<p>My daughter is very interested in New College of Florida. She is in an IB program now in Florida. In many respects it seems like it may be a good fit, but there are some things that I'd like to know more about. The no grade policy, in general, concerns me...just the possibility of not knowing what to expect, or how you are doing seems stressful. The schools have gotten more and more score oriented, and making that sudden switch could be difficult. I am particularly concerned about the thesis for graduation. As I understand it, a student could go through their 4 years of college successfully, but then not be able to graduate because of a subjective evaluation of their thesis. Is that correct? Would students who do not 'pass' the thesis already have a good inkling that they are not likely to pass, or would these be students who would reasonably have the expectation of graduating (based on prior evaluations) and are surprised by the negative results of their thesis evaluation? Do they seem to be evaluated fairly and is there a system for review if a student feels their thesis should be reconsidered?
Thank you!</p>
<p>I graduated from New College a long time ago, so some things may have changed, but I will try to help. I do not think the lack of grades should be a cause for stress. Your child will get her papers and tests back, with lots of constructive criticism. She will know how she stands in the class. It won’t be a surprise at the end. Plus, at New College you don’t have silly multiple choice tests, TAs, and you are in constant contact with the professor. I wouldn’t worry about this point. I also wouldn’t worry about how the lack of grades affects grad school acceptance. New College has a great acceptance rate. My husband, for example, got into Johns Hopkins.</p>
<p>As for the thesis and baccalaureate exam: your child will be working with her professor. She will know how she stands. I can’t imagine her advisor would let her take the oral exam if she were not prepared. (that being said, I remember being scared to death the day of that exam. But I got through it alive). I can’t imagine the professors won’t be fair. Honestly, they would rather pass the kid than flunk her. If she doesn’t pass, they would just have her revise and try again. All would not be lost.</p>
<p>I look back to New College as some of the best years of my life. Now I’ve got a daughter in high school, and I’m floored that out of state tuition is now $29,000. I only paid $1,000!!! So it is beyond our means. </p>
<p>I hope this helps.</p>