Skip to main content
What are your chances of acceptance?
Your chance of acceptance
Duke University
Loading…
UCLA
Loading…
+ add school
Your chancing factors
Unweighted GPA: 3.7
1.0
4.0
SAT: 720 math
200
800
| 800 verbal
200
800

Extracurriculars

Low accuracy (4 of 18 factors)

What's the story behind the most mysterious colleges?

Hey guys, recently I've been digging into some of the lesser-known or 'mysterious' aspects of colleges nationwide. Does anyone have any cool info or personal experiences associated with any colleges that have a rep for being somewhat mysterious or having hidden aspects that aren't immediately apparent to prospective students?

9 months ago

Sure, some colleges are historically known to have some mysterious or lesser-known aspects attached to their stories. Let's start with an Ivy League school, Yale University, infamous for its secret societies. One of the most well-known of these is the Skull and Bones Society, which boasts previous members like former Presidents – George H.W. Bush and his son, George W. Bush. The society is renowned for its secrecy and has been the subject of many popular culture references and conspiracies.

Another institution is Reed College in Oregon, known for its "mysterious steam tunnels" that run beneath the campus. Officially, they're just part of the heating system, but they've been the setting for explorations, pranks, and even underground theater over the years. Just remember, venturing into them is against school policy.

Then there's St. Mary's College in Maryland, where legend tells of a friendly ghost named "Moll Dyer". Moll's tale is a bit of a tragic one, as she was a woman in the 17th century accused of witchcraft who supposedly died from exposure to the elements. She's said to haunt the campus but in a good-natured, protective way.

Lastly, the University of Montevallo in Alabama has a plethora of ghostly stories centered around numerous campus buildings. The most famous of which is perhaps the story of Condie Cunningham. In 1908, Condie, a student, accidentally set her room on fire while trying to heat fudge on her gas lamp. She ran down the hall in flames and tragically died from her burns. It's said her spirit haunts Main Hall, and some even claim to smell the scent of burning flesh or fudge.

Of course, there are likely more stories that haven’t surfaced or are less well-known than these. It's always worth checking out the school's local history or asking older students or alumni when you get the chance.

9 months ago

About CollegeVine’s Expert FAQ

CollegeVine’s Q&A seeks to offer informed perspectives on commonly asked admissions questions. Every answer is refined and validated by our team of admissions experts to ensure it resonates with trusted knowledge in the field.