Anonymous wrote:OP, we were in a similar situation last year and DC is now a freshman at UMiami with no regrets. My DC was focused on applying to U Mich, Wisc and other large, cold-climate state schools and applied to UMiami on a whim. I just came back from visiting over the long weekend and I can confirm that DC is very happy, well-adjusted and is leading a balanced life.

DC gets the sense that HS friends who are at state flagships party more than they do at UMiami. DC has gone out with friends to some clubs, gone to the beach, etc., but I'm glad that DC is experiencing Miami beyond campus.

Thank you for sharing this. The two UMs are in a dead heat right now. DC is struggling b/c saying no to Michigan seems like maybe passing up an amazing opportunity. It's their most prestigious school and it top ranked in their major and any other department they might switch to at some point. But, DC is just happier in the summer than in the winter. We just attended a UMiami student panel and it was definitely helped reinforce why they applied. I get the feeling this will be an April 30th decision!

OP, we were in a similar situation last year and DC is now a freshman at UMiami with no regrets. My DC was focused on applying to U Mich, Wisc and other large, cold-climate state schools and applied to UMiami on a whim. I just came back from visiting over the long weekend and I can confirm that DC is very happy, well-adjusted and is leading a balanced life.

DC gets the sense that HS friends who are at state flagships party more than they do at UMiami. DC has gone out with friends to some clubs, gone to the beach, etc., but I'm glad that DC is experiencing Miami beyond campus.

Anonymous wrote:The 20-21 CDS (the last year testing was required) says the middle 50% SAT was 1260-1400. With testing required for next year, it’s reasonable to think the SAT scores will revert to pre-COVID stats. A 1300 will likely be below the 50% mark but above the 25%. If he can study and get the score up even a little, his chances will be better, but a 1300 will be in the OK but not great range.

Got it- thank you.

The 20-21 CDS (the last year testing was required) says the middle 50% SAT was 1260-1400. With testing required for next year, it’s reasonable to think the SAT scores will revert to pre-COVID stats. A 1300 will likely be below the 50% mark but above the 25%. If he can study and get the score up even a little, his chances will be better, but a 1300 will be in the OK but not great range.

Where do you think testing will be? I have a current junior who has a 1300 SAT and Miami is his top choice. We are full pay and he’s doing a summer program there with ED so the demonstrated interest will be quite obvious.

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:Our student at UM is super happy there.

- Campus and weather both beautiful, and everyone is happy and upbeat.
- Kids are generally smart, look at the CDS, ACT 25/75 is 31/34.
- Our student is into sciences, plenty of good professors, labs and research opportunities.
- Football season is fun, basketball is lousy this year.
- Plenty to do - parks, beaches (try mid-beach or Biscayne lots of kids uber together to those), outside study areas, pool on campus, gym, neighborhoods to explore.
- School is penalized for the high rack rate (which most do not pay) and the idea of a fast, party school. Neither are accurate and if you think this school parties, try going to a big 10 or SEC school. Are there some sports cars? Yes, but that is now at every school.
- The key for us and I think other families is aid - our student received a great aid package that made this feasible. Turned down some other "top" brand name schools that did not offer as much or any aid and says they would not change a thing.

P.S. Housing is slowly improving but will take a couple more years. Two halls opened this year that are nice, two more in fall 2026 plus other options on campus should mean all 1st and 2nd years will be covered, not sure what will happen after that.

75% of applicants are TO, so

Current juniors (class of 2026) are required to submit test scores, so I am sure the numbers will adjust. I commend Miami for going back to test required, unlike other schools that are artificially jacking up their 25/50/75 ranges (Vanderbilt, UVA, etc.)

My dc is a junior and loves it so much. Everything about it. It is a great place for parents to visit too. I will be sad when he graduates.

Anonymous wrote:Our student at UM is super happy there.

- Campus and weather both beautiful, and everyone is happy and upbeat.
- Kids are generally smart, look at the CDS, ACT 25/75 is 31/34.
- Our student is into sciences, plenty of good professors, labs and research opportunities.
- Football season is fun, basketball is lousy this year.
- Plenty to do - parks, beaches (try mid-beach or Biscayne lots of kids uber together to those), outside study areas, pool on campus, gym, neighborhoods to explore.
- School is penalized for the high rack rate (which most do not pay) and the idea of a fast, party school. Neither are accurate and if you think this school parties, try going to a big 10 or SEC school. Are there some sports cars? Yes, but that is now at every school.
- The key for us and I think other families is aid - our student received a great aid package that made this feasible. Turned down some other "top" brand name schools that did not offer as much or any aid and says they would not change a thing.

P.S. Housing is slowly improving but will take a couple more years. Two halls opened this year that are nice, two more in fall 2026 plus other options on campus should mean all 1st and 2nd years will be covered, not sure what will happen after that.

75% of applicants are TO, so

Our student at UM is super happy there.

- Campus and weather both beautiful, and everyone is happy and upbeat.
- Kids are generally smart, look at the CDS, ACT 25/75 is 31/34.
- Our student is into sciences, plenty of good professors, labs and research opportunities.
- Football season is fun, basketball is lousy this year.
- Plenty to do - parks, beaches (try mid-beach or Biscayne lots of kids uber together to those), outside study areas, pool on campus, gym, neighborhoods to explore.
- School is penalized for the high rack rate (which most do not pay) and the idea of a fast, party school. Neither are accurate and if you think this school parties, try going to a big 10 or SEC school. Are there some sports cars? Yes, but that is now at every school.
- The key for us and I think other families is aid - our student received a great aid package that made this feasible. Turned down some other "top" brand name schools that did not offer as much or any aid and says they would not change a thing.

P.S. Housing is slowly improving but will take a couple more years. Two halls opened this year that are nice, two more in fall 2026 plus other options on campus should mean all 1st and 2nd years will be covered, not sure what will happen after that.

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:I have a recent UMiami grad. She maintains that U Miami is filled with happy, smart people. And she knew she wanted sunshine (felt other places were too depressing). She is a social person and was in a sorority but she's definitely not a follower, she makes her own way. As it turns out she makes friends from every situation she finds herself in. She's since graduated from a top business school and still says UM was the best place to spend 4 years. Also, teachers and admin, she said all were really great. In comparison she really had nothing particularly great to say about her grad school, except the diploma.

I'm glad your DD has such a great experience at UMiami. Did she spend a lot of time on campus or did she eventually just go there during class time?

Was in a spirit group so spent a lot of time at sports games cheering and on campus for classes and labs. Also took advantage of Miami including shopping, restaurants and the beach.

Anonymous wrote:I have a recent graduate from Miami who loved her 4 years there, did not go to any downtown clubs or do any drugs (not her style) but loved Miami and was involved with campus groups and with spirit and sports. I loved visiting and wish she was still there. There is campus spirit (kind of like bigger schools) but smaller classes and really interesting people. Highly recommend.

yes, this for us too. Except I'd say my kid did do a lot to take advantage of the surrounding area: Wynwood, coconut grove, Brickell, little Havana, for great food, markets, shopping, and beach outings - lots of different types of things to do.

The Ritz Coconut Grove is amazing and very close to campus for when you visit!!! Jealous.

Anonymous wrote:I have a recent graduate from Miami who loved her 4 years there, did not go to any downtown clubs or do any drugs (not her style) but loved Miami and was involved with campus groups and with spirit and sports. I loved visiting and wish she was still there. There is campus spirit (kind of like bigger schools) but smaller classes and really interesting people. Highly recommend.

Thank you!

Anonymous wrote:I have a recent UMiami grad. She maintains that U Miami is filled with happy, smart people. And she knew she wanted sunshine (felt other places were too depressing). She is a social person and was in a sorority but she's definitely not a follower, she makes her own way. As it turns out she makes friends from every situation she finds herself in. She's since graduated from a top business school and still says UM was the best place to spend 4 years. Also, teachers and admin, she said all were really great. In comparison she really had nothing particularly great to say about her grad school, except the diploma.

I'm glad your DD has such a great experience at UMiami. Did she spend a lot of time on campus or did she eventually just go there during class time?

I have a recent graduate from Miami who loved her 4 years there, did not go to any downtown clubs or do any drugs (not her style) but loved Miami and was involved with campus groups and with spirit and sports. I loved visiting and wish she was still there. There is campus spirit (kind of like bigger schools) but smaller classes and really interesting people. Highly recommend.