<p>It really depends on what you want out of your college experience. Miami is more of a laid back, relaxing environment whereas UF is more of a serious and exciting environment. Academics at Miami, depending on the school and major, are very good but I feel that they are overrated. Miami has made strides from its’ Suntan-U days, but it still is not all that prestigious as people make it. I’m going to break down each part of it for you.</p>
<p>Academics- The education at Miami is great for students who cannot or do not like larger environments. I do not think I had a class for my major that had more than 35 students; certain introductory courses push over 200+ students. I would have to agree that you’re not just a number at Miami. If you want good relationships with your professors than you can have them, they will take the time to help you and get to know you if you go to their office hours. However, I feel that everything is handed to you at Miami. All of your notes and slideshows are on blackboard which discourages students from attending class, and they can still get A’s in the classes (not true for Biology and Life Science majors). A lot of professors review before each exam and give you a sample layout of each test, which I feel is not necessarily bad if you like an easy “A” but it does not benefit you in the long run. I went to UM for two years and transferred to UNC, the education is a night and day difference. I have to work hard for my B’s where I had to put a minimal effort in every class to get B+'s. You’re forced to learn the material and mastering the material does not necessarily mean getting A’s. </p>
<p>Environment/ Town- The University of Miami is located in an upper class Spanish neighborhood called Coral Gables. The campus is mostly only walkable, lack of roads and is built around Lake Osceola. It is much like a country club. There is a lack of school spirit on campus as athletic facilities are located about 30 minutes away. Weekends on campus are dead, everything occurs off campus. The town is not college like at all, everything closes pretty early except the Shops at Sunset and you’re forced to The Grove or South Beach. </p>
<p>Student Body- Very diverse. Many students from all over Florida and the Northeast (NY, PA, MA, NJ, CT) and Midatlantic (VA, MD, DC) as well as South America/ Central America. All types of individuals, every stereotype exists. The caliber of students is moderately strong, but the majority is not academically influenced, lot of students who want to put little time in their work, only enough to pass which is not F’s but mainly solid B’s (huge inflation at Miami). </p>
<p>Hope this helps</p>