The University of Miami

Date: Nov 30 2001
Major: Communications (This Major's Salary over time)
My undergraduate experience at the University of Miami (UM) was, by far, the best 4 years of my life (… so far). UM is not 'your typical' private, four-year institution. It is an amazing, dynamic place to live and learn.

I will be honest, as second in my high school class, people were surprised and sometimes shocked that I chose to attend UM over other institutions. My decision was based on three things.

1. The University of Miami, and all of South Florida, is a magical place to be. The diversity of people, both on campus and on, is UM's biggest strength. The people that I met in my time at UM provided me with an education that I could not have received any other place in the world. And, what was especially great, was the way that people came together and appreciated one another's differences. In addition, the magic was also heightened by the weather, especially if you come from a northern climate. Miami's climate allows you to be outdoors year-round. While it's nice to be tan, the climate also makes the "winter blues" non-existent. It's true that UM has great-looking students- that's because when students aren't studying, they are outside actively enjoying the weather… So at UM, it is difficult to put on the “Freshmen 15”… Instead, the students are active and enjoying life.

2. If you worked hard in high school, the University of Miami offers generous academic scholarships. While I had the grades, I also came from a single-parent household with a modest income. However, the University of Miami made my undergraduate education an affordable investment.

3. I found a home in the School of Communication. The faculty were not only challenging professors, but encouraging mentors. When I didn't understand something, they were there to explain, and when I wanted to explore a topic further, they were there to assign. Even beyond the School of Communication, I found few bad or even mediocre professors throughout the University as a whole. Since the School of Communication requires its students to pursue a double major, I was also able to get to know the Political Science faculty (And they are top-notch).

I have few regrets about my undergraduate years at the University of Miami. Perhaps, I might have joined a couple more of the student clubs and organizations, or gone to a class in the Wellness Center. And, had I known how much I was going to love this place, I would have applied Early Decision and not had to worry about the rest of wasted time I spent on other college applications.

GO 'CANES!