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Exactly, mattmom. I’m an alum – both graduate & undergrad. When spending some time in Houston 20 years ago, I was surprised to see many people considered Rutgers to be an elite school. Back home, it was the choice of many who had circumstances that prevented them from going out of state – in other words, not a choice, just where they went because of $$ issues. Much of that perception is unfair, I know. There are many fantastic programs sprinkled throughout the many campuses. But for some reason, there isn’t the fierce loyalty for Rutgers among New Jerseyans as I’ve seen with so many other state Us.</p>
<p>Good point about the St. Benedict kids. It’s a mostly black school. Strict discipline, long-standing tradition, tons of alumni support to provide needy kids a good education. I haven’t followed SAT trends here, but assuming these kids are solid students, URMs, with great fencing skills, how fast will elite schools be snatching them up? Rutgers is foolish to let them go.</p>