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anyone have input on this school in FL?

By 1sttimecollegemom on Sunday, December 15, 2002 - 08:50 am: Edit

My son has been excepted for admission Fall 2003 (don't know yet if that's where he's going or not) and we have visited. I'd be glad to help you. What do you need to know?

By 1sttimecollegemom on Sunday, December 15, 2002 - 08:51 am: Edit

Accepted.....duh...sorry...can't think this early this morning

By Joe on Sunday, December 15, 2002 - 11:40 am: Edit

Any comments will be appreciated. Trying to get my daughter interested, although she has reservations about going to school in FL. (She is interested in getting out of the South)

By 1sttimecollegemom on Sunday, December 15, 2002 - 01:12 pm: Edit

Son is thinking about a major in Marine Science. Possibly medicine now, he keeps changing his mind regularly. Anyway, the marine science program is one of the top programs in the country. Very well respected by other universities which have Master's and Doctorate degrees, as well as them having a working relationship with Woods Hole. Small college enrollment wise, a little over 1500 students. Very friendly atmosphere, and very well maintained campus. Quite beautiful actually. Of course when you set right on the gulf how can it not be beautiful? Be sure and visit www.eckerd.edu and take the virtual tour. The dorms are average, not the best we've seen, and by far not the worst. So far, admission and everyone we've spoke to has been very helpful and considerate.

Programs: It is my understanding that Eckerd has outstanding science and international Business programs - there is a branch campus located in London. I've heard that their math is so-so depending on your major (good basic math for the science) but that a math major would be questionable.

The waterfront area is spectacular. Boats and equipment can be used once a student passes a swimming test and has shown that their capable of using such equipment (i.e. sailboats) and they regular give classes on this equipment as well. Some have a charge, some do not, depending on what kind of equipment. (Son keeps telling me he's going to boat to family who are only 20 minutes by car, 10 by boat).

Another thing that has impressed son and myself was Eckerd's 4-1-4 calendar. Fall semester - January Term-Spring Semester. The whole month of January basically is one IN DEPTH class. This is when alot of oversea travel is involved, as well in major research with the professors. Also the 3 week Freshman session before everyone else begins I think would be quite nice to help aclimate them to being a college student.

Tuition is 20,000 or over + room and board, so it's definately not cheap. However, they say they give considerable aid. (We will find out how good this spring). And they have been quite optimistic about the boy's ability to get some merit aid.

Here are his stats to compare: 3.9 UW GPA - 2/83 from small rural midwestern High School.
29 ACT composite, 31 Math, 32 Science, 29 reading, and 23 writing (his major downfall obviously).

Mine is interested whole-heartedly to get to the South. He's been accepted to U of Illinois as well, but he doesn't know if he wants to stay up north or not. I figure it's his decision, She'll figure it out as well. Good luck to your daughter, if you need any thing else, don't hesitate to ask......

By joe on Sunday, December 15, 2002 - 07:29 pm: Edit

Thank you. That helps a lot. My sister has a friend with 3 or so family members who went. She speaks very highly of Eckerd.

By Najy (Najy) on Wednesday, February 04, 2004 - 09:09 pm: Edit

I just got my acceptance letter; apparently its a college that really changes lives, so we'll see. I can't wait to visit.

By Chavi (Chavi) on Monday, April 12, 2004 - 01:41 pm: Edit

My daughter has been accepted to both Eckerd College and University of Miami. Her proposed major is International Affairs or International Studies, with a second major in Modern European Languages. Anyone have any experience with either school in these areas? Also concerned about the political environment on campus - Miami seems to be pretty apolitical, but there seems to be an undercurrent of new age stuff going on at Eckerd. Any comments? Thanks.

By Floppydee (Floppydee) on Tuesday, June 15, 2004 - 03:13 pm: Edit

How is Eckerd's financial aid in covering "out of state" transfers? I know the tuition is the same for all, but I hear there is more grants/scholarships if you are a Florida resident?

By Chavi (Chavi) on Friday, July 02, 2004 - 09:12 am: Edit

There are two state government programs to help in state residents pay for private college tuition costs within the state. That aid totals a max of about $5,500.00