During my senior year of high school, just about every adult I came in contact with asked me where I was going to college. When I told them “Lander,” they all told me “You’re too smart for Lander,” which honestly was a little upsetting. Lander University is a great school with many renowned programs and division II athletics. Besides, I’d known since early in my junior year of high school that I wanted to go to Lander. Everyone I knew who had went to Lander never made any complaints, not one, but some people I talked to who’d attended schools including Clemson and USC had made complaints about the class sizes or the campus layout or the location of the school itself.

The reasons I chose Lander were simple, but make a huge difference when deciding on a college. I chose to attend Lander University because:

1. It has a good program for my desired major (psychology).

2. It was a small college, and coming from a small high school, it was an easier transition.

3. It was close enough to my home (about 30 minutes) that I had the option to live on campus or commute.

4. It was close to my family and grandparents.

5. Lander offered me a scholarship that made USC’s offer look like a joke, and Clemson didn’t offer me one at all.

6. Even without scholarships, the tuition was cheaper for just as good of an education.

I am a relatively good student and finished high school at almost the top of my class, so because I was “too smart for Lander,” I’m able to come to school here for free. I’m also a member of their excellent Honors College, when I wouldn’t have been eligible at a larger school. I’ve only been at Lander for one semester, but I can't ever imagine myself leaving. I love this school with its small charm and friendly staff. It's nice to see people you know around campus and for teachers to remember your name. Anytime someone asks me about Lander or even anytime I get the chance, I brag about how great my school is and encourage anyone younger than me to look into it.