<p>Any thoughts or opinions on the academics at NCF?
I was looking at NCF as a possible school to apply as a transfer.
It's only 7 years old so it probably isn't a household name, but how is NCF viewed in terms of academics, how tough are classes etc;.
thanks
The NCF thread is pretty dead</p>
<p>NCF may be "independent" 7 years but it has been around a while previously as part of USF,
Good academics, you MUST however be self motivated as I believe you come up with your own classes and majors. Lot's of independent study.
They have great placement into the better grad schools due to its small class size & the fact that our own professors push for your acceptance.</p>
<p>Google "top feeder school placement rates", I believe they are tops in FLA.</p>
<p>HOWEVER, the student body is a little quirky. Lots of tie dye, barefoot, potsmokers.</p>
<p>Campus is beautiful right on Sarasota Bay.</p>
<p>New College was, up until the last week before confirming matriculation, the school I was going to. Then Macalester had to be a bunch of jerks and offer me over 30k of grants in need-based aid. I still wish I was going to NCF...it seemed like nearly the perfect college for me. Maybe I'll transfer. I've heard great things about professors and classes, but some areas of study are tough because of the small size. Otherwise seems like a really awesome school.</p>
<p>I'm applying there because I like its superliberal atmosphere and it doesn't have a core curriculum. It's a pretty small school with about 700 students so its range of majors are pretty small, but it has the majors that I want. It seems like a type of college you should include on your list if you want it to be like a mixed bag. The college is definitely becoming more popular and competitive. In 10 years, I have a feeling that its reputation will rise dramatically but that's my pure guess.</p>
<p>The quality of it's student body already far outstrips it's ranking, which should give it a good reputation boost.</p>
<p>If you like smoking pot then New College is the place for you.</p>
<p>Haha are there that many druggies?</p>
<p>New College was founded in 1960 as a private college and joined the University of Florida system in the late 70's or early 80's. Traditionally it is thought of as being similar to schools like Hampshire or Bennington.</p>
<p>I saw it used to have a very lengthy name tied to USF. The big question I had is how the ranking/reputation changed when it became independent of USF, because the students seem extremely talented compared to their "rank", and how do grad schools/employeers view NCF?</p>
<p>Per the attached link NCF is ranked #31 nationaly in terms of getting it's graduates into "elite" graduate programs.</p>
<p>Top</a> feeder schools to elite graduate programs - Yellowworld Forums</p>
<p>They are also ranked# 2 for state schools behind Michigan.</p>
<p>These rankings are based on admited students as a prcentage of student population.</p>
<p>It is easy to skew these numbers since the degree you recieve from NCF will more than likelly require you to pursue graduate school.
At least you will more than liklely get into a top program though.</p>
<p>Again the school is a little quirky and NOT for everyone.</p>
<p>I loved New College. It was a great place to learn and a wonderful place to meet people and make friends. Some call it "liberal" -- sure, but I would say it was "accepting" and a great place to learn from other people. I became a better writer and better critical thinker there. I pushed myself in new directions while the structure allowed me the freedom to pursue advanced studies somewhat more quickly than my friends at other colleges/universities. The small classes and attention were wonderful. </p>
<p>New College is writing intensive. I write quite a bit for my work and still don't come close to what I did there. A lot of work, but instrumental in my ability to approach the world, business, relationships, etc.</p>
<p>I also truly loved Sarasota. Gorgeous place. </p>
<p>New College is not for everyone. No place is, as far as I can tell. But it is a great place for folks who appreciate difference.</p>
<p>I should also add that New College has worked to increase the racial diversity of its student body, something I hope they continue to do. </p>
<p>If you want a rigorous education and can handle academic freedom and responsibility, it's a great place.</p>