undergraduate population of about 3,750 students, and a pretty campus. In addition to offering extensive opportunities for mentoring, advising, and tutoring, all faculty provide students their cell phone numbers so they are always available for help. As an active community, 100% of students participate in community service although there is no Greek life. The most popular majors at Roger Williams are architecture, marine biology, business, communications, and psychology. Also of note, in the past few years, the university created an Intercultur- al Leadership Award, specifically for students that have a combination of these: experienced a significant life chal- lenge, have a diverse background, will be a first-generation college student, or English is not a first language. They are generally looking for students with about a B average and average SAT scores of approximately 550 in each section (Critical Reading & Math); they are test optional, except in cases where students wish to major in education. In an effort to offset rising college costs, the university's administration decided to freeze the cost of tuition for its current students and for the incoming class of 2013; this tuition freeze will be in effect for all four years of a student's college career. With regards to athletics, they offer 20 NCAA Div. III sports, including equestrianism, and they rank 5th in the nation in sailing.

New England Institute of Technology is headquartered in East Greenwich, R.I., 15 minutes south of Providence; the completely renovated 265,000 square foot facility is the centerpiece of this new campus. The Julian B. Gouse Cam- pus, in nearby Warwick, R.I., is five minutes north of East Greenwich and houses the college's Building Technologies career cluster as well as the new Veterinary Technology program. Opened in 2005, the nearby Access Road Campus consists of four buildings exclusively created for the training of automotive technicians. The institute’s most popular majors include: Computer and Information Sciences, Architectural Building Engineering Technology, Healthcare, Inte- rior Design, and Automotive Technology. The institute's Video Game Design Technology program was recently recog- nized as one of the top 15 programs in the country by The Princeton Review. The institute offers a very hands-on learning environment, and each program has a technical advisory committee with strong ties to industry and the local economy to provide strong after-graduation employment opportunities. Admissions is open enrollment and all housing and student life is off-campus.

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Salve Regina University is a small, Catholic, liberal arts college located in the beautiful town of Newport, R.I., about 45 minutes from Providence and 90 minutes from Boston. With a student body of approximately 2,100 students, the university prides itself on its personal attention and sense of community. Originally a women's college, the university is now comprised of approximately 35% men and 65% women, with 89% of its students coming from out of state. Housing options vary from suites to traditional dorm rooms to converted mansions/ houses. The administration building is one of the beautiful mansions situated on the famous Cliffwalk often visited in Newport. Most popular majors include: nursing, education, business, psychology, and administration of justice. The university is generally looking for a 3.2 GPA where the GPA is recalculated based on the five core academic areas as well as any theology or AP classes. The SAT or ACT tests are optional, except in the cases of nursing and education where they are looking for a Critical Reading and Math scores of approximately 560 each. Additionally, the university's nursing program requires four years of science with a B- or higher grade average. On the other side of the state, Bryant University, located in Smithfield, R.I., is about one hour north of Newport, about twenty minutes from the capital of Providence, and about one hour south of Boston. The campus has a con- temporary, stream-lined feel, and all academic classes are held in one central building. The university is comprised of approximately 3,300 students and prides itself on its freshman transition program in which students unite to solve a community problem together. There is also a strong Greek life. Bryant University's program strength is its College of Business which offers majors in management, marketing, accounting, finance, actuarial studies, and international business. All students have an integrated curriculum of business as well as the arts and sciences, with about 85% of students majoring in business with a minor in one of the arts and sciences programs; the College of Arts and Sciences offers programs in: communication, psychology, economics, sociology, and literary & cultural studies. The university has a strong "success rate" with approximately 98% of its students going directly into the work force or to graduate school. With regards to admissions, they are test optional; for those that choose to submit tests scores, the average SAT score is 1150 (combined Critical Reading and Math) and the average GPA is a 3.4. This summer, the university is expecting to bring a Chinese cultural center to the campus called The Forbidden City, especially beneficial for the university's education of its students in the global marketplace. With regards to athletics, Bryant University is a NCAA Di- vision I school in the Northeast Conference and offers 22 varsity sports as well as club sports and intramurals. With approximately 13,000 undergraduate students, the University of Rhode Island (URI) is the largest university in the state. Located in Kingston, R.I., the university is 45 minutes from Providence and about 90 minutes from Boston. URI is a public institution with about 40% of its students coming from out of state. It offers a diverse student body and strong support services for those in need of LD support from its Disabilities Services office. URI's most popular majors include: nursing, pharmacy, communication studies, and psychology; health studies is a new major for those interested in administrative work rather than clinical work in the healthcare field. Other interesting options are URI's five- year programs in international engineering and international business in which students spend one year abroad and must fulfill a language requirement. The average accepted GPA is a 3.38 with an SAT score of approximately 550 each for Critical Reading, Math, and Writing scores. Approximately 95% of freshmen reside on campus and 6,000 undergraduates live in college housing; a popular housing option for students after freshman year is to live "down the line" meaning to rent beach houses about 20-25 minutes from campus.

Rhode Island College is a less competitive, public, liberal arts college with approximately 5,000 full-time undergraduates and another 1,100 part-time students. On average, the college accepts students in the B or C range with a composite SAT Critical Reading/ Math score of 980. Its suburban campus is 3 miles from downtown Providence, and its most popular majors include: nursing, psychology, justice studies, management, accounting, and special education. 86% of its student body is from Rhode Island, and it is in NCAA Division III school.

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Johnson and Wales University has four locations -- Providence, Charlotte, North Miami, and Denver. The Provi- dence, R.I., location offers all majors, including culinary arts, hospitality, business, technology, and the arts & sciences. When a student is accepted to one location, he/she is accepted to all four locations. The Providence school has two campuses -- the downtown campus houses the business and technology departments while the more well- known culinary arts and hospitality programs are on the harborside campus. Housing is guaranteed and about half of the student body lives off-campus. Johnson and Wales is on a trimester system with classes being offered: Sept.- Nov.; Dec.-Feb.; and March-May, with three or four classes being considered a full-time course schedule. Classes meet Mon-Thurs., with optional Friday classes. The university has a rolling admission policy but recommends students apply early as spots fill up quickly for the more popular majors, such as Baking and Pastry; lesser known are the university majors in Equine Studies and Barn Management. SAT and ACT test scores are optional with the exception of those applying to be in the honors program. Also in Providence but set on its own pretty, suburban campus, Providence College is a competitive, private institution with approximately 3,800 undergraduate students and a strong emphasis on volunteerism. Providence College is Catholic (75% of its student body is Catholic) run by Dominican friars. The university provides a strong foundation in the liberal arts, requiring all students to take a two-year program in the Development of Western Civilization that teaches history from Greek and Roman times through the present day, incorporating the subjects of literature, music, art, philosophy, and theology. They have a new Humanities building and are renovating a dorm into their new School of Business; they also have a new track and hockey arena on campus. Most popular majors at the college are biology, business, and education as well as a more recent major in public and community service, which follows a service learning model allowing students to work with community leaders. Other options include a 4+1 Business MBA program which allows students to earn their BA and MBA in five years, and the 3+2 Engineering program in which students are granted direct admission into Columbia University or Washington University in St. Louis if they maintain a 3.3 GPA or higher. Providence College has been test-optional for seven years; for those who do submit test scores, accepted students have about 600 on each section of the SAT and a 3.5 GPA. The admissions office re- calculates students' GPAs by hand to an unweighted 4.0 scale, only including core classes and theology classes in the calculation. With regards to athletics, Providence has 19 Division I varsity sports and is affiliated with the Big East and Hockey East Conference.

Situated on historic College Hill, above the downtown of Providence, Brown University is a private, Ivy League institution with a student body of approximately 6,100 undergraduate students. Boasting a beautiful campus, Brown will be celebrating its 250th year anniversary next year. With 95% of its incoming class ranking in the top 10% of their high school class, Brown has an admit rate of 9%. The middle 50% SAT scores range from 680-780 (each section), and the average ACT composite score is a 34. Most popular majors include: engineering, biology, computer science, international relations, economics, neuroscience, political science, and English. The university also offers a combined 8-year medical program (which guarantees students admission to Brown Medical School without taking the MCATs) as well as a 5-year Dual Degree program with the Rhode Island School of Design (RISD). To be accepted into this dual degree program, students apply to both schools; a joint committee admits 15 students and at the end of the program, students earn two degrees -- both a BA and a BFA. Legacy is important only if a student's mother or father attended the university and scholarships are only awarded on the basis of need. The university is need-blind with the Financial Aid office operating separately from Admissions, and approximately 17% of incoming freshmen are first generation students. Brown has one of the nation's broadest array of varsity teams - 37 in all, 17 for men and 20 for women, the nation's largest athletic program for women.

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Finally, Rhode Island School of Design (RISD) is nestled directly into downtown Providence. With a total undergraduate population of just under 2,000 students, RISD is one of the most competitive art schools in the nation, offering 16 undergraduate majors in the Fine Arts and Design. They boast one of the highest graduation rates (90%) com- pared to the 75% graduation rate of most art schools. Only one-third of RISD students come from the Northeast, and the student body is 70% women/30% men. Either the SAT or ACT is required; the average SAT Critical Reading and Math scores are 600 for each section, and the average ACT composite score is a 27. Most accepted students are in the B or B+ average grade range. When applying, the GPA is recalculated using only core classes and only classes from 10th, 11th, and 12th grades. For students who are trying to raise their GPAs, RISD admissions officers recommend that students wait until after first semester of their senior year of high school to apply Regular Decision in order to increase their chance of acceptance. A portfolio of a student's best and most recent work is required, and RISD highly recommends students to do a pre-college or summer art program to foster their skills as well as to learn if they are truly interested in committing to a rigorous college art program. Once admitted, RISD also offers cross-registration with Brown University and students can take any class that will contribute to their Liberal Arts requirements. The most popular major at RISD is Illustration, but the school is highly supportive of its students using all their creative abilities and not limiting themselves to only one area of study.

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Mid-Hudson River Valley College Tour

Jennifer Kuo attended the Mid-Hudson River Valley College Tour for three days in April. The tour began at Marist College, a small, private liberal-arts college nestled along the picturesque Hud- son River in Poughkeepsie, New York. Located 75 miles from Manhattan, Marist College is the perfect option for a student in search of a school that offers a beautiful, cozy college campus while also being easily accessible to New York City. The average gpa for accepted students is 3.5, the SAT range is 1730-1950, and the average ACT score is 27. With approximately 4,500 undergraduates, 44 Bachelor’s programs, and 23 Divi- sion I athletic teams, Marist has a lot to offer both academically and socially. The Special Services program is known for being comprehensive and accommodating for students in need of extra academic assistance. Marist has connections to many incredible resources, which ultimately lead to internships, job placement, and unforgettable life experiences. The programs offered through Marist’s branch campus in Florence, Italy are a prime example of this. Depending on their major, qualified students can opt to spend four years earning their Bachelor’s degree while living in Florence. In addition, The Freshman Florence Experience allows first-year students to live in Italy for a year. Locally, Marist takes advantage of its location, boasting strong relationships with nearby IBM, the FDR Presidential Library, and serves as the home of the Marist Poll. Thus, popular majors include Computer Science, Communications, Political Science, and Fashion Design (also offered in Florence). Also, with the Hudson River in their backyard, science students utilize the river as a class- room for research purposes. New York City and Albany are easily accessible for internships, research, and leisure activities. Overall, I was most impressed with Marist’s gorgeous campus and active setting. Most of the buildings seem to have undergone renovation within the last few years so the architecture and interiors are all well-maintained and aesthetically pleasing. The student center is currently under renovation with plans to open this fall. From students jogging along the river to those advertising an upcoming spring con- cert by the Goo Goo Dolls, there was definite enthusiasm and happiness about being a Marist student. I would highly recommend Marist for any student looking for a small, liberal arts school with a diverse offering of programs and activities while still being only a little over an hour away from home. A few minutes down the road is the Culinary Institute of America (CIA) located in Hyde Park, New York. The CIA is held in very high regard in the culinary world. Many graduates have become hosts on the Food Network, employees of prestigious companies like Google, Disney World, and head chefs at restaurants around the globe. With concentrations in either Culinary Arts or Baking and Pastry, the CIA offers both Asso- ciates and Bachelor’s degrees. The admissions process is a bit different from the average college. The CIA admits students at 16 different entry times each year, and thus a new class of students starts every 3 weeks. Students are enrolled in classes all year with the exception of the month of July when students are on break. Criteria for admission include 6 months of experience in the food service industry in addition to a high school transcript and essay. There are 12 residence halls on campus, and 95% of students live on campus in their first year. Walking around the campus of CIA, it felt as though we were worlds away with beautiful fountains, manicured landscaping, and interior designs that were reminiscent of a European café. Obvi- ously, the food is indescribable with many local farms and wineries that are utilized frequently by the school. Student life is surprisingly active with events year-round including an annual chili cook-off and guest lectures from famous alumni. After dining in one of the five restaurants on campus and speaking to current students, it is clear that CIA students are not only passionate about food but also about the school that continues to educate and produce such amazing talent for the culinary world.

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Our next stop was at West Point, the United States Military Academy. Upon driving through the stone gates of West Point, I was immediately struck by the feeling of history and pride that the campus evokes. Set in the hills above the Hudson River, West Point’s rich history and pristine campus are equally impressive. West Point is a competitive school that allows students to graduate with a Bachelor of Science degree and a commission as a second lieutenant in the U.S. Army. Most graduates who decide to remain in the Army after the initial five-year obligation end up pursuing an advanced degree at other universities. The admissions process for West Point is different from civilian universities. In addition to reviewing a student’s gpa and standardized test scores, applicants must receive a nomination from a representative in Congress or the Senate as well as pass a fitness assessment and medical examination. Interested candidates should visit the West Point website (http://admissions.westpoint.edu) to view all admissions requirements. Many applicants begin to review and prepare for these criteria during their junior year of high school. West Point takes great pride in their academically rigorous and physically demanding curriculum. Incoming students typically have no lower than a 3.3 gpa, and an average SAT score of 1300 and an average ACT score of 29. While the strict lifestyle at West Point may not be for everyone, students on campus seem happy and engaged. They are committed and passionate about their education as well as serving our country with honesty and conviction. Our last stop was Vassar College in Poughkeepsie, New York. Known as a highly selective, small liberal-arts college, Vassar is located on 1,000 pristine acres, which includes the Vassar Farm and two Na- tional Historic Landmarks. Vassar is an extremely competitive institution with a 23% admit rate, an average accepted gpa of 3.75, and average standardized test scores around 1400 for SAT and 32 for ACT. Although Vassar does not offer merit scholarships, they follow a need-blind admissions policy and approximately 58% of the student population receives financial aid. Some of Vassar’s most popular majors are in the arts and sciences respectively. There are impressive facilities available for theater, drama, and music majors as well as a brand new science building slated to open in two years. Although small in size, a third of Vassar’s 2,450 students identify as a student of color. One of the most photographed spots on campus includes the library, which from the inside looks as though it is straight out of a Harry Potter book. Vassar’s quiet, tranquil setting is an ideal place for students who are looking for a college environment that both challenges and enlightens them.

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WHY THE SEC?

The Southeastern conference, or the SEC, is home to leading academic, extracurricular, and athletic programs, groundbreaking research institutions, and a seemingly endless supply of sunshine. Recently, admissions representatives from each of the 14 SEC Universities hosted a local breakfast, part of the "SEC College Tour,” where we were able to learn a bit more about each school. Each university has their own rich traditions and history and offer specific majors, scholarships, and opportunities. Here are a few 'fun facts' of each University:

The University of Alabama, Tuscaloosa- Alabama is well known for its incredible football team and athletic program, but also boasts strong Chemical Engineering and Advertising programs. The 2012 freshman class includ- ed 141 National Merit Finalists and almost 1800 students earned a 4.0 GPA or higher. The class also received more than 50 million dollars in scholarships. Roll Tide!

The University of Arkansas, Fayetteville- Last fall, the University of Arkansas enrolled more students than at any other time in its history- 4,575 freshmen and about 1,400 transfer students for a total enrollment of 24,537. Fayetteville is a wonderful place to hike, water ski, and bike. You can also visit one of the largest collections of American Art at the campus Museum. Go Hogs!

Auburn University, Auburn, Alabama-The Gateway Program is a bridge program for professional flight students. JetBlue has paired up with the program and provides a planned pathway for flight students to reach the airline early in their careers. With over 25,000 undergraduates, Auburn still has a 17:1 faculty: student ratio. Alumni have a 96% satisfaction rate with their education and would choose Auburn all over again. Currently under construction is a tiger paw hot tub that will hold 45 students. Go War Eagles!

University of Florida, Gainesville- State’s oldest and most comprehensive university, UF is among the nation’s most academically diverse public universities. Also, it was voted Number 3 in Kiplinger’s “Best Values in Public College”. UF has the largest career fair in the SEC each spring. Go Gators!

The University of Georgia, Athens- America’s first state-chartered university, The University of Georgia is “the birthplace of American public higher education”. Incoming first year students participate in small seminar dis- cussion classes with tenure-track faculty in the recently launched First Year Odyssey.

University of Kentucky, Lexington – Located in the heart of Bluegrass, UK has 20,000 undergraduate students. Popular programs include and Equine-Animal science, an Opera/Theater program, and a strong college of Medicine, Pharmacy and Law.

Louisiana State University (LSU), Baton Rouge- 300-year old oak trees line this beautiful campus. LSU is recog- nized for its academic strengths, athletic programs and culture, as it is located in Baton Rouge, the capital of Louisiana.

The University of Mississippi, Oxford- For the fall 2012 semester, 3,373 freshmen were enrolled and 52% were out of state. Ole Miss offers more than 100 majors in the College of Liberal Arts and professional schools of Ac- countancy, Applied Science, Business, Education, Engineering, Journalism, Pharmacy and Law.

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Mississippi State University, Mississippi State – This is the least expensive university in the SEC, named in the Top 40 of Forbes magazine "America's Best College Buys" for four years in a row for top-notch academic programs and affordability. There are 85 different majors are offered with a faculty: student ratio of 19:1. Electrical Engi- neering students were the Eco-car Champions in a national competition last year.

University of Missouri (Mizzou), Columbia- Newest member of the SEC with a top-ranked Journalism program (top 3 in country). Freshman Interest Groups (FIGs) are the cornerstone of Mizzou on-campus living. This program is designed to help first-time college students meet students within their major by placing them in the same residence hall and co-enrolling them in three courses. Students are also enrolled in a seminar taught by peer and faculty advisors.

University of South Carolina, Columbia- Columbia is situated two hours from the beach and two hours from the mountains. The honors college ranked #1 among public university honors programs offers engagement on par with Ivy League institutions at a public school price. Undergraduate international business program is ranked #1 by U.S. News & World Report. Last year the university had "13 Fulbright scholars, Y'all!"

The University of Tennessee, Knoxville- "The Volunteers"- The states flagship, land grant, public research university nestled in the foothills of the Great Smoky Mountains. Year-round outdoor recreational activities including hiking, camping, boating, skiing and white-water rafting. The University of Tennessee is well known for the college of Engineering (est. 1838), Business (ranked 27th in US) and Logistics (#5 in US). There is a 1:1 female to male student ratio, 15:1 Student to faculty ratio.

Texas A&M (Agriculture and Mechanical) University, College Station- The 6th largest university in the nation with over 50,000 students in over 120 fields of study. College Station, in the heart of central Texas, is often re- ferred to as "Aggieland". In a Wall Street Journal survey of recruiters from more than 400 of the largest companies, non-profits and governmental agencies in the US, Texas A&M's graduates were ranked the second-most prepared and most able to succeed. Texas A&M boasts the largest ROTC program in the country.

Vanderbilt University, Nashville,TN - Vanderbilt is the only private University in the SEC, and the smallest school in the largest city of the SEC. Located in the heart of Nashville, (live music capital of the world), the city is known for its unique blend of cosmopolitan flair and small town charm. Vanderbilt is situated on 330 acres of park-like campus. Admissions process is need blind, and the school meets 100% of a family's demonstrated financial need. Over 28,000 students applied for fall 2012; 1,608 were admitted. Nine percent of the students are from Tennessee, 3% are from the southeast region, and New York ranks second in population attending.

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