Serious question re. NCF student body

Colleges & Universities A-Z New College of Florida
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<p>Hello! I am a senior in high school and am considering applying to New College; however, I have some legitimate concerns that I hope those familiar with the school will address. </p>

<p>I will start out by explaining what attracts me to New College--I love its academic structure. I place a high value on growing intellectually, and as such, I feel drawn toward New College. I find the fact that I could pursue my own interests under the direction of excellent faculty very compelling, and I also like the concept of narrative evaluations. In other words, New College is, in my eyes, wonderful in terms of academics.</p>

<p>What I am seriously concerned about is how I would fit in socially, and this is where I hope I will receive comments. I have been reading quite a bit about New College students' "weirdness" (please understand that I am by no means intending to make fun of any students but am simply trying to express my concerns). In sum, I don't feel I would fit well into a place where the motto is "There is more to running a starship than answering a bunch of damn fool questions."</p>

<p>My biggest concern, however, is where my worldview puts me. I am very conservative politically, and I am a staunch Christian (I am considering studying theology). It would follow, then, that I would feel out of place somewhere which, according to what I have read, is a "drug haven," "25% queer," "overwhelmingly liberal," etc. </p>

<p>Once again, I am not trying to bash any students but am just trying to get across the point that I would feel uncomfortable in a place where the above things are predominant. So, what I am really hoping to achieve is a response regarding New College's student body. Is what I have read exaggerating? If not, in your opinion, although I love the school's academic philosophy, would it definitely be a wrong choice due to social reasons?</p>

<p>Thanks for reading! I look forward to any comments you are willing to provide.</p>

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<p>Have you visited? That should give you a better idea of the fit.</p>

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<p>I have not. I know I should, but I was hoping to address some of these issues first to determine if it's worth the money for me to visit.</p>

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<p>As the mom of a 2nd year student, I'll try best I can to address your concerns. I would call the students there more "free-spirited" and "open-minded" than you would find at your average university. My D likes how accepting the kids are of you, just for who you are. True, you will find many more liberals than conservatives on the campus...but that doesn't mean it would affect you socially. In fact, one of my D's friends that just graduated from there is even more conservative than I am. If you are Christian, there is a very active club on campus. </p>

<p>As far as the "drug haven" reputation goes, NCF gets that label because they really don't have strict enforcement...though I understand that is changing. I think some kids may choose the school because of this, but don't last because the academics are too rigorous to be able pass their courses if they party all the time. I think the majority of the students that stay at the school work hard during the week and party on weekends.</p>

<p>I really don't think it would be an issue for you to be accepted socially as a conservative there...you would find your group of friends. I think the main issue for you would be whether you feel you could be comfortable and accepting of others there that are more liberal and free-spirited.</p>

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<p>I'm amazed by how quickly I have received responses--thank you very much for your input, 2forcollege! I'm sure NCF students are very accepting; my real concern is whether or not there are kids, more than just a handful, who hold similar beliefs as me. I'm certainly not opposed to making friends with anyone of different political/religious views; I realize it's important to and am looking forward to being able to interact with people of different beliefs than me. As such, I don't think it would be an issue for me to be around liberal/free-spirited kids--I would definitely consider myself an accepting person as well--it's just that I'm not used to being around an overwhelming number of kids like so. In terms of the drug problem, I understand that there is bound to be some experimenting done by students, especially at a place where they are granted so much freedom, but hopefully it's not as bad as it seems....I think it's worth a visit. =)</p>

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<p>To clarify...it just seems that, since I like NCF so much, I've almost been avoiding addressing the "social fit" aspect of the college search, since I sense that, value of intellectual growth aside, NCF students are direct opposites of me. Up until this point, I haven't really addressed this issue--I know it's an important factor in choosing a college, since if I want to be happy, for the most part, I need to fit in not only academically but also socially. That's not to say I need to go somewhere with predominantly conservative values, but is it wise to go to a school where conservatives (which I'm using to encompass not only political/religious views but some of the other concerns I've outlined above) seem to be "super minorities?" I guess what I'm trying to figure out is: at what point can you say who cares to social fit? I'm just a little bit lost.</p>

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<p>Fortunately you have until May 1st to figure all those things out. If you think you may be interested in NCF, apply. Then if you are accepted, visit. I would suggest that you make it a point to visit several different types of schools, so you can compare the environments. Yes, NCF has an amazing and unique academic program; but maybe you need a more traditional college experience like FSU or UF, or even a LAC like Rollins.</p>

<p>Good luck and don't stress out so much over it at this point. Just make sure you apply to a variety of colleges so you have options when you do have a better feel for what you want out of your college experience.</p>

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<p>social fit is important. you will probably be alienated from a majority of the student population due to a personality difference. that doesnt sound like much fun. if you are introverted, and dont mind having just a handful of friends, i think it could still work. if you are extroverted, you would probably be miserable here.</p>

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<p>I am afraid I don’t understand the above comment.
Why would someone who is extroverted have a hard time there, and why would personality “differences” have such a grave effect? Aren’t differences, personality or otherwise, a good thing?</p>

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<p>not extroverted, extroverted and different. obviously everyone is different, but you tend to be friends with people who are atleast reasonably similar to you. it sounds like the op has a vastly different personality then the majority of those at ncf. a vastly different personality will still find a few similar people to be friends with, so if you are introverted then you could do just fine. but if you are extroverted and need lots of friends, you might be dissappointed and have to make a lot of compromises.</p>

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<p>Yeah, I’m applying to NCF as well. I’ve visitted and the campus seemed really nice, the dorms were nice, and our guide was really informative, but I visited during Christmas vacation, so no students were there!! So, I was wondering if anyone who has attending or is attending NCF could describe the student body and maybe even describe specific students and teachers on campus. </p>

<p>How strong of a social life is there on campus? What sort of a social life is it? Is it normal to study a lot, even on weekends, or do students party a lot? How “hippie”-ish are students (my guide told me that a lot of people go around barefoot)? Do you like having such a small student body of roughly 700 students? Are there a lot of opportunities besides marine and academic ones?</p>

<p>I was also wondering what Sarasota is like to live in. People have told me that it’s “culturally diverse” and that it has an opera house and museums. Is there a lot of cultural stimulation in Sarasota, even though it’s not a city?</p>

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<p>I have a close relative who goes to New College and can say that you definitely need to have an open mind and a heart for people to be a part of NCF. Yes, there is a very high number of people who are part of “fringe” sub-cultures. Yes, there is unabashed use of drugs and alcohol. Yes, it is dominantly ‘Liberal’. Yes, it is different, but frankly going from /any/ highschool in the United States to /any/ secular (and probably most non-secular) college or university, you are going to encounter the same thing, it’s just a matter of whether you will be able to afford ignoring them. Yes, people will be weird at NCF, but so will you. You don’t have to agree with everyone, but if you are respectful of other people, they will be respectful of you.</p>

<p>Really, NCF has one selling point- the academics v. the price. It is consistently ranked one of (if not the) best educational values in the Nation. For a ridiculously low price, you get an amazing student to faculty ratio with 100% of the professors having at least one Doctorate or a terminal degree in their field- plus no grad students competing for the professor’s attention, they are all there explicitly and exclusively for YOU the undergrad. Very cool.</p>

<p>Of course, to my knowledge, there are no NCAA sports, the food is passable, but sub-par, there is a vibrant, but tiny student body, there are limited technical resources, and no Greek life- basically all of the trappings of a major university are absent.</p>

<p>what you do get is an artsy, but quiet, town, beautiful beaches and an unparalleled academic experience.</p>

<p>Many students take a work-hard party-hard approach, the key being that anyone who lasts at NCF (whether a free-spirit, or more clean cut) is only able to stay because he or she can back up his or her personality with intellectual horse-power and enough work-ethic to get things done on time. No one stays unless they have the brains.</p>

<p>The advantage of the small student body is that, if you put yourself out there and are willing to accept people wherever they are at in life, you can have some kind of friendship or relationship with most of the student body- which can be very friendly. It also can mean that you have nowhere to hide, so to speak, if drama should come your way.</p>

<p>@AERachael or any other Christians, A) your college decision should be something that you are seriously praying about- God will put you where you need to go. B) If you are considering studying theology and are a “staunch Christian,” New College may not be for you- you won’t be getting faithful Theological instruction from the professors. You might be better off at a Bible college or even a normal University with a buffet of Ministries to choose from. Going to any university, you will discover /really/ how important your faith is to you, and how deep your roots /really/ go. At NCF you’ll find out all the sooner, if you truly love and serve God with a deep rooted faith, you will be salt and light in a place that needs Jesus. If instead your priorities are on theological semantics or have an immature faith you will likely be swept up by the very intellectual thinking of one group or another of very smart, very friendly people, and you will lose sight of Christ. I say this not to scare anyone off, but to prepare you. Though small, there is a vibrant and growing group of faithful Christians on campus who would love to help support you. This is not a place for divisiveness or sectarian squabbles, but a place where you can truly discover what it means to trust God, what it truly means to go out and be Salt and Light in the world outside of the “Christan Bubble”, what it truly means to love people- not Just the people like you or who believe the same things.</p>

<p>I would strongly encourage anyone interested in finding out more to check out [Jesus</a> Club NCF - Home](<a href=“http://jesusclubncf.com/]Jesus”>http://jesusclubncf.com/)</p>

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<p>TallisBrig, thanks for clearing some things up. I had those same worries as a Christian.</p>

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<p>Just a note about what it means to be liberal – my son is applying to NCF next year because he loves the academic structure. He is a liberal and is not religious; however, most people would consider him to be quite conservative from a behavioral perspective. Being liberal politically and/or socially does not automatically mean that you are a party animal who drinks too much and uses drugs (although it is certainly possible for that to be true!)</p>

<p>Being a “party animal” does not seem to equate much with a persons’s political or social views, in my experience. Some of the craziest partiers I know are conservatives. (I know this, because I have been to some of their parties! :slight_smile: ) </p>

<p>My son is very open minded and accepting of other views, and has lots of friends who are religious conservatives (we live in a community with large numbers of Wycliff Bible folks and Campus Crusade folks.) I think it is definitely possible for people with different perspectives to go to school together, learn from each other, and to be good friends, too. Best of luck to you, in whatever you decide to do!</p>

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<p>I think the problem is that the OP has already decided she’s not comfortable around certain groups of people, no matter how those aforementioned groups might actually behave. </p>

<p>“Once again, I am not trying to bash any students but am just trying to get across the point that I would feel uncomfortable in a place where the above things are predominant.”</p>

<p>There are drugs. There are queers. There are liberals. If she’s not OK being in an atmosphere with those things, I wouldn’t say she’d be a good fit for New College.</p>

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<p>These groups of people exist everywhere in life – in the library, the grocery store, the workplace, etc. </p>

<p>That said, I agree with cpq1xtbu – the best way to find out if the college will be comfortable for OP is to schedule a campus visit, and to be sure and talk with students during the visit.</p>

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<p>Oh, I absolutely agree that these people are everywhere. It would be possible to find a college where they’ll be present in a lesser degree than at New College though. :D</p>

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<p>^^ I don’t think OP is saying “she’s not comfortable around certain groups of people.” I think she’s saying she doesn’t want to be the sole Christian conservative on campus:</p>

<p>“my real concern is whether or not there are kids, more than just a handful, who hold similar beliefs as me. I’m certainly not opposed to making friends with anyone of different political/religious views; I realize it’s important to and am looking forward to being able to interact with people of different beliefs than me. As such, I don’t think it would be an issue for me to be around liberal/free-spirited kids–I would definitely consider myself an accepting person as well–it’s just that I’m not used to being around an overwhelming number of kids like so.”</p>

<p>NCF President Gordon E. Michalson, Jr., writes in “a primer for new students,” that the liberal arts education NCF seeks to impart helps one to be more sympathetic to “the experience of people unlike yourself.” Consequently, it seems imperative that NCF attract highly motivated, academically talented students from conservative perspectives, liberal perspectives, as well as perspectives all over the lot.</p>

<p>Furthermore, motivated and talented students should feel free to express themselves freely. Neither conservatives nor liberals nor anyone else should feel chilled from expressing their beliefs or that their beliefs are suppressed, mocked, or unfairly ridiculed.</p>

<p>Liberals benefit from having their ideas fairly challenged as much as conservatives benefit from fair challenges to their ideas.</p>

<p>TallisBrig’s response is very helpful to put things in perspective.</p>

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<p>Thank you so much for your detailed reply, TallisBrig! It’s come down to NCF and Wellesley for me, so thank you very much for your descriptions of NCF. They were extremely helpful :D</p>

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<p>I’m not sure if I could think of colleges less alike than Wellesley and NCF.</p>