<p>With all the college decisions/scholarships in, my D still has NCF has her top choice. Anyone else have it as their number 1?</p>
<p>Dear 2forcollege,</p>
<pre><code>Forgive me as this does not relate to an acceptance. Rather, my daughter is a high school junior preparing to apply, and frankly I was wondering if you would be willing to discuss some of the considerations which prompted your child to apply (beyond the beautiful city and remarkable weather :) )
</code></pre>
<p>Thanks in advance... drd</p>
<p>No problem, I'm happy to share! I also have another daughter who is a junior that will apply there next year, too! </p>
<p>My graduating senior was originally more focused on attending a large urban school, but was always interested by what she had heard about NCF. She was accepted with scholarships to several of these schools, but after visiting NCF, she really didn't think there was any better school for her. She was very impressed with the professors and students. In the end, it really boiled down to the quality of the academics and other educational opportunities offered there. (They have an outstanding record of students going onto some very impressive post graduate programs and being a Philosophy major that is an important consideration.)</p>
<p>She felt very at home on the campus...that elusive "fit" that everyone refers to. It's true, "fit" is very important. </p>
<p>The fact that we are FL residents and she has a Bright Futures scholarship is really a very happy bonus. We didn't want her decision to be based on cost and it wasn't, but at the end of the day it is very freeing not to have a big expense or loans. What all the lists say is true, NCF is an excellent value.</p>
<p>She's really happy with her decision and looking forward to going there this fall.</p>
<p>Let me know if there's anything else you'd like to know.</p>
<p>I applied and got accepted, so I can tell you a little bit about it too. :D I applied because of the no-grades policy. LOVE that idea. I was so excited to go to a school that focused on LEARNING not competition! I also applied because Sarasota is a really cool little city, it has a little downtown with cute shops and AMAZING beaches. I loved that kids there were so free with their ideas...even though I'm generally a conservative person. HOWEVER, I did turn down their admissions offer. My first visit, there were three guys sitting on a Pei balcony with a bong, yelling at us visitors "WOOOO New College, honors college of FLORIDA!!!" Obviously high. When I asked the admissions guy about drug use and how the laws are enforced, he said they only go about it in a counseling way. Basically, they talk to you about it and don't actually do anything. Secondly, the people there all seem really nice but there are some definite oddballs....nothing against oddballs, most of my friends are oddballs but I'm not really that much of an oddball....and I felt really out of place. New College is for a specific sort of person, and I just don't fit in. But if you like that kind of community, then NCF is for you! BTW they're building new dorms which are promising to turn out really nice :D</p>
<p>We visited NCF and were very surprised that it was surrounded by the airport...had never seen THAT piece of info in any of the literature.</p>
<p>missybear25_2004,</p>
<p>NCF is not for everyone, but I think characterizing the students as "oddballs" is over the top. You just didn't feel the fit there personally. My daughter did, and mom bias aside...she's not an "oddball" at all. Sadly, I think you will find drug use at most colleges. It seems to be a bit more in the open at NCF than other schools, but on the other hand I don’t think the majority of kids are involved in it either. It would be very difficult to keep up with the academic rigor of the program otherwise. Many mistakenly think that because there are no grades, it’s easier there. That is definitely not the case. The expectations of what must be done to pass a contract are very high.</p>
<p>Wendywoo,</p>
<p>They told us the bright side of having the airport so close is that if you park in just the right area at the dorms, you can walk to the airport:).</p>
<p>We’re not thrilled with the location of NCF, but on the other hand, at how many colleges will your classes be held in an historic mansion overlooking the bay. Everything has it’s trade-offs.</p>
<p>exactly. I would be an oddball there. :D But besides that, please don't take offense, they are oddballs. THATS NOT A BAD THING!!!!! They pride themselves on being 'noncomformist' which is great! we need people who deviate from the norm to keep us in check. Most of my friends are oddballs, or nonconformists if you will, and my best friend is going there next year. I didnt mean it in a bad way, i'm just trying to describe new college and what it offers and how it is. I'm not going to lie and say everyone there is tight-laced wearing abercrombie and fitch, etc, cuz they're not and that's AWESOME. And I'm not saying this like I'm too good to go to new college because they're all freaks; I'm saying I'm a little more conservative than the average student there and I chose not to attend because I wouldn't fit in.</p>
<p>As a charter class member in the 1960s, I have followed with interest the history of New College. I agree that the college is for a very special student. You must be very self motivated. If you need more structure, go somewhere else where they have grades. That said, I can't imagine a better school. You can follow your passions. Faculty are mentors, not just instructors. Most people who go on to graduate school compare it to going back to high school. No grading does not mean no accountability. Each semester you must sign a unique contract between you & your advisor detailing what you must do to receive credit for that semester. Faculty rules. Administration is just there to serve the community needs, to make it a smooth running community of scholars.</p>
<p>I am very intrested in applying there next year. My grades aren't all that great (I'm going into my senior year with a weighter 3.42 GPA) and I have yet to take the SAT because I refuse to take it until I get a 1300(out of 1600) currently i'm scoring in the 1200.
My Senior Year curriculum is tough:
(AP Bio, AP Eng, PreCal Honors, Honors Econ/Gov,)
I also come from a school that grades from semesters, not quarters.</p>
<p>I have pretty strong EC's but with no athletics.
Any suggestions? NCF really is one of my dream schools and I would appreciate any and all help</p>
<p>My impression is that they put a lot of weight on your essay. Good grades, scores and a challenging course load are important, but an essay that is well-written and reflects who you are should help.</p>
<p>I don't think they care that much about athletics being on your resume...they aren't focused that way. They seem to care about EC's that are more academic and community service orientated. </p>
<p>You should definitely contact the Admissions office this fall and schedule an interview. I've heard that can help, too.</p>
<p>thanks a lot! any other suggestions? </p>
<p>Here's my resume, for a better idea of where I stand:</p>
<p>I go to a Roman Catholic College Prep High School
We are graded by Semesters (Quarter 1+ Quarter 2/2 = 80% Semester Exam = 20% of final grade)</p>
<p>Ethnicity: Hispanic (Honduras)
GPA: 3.42 (weighted)
SAT: 1300 (out of 1600)</p>
<p>COURSELOAD:
9th Grade:
Biology- B/B
Honors English- B/C
P.E / Keyboarding- B/B
*Western Civ- A
*Morality- B
Algebra I- B/C
Spanish Speakers I B/B</p>
<p>10th Grade:
Chemistry: B/A
World History: B/B
*Bible I: B
*Bible II: B
English II: A/A
Spanish Speaker II: B/B
Geometry: B/B</p>
<p>11th Grade:
AP Computer Science: C/C
Honors English III: A/B
Honors US History: B/A
Honors Business Management: B
Music Appreciation: A
Algebra II: B/B
*Social Justice: A
*Multi-Cultural Studies: B</p>
<p>12th Grade (will take the following):
AP Biology
AP English
Honors PreCal
*Honors World Religions
*American Mosaic
AP Government
AP Economics
P.E/Health</p>
<p><em>Mandatory for my school count as history credit</em></p>
<p>Extracurricular Activities:</p>
<p>After School Activities
* Staff Writer for School Paper (2004-2005)
* Yearbook (2004-2005)
* Model United Nations - Vice President (2005-Present)
* Technology Club - (2005-Present)
* Class Representative - Student Government (2005- Present)
* Drama Club (2004- Present)
* International Thespian Society (2006- Present)
* Mu Alpha Theta (2007- Present)
* English Honor Society (2007- Present)
* Science Club- Vice President (2004- Present)</p>
<p>Community Service:
300 hours working at my Old Elementary School, being a teachers aid
150 hours preforming in a community service play</p>
<p>Awards:
* First Place - Free Verse Poem at my schools Literary Fair
* First Place- Formal Essay at my schools Literary Fair
* Superior Award District 13 - Duet Acting
* FIUMUN- Distinguished Delegation (2005)
* FIUMUN- Distinguished Delegation (2006)
* FIUMUN- Distinguished Position Paper (2007)
* FHSMUN- Distinguished Delegation (2007)</p>
<p>Other Talents:
Bilingual (Spanish/English)
Singing
Acting
Poetry
Basic Computer Programming
Film
Photography</p>
<p>Plan to Study:
Major: Economics
Minor: Film Studies</p>
<p>I'm just a mom of an incoming freshman (and h.s. senior who will be applying next year, too), so I can't be sure what the criteria is for admissions, but it looks like your EC's should be good. My best suggestion is to send in your application before November and ask for an interview. My D1 sent in her application early and had an offer of admissions by mid-Jan. That was really nice!</p>
<p>Also, I definitely got the impression the essay was important...so do your best. Good luck!</p>
<p>thank you! :D
any more suggestions?</p>