<p>My S is looking at several smaller private Florida schools. He's been accepted to Rollins, along with Florida State and U of Tampa. He's a smart kid (3.8 GPA) from up north loves sports and is into theatre. He plans on joining a fraternity but is pretty down-to-earth and not a big partier. He has no clue what he wants to major in. Putting that all together. What would you say about the Rollins fit. How would you characterize student life, academics, school vibe. How does Rollins compare to the other schools on the list when it comes to life on campus, academics, etc...Any thoughts would help.</p>
<p>My S attends and D is considering going there as well. Still deciding… I have posted alot about Rollins on other threads so you might want to check those but I will provide some detail here.</p>
<p>S has met alot of northern students as this is definitely a nicer climate except for a couple months of high humidity. He is also down to earth and not a big partier. From what he has told me, you will find a group and tend to do the things you are more interested in doing. That being said, he is not in a fraternity and doesn’t really mix much with them but does have some friends who are greek.</p>
<p>S is a science person and D is into theater and both do and would fit in well there. S has gone to several shows and really enjoys the improv group. D is just trying to decide between a few really good programs so hasn’t made up her mind but could definitely see herself in that environment. She is probably more outgoing that her brother but would enjoy all that he does. She would probably be more of a partier and there is plenty to do on and off campus.</p>
<p>Rollins does a good job getting you to be a service oriented person as there are several volunteer activities/organizations. Your freshmen year does include some service activities in your freshman conference course that you are required to take. There is a list of last years conferences courses listed if you go on the website and search for explorations or Rollins conference courses.</p>
<p>S has been quite pleased with the academics. Loves the science department and faculty. He has taken some core GE courses that has made him want to take more in those other areas because the classes were so interesting. If only he had all the time in the world! If you can get AP credit then you will have more opportunity to take extra courses. At this point he is contemplating a double major with a minor but would take more courses in other departments if he wasn’t as focused as he is in his majors.</p>
<p>I don’t know anything about Florida State and minimal about Tampa. D was considering Tampa but didn’t like the fit as much as Rollins.</p>
<p>Rollins does have a preppy vibe but there are plenty of down to earth people there. Some people talk alot about the drugs on campus but S said it has never been a problem. In my opinion that exists on all campuses as well as alcohol so that has not been too much of a concern for him or us.</p>
<p>I think you might get some good perspectives reading some of the student journals on the website. Good luck in your pursuit!</p>
<p>U of Tampa is not necessarily a school for a 3.8 student; I’m assuming he received a scholarship…</p>
<p>–Florida State is great!! —if he wants a large rah-rah school…it’s like comparing apples to oranges…</p>
<p>Oops. I can’t believe I made the mistake I did, but I typed in Florida State when I meant Florida Southern (he’s a finalist for a full-ride there. We’re waiting to hear.) No, he is definitely not the big school type, that’s why we’re going back and forth between these. He’s also been accepted to Elon and High Point.
Yes, He received nice scholarships from all these schools. But he was really concerned about the “preppy” rich kid / drug reputation of Rollins. Thanks for the student journal idea. Do you think you get an honest view there or is it the company line.
I’m also looking for the widest possibility of academic choices, especially for someone whose not sure if he wants, business, politics, engineering, or criminology… A school that is small enough to guide you individually, but with enough choices allow you to choose.</p>
<p>Have you visited them all?..</p>
<p>We visited them all last August didn’t see the Rollins students, saw Tampa students and S just got back from visiting Florida Southern. Wife visited Rollins with D when she was looking two years ago (ended up at Tulane) and that’s where the rich and preppy impression came from.</p>
<p>and Elon and High Point?..</p>
<p>We looked at Elon and S didn’t care for it and thought it was too preppy so who knows… I liked the campus and thought it might work for D but it is not what she wanted either.</p>
<p>I don’t remember if Elon is larger than Rollins and if so they may offer more majors. It seems that Rollins has a nice offering for the undecided. From what I know there is alot of guidance and faculty is very approachable and available.</p>
<p>The students writing for the journals are genuine as my son does know some of them. </p>
<p>Also there are plenty of rich kids but also there are many top students that receive some nice scholarships and would not have been able to attend if not for the scholarships.</p>
<p>Originally you mentioned your son was interested in sports. There is not a huge following but most small schools are like that. At any rate there are plenty of offerings whether he is a varsity athlete or does intramurals. My S plays alot of ultimate frisbee and does rock climbing and occasionaly outdoor volleyball and tennis. I believe many are involved in some sort of sport. Of course the sailing and waterskiing is cool!</p>