The old cliché that it’s what’s on the inside that counts may be applied in many aspects of life, but apparently not when choosing a college to attend. In a recent survey of incoming freshmen at the University of Mississippi, 90 percent of new students say they chose Ole Miss, in part, because of its looks.
“I had never been to the Ole Miss campus until a senior visit day last school year,” said Marlee Sue Bradley, a freshman from Corinth, Mississippi. “I fell in love with the campus. It was absolutely gorgeous.”
But parents need not worry, out of those surveyed, 88 percent said that they chose Ole Miss because of the academic programs and the approach to instruction offered by the school.
“What really drew me to Ole Miss was the Sally Barksdale Honors College,” said Alyse Lemoine, a freshman from Alexandria, Louisiana.
Lemoine also said the style of classes at Ole Miss helped in her decision.
“The smaller classes and discussion-based learning was ideal for how I best comprehend material,” said Lemoine.
It may be no surprise that 87 percent of the freshmen surveyed also say they chose to attend Ole Miss because of its social reputation and climate. William Mixon says that’s what drew him to Ole Miss.
“I chose Ole Miss because of my friends here and because of football,” said Mixon, a freshman from Eupora, Mississippi.
Whether it is sporting events or other social activities, such as those available through the Greek system, the fact that going to school here looks like fun continues to draw a large number of new students to Ole Miss.
The survey also revealed that only 20 percent of the students chose Ole Miss because of family ties. Kyle Ellis, the director of the Center for Student Success and First-Year Experience, says he saw this coming.
“I was not surprised,” said Ellis. “The university has a great reputation with regard to academics, aesthetics and social opportunities.”
With Ole Miss enrolling the largest freshmen class in school history this year, whatever avenues the university is using to recruit students seem to be working.
Story contributed by Ole Miss journalism student Ethan Turner
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