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.

[Ted]

U. of Chicago, no kidding. I said 1200-1250 on SAT...

I was a performing cellist for a few years, and had the joy of teaching a brilliant, nice, hard working, talented young man on the cello for several years. He eventually attended U. of Chicago majoring in math. Brian Glueck, a great guy.

Thanks.

[CR]

You're very welcome.

Furman is pretty small. The entering freshman class is about 700 students so there should be plenty of interaction with the professors - no TA's.

To add to bcoffey's comment - Furman was recently chosen as one of the 5 most beautiful campuses in the country. Here is a link Furman University

[John Farson]

It is good not support liberal institutions. However, it is difficult to find an English department that is not infected with liberalism. As a student, I've found it best not to argue with the more ideological professors -- just parrot back their tripe and make that grade!

"I don't think the boy of lively mind is hurt much by going to college. If he encounters mainly jackasses, then he learns the useful lesson that this is a jackass world."
--H. L. Mencken,
_The American Mercury_ p.420

[hole_n_one]

As for my boy, no way. He's a 6 foot, size 14 shoes, 290 pound defensive tackle

Surely he can adapt to the other side of the ball.....somebody's gotta block for the next Heisman Trophey winner.....

I'm going to pull out all the stops.....

[Ted]

Good thoughts cajungirl, and of course you're right. I did come across a bit heavy handed - I DO trust him.

But don't ask me about my middle son... just kidding, but WOW is it hard to be the middle sibling.

Regards.

[bcoffey]

I was a performing cellist for a few years

Did any of that rub off on your son? My daughter had a $5K/year music scholarship to play with the Furman Symphony (viola). The music program there is quite outstanding, and my daughter had hoped to get a double degree (music plus education) but dropped that idea at the end of her sophomore year.

[NeoCaveman]

I tried to get in the MBA program there
Shot down in flames

Now I am going to a very good one in Cleveland, John Carroll. It's Catholic, and the Jesuits don't mess around, but I think one of any faith wouldn't feel that uncomfortable there.

[AZPubbie]

Austin College in Sherman TX was reasonably conservative when my brother went there about 10 years ago. I believe that Trinity in San Antonio is also reasonably conservative. Both are good schools.

[apackof2]

Wow, bummer, thanks for the update

[Ted]

I'm not afraid of a non-Christian school. A liberal school? I dunno. I really don't. He can hold his own pretty well, but he's not that sharp (yet).

I did that myself - I manned a Chi Alpha table (Christian group) on the West Mall at UT when I was there. You're right, it does force you to learn how to meet the liberal arguments head on.

Thanks for your thoughts, and BTW, I prefer your style!...

[tristero]

To add to my last post, I just looked at the ISI website and they appear to have all of the entries from their book Choosing the Right College at the website www.collegeguide.org. (Sorry, but I don't know how to make that into a link.) Anyway, no need to buy the book.

[NeoCaveman]

Actually I would not recommend it for undergrad, while I did not go there then, I saw the ciriculum. For undergrad, there was too much non-western history, aka garbage. Good for graduate work, though.

[joonbug]

Hillsdale in Michigan. Stay away from the Ivies and other "trendy" schools.

[AZPubbie]

TCU in Ft. Worth is another that isn't too bad.

[Nataku X]

Don't write out more liberal colleges.

A challenge to your son's worldview will either:

• Strengthen and temper his faith and/or beliefs.
  

or

• Prove that his beliefs were built on weak foundations to belong with.

[arkfreepdom]

Regards to you and your's as well.

Your son will do well wherever he goes. He has the main advantage. Parents who care and are involved. I'm betting he goes to UT and will know who's full of it and who's not. I went to MIT and knew the Harvard libs were idiots and couldn't debate an issue...even in the 70's.

P. S.

I'll be at the Cotton Bowl on October 6. Never miss it. Can't wish you good luck about that though. :)

[Ted]

I'd never heard of St. John's, thanks. Looks challenging, and certainly not revisionist (what with 4 signers of the Declaration of Independence as founders, etc).

Sante Fe is a BIT flaky - are these guys for real? Pardon my bluntness.

Regards.

[PRND21]

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!

My neice just graduated from Pepperdine.
She is very liberal, but was in the minority as far as politics. I saw Dole signs in dorm windows!
She has told me the Church of Christ influence is minimal.
The Malibu campus is spectacular.

[Ted]

Too funny re: the food. It's funny how important that becomes for students. I'd imagine any cafeteria would get REAL old after the 50th meal there.

Thanks for the info.