Winter Park, FL: Justoutside Orlando is Rollins College. The bustling campus always has somethinggoing on, whether sunbathing at the new pool, studying on the quad or listeningto a free concert.

Rollins is a small college known for academicexcellence and its wonderful location. The picturesque campus is graced withSpanish architecture and beautiful views of Lake Vir-ginia.

Before myvisit to Rollins, the only advice I had been given about searching for the rightcollege was to "look for people who look like you." The minute I steppedonto Rollins' campus, this piece of advice made sense.

Rollins offers 500courses for 28 undergraduate majors and 11 minors. The 12:1 student-to-facultyratio gives each student personal attention. Ninety percent of the 1,470 studentslive on campus and are active members of the community. There are 68 studentorganizations including fraternities and sororities. The 21 varsity teams competein NCAA Division II.

Rollins also encourages students to study abroad inAustralia, England, Spain, Germany and Hong Kong. The college's Cornell Fine ArtsMuseum has been voted one of the top free attractions in the area.

I had awonderful tour and student guide who was involved in student government, theater,community service and intramural sports. We saw the modern, Internet-readylibrary, cafeteria, theater, classrooms and a typical dorm room. Each room islarge and equipped with two phone lines. The guide answered all my questions andgave me an idea of what college life is really like.

Rollins College isexpensive; the total cost is about $30,000 a year. Over 60 percent of thestudents receive some type of financial assistance, though. Laptop computers areawarded to some as a form of scholarship.

Whether because of the beautifulFlorida climate, wonderful location (five miles from Orlando and 20 fromDaytona), diverse community or academic reputation, I suggest visiting RollinsCollege. Be sure to go on a tour and ask a lot of questions!


Reviewed in 2000