Thoughts on private universities in Florida?

Hi all! I've been looking into private universities in Florida as a possible choice for college. Can anyone give me some recommendations or insights on these schools and what makes them a good choice? I would appreciate any advice!

Private universities in Florida include a variety of institutions, each with its own unique strengths and features. Here are a few notable options, along with some highlights:

1. University of Miami (UM): UM is a highly ranked private research university known for its strong programs in the sciences, business, communications, and engineering. The campus is located in Coral Gables, which offers a vibrant suburban environment with access to the city of Miami. Two of UM's strengths are its diversity, as students have abundant chances to interact with peers from various backgrounds and cultures, and its strong sense of school-spirit, which is especially evident at Hurricanes football games.

If you end up applying to UMiami and want tips on how to maximize your chances of acceptance, check out this blog post from CollegeVine, which breaks down how to tackle their school-specific supplemental essay(s): https://blog.collegevine.com/how-to-write-the-university-of-miami-essays

2. Rollins College: Located in Winter Park, this liberal arts college is known for its strong focus on personalized education and small class sizes. Rollins offers a wide range of majors, and emphasizes interdisciplinary learning, critical thinking, and global perspectives. The Campus is situated on picturesque Lake Virginia, so students have a beautiful setting for their studies.

3. Stetson University: Stetson is a comprehensive private university that encourages its students' personal growth, by offering opportunities for undergraduate research, internships, and study abroad programs. With a strong emphasis on community engagement, Stetson hopes its students will make a difference both locally and globally. Known for its rigorous academics, the university has strong programs in the natural sciences, social sciences, music, and law.

4. Nova Southeastern University (NSU): NSU is a private research university that provides a more career-focused education. It's particularly strong in professional programs, such as health sciences, business, and education. The main campus is located in Fort Lauderdale, so students have access to all the excitement and opportunities of South Florida.

5. Eckerd College: This liberal arts college is located on the waterfront in St. Petersburg and is committed to the values of personal growth, community engagement, and global responsibility. Eckerd offers a tight-knit community atmosphere and is known for its unique first-year sequence, where students take a Human Experience course and a First-Year Experience seminar, where they'll be introduced to thinking and analyzing at a college level.

When evaluating private universities in Florida, consider aspects such as precise location, academic offerings, campus culture, size, and financial aid. Each institution has its unique characteristics, and it's important to find a school that aligns with your personal and academic goals. Visiting campuses and speaking with current students or alumni can be a great way to gain insights into these universities.

Additionally, as you build your college list, you may find college search engines useful, like CollegeVine's, which allows you to filter schools based on a range of factors, including not just location and public/private status, but also majors offered, student/faculty ratio, admissions requirements, and so on. This tool can help you build a list of schools that are sure to be a good all-around fit for you.

Best of luck in your college search!