<p>We’re in a similar position. There is an awful lot to like at NCF, and my kid has a similar concern with “fit.” Before visiting we thought “I’ll bet the “everybody goes barefoot” comment is way overblown.” But it wasn’t that far fetched. Based on our visit over several days, our impression is that it is a pretty alternative place. Granted, we didn’t see a lot of students, even though we did some classroom visits too. </p>
<p>From our standpoint, being a few miles from downtown Sarasota is a slight disadvantage. You can’t just walk off campus and have many choices for cheap meals, coffee shops, or cinema. You have to jump on a bus (not hard, except maybe at night), or have a scooter or car. And the dining options on campus are pretty limited, so I can see wanting to get some cheap/different food nearby. But Sarasota is a great town, very beautiful, with lots of things to do once you get there.</p>
<p>Its a weird thing. If you go to the “Admitted Students” Dog and Pony Show–we didn’t at NCF–you might get a sense about who else might be in next year’s class, and whether the “alternative” vibe is really accurate (or likely to change a little with next year’s class). If you don’t, your impression is formed based on the 40-50 students you saw on campus during your visit. We walked in to the Ham Center (Student Union Building) as part of our 2:00 tour, and saw–maybe–ten to fifteen students. I was sort of shocked, and this registered with my kid. Next day we went into the Fitness center, which I thought very adequate for the size of NCF (Olympic size outdoor pool, racketball courts, weight room, room for treadmills and stair masters, etc…), and it had about seven-eight people in there working out. </p>
<p>I think one of the keys is to try to connect with some current students after your visit, and to question them about what you saw during your visit and how it compares to reality. NCF was very good about putting us in touch with some current and former students to answer our questions.</p>
<p>NCF strikes me as a place where the students are pretty friendly, pretty smart, very independent, and take their work seriously. I do think there is a lot of work, and that the Profs hold the students very accountable for that work. So it wouldn’t surprise me if part of the reason I don’t see a lot of students is because it was during their “work hours.” </p>
<p>We’re still visiting the other schools where my kid was admitted, so her mind isn’t yet made up. As a graduate of a large State Flagship University, I admit being utterly fascinated with what NCF has to offer in terms of an undergraduate education. </p>