Which conservative college for my son?

Ted

[Ted]

OK Freepers, I can't believe it, but my oldest of three sons is a Sophomore in High School. He's attending a private prep school here in Austin. It's time for us to generate a list of colleges to survey.

When pressed (slightly) he told me this evening that if he had to choose tomorrow he would major in History, Psychology, or Business. I'd guess he'll graduate in the second quartile of his tough school (no genius, but respectable), will score 1200-1250 on SAT, and has been reasonably active in outside activities/volunteer work. Let's assume total costs of $20K - $25K/year would be OK (ouch...).

My goals:

-Conservative school that will teach non-revisionist history and has a deep respect of our country.
-A school where it's OK for a well-rounded guy to enjoy other activities besides studying (he's no academic..., loves sports).
-Ideally in the South, but not required.
-Academically respected institution.
-A school where it's OK to be a Christian (a "Christian" school is not required, but it MUST respect/support Christianity).

Thus far I like what I see at Hillsdale College in Michigan, but dang, Michigan? He's a Texas boy! Is there a similar school any closer to home?

Thanks in advance for your thoughts. Be nice - signed, a slightly nervous Dad.

[Joe 6-pack]

I still love the area...

...And it's a great place to spend four years of your life. Sadly, with the deaths of Dr. Bruce Bugbee, and Basil Crapster, and the retirement of Dr. Charlie Glatfelter, even the History department of this (once) fine school has been over run by feminist theory and political correctness. Gabor Borrit, head of the Civil War Studies institute and Dr. Larry Marschall (Physics) are well published and highly regarded, and to my knowledge, remain on staff. We also had a Bio Prof, (can't remember his name) of whom it was said, could write a letter of recommendation that would guarantee admission to any med school in the U.S. He too, is gone.

[Ted]

Thanks for the reply. After it's all said and done I may not be able to keep him away from UT (he loves his Horns). There are some great Christian groups on campus. It's just SO HUGE...

[Ted]

Thanks ya'll.

[NeoCaveman]

U. of Chicago
But he better be really smart or forgeddaboutit.

[arkfreepdom]

You won't like this one Ted...but we have been pleased with the Univ. of Oklahoma for our first to go to college. It's academic reputation is on the rise, and although there are clearly some lib influences, it is nowhere near Austin as a lib bastion. Case in point...J. C. Watts is the congressman for the district.

[Dakotabound]

How about investigating St. John's College in Maryland or New Mexico? Their curriculum is centered around the Great Books program. If I were attending college today, I'd go myself. Click Here

[cajungirl]

I suggest you let your kid read up on colleges, talk to other kids, visit them {it is a pain and takes a year to visit all of them}, go in your price range only after he decides all the basics like small vs large, close to home vs far away, atmosphere ie city vs rural and where he can get in. Pick a couple that he likes and let him go for it. Apples don't fall far from trees so expect him to be exposed to the professoriate which are for the most part 60's radicals and Marxists. Batten your hatches and trust that the kid you raised will flirt with everything and eventually turn into something a bit like you, fundamentally like you but with enough of his own flair to be his own person. Trust your kid!!! That principle has never failed me. We can't control their life or environment forever,,sometimes you just gotta cross your fingers, say a prayer and let 'em go.

[general_re]

Honestly, if it were me, I'd say look at a range of schools beyond traditionally conservative ones as well, and if he falls in love with one that might be more liberal, seriously consider letting him go.

It might sound strange, and I know it's not really what you're looking for, but let's face it - he's going to have to deal with the lunatic left sooner or later in life. Might as well let him learn what the warning signs are to look for ;)

You've got two choices, being the token conservative at a fairly liberal school:

• My wife's method - keep your head down, your mouth shut, get what you need out of them, learn the garbage exactly as long as you have to, and then forget all about it, and then throw the letters from the Alumni Association begging for money straight in the trash, or;
  
• My method - stand up for what you believe in, and fight the good fight, and then throw the letters from the Alumni Association begging for money straight in the trash. You learn pretty quickly what you believe in, in such an environment, and how to defend it when you have to, because you will have to.
  
  Being vastly outnumbered made me quicker and sharper than any of my classmates, just because I had to be. To this day, you could array me against any random dozen of my more liberal classmates, give me any position to defend, and I guarantee I'll mop the floor with 'em every time. Know thy enemy, sez me.
  
  Both methods have their advantages. My wife got better grades; I got an education by fire ;)
  
  After all, if you want to temper your steel, the first thing you have to do is heat it up....

[hole_n_one]

I look forward to the day when the real truth about Bill Snyder comes out - it seems to me he is just a bit too much of a control freak.

The L.A. press found this guy to be, in a word, odd.......to earn that type of distinction in this town is an accomplishment.

As for my boy, no way. He's a 6 foot, size 14 shoes, 290 pound defensive tackle. Unless there's food 1000 yards away he ain't running that far...

LOL!

[apackof2]

How does one use one's hand to show that they attend(ed) school at Hillsdale?

It was an attempt at some siliness but we Michiganders do it all the time!
Michigan is shaped like a hand, so you can point to the place on your hand that corresponds to the location of Hillsdale college.
I did'nt attend Hillsdale but I am not far from there and know the reputation/location.
Patrick Henry University is a Christian college in Virginia but I think the emphasis is politics.
They have a web site you can check out.

[bcoffey]

Thanks ya'll.

You're welcome.

I forgot to mention that the campus is one of the most beautiful you'll ever find. Plus, the new student housing is great. (Cafeteria food leaves something to be desired, though.) In her last year, my daughter lived in a four-student apartment. Each student had a private bedroom (small, but private). There was a common living room and kitchen. After the 1st term, they dropped their cafeteria privileges and cooked for themselves.

[Ted]

Pepperdine, maybe so. Neat webcam on their website...

To be honest, I would be curious about how strong their affiliation is with the Church of Christ? I don't agree with all their doctrine. Thanks!

[diggerwillow]

Dont forget about the military academies. My son will be graduating from the Air Force Academy in the Spring. 300,000 dollar education and you will owe them 5 years if you don't fly and 10 years if you do.

[JPR_Boise_ID]

Well, my opinion is based on a little more than just the UT grads I work with ... I go to Round Rock a few times a year on business, and I love Austin ! However, I'm glad I don't have to deal with the traffic all year long, LOL.

[tristero]

Along with the NR college guide, check out the Intercollegiate Studies Institute's college guide ("Choosing the Right College"). It can be ordered at www.isi.org. ISI is a great group, and helped me survive at one of the most liberal schools in the country during the darkest days of political correctness.

[bcoffey]

I would be curious about how strong their affiliation is with the Church of Christ?

My daughter's best friend went to Pepperdine. She's Catholic, so I guess they are accepting of other denominations. A side note... I was told that most students take FIVE years to graduate from there.

[Ted]

Well... maybe. OU, huh? Talk to me after Oct 6.

Just kidding - I do like OKC/Norman area. I spent 3 months there last year (commuted on business every week). Conservative, but big enough to have a life. And I'm sure it's a great school. I don't know if he could seriously consider it, but I'm pleased to hear ya'll have had a good experience with it.

Regards.

[StolarStorm]

I was going to state the obvious "Texas A&M" but then I notice that you were a T-sipper so I didn't bother. Good luck anyhow!

Texas A&M does fit all your requirements though, but I'm not going to mention it.