Rollins College Info, Please

Parents Forum
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<p>S , who is taking a gap year doing Americorps, now is considering applying to Rollins College. We know no one who goes there. Anyone got inside info about it?</p>

<p>S isn't sure what he wants to major in. His interests include graphic art (we know Rollins doesn't have this as a major, but they do have art), education, psychology and possibly science careers. He greatly enjoys community service. He has good relationships with many adult mentors and would like to attend a college that would allow him to have those kind of relationships with professors.</p>

<p>He also would like a diverse campus that isn't into heavy drinking.
S visited Rollins, but since it was on a Sun., he didn't get to sit in classes or see many students.</p>

<p>S is a very high scoring African American nonathlete with lots of APs, but grades that are below his potential (procrastination problems and perfectionism). Strong leadership experience. Diverse group of friends.</p>

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<p>northstarmom I hate to say this but my friend's d went to Rollins for one semester. She left because her roommate was heavily into drugs and she complained that overall it was a country-club/party scene. That was her take on it fwiw.</p>

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<p>I'm afraid that was the impression of my close friend; mother of a son who was there for a couple of semesters and flunked out/was suspended (don't know exactly what is was called) - too much partying, not enough academics. To be honest, that was his bent before going there. They had visited as a family and felt the "party school" rep was overblown, but it turned out to be the case for him.</p>

<p>Friend also felt the in-your-face affluence was big - kids with their own Hummers etc.</p>

<p>In the end, this kid attended local cc/non-flagship U and has found himself. Successful career in real estate and coaching a major high school sport. But Rollins was taking him in the wrong direction.</p>

<p>Obviously, one case example only.</p>

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<p>I have another similar anecdote of a boy who sort of lost himself in the party scene down there. It wasn't the right place for him to begin with (he would have found a better "fit" at Colby or Bates, but didn't have the grades), and he dropped out.</p>

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<p>Is this recent info about the partying culture or what used to happen? I was impressed by their merit scholarship programs which seem designed to attract serious students who also are into service. Honors program also looked good. </p>

<p>Having seen it on a Sunday, we have no idea what the normal culture is like.The campus was very dead, though a few students were in the library studying.</p>

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<p>The "kid" I know was there several years ago - maybe 6 or so. So perhaps not really recent, now that you mention it.</p>

<p>I know him well enough to ask him any specific questions you have and/or for impressions/current knowledge - if you think it would be worthwhile given that he was there several years ago.</p>

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<p>Yes, I would appreciate any info that you can provide. Except for an 82-year-old woman whom I know, I don't know anyone who went to Rollins. It's not a school that seems to be on the radar in my area.</p>

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<p>I know a man who graduated from Rollins about 15 years ago. He's remarkable and speaks highly of Rollins. On the other hand, I know a local student who currently attends Rollins. This kid had significant behavioral and academic issues in high school. His family is wealthy. This made me wonder a little about the school. Still, we plan to look at it for our youngest.</p>

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<p>Rollins has had a playboy reputation for decades, since my mom (70-something) was growing up in Winter Park. Seems like it's still the same.</p>

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<p>They have some excellent merit aid -- full scholarships -- for high scoring students. I'm wondering if that program, which seems relatively new (about 6-7 years old) is making a difference. The possibility of such aid at a LAC was what attracted our interest.</p>

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<p>Mr. Rogers went to Rollins...There's one grad with a moral compass I would follow...</p>

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<p>Basically, every Florida student who earns a 3.0 GPA/970 ish SAT gets a 75% tuition Bright Futures scholarship to the Florida public college of their choice. If a kid gets 3.5 and 1270 ish, they get a full tuition scholarship plus $600 for books. This means that private colleges in Florida have to work hard to attract strong students away from the big publics. They give great merit aid for deserving kids...and enroll some playful, wealthy kids who pay the full price tag (don't most private schools do that?). I'm sure your son would meet a diverse group of kids at Rollins. The academics look strong, the campus is beautiful, the climate is great (except for summer), and there is lots to do. In Florida there are many, many opportunities for community service. Our HS kids are required to do it for Bright Futures, and many continue the work through their college years. Good luck!</p>

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<p>If at all possible, I think your son should attend a couple of classes and do an overnight to help him assess "fit".
I think there are many liberal arts colleges that would offer merit aid to someone like you describe.</p>

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<p>Northstarmom,</p>

<p>What about Stetson for your son? They're generous with scholarship money and they don't have the drug/party rep of Rollins.</p>

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<p>Agree with much of what has been said. Historically, Rollins was viewed as a "finishing" school for affluent, but not academic superstar students. Kind of a Florida version of Sweet Briar.</p>

<p>It is in a gorgeous setting in a ritzy area near Orlando. Fancy restaurants, designer boutiqes, etc. When I used to travel regularly to Winter Park in the late 80's Rollins was known for its "rich party girls".</p>

<p>I don't know what it's like these days.</p>

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<p>I have heard that many professors who've "retired" from excellent northern schools teach at Rollins, a nice situation for everyone...I have also heard about the affluence and its unfortunate side effects...Stetson is an entirely different school with an entirely different reputation. Why not check out both? Also, Eckerd?</p>

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<p>My daughter has Rollins on her list. My neighbor's daughter attends the school and her parents are alumni. She loves the school and is doing very well. It does have a party rep, but so do alot of schools. If you enter as a party person, then you will find your niche. But there are plenty of serious students. The campus is gorgeous and all the facilities are well maintained. Yes, alot of kids have money, but that is the case at lots of private schools. The campus surrounds a lake and boating is popular. My daughter actually attended camp there when she was younger. The classes are small and there is lots of individual attention. Education and business are popular majors.</p>

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<p>I waited to post since my info is older than the student but looks like it is still accurate..I had a friend whose first job teaching college was at Rollins. The feedback he had was not just about parties etc but about the super-rich kid attitude of most of the students. Value placed on what you wore, what you drove. Of course with his area of interest there is my beloved Disneyworld and it's tons of college student internships. (he should check it out for the summer anyway!)
My DD was accepted to Eckerd yesterday. Zero idea what FA will be like so no clue if it's going to be worth visiting. It reads as a more nurturing, laid back attitude between students but decent academics and great study abroad. It is in Colleges that Change Lives, as is Stetson.
Our h.s. head of guidance is off to visit the FL schools next week. Send me a reminder and I'll get his feedback on all the ones you'd like to know about for your son. This guy is very kind, mid-50's so lots of experience and lots of time working with smart young African American guys. He's going to call me on the phone when he is done the Eckerd visit, to get me the feedback while it's fresh in his mind.</p>

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<p>Thanks for all of the info. You've been very helpful. Please keep that info coming! Rollins just came on our radar when S and I recently attended a conference in Orlando and we met a Rollins faculty member who invited us to take a look at it.</p>

<p>Since some have mentioned Stetson, we'd also be interested in that college. We don't know anyone who goes there.</p>

<p>I had heard good things about Eckerd, and met someone whose daughters love that college, but S hasn't expressed interest in it (though may now that he has seen Rollins).</p>

<p>A new criterion for S's search seems to be avoiding places where there is severe cold. LOL, this criterion came up as S prepares to fly with my husband to visit my husband's alma mater, a LAC in one of the coldest parts of the country, where the predicted high during their visit is in the teens, and low is in the single digits.</p>

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<p>I graduated in the 70's, and went on nearly a full scholarship. I have kept ties, and have two high school kids who might consider going. One is interested in a major not available, the other has it near the top of her list. </p>

<p>Academically, I worked hard and had a great experience. I had no problem getting accepted to multiple med schools. Many profs got to know me well, and I still exchange Christmas cards with one after nearly 30 years. Class sizes were small, students got plenty of one-on-one when needed, and the academics atmosphere was a serious one. </p>

<p>It has always had a rep as a party/social school. My impressions then and now are that the partiers are there. They tend to be the kids whose parents are paying the full costs of going, they have alot of pocket money, and they don't seem to have as much to loose. Drinking is big if you want it to be, drugs not as big. The drug culture is probably the same as anywhere: if you want it you can find it. For kids who want to be there to learn, you can get a great education. It ranks #1 on the Newsweek list for colleges in the South with Masters Degree programs. </p>

<p>It is more competitive than you think to get in. And if you earn Bright Futures money for state U, that dollar amount transfers to a private in state college, as well as the Florida resident grant for Florida residents who stay in state and go private. Add to that any Florida prepaid money, and it adds up. So more kids are staying in-state for both public and private educations. Applications are up. </p>

<p>The campus is great, the older buildings have been kept up pretty well, considering. Dorms are all undergoing major overhauls. Grounds are immaculate every time I visit. The surrounding neighborhood is affluent, and safe. Park Ave is a nice walk. </p>

<p>I think there are many who can't get past the "reputation" rumors. It is the kind of school that everyone seems to "know" about from second hand info about the party culture, or the money/attitude culture. But first hand info has the academics and faculty as being very strong. I had no problem fitting in, and my parents were nowhere close to being affluent.</p>

<p>It has gotten very expensive to attend. My excellent Rollins undergrad education has contributed to getting me to where I am today. And now my income means I will hope and pray that my children will qualify for some merit aid?!?!</p>

<p>I would let my kids attend in a heartbeat.</p>