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New College of Florida Reviews

Average Rating Details

Academic Rigor

Dorm Life

Food and Dining

See New College of Florida reviews submitted by students. Find out what students have to say about various aspects of attending New College of Florida. Read about academic experiences and campus life in these free New College of Florida reviews, or contribute your own New College of Florida review if you're a current student there.

  • 13 out of 16 people found this review useful.

    Angelina from Lake Wales, FL

    Reviewer is Accepted here and planning to attend soon. Reviewer has been to campus.

    Categories Rating Comments
    Great for these types of students

    highly-motivated, intelligent, slightly eccentric students

  • 3 out of 3 people found this review useful.

    Brianna from Port Charlotte, FL

    Reviewer is Accepted here and planning to attend soon. Reviewer has been to campus.

    Categories Rating Comments
    Will learn a lot

    I'm so excited because everything is specialized for the individual student!
    Will enjoy being here

    There is going to be so much to do, and many diverse students. Small class sizes and a small campus make for close friends!
    Bang for the buck

    I am going almost for free!

  • 2 out of 2 people found this review useful.

    Lindsey from North Port, FL

    Reviewer is A current student here.

    Categories Rating Comments
    Am learning a lot

    NCF is highly academic and fosters intellectual growth. You are pretty much on your own when it comes to learning however--classes are not the typical spoon-fed, Power Point collection of facts. The professors tell you what to read, which can be upwards of 200 pages a week of abstracts, professional journals, etc. and it is up to you to do the reading and extract the necessary information. Not for the faint of heart.
    Am enjoying being here

    Hmmm. On the bay location is fantastic, and the small community is very helpful and friendly,open-minded and tolerant of (almost) anyone. Be aware that there is significant noise during weekend parties (you really can't escape the noise) and many students leave in order to get sleep and do required studying. Also, about 50% of the student body smokes and cigarette butts all over the ground are an eyesore.
    Bang for the buck

    Can't be beat, although tuition costs are higher than other Florida state schools. Also, MANDATORY on-campus housing (for up to age 21) is more costly than other schools, as is the meal plan. Food service is not all-you-can-eat as in other schools; it is a la carte and expensive (many organic foods). A bowl of cous cous and a Naked juice cost me almost $10-. Students provide a lot of their own meals.
    Tips for prospective students

    Bring earplugs, as nighttime noise can be a problem. Day people are the minority. There are no honors dorms (after all, this is an honors college) and there are no quiet hours, so noise can be heard just about anytime. Many students cook communal dinners and share potluck meals, which helps reduce food costs. Also, county bus service is free with student ID, so many students head downtown to Whole Foods to do their grocery shopping and reduce their food costs.
    Great for these types of students

    Intellectual,, liberal, gay. hippie (or hippie wannabe), eccentric, vegan,, oddball, misfit. At the same time, there are some Young Republicans who are at NCF for the great education and not the social life. There are no organized sports teams nor a Greek system. Be aware, the work load is heavy and the ambiguity of having no grades can be a disadvantage--you actually end up working harder!

  • 2 out of 2 people found this review useful.

    Stephanie from Sarasota, FL

    Reviewer is A current student here.

    Categories Rating Comments
    Am learning a lot

    The courses I've taken go beyond a textbook. Most professors will provide additional knowledge to facilitate your studies and research, as well as take you out into the fields for experience.
    Am enjoying being here

    New College has a great atmosphere for relaxed learning, casual interaction and unique outlets. The students are tolerant, the campus is beautiful and the recreational options are endless!
    Bang for the buck

    For being a top-ranked liberal arts college in the U.S., it is one of the most affordable public universities in the state of Florida. The school puts education before profit, forever in pursuit of generous donors who will guide the new generations into the lights of academia and stewardship. The school puts just as much effort into ensuring top-quality education!
    Tips for prospective students

    Your first year will be the most challenging yet most fun. As with any school, you are discovering your comfort zone and restructuring your goals. Unlike most other schools however, you will be structuring your academics towards a senior thesis. Prepare your writing skills as much as possible before entering!
    Great for these types of students

    Highly-motivated, active, liberal (it's okay if you're not!), tolerant, easy-going

  • 1 out of 1 people found this review useful.

    Chelsey from Port Charlotte, FL

    Reviewer is A current student here.

    Categories Rating Comments
    In three sentences

    this college is definitely for the liberal-minded, but welcomes anyone with a more conservative outlook. the sense of community extends beyond the students to incorporate faculty and staff as well. it is obvious that the success of students is top priority here, and that, further, that success depends on how willing the student is to achieve it on their own.
    Tips for prospective students

    food is scarce, even with the mandatory meal plan for first years, so definitely get a fridge to stock (or befriend someone in a letter dorm who has one). the social life is really excellent, and there is plenty to do to keep you occupied on campus as well as the surrounding area, but be warned that the academics can become very, very overwhelming. remember to breathe and utilize the facilities offered on campus to help you through the semester.
    Academic Rigor

    very, very difficult. as a transfer student who went in with a perception of college life regarding academics, i was nowhere near prepared enough for the level and quality of work required of me at this institution. that being said, i can tell that this school will give dedicated students what they want/need.
    Dorm Life

    depends on the dorm you end up in. letter dorms are the nicest; dortstein is suitable; pei is tiny; and b dorm (where i live) is classic dorm living, with communal showers and living spaces. b dorm has small rooms, but it is entirely your own space. this dorm also has its own sub-community, which is nice to know the 30 people living around you.
    Food and Dining

    ham center's food is mediocre, just standard cafeteria food, although they do offer vegetarian options with every meal. they have limited late-night and weekend hours, which makes eating during these times very tricky. there is a boar's head cafe and the entirely vegan/vegetarian student-run four winds cafe as well, but these also have very limited hours and hiked up costs (even with meal plan). the food in these latter is more tolerable, though, even though the service is a bit slower.
    What to do for fun

    the bay! yoga, exploring the campus, the gym. there is a music room, air hockey, pool table, and ping pong table in the ham center. there are always activities being hosted by students on campus. also, the beach is only about 10 minutes away, as is downtown sarasota for those times when you need to get off campus for a little while.
    Bang for the buck

    for what it is, this honors college is a great value. there are many facilities, excellent faculty, and the small community makes this an excellent deal.
    Share any unusual traditions or locations on campus

    there are campus-wide themed parties every weekend called wall parties held in the center of the universe near the pei dorms, which are always interesting and fun. there is an extreme desire for students to understand healthy, safe sexual behavior, so there are constantly entertaining activities revolving around that. also, rocky horror picture show...that's all that needs to be said about that.
    Great for these types of students

    liberals, hippies, academically motivated, open-minded/experimental, independent
    Clubs and Activities

    there are a ton of clubs on campus, all of which host events throughout the semester.
    Greek Life

    does not exist at this school.
    Campus Safety

    the campus security is quality. the officers are very dedicated and are always kind and helpful. they make efforts to get along very well with students, and it shows. there are blue lights everywhere on campus that call directly to the cop shop. also, because of the small community, the students all have a tendency to watch each other's backs, so there's an added bonus there.

  • 0 out of 1 people found this review useful.

    Michael from Clearwater, FL

    Reviewer is Accepted here and planning to attend soon. Reviewer has been to campus.

    Categories Rating Comments
    Will learn a lot

    School hasn't even begun yet and they have already mailed me my first New College read The Other Wes Moore. I think I will be reading a lot and enjoying every minute of it.
    Will enjoy being here

    Sarasota is possibly the coolest town in Florida and the kids at New College continue to blow my mind at every visit. While visiting I watched the sunset with my counselor and some current students. It was beautiful.
    Bang for the buck

    It costs what every other college costs but with that same expenditure it looks as though I am getting personalized help from people who actually know something.
    Tips for prospective students

    Have a plan. Read a lot. Keep inspired and dreaming. You can do it.
    Great for these types of students

    Self-motivated students will thrive off of the extra breathing space at New College.

  • 0 out of 1 people found this review useful.

    Ed from NY

    Reviewer is Accepted here and planning to attend soon. Reviewer has been to campus.

    Categories Rating Comments
    Bang for the buck

    For in-state students it is, but a little difficult for out-of-state
    Great for these types of students

    fun-loving, unique, students who like SMALL schools and classes (average 10:1 student faculty ratio)!

  • 4 out of 9 people found this review useful.

    Estefan from Rockledge, FL

    Reviewer is Accepted here and planning to attend soon. Reviewer has been to campus.

    Categories Rating Comments

  • Melissa from Orlando, FL

    Reviewer is A current student here.

    Categories Rating Comments
    In three sentences

    There is everything that just couldn't exist anywhere else. Walls, [FORUM] wars, town meetings, the eccentric people, and that there's always something happening. Small, intimate classes help you learn a lot.
    Tips for prospective students

    Just be your eccentric self and you'll fit in just fine!
    Academic Rigor

    It's a unique, tough college experience and it's not for everyone. There are a lot of things to love, I think, but I can just as easily see how someone else might hate what keeps me here.
    Dorm Life

    Single bathroom (only share with your immediate roommates.) Beds. Desks, Chairs, one or two bookshelves (usually). Dressers. Usually one item per person, but sometimes there are extras. My power just went out for a second, and I live in the nice new dorm.
    Food and Dining

    You realize Ham food sucks so you buy groceries.
    What to do for fun

    There's a game of hide and seek going on in one of the Pei courts right now. You've picked the right place to seek higher education.
    Bang for the buck

    Definitely the cheapest education around.
    Share any unusual traditions or locations on campus

    Walls, [FORUM] wars, town meetings, hide-and-seek, etc.
    Great for these types of students

    Eccentric,smart, socially awkward.
    Clubs and Activities

    We have everything from chess to sailing to fencing!
    Greek Life

    None.
    Campus Safety

    VERY safe-the cops even become your friends.

  • Rebekah from Lake Panasoffkee, FL

    Reviewer is A current student here.

    Categories Rating Comments
    In three sentences

    New College of Florida was founded by independent thinkers for independent thinkers. The academic program here requires a student who is capable of taking on full responsibility for his or her education. Although, NCF students are notorious for their studious natures, many are also known for their love and exercise of fun.
    Tips for prospective students

    Keep an open mind: don't assume that the traditional education system is the only way to go.
    Remember why you're in college: it is easy to get caught up in the newness of independence and the real world.
    Put forth your best effort, but don't drive yourself into an early grave: academic strife builds character and great professional resume. Just remember to schedule tranquility and fun into your life.
    Academic Rigor

    New College of Florida is the honors college of the entire state of Florida. The academics here are thereby extremely challenging. Although we don't use a grading system, delineating A, B, C etc., we do use a teacher evaluation system. Basically instead of getting a letter that tells you how you did in the class, you get a whole essay, saying what you did great, how you can improve etc. You will receive grades on tests and papers throughout the semester, just not a final grade for the class. Don't worry if you need a GPA for financial aid purposes, the school generates one for you based on your evaluations.
    Dorm Life

    Living in a dorm has a lot of pros and a few cons.
    Pros:
    - A five to ten minute walk from all your classes
    - Easy access to social events
    -Safety
    -Already prepared food
    -Pool, fitness center, sport courts
    -Friends
    -Not paying a lease
    -Saves gas money

    Cons:
    -Paying room and board
    -Limited ability to cook(depending on the dorm)
    -Pre-assigned roommates(for Freshman unless you know who you want to live with already)
    -Noisy on Friday and Saturday nights, due to Walls or a campus party in a court yard beneath a bunch of palm trees (Palm Court). The noise level varies on your room's proximity.
    Food and Dining

    Unfortunately, the food at this University is not gourmet. In all honesty, it is the worst thing about our small community. At first the food doesn't seem that bad, but just as in a high school cafeteria, the culinary creations become repetitive and bland.
    What to do for fun

    This school is located 15 minutes from the #1 rated beach in America, Siesta Key, among something like 6 other beaches. Lido Key, for example, is great for shell collectors. There are several theatres, cinemas, parks, restaurants, and shopping centers. St. Armand's Circle, for instance, is one of our classier shopping venues, where one can purchase fine works of art and clothing from designer boutiques. Of course, no one can pass up a good old fashioned game of Frisbee right here on campus, or a simple frozen yogurt from White Berry in downtown. There is no such thing as a dull moment with two mini golf parks right around the corner.
    Bang for the buck

    On Princeton's List of colleges that offer an ivy league education for the least amount of money, NCF ranks number 3 in all of the U.S.A. See for yourself.
    http://www.princetonreview.com/best-value-colleges.aspx
    Share any unusual traditions or locations on campus

    Our traditions are very secretive. Become a student so you can find them out.
    Great for these types of students

    Students who:
    -Love learning
    -Are Independent
    -Prefer smaller schools
    -Need financial aid
    -Want to be a name and not a number

    Clubs and Activities

    There are several clubs on campus:
    -Jesus Club
    -American Sign Language Club
    -YELLING CLUB
    -Circus Club
    -Sailing Club
    -Football Club
    etc.
    Greek Life

    We do not offer Greek life nor school sponsored sports. We of course have sports teams, soccer mostly, that compete with other teams in Sarasota, just not a collegiate competitive team like the Gators.
    Campus Safety

    The Campus Police are amazing, very friendly, alert, and accessible. There are blue towers all over campus that with one push of a button call to the Cop Shop (as we call it) immediately. Even if you're just feeling paranoid, the cops are more than happy to pick you up in one of their golf carts and give you a lift to your dorm. They also jump start your car when your battery dies, and provide other really nice services.

  • Bianca from Miami, FL

    Reviewer is Accepted here and planning to attend soon. Reviewer has been to campus.

    Categories Rating Comments
    In three sentences

    This school is centered around you. The environment feels homey - half the students walk around barefoot- and there's a strong community feeling. Students are quirky and shameless, and your unique traits will result in you standing out, not being shunned.
    Tips for prospective students

    Get ready to see lifestyles you've never seen before. Don't worry too much about fitting in - everyone fits in.
    Academic Rigor

    It's designed around you, so you get the classes that work for you, but you still have to impress the teachers.
    Food and Dining

    The Four Winds cafe is good and offers vegan food. The school tries hard to appeal to alternative diets.
    Share any unusual traditions or locations on campus

    Shoeless students. Shoeless students everywhere.
    Great for these types of students

    People who are afraid of getting lost in the crowd
    Greek Life

    Nonexistant :D

  • Angelica from Tarpon Springs, FL

    Reviewer is A current student here.

    Categories Rating Comments
    In three sentences

    a quirky school full of many activists and hippie types but you'll also find moderates. definitely non-traditional!
    Tips for prospective students

    the marine biology, gender studies and music programs seem to be the best here.

    if you like not wearing shoes you'll love it here!
    Academic Rigor

    classes are all challenging and interesting and none of them feel anything like high school. it's very refreshing.
    Dorm Life

    this can vary widely depending on where you're living and what you like. there are quiet dorms, but that partially depends on who lives there. the courts are pretty close to palm court, so if you don't party you may want to invest in ear plugs. the newer dorms are quite nice though but first years won't get one.
    Food and Dining

    can widely vary. some of the food is great, some of it not. also, be careful if you're on a diet as the portions at hamilton (aka ham) are huge! either force them to give you less or put it on the freegan table!
    four winds is vegan and delicious though money is limited.
    What to do for fun

    walls are great if you enjoy partying but there's plenty of clubs for non-partiers too! there's also sailing and swimming if you enjoy being on the water.
    Share any unusual traditions or locations on campus

    palm court parties are huge bashes that end up bringing in people from all over.
    Great for these types of students

    hippies, opinionated activists, artsy types, lgbt or students bored with traditional teaching.
    Clubs and Activities

    for such a small school there's a plethora activities and it's very easy to start something if you want to.
    Greek Life

    nonexistant
    Campus Safety

    the cops here are helpful and you're encouraged to be on good terms with them. there's call button stations all over the campus. most places are well lit too. off campus has had a few issues but they are unrelated to the school.

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