University of Miami

Statistics

Rankings & Lists

Students Say - Academics
A force, much like a real hurricane, to be reckoned with academically and in athletics, the "heavily sports-oriented" University of Miami offers "academic excellence along with cultural diversity." The reputation is a result of the efforts of the university's president, Donna Shalala, whose "forward thinking" has "transformed this university into an academic leader." In addition to its "top-notch" nursing program, the school's other notable programs include business and communications. "Coursework is often challenging, even for those students who got straight A's in high school." Class size ranges from "200+ person classes" to "small interactive classes," and students are generally pleased with their professors who "are always available and very willing to talk to students." One student says, "The majority of the teachers were good, and those that weren't made up for it with sheer enthusiasm." The school's administration is both "very visible and approachable" and "is working hard to improve the quality of the university through facility improvements and additions, as well as program restructuring and evaluation." "It is not uncommon to see multiple administrators showing their support at school events and club meetings." During final exams, "faculty, trustees, and student government executives served free breakfast to students from 9 P.M. [to] past midnight" and also "strung up 30-some hammocks between the palm trees behind the library for [students] to study or sleep." One satisfied student sums up, "Students here are respected, and seemingly no one rests until every pupil is academically satiated."

Students Say - Campus Life
Depending on which student you talk to, the University of Miami "can be the hottest party spot" or "the ideal place to gain experience in almost any field of work or research while living in a beautiful place with a culture mix that is truly unique." One international student raves that "the school's rich culture and proud spirit acted like a sponge and soaked me into the Canes culture." Students compare their "very mellow" campus to "a country club" that is "secluded from the poverty and sham politics of Miami, where students live in a party-life bubble, protected from the real world." The "vibrant student life" includes "going out clubbing" as well as "following the football team" and "tailgating." Students also agree that "sorority/fraternity life is also a major part of life." "Every day, there are dozens of programs (cultural, social, physical, or academic) to participate in," and students can get involved in "theater productions, musical performances, cultural events, student shows and showcases, on-campus movie showings, service events, leadership opportunities, and seminars." For off-campus fun, "the beach is a popular weekend destination," and "people either go to Coconut Grove or South Beach."

Students Say - Student Body
At first glance, "it can appear that the University of Miami admits only super-thin or super-buff students looking for the perfect spot for a tan while cruising in their Mercedes down the ritzy streets of Coral Gables." University of Miami students "all love warm weather and not wearing an excess amount of clothing" and "develop an urge to wear shades at one point or another." However, "the students at Miami are not all about tanning and partying; [they] are a competitive bunch." "The typical Miami student is probably from either Miami-Dade/Broward Counties or the Northeast" and is "into athletics." Students seem to fall into three categories: "those who go to South Beach, those who just have fun and party, and those who choose to remain for the most part academic." "While "students are not politically active," "most students perform community service." The student body "is very diverse," with students from more than "90 countries," and "international students have formed various cultural organizations that reach out to their respective cultures." Although "it can seem that people are a little 'clique-y' when it comes to their culture," University of Miami students seem "widely accepting of many cultural groups" and manage to "all live together symbiotically."

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