New College is...

• A public, residential, co-educational, four-year liberal arts and sciences college granting the Bachelor of Arts degree.
• A member of the State University System of Florida, with its own Board of Trustees (appointed by the Governor), admissions, faculty, curriculum, degree requirements, and diploma.

Location

• On Florida's Gulf Coast in the resort city of Sarasota, noted for its theater, art, music, and beautiful public beaches.  Money magazine named Sarasota the Best Small City in America.
• Sarasota is approximately 55 miles south of Tampa.
• The 110-acre bayfront campus houses over 40 buildings, ranging from the monumental mansions of the former Charles Ringling estate to the modernist dorm complex designed by I. M. Pei.

History

• Opened in 1964 as a private liberal arts college.
• Became part of the University of South Florida in 1975, but retained its distinctive academic program and selective admissions.
• Became New College of Florida, the 11th member of Florida's State University System, in 2001.  Continues to draw national recognition for its high quality academics and high-achieving graduates.

Read more about the history of New College

Academic Program

• More than 25 undergraduate concentrations in the liberal arts and sciences.  Students also develop special topic and interdisciplinary concentrations.
• Excellent foundation for post-baccalaureate study in medicine, law, and business.
• The curriculum is based on an academic contract, enabling students, in close consultation with faculty, to develop programs of seminars, tutorials, independent research and off-campus experiences to complement the work they do in more formalized classroom experiences.  The Liberal Arts Curriculum ensures breadth in students' academic program without imposing rigid, school-wide course requirements.
• Students receive detailed narrative evaluations of their work. New College does not give grades.
• To graduate, students satisfactorily complete seven contracts (one per semester), three independent study projects (one per year), a senior thesis, and an oral baccalaureate exam.
• The college operates on a 4-1-4 calendar. In January, students undertake independent study projects, which they design and complete under faculty sponsorship.
• 100% of the faculty hold the Ph.D. or terminal degree in their field; most publish or show their work frequently.
• The 10:1 student-faculty ratio is a key factor in the College's individualized approach to learning.
• Approximately 750 students from throughout the US and world.

Read more on New College's Philosophy

Housing

• Dormitories designed by I.M. Pei, with individual entrances, private bath, and central air-conditioning house the majority of first-year students.
• Five new suite-style residence halls opened in Fall 2007.
• About two-thirds of all students live on campus.  Because New College is a residential college, living on campus is compulsory unless a waiver is approved by the Office of Student Affairs.

Student Life and Athletics

• Emphasis is on spontaneity and student initiation. Activities include theatrical performances, publications, service organizations, political and religious groups, social clubs, and more.
• The student government provides student representation not only in the student life arena, but in academic policy-making as well. Student government has authority over funding for recreation, social events, and student organizations.
• Sports and recreation are participatory rather than competitive.  Facilities include basketball and tennis courts, softball and multi-purpose (soccer) fields, a running path, a 25-meter swimming pool, and a fitness center.  The fitness center has Nautilus weightlifting and aerobic equipment, two racquetball courts, an aerobics/dance studio and locker room facilities. 

Admissions

• New College seeks highly capable students eager to take responsibility for their own education.
• The Admissions Committee reviews each file as objectively as possible, determining the student's potential for success within and contribution to the College community.
• Typically, the majority of enrolling freshmen score 1200 or higher on the SAT (Critical Reading + Math), or 27 or higher on the ACT (Composite).
• Students may apply online.
• Campus visits are scheduled year-round.