Day Four FIT and Rollins

The weather is slowly warming up and the sun is shining. Watching the sun rise on the Atlantic Ocean this morning was too beautiful.

Florida Institute of Technology was our first stop. First we toured the aviation center which includes 55 airplanes. Then we moved on to their main campus. Bring your bike and skateboard. There are a large variety of majors, but engineering and aviation are strong here. With a price tag near $50,000, you have a smaller student body with less students in each class.

Their sports list is growing with swimming and diving, and football and lacrosse on the way. Some other things of interest -- a noted botanical garden, Florida's largest telescope, The Scott Center for Autism

Rollins College is one of the most beautiful campuses with its Spanish architecture. Arches, flowers, Virginia Lake, a private beach, a pool that reminds you of a country club are part of the campus. Preppy, attractive students abound. With a 10 to 1 student to faculty ratio and a class maximum of 24, the Socratic form of class works well. Study abroad is extremely popular.

Day Three Nova Southeastern University

What a surprise! Having never heard of this school, this is one that will gain a place on my Remember List.

The campus is ultra-modern with larger-than-life marble-fronted buildings surrounded by decorative fountains. Vision 2020 is the goal to become the premiere research undergraduate university. Their undergraduate enrollment goal is 7,000 to 8,000 on their main campus.

The panel of faculty who spoke to our group showed such care and compassion. They were very impressive!

Think of a super-sized High Point University and then you've got it.

Day Two of the Sunshine Tour

Barry University is located in Miami Shores. It is a Dominican Catholic institution with a very diverse student population. Learn--Reflect--Serve is their motto.

A variety of majors. Nursing will accept 75 in a new class. Diving industry is a unique major

A very good support service is in place with free professional tutors. COWS program is in place for LD students with a fee.

Set in a less desirable neighborhood, surrounded by black iron gates and a campus a little worn around the edges is part of what I remember.

Johnson & Wales University is located in North Miami. An urban campus with new buildings, it has a diverse student body. The SAT is not required. There are a variety of majors in the College of Business, Hospitality, and Culinary Arts. There are also a potpourri of degrees from AA to Masters. Golf management is offered exclusively on this campus. Other campuses include Providence, Denver, and Charlotte .

This is the place for a very career-oriented student. The small student population of 2100 has limited facilities for extracurricular activities

Day One of the Sunshine Tour

Liquid sunshine followed us most of today. Northwood University in West Palm Beach was our first stop. This is the place for those who want a degree in business with a strong ethics component. The campus has a business- complex feel to it. The modern, sleek buildings are centered around a lake. Around 800 students attend, with a division among Florida, other states and foreign students.

Two distinct majors are Aftermarket Management and Automotive Management and Marketing . General education credits are integrated in to business classes. They have begun a new program which is a combined Bachelors/Masters degree in 4 years. Their motto is "Discover the leader in you. Many of the professors come from industry and do not have advanced degrees.

Lynn University was the next stop. Known for its strong support program, the Institute for Achievement and Learning, provides a nurturing environment for it's students. Founded in 1962 it is now led by the son of its founding President. Lynn has a large foreign student population.

Their 3.0 program allows students to graduate in 3 years.

They have received recognition for their core curriculum program with an emphasis on writing and critical thinking. There is a required freshmen citizenship project which involves working with community organizations such as Habitat for Humanity. Another unique program is their music conservatory.

Lynn is taking active measures to personalize their campus for potential and current students.

On The Road Again

On Thursday, 2/9, I leave for my ten-day tour of Florida. I'll keep you posted as I tour the colleges on The Sunshine Tour. Hope to have lots to share with everyone.

FAFSA: Essentials and Updates

FAFSA: Essentials and Updates

Experts%20Advise%20Doing%20FAFSA%20Forms%20Early%20for%20Best%20Chance%20of%20Aid%20-%20College%20Bound%20-%20Education%20Week

Experts%20Advise%20Doing%20FAFSA%20Forms%20Early%20for%20Best%20Chance%20of%20Aid%20-%20College%20Bound%20-%20Education%20Week