<p>We live in northeast OH. My D is a jr in hs. New College intrigues me (I looked at it 40 years ago when I was entering college...it was very loose as a school back then).</p>
<p>well I don't know much about the school, but i do live in Tampa, so I can offer a little insight. 1) it is a very small school and offers a liberal arts curriculum. 2) the school is in Sarasota and is in a very nice location. Besides that I don't know too much about it. I don't know personally anyone who has gone there, which surprises me because you are out of state. I guess it will all come down to what your D wants to do... do your research and look for the school that fits her best.</p>
<p>We live in S. Florida and my D (sr.) was accepted for next fall. We have plans to visit soon, so I can tell you more afterwards, but D applied because she had heard so many wonderful things about it. I have also been told by h.s. teachers and professors from other colleges that it has a great reputation and that a large number of graduates go on to do very well in post graduate programs.</p>
<p>NCF is also the only college in Florida my D said she would want to go to, because she is very interested in an engaging academic environment, liberal arts curriculum and small classes. She is also not interested in the whole football thing that is so prevalent at other schools.</p>
<p>I understand that although students do not receive grades, it is very academically challenging. I have heard of several students who transferred out due to the rigor of the program. </p>
<p>NCF was never really on my radar until D wanted to apply there. We've been to Sarasota, but I never noticed the campus. The area is very nice with more Midwesterners (like me) than S. Florida. We're really looking forward to our visit there and hope it will help her to make a decision (although I think we should hear from the rest of the schools she applied to before making the final committment). But all things considered, if she likes NCF on our visit, she will most likely choose it. </p>
<p>By the way, I also have another D who is a jr. She wants to visit schools in the Midwest this summer...but she also plans to apply to NCF.</p>
<p>We just returned from a visit to NCF. My son was very impressed, as was I, with the academic environment. My son and I differed greatly on many other aspects of the school. He loved the intellectual vibe, the class he attended, and the students he spoke with in the TINY dining hall. I also agreed with him on these issues. However, from a parent's perspective, I saw a campus that my son would get bored with in 4 years. I was not comfortable with the level and tolerance of drug use that seemed very prevalent (info from students I spoke to while my son was in class) but I see this as a result of the lack of organized clubs and lack of ammenities. I was absolutely NOT impressed with the health center( medical clinic) or book store. These may sound very petty, but sending a 17 year old off on his own, I want to feel confident if he needs certian things, they will easily be available. I would love this place if it was for a semester or even a two year program like Deep Springs. I think the dropout rate may not only be attributed to the rigor (it IS outstanding),but rather to the apathy of the students after 4years of this environment. One of the students I spoke with said "We are all politically and socially aware of issues. We talk about issues alot. We just don't DO anything other than talk about them". This was the deal breaker for my son and also me on considering NCF.If NCF was a GRAD SCHOOL, my son would love it . He is just not ready for that type of environment yet.t It is a great school but for a certian type of student.</p>
<p>4kids,
I have also heard about the drug problems at NCF, but then the hs my girls attend also has a rep for it. Both of them have plenty of friends just as uninterested in drugs as they are. My feeling is that it would be the same at NCF...they will find friends not into the drug scene and be fine. I hope I'm right, but its true that its hard not to worry about it.</p>
<p>I'm also worried about the lack of things to do in the area. This is the only non-urban campus my D applied to. Our thought has been, since we won't be paying so much in tutiton here, we would give her more opportunities to travel when not in school.</p>
<p>We leave this weekend for our campus visit. I think in the end for my D, it will come down to the academic environment as being the most important factor in making a decision.</p>
<p>Just a few thoughts / experiences about NCF. My d attends and has a great affection for the place but it has been a real academic challenge. Small classes from the start and the pace of learning is rapid. There is no sitting back and relaxing on campus. The drug use is there but is not oppressive or pressuring by her account. She has had lots of opportunity for local involvement with Girl Scouts, Big Sister, Math Clinic - in fact, there may be more to do than is possible due to the academic expectations. She has attended rallies, had great speakers on campus, etc. I think for the price we pay ( a real bargain), her education has been outstanding but very challenging. There are no varsity sports and because of this, lots of money is saved. There is a pool, a bicycle workshop, organized soccer, and a sailing / kayak club with boats, among other amenities. I had the chance to sit in the library and read a few randomly chosen bac theses that students must complete to graduate and I was very impressed. If you want a great educational opportunity for you to make it what you need and want, I think NCF is a tremendous place. Good luck with your choices.</p>