Florida State University Review

Florida State University offers a strong mix of academics and athletics. The university prides itself on being a leading research university, located in the capital of Florida. Famous alumni of Florida State include, Burt Reynolds and Richard Simons. Combining the traditional foundation of the arts and humanities, with cutting edge science, Florida State University makes an excellent choice for most students.

Admissions

Acceptance into the University requires a moderate level of effort in high school. The average GPA is a 3.72, with a SAT range of 1150-1300. The acceptance rate for the university is 47%, making it competitive.

Student Body

The student body at the university is very diverse. Students come from all fifty states, and dozen of countries outside the United States. Minorities comprise 25.3% of Florida State University's student population. The traditional Florida State student is known to be very active in both sports and clubs. The students are known to come from upper-middle class families, however. The university's generous financial aid package allows students of lower class to attend.

The biggest concern rises from the impact of the Greek life on campus. Students complain about the arrogance of the Greeks on campus, specifically the treatment towards minorities. Others have said, due to the Greek's large role on campus, the University has a fun night life for those who like to party.

Academics

The university is a mixed bag when it comes to academics. The school prides itself on the sciences. Programs such as: physics, chemistry, meteorology, and biology rank among the top in the nation. Other programs including, political science and sociology, rank in the top 25 public programs throughout the nation. Being the university is a large state institution; freshman will find themselves in classes of 300 plus students. Students unwilling to contact professors and study will be another number in the crowd. Those willing to connect with professors and show interest will find few problems with the large class size.

Athletics

The athletics on the campus comprise a large portion of university's popularity. The most popular athletic program at Florida State is the football team. The Seminoles won championships in both 1993 and 1999. Intense rivalries between the University of Miami and the University of Florida have continued to boast the program's popularity. In addition to Football, Florida State's: Track & Field, Baseball, and Softball teams have shown a high level of success.

Location

Tallahassee is small to those from Miami, but large to those from smaller towns. The area is known to have enough to keep students busy, but not enough for new entertainment each week. The area does have some rough parts. Frenchtown is known to be an area of crime, and students will want to be cautious. Being alert at times will provide safety and a fun time in Tallahassee.

Extra Information

The school is ranked is ranked among the top in several non-academic areas. Princeton Review ranks Florida State: #9 Jock School, #13 Hard Liquor, #10 Party School, and #10 Students Study the Least. The rankings by the Princeton Review follow a trend showing the school's social scene.

Those looking for a large party scene, well-known football program, and a strong science program will want to consider Florida State. Students more reserved and not interested in sports, might want to look elsewhere. The size of the classes and importance of the Greek System on campus means students will need to speak up to be heard. Florida State University will offer a positive experience for those looking to engage in an active social life and leading research institution.

Sources:
Florida State University - FSU - At a Glance; College Board
Florida State University; Princeton Review
Florida State University; FSU