Florida State University

The people here are really friendly and it is a very open and diverse atmosphere. Also, contrary to what I often hear in these ranking, FSU has some of the greatest undergrad/grad programs and research in the country. You will be challenged and it is well worth the experience. I would not chose another university.Also, don't follow rankings, follow your heart, because if you don't feel right somewhere, you will not be successful. The rankings don't tend to your needs, they are very generic.

2nd Year Male -- Class 2005

Education Quality: A+, Useful Schoolwork: A-

Go here. Stop the browsing and the fretting and the comparison shopping and go here already.
I was all set to go to Columbia (NY) after attending a DC-area high school, but the financial side just didn't line up. As I was sifting through the mountain of financial aid mail, a letter from Florida State appeared - an "E-Z Application" with a grand total of five blanks.

The attitude was terrific: laid-back and fun, yet focused on getting results quickly and efficiently. Having never even seen the place, I decided to play a wild card and go to Florida State. I loved every last minute of it.

Whether you're a scholar or a social butterfly, there's plenty to do here. And as the state capitol, it has an active political and legal culture for aspirants in either field.

The school may be a change if people aren't your thing - it's big and bold, with 34,000 Seminoles and a fierce sense of school spirit. But it's a great college experience, and isn't A) swallowed by a large city that surrounds it or B) in the middle of absolutely nothing.

Despite the size, the school really allows you to be yourself. For all the partying, Greeks only account for roughly 9% of students, and the variety of activities is admirable. We even have a local symphony orchestra, which is unheard of for a city of only 500,000 people. And they're pretty good.

Negatives: The parking just plain sucks. Do not live off-campus your freshman year. More garages are being built and road are being rerouted, but expect a few years before those changes bear fruit.

The only other fault is the temptation not to work: postcard weather, party-hearty students, and the most jaw-droppingly beautiful women this side of your imagination. And they are everywhere. E-V-E-R-Y-W-H-E-R-E. I once left for a week to speak at a press conference at Harvard, and the joy nearly drained out of my life.

If you need a taskmaster over your shoulder, then maybe somewhere more strident is appropriate. But even then, I'd recommend coming here and just getting over it.

As for campus life, the variety of people is pretty good - there's historically-black FAMU right down the road, and lots of Hispanic students from elsewhere in Florida, but almost zero Asian population - and the local Chinese food suffers accordingly. Being from Northern VA, having no Asian people weirded me out.

FSU will not leap off your resumé, but it'll leave a smile on your face, a few bucks in your wallet, and - if you resist temptation just enough - an education in your brain.

Who could ask for anything more?
E-mail me if you have any questions!
-Ed M.

4th Year Male -- Class 2002

Education Quality: A+, University Resource Use/ spending: F

Florida State is an excellent university. You are treated as an individual not an ID #. There is always someone willing to help. It's fun and school at the same time.

2nd Year Female -- Class 2002

Faculty Accessibility: A+, Education Quality: F