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18 out of 18 people found this review useful.
Tess from Morton Grove, IL
Reviewer is A current student here.
Categories Rating Comments Am learning a lot Eckerd College is a very small liberal arts school in St. Pete, FL. The best part about attending a small school is that the class sizes are smaller, which enhances learning. You actually get to know your professors (which are all very helpful) and they get to know you. All my professors are more then willing to help during their office hours and really try to help you succeed. Eckerd College has an exceptional Marine Science program right on the water front with a hands on approach to learning. Eckerd is also very focused on having well rounded students that are familiar with a variety of subjects.
Am enjoying being here If you like warm, sunny, and sometimes wet weather then you will be very happy at Eckerd College. The scenery at Eckerd is very different then the average college campus. On my way to class I pass by Eckerd's South Beach right on Boca Ciega Bay, palm trees, pelicans, hammocks, people playing volleyball, an occasional dolphin in the distance, and much more. Eckerd College has its own waterfront program where students can take out kayaks, sailboats, and fishing equipment, as well as sign up for wake board trips, wind surfing lessons, boat trips, and more. The students, teachers, and other campus workers are all very friendly. There are tons of clubs, activities and special events to keep anyone having fun. The food here is alright. They try to have variety. There is a salad bar, soup, pizza, sandwich section, cereal, vegetarian, grill, world foods and comfort food section.
Bang for the buck One of the draw backs on EC is that it is pretty expensive. However, most students get some sort of scholarship. I would say with the setting, activities, and quality of education at Eckerd that it is probably worth all the money. Lets face it college is expensive where ever you go. The best way to get your money's worth is to GO TO CLASS. Try not to party during the school week, and don't go to the beach until your homework is done.
Tips for prospective students If you decide to come to Eckerd it should be for the right reasons. Don't Just come here for the sun and the beach, come here if there is a program you are interested in. Eckerd is still a college. The Florida atmosphere can make it hard to focus, so make sure you are ready to work. Also, I recommend bringing a bike or a car because otherwise it can be hard getting off campus. There are some buses that take you off campus but they can be confusing. Or at least make a lot of friends with people that have a car.
Great for these types of students There are a lot of science majors and people that care about the environment. Eckerd trys to be very Eco friendly. Eckerd is also pretty good for art, language, politcal science, international relations, etc. There are many opportunities to study abroad. EC has a special three week winter semester for sophomores thru seniors where you get to go abroad (trips to japan, new zealand, italy, argentina, new mexico, etc.) or if you want to save money they offer some on campus classes. Freshmen have an on campus autumn term before the upperclassmen get here to help them get used to the campus. If you are into american football this isn't the place for you. Eckerd has no football team, but there are most other common sports. However, our D2 sports teams aren't very good. I love Eckerd Tritons! We just aren't very good... There is no Greek life, but our dorms are named after Greek letters... There are a lot of people who drink alcohol, but there are also a lot of people who don't. Who ever you are you will fit in somewhere at Eckerd College.
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10 out of 10 people found this review useful.
Deborah from Abilene, TX
Reviewer is A current student here.
Categories Rating Comments Am learning a lot Eckerd is a small liberal arts college on the water with a reputation for sending graduates straight into jobs, internships, and prestigious graduate schools. This is because the professors and classes (small usually around 12-25 students) are designed not only to provide expected information on areas of interest, but to build skills that help students to think differently about their place in the world. Once you get past the intro-level courses which are pretty basic in any college, you can enroll in classes that are more interesting and engaging. Like any school you attend, you get out of it what you put in. So if you prefer a smaller, more fun and intimate college where you can form close relationships with peers and professors, and if you utilize the resources the school provides, then you can definitely gain an education that matches your goals and helps you succeed.
Am enjoying being here Really there isn't much to complain about a school that not only has quality classes and typical educational resources, but allows students to kayak, wake board, swim, tan, and sail, etc. at the Waterfront for free! There is the Yellow Bike program in which bikes are located throughout campus for you to ride to and from classes and wherever on campus. I can lay-out while doing homework on Kappa field and take a break to walk 30 seconds to South Beach on campus and lay in the hammock. It seems like fun is always on nearly everyone's mind, so it isn't hard to find people, parties, or activities to enjoy. And if you're stressed and need to relax, there are places on campus to just sit and find peace. The main reason I'm enjoying being here, however, is the friends I have made. Students come here from all over the country and world and are open-minded, kind, spirited, and fun. I made close friends here in the first month faster than I have ever made best friends in my life. The sunny atmosphere seems to radiate from everyone sometimes, and that's the key: it's up to you to have a good attitude.
Bang for the buck The only problem I have had with Eckerd is the price. It's a pretty expensive school--way above my reasonable budget--but most schools are expensive. It's a fact that student loan debt is one of the only 2 good debts, so don't worry if you have to take out a loan. Scholarships are also available, and there are always people willing you help you out. When you're spending so much money on anything, it's easy to point out the flaws. The school does sometimes seem to try to squeeze money out of you for the most random things, but then there are tons of activities and free stuff the school provides, too. The school places extra emphasis on study abroad and service-learning, so you can find plenty of opportunity to travel, learn, and grow outside the campus and country, and a lot of these programs are cheap compared to other schools'. The setting is amazing, the surrounding cities offer endless things to do, the food is really good compared to many other schools (although it's easy to get spoiled/bored with the cafeteria food), the classes are great, and the people are supportive. If you take advantage of all this and WORK HARD, it's worth it.
Tips for prospective students Don't get distracted. Even within the first week you can find yourself getting swept up in all of the extracurricular pleasures of college life. Many students drink and smoke, but a lot of others don't. Therefore, don't feel pressured to abandon all work ethic. You should also never feel like you have to lock yourself in a study room in order to get schoolwork done. If you take a mature approach to your studies from the beginning and realize that the classes are good and the professors want you to learn and succeed, then it's not hard to wake up in the morning and go to class. Just remember to save the partying and playing until your work is done. Your friends will understand. College is a time to discover what it is that makes you You. Take the opportunity that comes with living, learning, and exploring in a safe, familiar environment like this campus to establish your interests and work towards your dreams.
Great for these types of students When I was describing Eckerd to my friend she said, It's like the Island of Misfits! How awesome! And that description is perfect. If you love the water; sunny, humid and sometimes rainy weather (in the rainy season); and small class size, it's perfect. But I know content students here who actually hate swimming! Eckerd's great for the environmentally conscious (we put a lot of emphasis on sustainability), for vegans and vegetarians, for meditate-rs, yoga-doers and rights activists. But it's also home to politicians, scientists (our Marine Science program is one of the best in the nation), writers, musicians, I-don't-know-what-the-heck-I'm-doing-yet-ers, and every type of person in between, above and below. If you have an interest that isn't represented already (unlikely) then you can just form a club! If you've always been extremely focused on schoolwork, it might be hard for you to adjust to the fun-loving atmosphere, but everyone is here because they want to learn. My friends are as varied as their interests, yet we can all find endless things in common. If you're open-minded and don't mind the weather, you should get along just fine.
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4 out of 4 people found this review useful.
Alexandra from Woodbine, GA
Reviewer is A current student here.
Categories Rating Comments Am learning a lot I am a marine biology major at Eckerd College. While this major is in no way easy, it is a very mind opening one. I have learned much in just one semester here in Eckerd. This major does require lots of studying and dedication, but the end result is well worth it.
Am enjoying being here I have made many great friends, the food is great and there are always events to go to! Eckerd is full of things to do including the on campus beach and the fact that it is a pet-friendly campus!
Bang for the buck While the tution is very high, it is worth it. Eckerd offers many things that other colleges can't. The college is built right on Tampa Bay, so Marine Biology majors have instant access to the water. It has small class sizes, dedicated professors and also great food!
Tips for prospective students Be prepared to work hard, but also enjoy the many things that Eckerd has to offer.
Great for these types of students Studious, athletic, outdoorsy and hard working.
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1 out of 1 people found this review useful.
Student from Bradenton, FL
Reviewer is A current student here.
Categories Rating Comments Am learning a lot Eckerd College offers various classes for many different majors. From Interdisciplinary to Marine Biology to American Studies, most students are able to find the major they want and are given a mentor to help with the process.
Am enjoying being here The students are friendly, the teachers are usually quite helpful and the atmosphere is fantastic (if you like nature).
Bang for the buck Although it has private school prices, for an out of state student it's one of the best options for your money. Even in-state students have an easier time with the various Florida grants that Eckerd accepts. There is a lot of financial aid available for every student.
Tips for prospective students If you're interested in going to Eckerd college, definitely apply! The people are great, it's well respected and there are plenty of opportunities. Just pay attention to the Autumn Term details, it's a very fun an informative month.
Great for these types of students Those who like small colleges, those who want to really communicate with professors, laid back students.
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1 out of 1 people found this review useful.
Alyssa from Clermont, FL
Reviewer is Researching this school. Reviewer has not been to campus.
Categories Rating Comments Will learn a lot It's noted for it's environmental friendliness which is perfect for my major!
Will enjoy being here The campus is beautiful!!!!!!!!!!
Bang for the buck Pricey!! But they offer a lot of financial aid it seems!
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1 out of 1 people found this review useful.
lynn from FL
Reviewer is Accepted here and planning to attend soon. Reviewer has been to campus.
Categories Rating Comments Will learn a lot My course of study will be Marine biology so intend to learn a lot especially since the school is on the water. I'm interested to see what dynamic having the marine environment in the schools backyard will bring.
Will enjoy being here I hope I do enjoy being at Eckerd they describe the school on their website like a paradise.
Bang for the buck I honestly think that the tuition is very high. I think that they should invest in scholarships for everyone because most of their scholarships are for freshmen. I hope this school is worth every penny.
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1 out of 1 people found this review useful.
Anonymous
Reviewer is A current student here.
Categories Rating Comments Am learning a lot I am currently a physics major and a member of the women's soccer team at Eckerd. The science programs are challenging but rewarding. The staff is talented and great to work with. There are plenty of research opportunities for freshmen to seniors. Overall, Eckerd is a high quality school.
Am enjoying being here Eckerd is in a lovely location right on the water and close to the city. There are many opportunities for students to get off campus and see the local sights. A friendly and welcoming atmosphere, makes anyone feel at home.
Bang for the buck Although a private liberal arts school is expensive, the quality of the staff and the opportunities/resources available to the students makes it all worth it.
Tips for prospective students There are many opportunities to get involved with the community in and around Eckerd College and to go abroad. So come to Eckerd if you love learning and being involved in a community.
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1 out of 1 people found this review useful.
Delaney from Middleboro, MA
Reviewer is A current student here.
Categories Rating Comments Am learning a lot I get to choose the classes that are perfect for me, so I am not sitting through any class that I don't want to be in. I love all my classes, and because the class sizes are so small, I get one on one attention from the professor if I need any help.
Am enjoying being here When Im not in class or studying, I get the opportunity to go lay out on the beach, go to the pool, or the waterfront and enjoy the Florida sun. Not a lot of college kids can say that and its amazing!
Bang for the buck The campus is gorgeous, palm trees every where with a campus beach! the food in the cafe is pretty good as well as the wraps from the on campus pub! definitely a lot to choose from!
Tips for prospective students If you are looking for a small, laid back setting, where you can study what you want to study Eckerd is perfect. There is a major for everyone, and even if you don't see the one you want, you can build your own!
Great for these types of students likes warm weather and beach settings.
looking for a small school with a laid back atmosphereLogin to rate or flag the reviews
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Mattie from St. Petersburg, FL
Reviewer is A current student here.
Categories Rating Comments In three sentences eckerd college is like no other college you'll find, often times referred to as camp eckerd. located on the waterfront, this very small college focuses largely on protecting environmental and marine habitats. eckerd provides amazing people, programs, and opportunities you won't find at most other institutions.
Tips for prospective students don't panic; eckerd is very small compared to other schools and very relaxing once you're there. eckerd will provide unique experiences that will last you a lifetime so just relax and enjoy yourself.
Academic Rigor largely depends on which area you're majoring in. marine science and other science majors involve very intensive courses that you won't find elsewhere. these classes will however greatly prepare you for a career in these majors. one of the top majors, environmental studies, is similar to the science majors but considerably less rigorous, however still intensive and still very rewarding. other popular majors are psychology and creative writing.
Dorm Life dorms are small and make it easy to get to know your neighbors. the ras are amazing in organizing dorm events and being there in times of need. eckerd dorms have various themes you can choose from such as all-girls, health and wellness, community service, and pet dorms. eckerd is one of the few schools in the country that allows pets such as cats, dogs, birds, and other small animals.
Food and Dining the cafeteria is better here than at other school i toured. options include a fresh salad bar, pizza, vegetarian, and other hot food stations every day. nearly every meal there is the option to have the dish of the day made to your special liking by amazingly friendly staff members who love their job and the students they cook for. the other on campus option is the triton's pub which is open 12 hours a day on weekdays and open late on the weekends. the pub offers a consistent menu, a made to order wrap station, as well as various bottled drinks and snacks. the pub offers coffee, ice cream, and smoothies.
What to do for fun go visit the waterfront and all activities are free to students if you complete a swim test at the beginning of your freshman year. such activities include paddle boarding, kayaking, canoeing, fishing trips, wake-boarding trips, and sunset cruises, and also provides an area for swimming and laying out. there is also south beach to go lay out on as well as various hammocks hanging around campus. theres also kappa field for impromptu soccer games.
Bang for the buck while tuition has risen, so have the scholarships and you won't find another education like this. teachers are very closely involved with their students and take pride in their work and are determined to give each and every student an education that will last them a lifetime.
Share any unusual traditions or locations on campus every spring kappa karnival occurs where the school sets up a small carnival free for staff and students. this usually includes a few rides, various games, free food, and live entertainment.
the school also recently built the go pavilion where they host events, live entertainers, and when not in use is an outdoor with a roof basketball court.Great for these types of students students here are often seen as hippies due to their involvement in helping the planet.
Clubs and Activities clubs for anyone and everyone. the most unique of all the activities would be the search and rescue team. ecsar is only found here and they help local area boaters on a 24/7 basis. through ecsar you'll find great friends and memories and be active in serving your community.
Greek Life there are no fraternities or sororities and it creates considerably less stress. you will be sure to find your niche without the help of these.
Campus Safety very nice and friendly to the students while always looking out for your safety. there is a guard house at the one and only accessible entrance to the campus to monitor who comes on. ids are checked in the evenings and on the weekends to keep unwanted people from harassing students. they can be reached 24/7 for safety concerns or when locked out of your room. they are also very lenient and understanding when it comes to partying.
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