University of Miami

[Anonymous]

DS is very interested in attending. We are an UMC family. There is a stereotype that the school is filled with kids from uber rich, private-jet wealthy families. Anyone with experience that this is true or not true and, if it is, does affect the overall campus experience for those not in that category?

[Anonymous]

It's true that Miami has that reputation and that population exists - there is a wealthy, go to clubs in Miami, fancy crowd. I know a DD from here that fits this profile exactly and she is quite happy at Miami.

But there are other types of people at Miami and my DD, who is not into clubs or partying and is DMV UMC but not wealthy, is happy and loves the school.

There are sports, clubs, and greek life and Miami is a terrific city with restaurants, sports teams, culture and concerts that is available to students. And my DD's friends are serious about their studies and have a variety of academic interests.

[Anonymous]

My niece goes. Yes, the people are extremely wealthy, children of celebrities. Yatchs for birthdays, private jets, condos purchased for students, lots of plastic surgery/med spa. It’s an extremely materialistic campus.

My niece is UMC and there’s no way to compete with that. She is attending so they aren’t all uber wealthy, but most are.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:My niece goes. Yes, the people are extremely wealthy, children of celebrities. Yatchs for birthdays, private jets, condos purchased for students, lots of plastic surgery/med spa. It’s an extremely materialistic campus.

My niece is UMC and there’s no way to compete with that. She is attending so they aren’t all uber wealthy, but most are.

Sorry, to answer your question about fitting in, my niece is having a good time. She’s not in sorority, although she rushed and was accepted to a couple of houses, just not the ones she’s wanted. She’s landed two great business internships.

[Anonymous]

24-25 COA is $94,000. My DS got in last year but then decided it wasn't worth the price. But he didn't have a specific major in mind or a specific reason for wanting to apply there other than it looks awesome.

[Anonymous]

It is a very international and Uber, wealthy student body. Not to say that all of the students are wealthy, but a large majority of students are. The yachts, the private planes, the private parties, the limos it’s all true.

Beautiful campus, beautiful people, expensive school. Has a resort field to it like a hotel. Definitely not your typical college experience. If that’s what you’re looking for and you can afford it, the school is for you.

[Anonymous]

My DD is having a “typical” college experience if you count studying hard for a stem major –cheering on sports teams, having friends on campus, etc.

There are a lot of wealthy students and many are international-that’s true of all private schools in US. And there are also plenty of kids on scholarships and “regular” UMC kids.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:My DD is having a “typical” college experience if you count studying hard for a stem major –cheering on sports teams, having friends on campus, etc.

There are a lot of wealthy students and many are international-that’s true of all private schools in US. And there are also plenty of kids on scholarships and “regular” UMC kids.

There is simply no comparison of a school like Michigan or Florida to the University of Miami when it comes to the traditional college experience. The football stadium is 45 minutes away from campus. Most of the kids go to parties and actually don’t go to the football games. The campus does not feel or look like a traditional college campus. Not a bad thing, but it’s not the traditional college feel.

Beautiful campus, and of course students are studying. But, the University of Miami is not going to be your traditional college experience. An alternate style college experience for sure, but not the traditional college experience for those looking for that.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:24-25 COA is $94,000. My DS got in last year but then decided it wasn't worth the price. But he didn't have a specific major in mind or a specific reason for wanting to apply there other than it looks awesome.

Do they not offer merit aid?

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:24-25 COA is $94,000. My DS got in last year but then decided it wasn't worth the price. But he didn't have a specific major in mind or a specific reason for wanting to apply there other than it looks awesome.

Do they not offer merit aid?

Merit packages are not the best. I believe they are need aware, not blind.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:My DD is having a “typical” college experience if you count studying hard for a stem major –cheering on sports teams, having friends on campus, etc.

There are a lot of wealthy students and many are international-that’s true of all private schools in US. And there are also plenty of kids on scholarships and “regular” UMC kids.

There is simply no comparison of a school like Michigan or Florida to the University of Miami when it comes to the traditional college experience. The football stadium is 45 minutes away from campus. Most of the kids go to parties and actually don’t go to the football games. The campus does not feel or look like a traditional college campus. Not a bad thing, but it’s not the traditional college feel.

Beautiful campus, and of course students are studying. But, the University of Miami is not going to be your traditional college experience. An alternate style college experience for sure, but not the traditional college experience for those looking for that.

PP here. I didn't say it was the same as Michigan or Florida -it's not. But it is a pretty good college experience and typical in many ways. It's a mid-size private university with good academics, a variety of sports and social opportunities, a contained campus in a good city. Miami has greek life, school clubs, and a lot of school spirit for a small-ish school. My DD is very happy there and did not pay 94K per year. It's not perfect for sure but it's a good choice for many.

[Anonymous]

We have always thought of U of M as a lunkhead football school. Just a giant party. Not a lot of "rich" kids I would like my kids to associate with.

[Anonymous]

You are wrong. It has less than 30% acceptance rate and is a top 70 school. It is in the top third of schools in the country. It’s not known for being a football school -not since the 80s. Miami is a very good school. You were misinformed and perpetuating a stereotype that isn’t true. That’s the beauty of college admissions. Your kid doesn’t have to apply to schools where they wouldn’t be a fit.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:24-25 COA is $94,000. My DS got in last year but then decided it wasn't worth the price. But he didn't have a specific major in mind or a specific reason for wanting to apply there other than it looks awesome.

Do they not offer merit aid?

Not enough to make it competitive with other offers, in our case.

[Anonymous]

So much misinformation. It’s a great school that ticks a lot of boxes. Yes, it’s fun. It’s was a dream/reach for DD and we were full pay. Almost every one of her friends there had stellar HS records and were receiving significant merit money.