A Florida-special college carousel: the national Fort Lauderdale college fair

Byline photo of Loraine Sanchez-Figueroa

Loraine Sanchez-Figueroa, Opinions Editor

November 10, 2025

The National College Fair in Greater Fort Lauderdale returns strong, offering each grade level the opportunity to discuss with peers from colleges across the country. On September 28, from 1 pm to 4 pm, sophomores, juniors, and seniors lined up at each booth to gather insights from the colleges.

A Florida-special college carousel: The national Fort Lauderdale college fair

(Donated by: Micah Lopez)

Florida Polytechnic University (FPU):

Following its recent relocation to Tampa, Florida, FPU offers students dedicated to a STEM-based career the opportunity to attend the university. The university was established to meet the state’s need for professionals ready to excel in the high-tech industries that will continue to drive Florida’s economy forward.

By enrolling 2000 students early, FPU offers small classes and one-on-one attention while also providing a hands-on, project-based curriculum. A 2021 FPU graduate, Phelippe Souza Herod, says, “There was a lot of encouragement to do things outside of class [at FPU]. The friends I found pushed me to do my own side projects.”

Located throughout Florida, including Miami, Tampa, Orlando, and Jacksonville, FPU provides students with a lively environment; however, it is situated in a small suburban neighborhood. FPU also offers a limited number of sports and multiple areas for students to study, creating a lively and engaging learning environment.

(Donated by: Micah Lopez)

University of South Florida (USF):

USF takes a different approach to application acceptances than the rest of the colleges. Instead of looking for extracurricular activities, it primarily focuses on test scores and GPA, meaning students often won't list their accomplishments when applying and instead rely solely on their academics.

This, however, leaves people wondering whether USF truly cares about its students or views each student as a test score. While on campus, USF provides a hometown feel/rich traditions that make the campus a vibrant and growing community, and it is huge in offering a vast support team for each student's success.

Pembroke Pines Charter High School student Fabrizion Alcazar Fonseca, who is interested in attending USF, says, “Even though USF is my top choice, it does worry me a bit that they only take test scores,” adding, “It’s almost like we’re just test scores.”

USF, ranked #1 among Florida's top medical schools, has a strong science reputation and offers over 100 arts and sciences programs to attract science majors. It offers over 40 sports for men and women and more than 700 clubs for students. Located in a commuter-friendly, metropolitan area, it maintains a lively student vibe near local entertainment.

(Donated by: Micah Lopez)

Florida State University (FSU):

As the second most prestigious school in Florida, FSU allows students to immerse themselves in the environment truly. It provides everyone with the opportunity to study abroad in various countries and continents. It is also recognized as one of the top ten best schools for student life, ranking number one for the best internships.

With increasing competition, getting into FSU is becoming harder each year, and the university offers over 100 majors and more than 275 degree programs. FSU gives students the opportunity to study abroad in 11 countries through over 40 programs, allowing them to experience diverse communities and cultures.

FSU also provides multiple scholarships and financial assistance, as well as a university honors program, to offer scholarly expertise, research opportunities, and design innovative honors signature courses.

While FSU offers multiple programs for its students, it also has a semi-college town and provides over 30 dining and entertainment options during their stay. FSU ensures that all students have the opportunity to excel in their profession and offers them sports entertainment, as well as academic support.

(Donated by: Micah Lopez)

University of Florida (UF):

UF is ranked as the top school in Florida, and it is characterized by intense competition. With an outstanding honors program and generous financial aid, UF opens its doors to students with academic priorities and stands out among its peers.

When applying to UF, applicants are not admitted by major. The admissions assistant expresses, “We look for three things: strength, meaning your academic success; next, your resume that shows off your skills; and finally, your character through your admissions essay.”

However, in addition to academics, UF is situated in a college town. That said, its campus has a self-contained, park-like atmosphere with plenty of greenery, as does the surrounding area. Students enjoy both the intimate campus culture and the opportunities of a major city, including music, internships, healthcare centers, and more.

With competitive test scores and a weighted GPA of 4.5, each student who is accepted into UF holds advanced academic credentials and achievements. When applying, they’ll seek students who are academically strong and have made a positive impact in the community.

(Donated by: Micah Lopez)

University of Central Florida (UCF):

UCF begins by offering students numerous opportunities to gain experience through over 33,000 co-ops, internships, and service experiences. They want to ensure that each profession is heard and explored by those willing to explore it.

More than one in four of Florida’s top engineering and computer science graduates earn degrees from UCF, making it the leading university in this field compared to others in the state. They offer multiple professional categories and highlight each campus, showcasing a well-rounded environment, academic accomplishments, and a positive atmosphere for student learning.

UCF strives to provide each of its students with hands-on experiences, with over 650 student clubs and organizations to choose from.

Along with tuition, UCF has been ranked No. 1 in the nation for higher education in the state of Florida for 9 years in a row, in part because it offers the lowest in-state tuition and fees. Notably, 72% of UCF students receive some form of financial aid.

The event showcased a vibrant array of schools, from health-related institutions to engineering programs and top universities in the state of Florida. Each booth was a treasure trove of the school’s general information, extracurricular activities, and a booklet containing the school’s details, sparking curiosity and excitement in everyone who visited.