FOX Carolina 21Furman, Limestone College rank among top "socially awkward" universities

Furman, Limestone College rank among top "socially awkward" universities

Two Upstate universities are named as top colleges in the country on a very bizarre list.  The list looks at the top schools for socially awkward students.

According to a website, insidecollege.com, known for using expert opinions to create lists for families searching for the right college for their high school graduate, Furman University in Greenville, and Limestone College in Gaffney, made the list.

The website said the list was compiled by industry experts. The site didn't say how exactly they came up with the list, and it varies, with larger, more well known schools, to smaller ones.

Some Furman seniors, now living off campus, said after four years there, they think the list is funny, but not necessarily true.

"I can see how that could be construed, but I also think they're not looking at the entire student population with that," said Rachel Shelnutt. She said the diversity at Furman may have lead experts to say everyone, even socially awkward students, can fit in.

"There are so many different types of students here that it's very easy to find a niche," said Shelnutt, "and find, even if you're not one of the people that goes out all the time and wants to party, you can find friends that are the same as you and are looking to do the same kinds of things that you want to do."

Seniors Megan Dougherty and Martha Hall said they've spent four years on the soccer team, and they don't feel a part of any socially awkward designation, but could see how Furman may have been chosen for the list.

"Because we're really academically centered, and I think when people are focused on academics, they don't focus on their social life as much," said Dougherty.

Bryan Hayes, another senior who played on the football team, said he's seen a range of personality traits from his teammates alone. He said he was surprised that Furman was listed at all, because socially awkward isn't how he thinks of Furman. He mentioned another ranking Furman topped a few months ago, as the "2^nd Most Rigorous" university.

Spokespeople with Furman said they had heard of this list, but they don't give any weight to its claim.

Copyright 2012 FOX Carolina (Meredith Corporation). All rights reserved.