University of Miami Top Questions

One of the great things about UM is that class sizes are small. The largest class that I've ever been in had 250 students. The majority of my classes have around 20-25 students so you really get to know your professors. The best class and the most unique that I've taken so far would have to be APY415: Forensic Anthropology II. We got to go to a gun range and shoot, collect data, and put together a project about the effects of firearms on the human body. Because class sizes are so small it's easy to get involved. I'm an Anthropology and English double major and I love both of my departments. I'm more involved with anthropology (I am a teaching assistant for 2 courses) but I love all of the English classes that I've taken. Most of the professors that I've had have been very knowledgeable and good teachers but I have had 2 horrible professors. I think that's pretty common everywhere. Asking around and looking at ratemyprofessor.com helps you avoid those professors though. UM offers a lot of research and internship opportunities that I feel will be very helpful when applying to grad schools and eventually getting a job.

Half of my professors know me by name, the other half opened the class by saying they would not know our names by the end of the semester. Academics have a good reputation but honestly I feel like I've learned the bare minimum but am doing very well academically.

You will spend 3 to 6 times more money to go to UM only to get the same quality of education at an in-state university.

Its no news that Miami is trying to raise its academic reputation but Shalala has really put some effort into attracting some the of the smartest, talented kids. Its not uncommon to meet students that reject MIT, Stanford, and Michigan, 3 top 10 engineering programs for Miami. Overall, this campus is very studious. The main library is nicknamed Club Richter since that is where you can find most students during the day studying and doing work. Being in engineering, small class sizes and dedicated professors are top priority. Miami's program is small enough to foster student/professor relationships but big enough to earn a reputation and endowments. All my professors are easy-going and friendly outside of class. One time I ran into my Physics teacher at Chipotle and we got to chat about different developments in physics technologies. Most engineering programs are also know for competitive students but Miami is not like that. My classmates are always willing to share notes, study together, and help out others in need of tutoring.

I thought the classes at UM were pretty interesting, but they really don't expect a lot out of you. Classes are ridiculously easy and I felt like I was learning unimportant stuff. I was in the communications school. In the communications school, it seems like everyone acts like you are not supposed to be there and like you are constantly doing something wrong. They were really unhelpful, and I often had to go way out of my way just to have simple questions answered. The faculty, overall, weren't bad. They didn't really expect much of the students, which I didn't like. I felt the classes were way to easy. I also felt the faculty were often way more into their research than actually teaching classes.

freshman year your classes will be kinda large depending on your major. but as you get into higher level classes, my classes average about 15-20 people. my professors pretty much all know my name.

class participation is pretty low in my classes so far (spanish, art history, accounting, economics, english, biology) i have found that there are so many outside distractions form being able to focus on school. i feel like this is due to the lack of campus life and the reputation for miami being a party city and school. have not found a lot students that study a lot of talk about intellectual things outside of class ( i feel like this may be due to knowing mostly greeks) favorite class so far - art history 132 survey of western art spanish dept is not so hot. rather than having a spanish dept, there is a 'modern languages and literature' dept... so the courses are poorly guided and taught - also a disappointment being a transfer student. great career center and certain classes are def geared toward jobs after college

Your lower levels courses will be a mixed bag. ENG112 with Flores is CAKE, but FIN302 with Bernille is being MASOCHISTIC. Don't take BSL212 with Abril, she's too hot for you to pay attention to! The students are all expected to contribute to the class and professors try to get to know you personally. Depending on who you associate yourself with, your conversations will vary. Personally, as comfortable debating the merits of Marx or the writing of Voltaire, as I am recalling keg stands at the SigEp parties. If your a go-getter, get ready for competition. The students in the School of Business administration are extremely proud of thweir achievements and hungry for recognition. A Miami degree is geared towards entry into the workforce. Professors all have meningful experience in relations to their subjects and can offer some insight, when asked. The Toppel Career center tries to place students into lucrative and challenging jobs, so don't be surprised if the guy with the A in your Statistics or Economics class works for Goldman Sachs...

For the most part, professors do a solid job. Often times though, I rely on the old adage that college is what you make of it. If you go out of your way to introduce yourself, make yourself known during class, go to office hours, etc. then you'll take the most away from your academic experience. You can cruise and get C's and D's if you want, but you can also put in some effort, learn some new things, and get some good grades. I habitually have political discussion with my friends and professors outside of class. In fact one professor invites students out to dinner at the Rat before each of our classes just to talk. Often times however, it feels like there is more emphasis on learning for a good job (especially in the business school) rather than finding an intrinsic value in education.

Class sizes are just right. Once you get past the beginner-level lecture classes, you'll usually find yourself in a class with around 20 other students. Professors definitely know your name and they are always available and willing to help with anything. Students here are not overly competitive. This isn't a cutthroad school. But, at the same time, the kids are extremely smart. Studying is something that is done daily. Class participation is very common and the professors welcome all questions. An education from UMiami will prepare you for any career path. And, with the 18th best career placement in the nation (as ranked by Princeton Review), you'll have an easy time getting there.