<p>I wish you hadn’t posted this in two different posts, it makes it confusing.
You need to find out specifically why your father wants you to apply to the schools he is talking about. If it is prestige, then do some research on the most “prestigious” schools that are in the south, AND find some that are a compromise such as the mid-Atlantic.
For any school, do some research into the religious groups on their campus and perhaps email them to find out how they feel about their campus experience. Their are religious groups of all kinds even on the most liberal campuses. And college students have a live-and-let-live attitutude for the most part about religions. Students who are not religious won’t disrespect you for your beliefs.
I’m just saying you may be able to find a compromise school where your dad’s priorities are met as well as yours even if it isn’t a perfect fit in your eyes.</p>