Florida State University Top Questions

A common stereotype of Florida State students is that we aren't educationally motivated. Common thought is that we're all partying through school and just want to pass and have our degrees handed to us. But, this definitely isn't true. In my three and a half years here I've seen more educational focus and leadership than I ever have before. FSU students can have fun, but there is much more to a Seminole. Florida State has taught Fulbright and Rhodes scholars, and allows its students opportunities to work alongside Nobel laureates and Pulitzer-Prize winners, Guggenheim Fellows, members of the National Academy of Sciences and American Academy of Arts and Sciences, and other globally recognized teachers and researchers. In addition, the middle 50 percent of freshmen accepted for the fall 2010 term had 3.5-4.1 academic GPAs, 25-29 ACT composite scores, and 1720-1940 SAT total scores. The top quartile of these students rivals most selective school in the nation, with an average GPA of 4.4, an average ACT composite of 31, and an average SAT total of 2072. So, while Florida State students may have a reputation for partying hard, just remember, the Seminoles study even harder.

Choosing which institution of higher learning to attend is a very difficult process for some, yet for others, it is as easy as catching a yawn. While each college or university has some quality that distinguishes it from the rest, almost every school has a stereotype with which it is associated. For a while, Florida State University was classified, to the average layman, as a party school attended by students who are not smart enough for the University of Florida. Recently, the garnet and gold has also been garnering a reputation for its football prowess as well; unfortunately, this simply adds to the party school aspect. While this view is quite widespread, it is not entirely true. Yes, many students like to often visit clubs and bars at FSU, but is there any college whose students do not? This stereotype is accurate only in the sense that "partying" is simply a facet of college life, and the choice to partake in that lifestyle is entirely a student's own decision. Undeniably, a large percentage of FSU students do choose that, but that does not mean they are not also smart, responsible, well rounded and fully functioning members of society. No formula exists that can determine what type of person goes to what school or how a college will be perceived. Forming opinions based on experience rather than the rumor mill is the only way to bypass clouding one's mind with preconceived notions.

While Florida State has a large and thriving Panhellenic community, there are many diverse circles that are just as large. We have students in local music scenes, those who work for various RSO's on campus (one of the best ways to meet people with similar interests), and even in specific art majors like Writing or Studio Art, there are many levels of smaller stereotypes. There isn't one social stereotype, there are many. One thing you can find in common with most of our student body is an open mindedness, a respect for the university, and ambition in their fields. I believe that's why Florida State is such a top notch university. We represent diversity, individuality, and success.

Some stereotypes for both male and female students at Florida State University is that we are all associated with fraternities or sororities. It is believed that if you are not associated with these social clubs then you will not have access to some of the fun party scenes in Tallahassee. I am here to tell you that is false. I have never been associated with the Greek functions at Florida State and I still have plenty of friends who love to go out and have a good time. Every student at Florida State University is interested in making friends so the only way you will not find an interesting group of people to call your friends is if you really try hard not to look. There are many outlets at this University that are easily accessible and highly welcoming. They are just waiting on you to explore them.

The most common stereotype that never seems to change is the FSU is a big party school, which is reinforced by the fact that this year we were ranked as one of the top ten party school in the nation. It's a stereotype that many students like to praise, but it is not necessarily true. After nearly four years at FSU, I've found that the student body can study just as hard as we party. The proof is in the library- walking into the library around exams week is similar to going to one of the campus bars or clubs on a Friday night: it's packed. One of the best aspects of campus life at FSU is that there is a great balance between work and play, and we all need a little of both.

The most common stereotype that never seems to change is the FSU is a big party school, which is reinforced by the fact that this year we were ranked as one of the top ten party school in the nation. It's a stereotype that many students like to praise, but it is not necessarily true. After nearly four years at FSU, I've found that the student body can study just as hard as we party. The proof is in the library- walking into the library around exams week is similar to going to one of the campus bars or clubs on a Friday night: it's packed. One of the best aspects of campus life at FSU is that there is a great balance between work and play, and we all need a little of both.

The stereotype at Florida State University is party-hard college kids. While we do have our frats and party animals, they are the minority here. The majority of the student population here at FSU are extremely social, but understand studying comes first.

One of the biggest stereotypes that FSU is known for is being a party school. Every time I tell people where I go to school, they quickly reply with a "Oh, the party school right?" Being a sophomore here at FSU, I can easily say this stereotype is false. While there are a lot of parties and events that are held on campus and in Tallahassee, the majority of students aren't out at those parties. At the same time, there aren't any book worm, antisocial, students who live in the library. I've noticed a very healthy balance of both partying and studying here at FSU. I have met countless of students who are involved with club activities, fraternities, sports, and student government that don't fall under the "Party now study later" mentality. Being a Seminole means keeping a reputation and school spirit that involves maintaining a balanced college lifestyle. So while yes, there are a lot of parties, it doesn't make FSU a party school because the school is very well balanced when it comes to academics and keeping a much needed college lifestyle.

The stereotype is that every student at FSU is involved in Greek life...which is completely untrue. Yes, fraternities and sororities are valued on campus, but they aren't dominant. There are thousands of things to do and people to hang out with that aren't involved in that lifestyle.

Stereotypes are very common throughout the Florida State University campus that just naming one would not serve justice. Being in Greek life at FSU has opened my eyes to many other types of stereotypes that I never came across in South Florida. Of course you have the "Fratdaddys" of the school, which are the frat guys that just LOVE to dress in their button down pastel-colored shirts, khaki shorts, Sperry shoes, and you can never forget the croakies (the elastic piece that lets their glasses hang ever-so slightly down the front of their neck). Then, you have the typical sorority girls with the long dark or really blonde hair (yes, it is true... you either have really dark brown hair or really blonde), that wear almost nothing when they go out and wear the most in-style clothes and shoes, as if they came straight out of a magazine. Next, you have the southern belles. These group of girls are usually blonde and can never leave without their hair teased to perfection and their make-up plastered upon their face as if it were painting on a canvas, and finished off with nice pearl earrings and a necklace. You have the jocks of course who are the superstars of the school, due to the fact that they basically represent our school, especially when it comes to basketball and football. A flock of girls are usually always surrounding these men. One of the last types of stereotypes that I will mention, are the "big gorilla juiceheads" of the school. This term was made up by the very...shall I say unique Snookie from Jersey Shore. This just stands for the rather muscular men of the school who drink, eat, sleep of protein shakes and weight lifting. These previous stereotypes that I have just mentioned, are by no means supposed to be offensive whatsoever!