<p>Hey,</p>
<p>So I need to make a college decision and soon! So I narrowed it down to University of Miami (FL), Colorado College, and Rollins College. </p>
<p>I’m really leaning towards Rollins because they gave me a 25,000 dollar scholarship and a free laptop. I did not receive any money from the other schools. Also, I visited the campus and it was beautiful. I did an overnight as well and the kids seemed friendly. (Although websites seem to claim that the students are arrogant, exclusive, snobby, etc.) Additionally, I would definitely run cross country at Rollins if I attend. I am undecided about what I wish to major in, but if I had to choose right now I would have to say international business or economics. </p>
<p>So my questions are:</p>
<li><p>How are the academics? Tough? Just right? (I like the idea of small classes)</p></li>
<li><p>Are the students friendly and the perception of snobbiness is just a false stereotype?</p></li>
<li><p>Is there any particular reason why I should choose Rollins over University of Miami besides the scholarship?</p></li>
<li><p>Any regrets about attending Rollins? Or are you happy as a clam?</p></li>
</ol>
<p>Thanks so much. Choosing a college to attend is a huge decision and I just don’t want to choose the wrong one!</p>
<ol>
<li>My S received the same scholarship package that you describe, chose to attend Rollins over some very prestigous schools and programs and could not be happier. He is an econ major and is in the honors program and finds the academics challenging but not overwhelming. He indicated that the science majors are very demanding. During exams he indicated he does not sleep much. He says that for him the academics are “just right.” He says he had to learn to balance his academic, social and athletic schedule but has managed to do that.</li>
<li>He is a middle class kid from the Northeast and had no problem finding a group of kids to fit in with. He is a varsity athlete and joined a frat but most of his closer friends don’t play varsity sports. He has honors friends, frat friends, dorm friends and athletic friends. He told me that everyone finds a group to fit in with at Rollins and most if not all of the social activities are open to everyone. I have been on campus numerous times this yr to watch him play sports and when I meet the kids they seem by and large like a genuine nice group of young adults. He says because of the size of the school you won’t get lost and you will find your way.</li>
<li>From what he has told me if you want a small college where you won’t get lost located in a beautiful suburban setting 5 minutes from a major city Rollins might be the place. He loves size and the feel of the school and the active social scene. As a parent, if you like the feel of the school it is pretty hard to turn down such a significant scholarship but you need to follow your heart and go where it feels right to you.</li>
<li>From what I have observed he is happy as a clam. At one point when I was visiting for a game he told me “I don’t know what I did right to end up here. This place is great” For him Rollins has been a great fit academically, socially, and athletically(d-2 is not too over the top).
I wish you all the best in your search. As a parent I am overjoyed that he chose Rollins even though it is 1000 miles away because it has been such a good fit for him and he seems so happy and that is really all you can ask. I will look forward to seeing him when he gets back in 3 weeks. Good luck and the good news for you is that all three schools you are considering are great schools!</li>
</ol>
<p>I’m attending Rollins in the fall…so I’m a little biased…
Choose Rollins. (:</p>
<p>Thanks for the responses. I really appreciate it. I ultimately have decided to attend Rollins this upcoming fall. Needless to say, I am very excited. (Especially for the warm weather!)</p>
<p>Although, I still often wonder whether I ended up making the “right” decision, I’m nearly certain that once I am there, all my doubts will fade. Thanks again guys.</p>
<p>My S is a soph at Rollins, and is thoroughly enjoying his experience. He has taken full advantage of the academics – including small courses and the opportunity to explore a variety of different subjects, and he has enjoyed the ECs, branching out to try several different activities that he hadn’t done before. He also has very nice friends who also are doing well academically while enjoying some fun, interesting ECs. The fact that the weather is warm, and the campus is lovely, and the campus has the advantage of being in a safe, small town that’s a 10 min. drive from Orlando and its attractions add to his enjoyment of being at Rollins.</p>
<p>My S is having a better college experience than I had at an Ivy! His academics often are more challenging than what I experienced, and due to the small size of the college, he has had more opportunity to take on leadership roles and to get other EC opportunities that have allowed him to stretch beyond what he initially thought he was talented in doing.</p>
<p>Congrats:</p>
<p>Your going to love the school! It is a great school in a great location.</p>