NCF is highly academic and fosters intellectual growth. You are pretty much on your own when it comes to learning however--classes are not the typical spoon-fed, Power Point collection of facts. The professors tell you what to read, which can be upwards of 200 pages a week of abstracts, professional journals, etc. and it is up to you to do the reading and extract the necessary information. Not for the faint of heart.
Do you enjoy the experience at your school?
Hmmm. On the bay location is fantastic, and the small community is very helpful and friendly,open-minded and tolerant of (almost) anyone. Be aware that there is significant noise during weekend parties (you really can't escape the noise) and many students leave in order to get sleep and do required studying. Also, about 50% of the student body smokes and cigarette butts all over the ground are an eyesore.
Do you feel you’re getting value for the money you’re spending on college?
Can't be beat, although tuition costs are higher than other Florida state schools. Also, MANDATORY on-campus housing (for up to age 21) is more costly than other schools, as is the meal plan. Food service is not all-you-can-eat as in other schools; it is a la carte and expensive (many organic foods). A bowl of cous cous and a Naked juice cost me almost $10-. Students provide a lot of their own meals.
Do you have any tips for prospective students?
Bring earplugs, as nighttime noise can be a problem. Day people are the minority. There are no honors dorms (after all, this is an honors college) and there are no quiet hours, so noise can be heard just about anytime. Many students cook communal dinners and share potluck meals, which helps reduce food costs. Also, county bus service is free with student ID, so many students head downtown to Whole Foods to do their grocery shopping and reduce their food costs.
Which types of students will excel at your college?
Intellectual,, liberal, gay. hippie (or hippie wannabe), eccentric, vegan,, oddball, misfit. At the same time, there are some Young Republicans who are at NCF for the great education and not the social life. There are no organized sports teams nor a Greek system. Be aware, the work load is heavy and the ambiguity of having no grades can be a disadvantage--you actually end up working harder!
NCF is highly academic and fosters intellectual growth. You are pretty much on your own when it comes to learning however--classes are not the typical spoon-fed, Power Point collection of facts. The professors tell you what to read, which can be upwards of 200 pages a week of abstracts, professional journals, etc. and it is up to you to do the reading and extract the necessary information. Not for the faint of heart.
Hmmm. On the bay location is fantastic, and the small community is very helpful and friendly,open-minded and tolerant of (almost) anyone. Be aware that there is significant noise during weekend parties (you really can't escape the noise) and many students leave in order to get sleep and do required studying. Also, about 50% of the student body smokes and cigarette butts all over the ground are an eyesore.
Can't be beat, although tuition costs are higher than other Florida state schools. Also, MANDATORY on-campus housing (for up to age 21) is more costly than other schools, as is the meal plan. Food service is not all-you-can-eat as in other schools; it is a la carte and expensive (many organic foods). A bowl of cous cous and a Naked juice cost me almost $10-. Students provide a lot of their own meals.
Bring earplugs, as nighttime noise can be a problem. Day people are the minority. There are no honors dorms (after all, this is an honors college) and there are no quiet hours, so noise can be heard just about anytime. Many students cook communal dinners and share potluck meals, which helps reduce food costs. Also, county bus service is free with student ID, so many students head downtown to Whole Foods to do their grocery shopping and reduce their food costs.
Intellectual,, liberal, gay. hippie (or hippie wannabe), eccentric, vegan,, oddball, misfit. At the same time, there are some Young Republicans who are at NCF for the great education and not the social life. There are no organized sports teams nor a Greek system. Be aware, the work load is heavy and the ambiguity of having no grades can be a disadvantage--you actually end up working harder!