Discover 3 things I loved about Rollins on my recent tour
Let’s play a quick game of “Would You Rather.”
Would your teen rather:
Be in a 300-person lecture hall where the professor doesn’t know their name, or...
Walk into a class of a dozen plus students and get a “Hey, [Your Teen’s Name]! I loved your point in last week’s discussion.”
Would they rather:
Trek 20 minutes across a sprawling campus just to get to their 8 a.m. class, or...
Stop for a chat with a few friends on their 5-minute walk and still show up early enough to grab a good seat?
And would YOU rather:
Wonder if your teen is just another face in the crowd, or...
Know they’re in a place where their professors, friends, and even the campus barista know them and cheer them on?
Here’s why I’m asking: for years, I thought small schools weren’t the best fit for most of my students. But then I visited Rollins College in Winter Park, Florida, and let’s just say—it turned my assumptions upside down.
My recent visit made me rethink what it really means to find the perfect college “fit.” I left with fresh insights, and today, I’m sharing how they might reshape how your teen thinks about their college options.
Small But Mighty:
A Complete Surprise
I thought I knew what Rollins would be like—but turns out, I didn’t.
What I didn’t expect was the class sizes. The largest class size? 24 students. That’s it. Even for those intimidating pre-med or biology classes that are packed to the rafters at bigger schools. Not here.
Every single class is taught by a professor—no grad students, no teaching assistants, just real-deal experts who actually know their students.
Picture this: Your teen walks into class, and the professor says, “Great job on that last lab report, [Your Teen’s Name]!” It’s like Cheers, but with fewer bar stools and more microscopes.tincts, emotions, and sense of responsibility.
Between the action and the reaction is the real story: your teen’s character. That’s the heart of a memorable essay. It isn’t about cramming in every experience; it’s about sharing a moment that speaks volumes.
The Kind of Campus
You Don’t See Every Day
And then there’s the vibe.
Rollins feels like the friendliest small town you’ve ever visited. Walking across campus takes just five minutes—but most students give themselves 15, because they know they’ll stop to chat with a friend—or five—along the way.
This isn’t just a campus. It’s a community.
I learned of one shy freshman who arrived on campus barely able to make eye contact. Yet by senior year, he was leading campus tours, landed an internship in New York City, and mentoring younger students. That kind of transformation can happen when you’re surrounded by people who know, support, and encourage you.
And for the parents who want something extra for their son or daughter? I’ve got you: At Rollins, teen don’t have to major in something to pursue it.
Let’s say your kid loved acting in high school but they decide to major in biology or business. At a bigger school, that’s the end of their theater days. But at Rollins? They can still audition for and even star in plays—just because they feel like it.
Imagine them saying, “I think I’ll try out for the musical this semester,” and actually being able to do it. It’s like having a VIP pass to explore their every interest, no strings attached.
A Hallmark Movie Setting with Real-World Opportunities
Let’s talk location.
Downtown Winter Park is straight out of a movie—cobblestone streets, cute cafés, and twinkling lights that make you want to wrap yourself in a scarf and sip hot cocoa (even if it’s 80 degrees). And it's right across the street from the campus.
But don’t let the charm fool you. This place has a secret weapon: it’s just a stone’s throw from Orlando.
For students in fields like health care, aerospace, technology, or hospitality, Orlando is a gold mine for internships. In some of these fields, there are more opportunities than there are students to fill them. And when the weekend rolls around? Your teen won’t be sitting in their dorm texting, “There’s literally nothing to do,” which is something parents hear from students at big schools surrounded by cornfields or at commuter campuses where most students still live at home.
Instead, they can grab an Uber, drive or take the light rail into the city, attend a Meetup, or hunt down the best foodie spots. Winter Park gives you that small-town coziness, but Orlando opens the door to endless possibilities. It’s the perfect mix of connection and opportunity.
So, How Has This Visit Changed My Perspective?
I’m walking away with this: A small school doesn’t have to feel small.
When the location is right, the opportunities are abundant, and the community is supportive, a school like Rollins can deliver an experience as expansive as any sprawling campus.
Don't get me wrong: location truly matters. Big schools located hours from a metropolitan area can't compare to the opportunities found at a similar big school located near a city. And a small school near (or in) a city can be a match-made-in-heaven for students who thrive in an environment where they're seen and known.
If your teen hasn’t considered smaller schools, maybe it’s time to take another look. Because sometimes, the perfect fit isn’t the one they—or we—expected.
Did this review of Rollins catch your eye, but a campus visit isn’t in the cards right now? No worries—hit "reply," and let’s chat! I’m happy to spill the details and help you explore other schools with that same magic.
With love, hidden gems, and fresh perspectives,
👋 Hi, if we haven't met yet, I'm Christy. I help students craft standout essays so they can submit their best possible applications with confidence.
Wanna chat? www.calendly.com/easiercollegeessays/30min
