Florida State University

Florida State University

Tallahassee, FL, USA
Public
4 Year

Alesha's Review

Review of Florida State University

from Shalimar, FL

Do you feel you’re learning a lot?

There are many different programs at FSU so you will be surrounded with experienced and helpful faculty. The university is strong in the liberal arts and hard sciences, but they also have a number of other outstanding programs including criminology, sociology, psychology, law, and business. Orientation at FSU was very informative for both my parents and myself. It was a 2-day learning experience that consisted mainly of talks by various campus reps/student leaders. It was a great start where you can meet people from different backgrounds and experiences. I was drawn to find out more about FSU’s medical program. In 2005, the FSU College of Medicine received full accreditation from the Liaison Committee on Medical Education. The FSU College of Medicine is now ranked among the top 5 in nation for turning out doctors who choose to specialize in family medicine. Medical students will complete their clinical rotations in the third or fourth year at one of these regional campuses in Orlando, Pensacola, Sarasota, Tallahassee, Daytona Beach, and Fort Pierce. This is extremely important to me since my educational goal is to one day become a medical doctor. This may seem like a daunting task, but I believe that if I work hard and set the right goals for myself I can do it. Also, FSU provides enormous research opportunities that are supported by the school of Computational Science and Informational Technology and the famous the National High Magnetic Field Laboratory. The National High Magnetic Field Laboratory is the world’s largest magnetic of it’s kind. FSU is an excellent university, but you will need to work very hard.

Do you enjoy the experience at your school?

Florida State University campus is located in beautiful Tallahassee, Florida. There are impressive red brick buildings, water fountains, bronze sculptures, and winding tree-lined walkways. It’s easy to get around campus, although parking can be sometimes difficult. However, they do have a number of parking garages. You can always find the lawns and pathways filled with students enjoying the walk to class, throwing a frisbee, studying under a tree, or soaking up the sun. There are student lecture halls that are 200-300+ which somewhat common during the first year or two, but I hear that they will disappear by the time you reach the upper division. There are old and new dormitories for students that are filled with mostly freshman. It’s best to get your application early if you want to get into the new ones. It also has one of the best Greek systems in the nation and I’m happy to be a part of it. If you want a school where you can learn, play, and save money then FSU is the school for you. The biggest enjoyment for me is when everyone on campus and the surrounding city unite to form the strong school spirit that Seminoles are known for. I’m amazed at the enthusiasm from the crowd during the pre-game ritual when a student dressed up like Chief Osceola throws down the flaming spear in the middle of the football field thereby declaring war on the opposing team. FSU has been a great value for me given its high academic standards, awesome athletic programs, and a wide range of social activities. It has been one of the best decisions of my life!

Do you feel you’re getting value for the money you’re spending on college?

FSU has a bus service that runs from 7am to 7pm and it’s free to students as part of your tuition. The student football tickets are also a great value in my opinion. FSU also offers many scholarships and grants to those students who meet the eligibility requirements. There are also a number of inexpensive hotels around the campus for parents to stay at while visiting their student.

Do you have any tips for prospective students?

My words of advice to prospective students would be to develop better study habits and management of my finances. When I was in high school I could study the night before a test and do very well on it. Those days are definitively over now that I’m in college. Now it’s all about communicating more with my professors, study groups, and tutoring services if needed. Also looking back I realized how nice I had it at home such as free food/rent, money to buy clothes, and I didn’t have to pay for classes nor books. Again, those days are definitively over now that I’m in college. Now it’s all about managing my own finances and developing a budget each semester. I’ve opened up a checking account to simplify the tracking of my college expenses. It’s amazing how my account can look so big in the beginning of the semester and shrink so quickly by the end of it. It’s like what everyone says it’s all about balancing what is important.

Which types of students will excel at your college?

If you are looking for an all around college experience than The Florida State University is for you. I think that any student who believes in the traditions that Florida State University represents would be proud to attend this university. I believe that any student can relate to the Florida State University's motto, which is Vires, Artes, and Mores. These are Latin words that signify strength, skill and character. These words have formed the very foundation that has been driving force behind my continued success at Florida State University. Any student that embodies these same traditions and is passionate about pursing excellent education will be an excellent addition to the Seminole family.