Some of the classes were not too challenging when it came to turning in materials (though I say this coming from the IB program). However, the teachers are very good and know there stuff. the fact that it is a smaller college also means that you can talk with the teachers afterwards, whether you need help or just wish to strike a conversation with them about something you learned in the class.
Even so, I saw myself having to study more for some of my classes than I ever did in IB, so if you feel academically inclined, then worry not if you are concerned about the level of rigor. In addition, I recommend the honors program if you are epspecially interested in gaining a good back round in humanities and a well rounded liberal art education.
Do you enjoy the experience at your school?
I love the environment here. the students are very friendly and welcoming, and though almost all are practicing Catholics, there is nonetheless a diversity in personalities. Of course, when you come, expect several theological discussions over a lunch table when meeting people.
I personally enjoy a small college setting, so if you are looking for a large university, this is not the place for you. But if you feel most comfortable in a small to medium sized institution, you'll feel right at home.
For a Catholic university, the rules (in my opinion) are actually reasonable. For example, there is no curfew, but during certain times (late at night due to sleeping and studying) quiet hours are in place.
The biggest adjustment I had to make was to be prepared for the climate. Floridian native and snow does not mix, so some adaptation was needed for cold wet winters.
Do you feel you’re getting value for the money you’re spending on college?
The university is worth every cent, especially considering the fact that it is a private college with knowledgeable professors and good academic programs. Even the ones that are not more renown will get you prepared for a career or for post graduate studies.
The only negative is that scholarship opportunities and financial aid are a bit limited. The university does as much as it can in being able to provide financial aid to its students, but it can only do so much.
Do you have any tips for prospective students?
In order to get the most out of the academics, try to learn by engaging with the professors, not just by attending classes and doing assignments. They are bodies of knowledge and through discussions can even teach you things that are not in the curriculum. This especially happened to me in my freshman theology class when i could not digest certain theological concepts.
Take any opportunity you can to grow spiritually while your are here. there are three daily masses, several clubs and households to meet with people likewise growing in faith, several opportunities for confessions, and a general environment teeming with catholicity. However, even if you do not do too much, expect a change when you return. Even though i do not feel much different since I began studying there, my family has noticed a positive differences in my behavior and personality
Take the opportunity to go to lectures given by guests from other universities. they do not have to be lectures given by professors of the same major you are in. Most of these lectures will incorporate theology, but they can be from different perspectives, from which you can learn much.
Finally, you do not have to join a household (think of them as the Catholic version of a fraternity/ sorority) to get a good experience and grow spiritually. Some people might feel pressure to do so, and it might be helpful to several students, but there are other ways to be part of the social life in FUS and if you have not found a household (I haven't), then you need not worry.
Which types of students will excel at your college?
Ferverent Catholics
Students who like small college settings
Students with preferences for Northern climate (apparently this was not high on my radar)
Students especially looking for a good theology/ catechetics, philosohy, or nursing program (their most renown majors)
Students not so interested in the party life, (does not mean there is no partying among students, but dont expect much).
Some of the classes were not too challenging when it came to turning in materials (though I say this coming from the IB program). However, the teachers are very good and know there stuff. the fact that it is a smaller college also means that you can talk with the teachers afterwards, whether you need help or just wish to strike a conversation with them about something you learned in the class. Even so, I saw myself having to study more for some of my classes than I ever did in IB, so if you feel academically inclined, then worry not if you are concerned about the level of rigor. In addition, I recommend the honors program if you are epspecially interested in gaining a good back round in humanities and a well rounded liberal art education.
I love the environment here. the students are very friendly and welcoming, and though almost all are practicing Catholics, there is nonetheless a diversity in personalities. Of course, when you come, expect several theological discussions over a lunch table when meeting people. I personally enjoy a small college setting, so if you are looking for a large university, this is not the place for you. But if you feel most comfortable in a small to medium sized institution, you'll feel right at home. For a Catholic university, the rules (in my opinion) are actually reasonable. For example, there is no curfew, but during certain times (late at night due to sleeping and studying) quiet hours are in place. The biggest adjustment I had to make was to be prepared for the climate. Floridian native and snow does not mix, so some adaptation was needed for cold wet winters.
The university is worth every cent, especially considering the fact that it is a private college with knowledgeable professors and good academic programs. Even the ones that are not more renown will get you prepared for a career or for post graduate studies. The only negative is that scholarship opportunities and financial aid are a bit limited. The university does as much as it can in being able to provide financial aid to its students, but it can only do so much.
In order to get the most out of the academics, try to learn by engaging with the professors, not just by attending classes and doing assignments. They are bodies of knowledge and through discussions can even teach you things that are not in the curriculum. This especially happened to me in my freshman theology class when i could not digest certain theological concepts. Take any opportunity you can to grow spiritually while your are here. there are three daily masses, several clubs and households to meet with people likewise growing in faith, several opportunities for confessions, and a general environment teeming with catholicity. However, even if you do not do too much, expect a change when you return. Even though i do not feel much different since I began studying there, my family has noticed a positive differences in my behavior and personality Take the opportunity to go to lectures given by guests from other universities. they do not have to be lectures given by professors of the same major you are in. Most of these lectures will incorporate theology, but they can be from different perspectives, from which you can learn much. Finally, you do not have to join a household (think of them as the Catholic version of a fraternity/ sorority) to get a good experience and grow spiritually. Some people might feel pressure to do so, and it might be helpful to several students, but there are other ways to be part of the social life in FUS and if you have not found a household (I haven't), then you need not worry.
Ferverent Catholics Students who like small college settings Students with preferences for Northern climate (apparently this was not high on my radar) Students especially looking for a good theology/ catechetics, philosohy, or nursing program (their most renown majors) Students not so interested in the party life, (does not mean there is no partying among students, but dont expect much).