New College of Florida (NCF)

New College of Florida is the state's public honors college, and students appreciate the school's signature, personalized curriculum. This begins with the Chart Your Course (CYC) curriculum, which pairs a student's academic interests with practical skillsets like teamwork and problem solving, and continues with a January Independent Study Period (ISP) on a topic of their choosing where they can research, create, or intern in a way that gives them the highly appreciated "opportunity to engage with community members and the endless possibilities of scholarships for internships and study abroad courses." The academic process culminates with a capstone project that "allows students an opportunity to focus on an area of academic growth and discipline that they can apply later in life (especially in graduate school)." As one student reports, "I've started my own business and so many of my peers have also done so for academic credit." This method, which provides "narrative evaluations instead of grades," helps engage students, as do the professors. "The research opportunities here are great because of how much professors involve undergraduate students in their research." This demonstration of "the respect the professors have for students and their opinions" is just another example of these "incredible professors who pour everything into their teaching and care a lot about the well-being of students." Those seeking "a massive amount of freedom" in their education are likely to have that wish granted.

This honors college attracts "high-achieving, liberal leaning students that are very focused on academics and making an impact on the world around them." While students say that interest-wise, the school is "extremely diverse...we currently have it all," some students share their concerns regarding the recent ending of diversity, equity and inclusion programs in Florida. Still changes can be made: Every New College student is a senator in the student government, which means they "are able to join discussions on academic subjects, educational policy, and be elected as representatives to speak on behalf of student voices in those meetings." Students note that the school is "currently undergoing some changes to incorporate athletes, which has made things interesting," but one student seems confident that those changes won't affect "the integrity and reputation of our institution." Overall, this group is "open-minded and friendly, [and] always willing to say 'hi' or wave in the hallway."

With a prime waterfront location in the Sarasota area, "people use outdoor spaces a lot, including the bayfront or reading under the Banyan tree"; kayaking is also popular, as "it is always nice to go take a break from classes and connect with nature." The college is "a very small campus with a big sense community...[where] most students live on campus," and there are "multiple events throughout the year" to help students connect. On weekends there are "parties on campus, which are a wonderful and safe way to have fun," and there are "three large parties, typically referred to as 'Center of the Universe Parties' or COUPs...held annually, [where] students get to vote on the themes." There are also "a lot of sports/active clubs," to get involved in with students mentioning the "biggest ones" as rock climbing, court soccer, dance collective, and sailing. As befits the school's academic freedom, most "students are involved in many things at once."