MBM College Consulting

I was very lucky to visit University of Miami this week while it was snowing back home. The U did not disappoint! What a gorgeous campus just outside of Miami, FL! Lakes, fountains, palm trees, birds, iguanas, turtles, public art, swimming pools, and beautiful architecture fill this campus of 12,000 undergrads.

I was also lucky you be given a personal tour by an amazing young woman from NJ! This superstar is a bio major and involved in multiple pre-med advising groups. Her dorm is brand new - part of the five gorgeous new freshman dorms, the final two are opening this summer.

Being so close to Miami is excellent for internships and socializing. With nine undergraduate colleges ranging from business to health to engineering, and over 100 majors, there is something for everyone. Miami keeps the student to teacher small, at 11:1, is very selective with an 18% admit rate, and offers a flexible cognate program for general ed requirements that allows most students to double major and have multiple minors.

The U also has major D1 sports and the Hurricanes made it to the football national championship this year.

What a fantastic visit! I may have to return every January! ☀️🌴

My final Florida stop was the University of Florida, a powerhouse public research university in Gainesville and one of the largest campuses in the country. With 120+ majors, 1,000+ student organizations, and a top-ranked career center, UF offers remarkable breadth and opportunity. 

UF has a spirited, energetic campus culture—SEC athletics, a huge student community, and endless ways to get involved. Students emphasized that “you get out what you put in,” and UF clearly rewards initiative.

What stood out:
• Nationally top-ranked public university with exceptional academic and research resources
• Multiple pathways to UF, including Innovation Academy and PaCE
• A strong emphasis on exploration—students aren’t admitted by major
• A vibrant college town with easy access to outdoor springs, parks, and a lively downtown
• Big-school options paired with real flexibility: study abroad, online Gen Ed availability, and countless programs in every field

UF is an exciting choice for students who want a large, spirited campus with virtually unlimited academic and extracurricular possibilities.

My second Florida stop was Rollins College, a stunning liberal arts campus in Winter Park, just outside Orlando. With about 2,300 undergrads, Rollins offers an intimate, discussion-based learning environment with an 11:1 student–faculty ratio and an average class size of 17. 

Rollins is built around its Gateway Program, a four-year advising and mentorship model that supports students from their first seminar through graduation. Classes are interdisciplinary and creative — think Physics Goes to the Movies — and students don’t declare a major until sophomore year.

What stood out:
• #1 in the South for undergraduate teaching
• Top 10 nationally for study abroad, with 60+ programs
• A strong culture of service, including SPARC Day and immersion trips
• Popular majors in Psychology, Business, and Marine Biology
• A welcoming, close-knit community in one of the best college towns in the country

Rollins blends academic rigor with warmth, beautiful surroundings, and an emphasis on community engagement. It’s a great fit for students who want a personalized, values-driven college experience.

My first stop on last week’s Florida visit was Jacksonville University, a small, relationship-driven campus right on the St. Johns River. With about 3,000 undergrads, JU offers a personal feel with big-school opportunities.

What stood out:
• Hands-on learning is built in — internships, clinicals, study abroad, and research are required parts of the curriculum.
• Students are truly seen here. Small classes, supportive faculty, and a tight community make it easy to get involved and feel known.
• Strong professional programs, especially Nursing, Aviation, Marine Science, Business, and Engineering. Nursing offers small clinical cohorts and a 95% NCLEX pass rate, while Marine Science students work directly on the St. Johns River with organizations housed on campus.
• Great merit aid, with an average scholarship around $28,000. 
• A welcoming campus for out-of-state students — many come from the Northeast.

Overall, JU blends support, hands-on learning, and real-world pathways in a setting where students build close relationships and feel at home.

When admissions leaders from Princeton, Rutgers, Villanova, NYU, and TCNJ gathered for this year’s NJACAC Fall Workshop, one phrase echoed throughout the discussion: it depends. From testing policies to AP expectations to artificial intelligence, every topic came with nuance. Here’s what these universities shared and what it means for families navigating today’s college admissions landscape.

What a beautiful afternoon to tour the vibrant and welcoming University of Maryland! 🐢❤️

UMD builds its undergraduate experience around several strengths:
1. A top research environment — As an R1 university, Maryland integrates research into academics from the start. Facilities like the Brendan Iribe Center for Computer Science and the E.A. Fernandez IDEA Factory give students access to cutting-edge work in fields like AI, robotics, engineering, and entrepreneurship .
2. A mid-size feel with big opportunities — With ~31,000 undergrads and a 19:1 student-faculty ratio, Maryland blends the energy of a large flagship with small-class experiences in spaces like the Edward St. John Teaching & Learning Center .
3. School spirit everywhere — UMD is part of the Big Ten, with SECU Stadium and the Xfinity Center just steps from residence halls. Terps are known for packing the stands, and traditions like rubbing Testudo’s nose for good luck bring the community together .
4. Diversity & community — From the Nyumburu Cultural Center to Frederick Douglass Square, students find spaces to celebrate culture, heritage, and social justice. With 800+ student organizations, there’s a home for every interest .

The campus in College Park is lively and beautiful: McKeldin Mall, the largest collegiate quad in the country, serves as a hub of student life; The Clarice Performing Arts Center hosts over 1,000 events a year; and even the dining halls showcase global flavors (plus the famous Maryland Dairy ice cream!) .

Academically, Maryland offers 200+ majors across 12 colleges, with standout strengths in computer science, engineering, business, public policy, journalism, and the arts. Students also benefit from the university’s proximity to Washington, D.C., just eight miles away, opening doors for internships and career connections.

Notably:
• #17 U.S. Public University (U.S. News 2025)
• One of the nation’s top schools for innovation & entrepreneurship
• Strong alumni network — from Jim Henson to Google co-founder Sergey Brin

❤️🐢 It’s easy to see why students call Maryland home. This is a place where fearless ideas, community spirit, and opportunity come together!

New blog post: I recently attended a session on executive functioning and came away with so many practical insights. This post shares why routines and planning skills are more important than motivation when it comes to student success.

My last visit of my TX College tour was the home of the Horned Frogs: TCU!

TCU offers that perfect blend of tradition, spirit, and support—all on a beautiful, walkable campus in Fort Worth. With around 11,000 students, a 13:1 student-faculty ratio, and discussion-based classes, it feels personal while still offering big-school energy.

Students often double major and study abroad (yes, even nursing and engineering!). Honors students take enriched versions of the core curriculum and live in some of the nicest housing on campus.

Highlights:
• Direct admission to business, nursing, and engineering
• 92% complete internships
• 70% med school acceptance rate
• New dining hall, athletic performance center, and dorms
• Frog Camp orientation and strong traditions build community early

About 50% join Greek life, but there’s plenty to do outside of it—from intramurals to line dancing in the Stockyards. TCU is rooted in values, but open and welcoming to all backgrounds and beliefs.

If you’re looking for a spirited, mid-sized university with strong academics and a caring campus vibe, TCU is worth a close look.

SMU is one of the most beautiful campuses I’ve visited—immaculate grounds, stately buildings, and a warm, energetic feel from the start. With strong academics, an incredible Dallas location, and a vibrant campus life, SMU offers a well-rounded experience. Go Ponies! 🐴

With just 7,000 undergrads and an 11:1 student-faculty ratio, SMU combines close-knit classes with big opportunities. Students often double or triple major thanks to a flexible curriculum, and standout programs include:
• The Cox School of Business (about 5% admit rate; avg salary $77K)
• Meadows School of the Arts, one of the top arts programs in the country
• Pre-health, with a 70% med school acceptance rate
• Education, where students graduate with certification to teach in multiple states

Students live on campus for two years in one of 11 residential commons, each with built-in leadership and community. Traditions like Boulevarding before football games and Celebration of Lights create a strong sense of belonging.

SMU offers merit aid (no extra application), and Early Action (11/1) is the most popular—and strategic—way to apply. For students looking for rigor, support, and city access, SMU is a standout.

I visited Baylor University yesterday, and I left with a clear understanding of why so many students say it feels like home.

Baylor builds its undergraduate experience around four pillars:
1. A Christian foundation—students are encouraged to explore their faith through coursework, community, and service. Whether in chapel, a classroom, or a local church, there’s space for deep conversations about purpose and calling.
2. A top-tier research environment—as an R1 institution, Baylor integrates research into academics from the first semester, giving undergrads real access to high-level work.
3. A mid-size experience—with ~15,000 undergraduates and a 15:1 student-faculty ratio, Baylor blends small class sizes with the opportunities of a larger university.
4. Big 12 Division I athletics—school spirit is everywhere! Students get free tickets, and first-years join in traditions like running the Baylor Line at football games.

The campus in Waco, TX is beautiful and walkable, with outdoor study spaces, updated residence halls, and even two real bears in the on-campus zoo. Students rave about the welcoming community, the vibrant faith life, and the many student orgs—including Greek life (30%), service clubs, cultural groups, and faith-based organizations like RUF and Young Life.

Baylor offers 125+ majors across nine academic divisions (including Business, Engineering/CS, Nursing, and Honors College) plus unique programs like Global Scholars (start your Baylor journey in Liverpool!) and Accelerate for high school students.

Notably:
• Top 5 for First-Year Experience (US News)
• #4 Happiest Students (The Princeton Review)
• 91% placement rate after graduation
• More than $6 million in scholarships awarded annually
• No application fee; apply via GoBaylor or Common App (no ApplyTexas)

It’s also a dry campus, with a strong honor code and a deeply values-driven culture—wholesome, supportive, and proudly Christian.

💚💛 I see why Baylor students are such big fans. This is a place where spirit, scholarship, and service genuinely come together.

I spent the morning at Southwestern University in Georgetown, TX today and left totally charmed.

Southwestern is the oldest university in Texas (founded in 1840, before Texas was even a state!) and today it’s a vibrant, close-knit liberal arts college with 1,450 undergrads, a gorgeous oak-lined quad, hammocks, Adirondack chairs, and even sweet treats every Wednesday under the fairy lights.

The learning philosophy here centers on connection between disciplines, people, and the real world. With flexible curriculum (only 1/3 of classes are in your major), strong pre-professional advising, and a 100% renewable energy campus, this is a place that encourages both exploration and purpose. Every student completes a capstone project, and high-impact experiences like internships, research, study abroad, and community-engaged learning are built in with funding to support them.

Career support is a true standout: Southwestern ranks #2 in the U.S. for career services (Princeton Review) and #1 in Texas. The CCPD offers headshot Fridays, resume help, and even a “career closet” for students and alumni.

Admissions is holistic and test-optional (scores or interview), with merit scholarships for every admitted student—ranging from $17K to $36K annually. The acceptance rate is 39%, and 90% of students graduate in 4 years.

The vibe? Chill, kind, creative, and a little bit hipster. Greek life is optional, arts are strong, and there’s plenty of school spirit with D3 sports, outdoor ping pong and pickleball, and quirky traditions like “Chunch” (church lunch). Students rave about the mentorship, and the town of Georgetown - named the most beautiful town square in Texas - is buzzing with events and just 45 minutes from Austin.

I’m so glad I visited. This is a gem for the right student.

Hello from San Antonio! For the closing of the HECA Conference, we were hosted by Trinity University for an outstanding tour, info session, and TX Barbecue!

Trinity is a gem of a school: 2,500 undergraduates, a 9:1 student-to-faculty ratio, zero teaching assistants, and an emphasis on personal attention that you can feel throughout campus. Students spend their first two years exploring across four academic divisions—business, arts & humanities, science, and social science & civic engagement—before choosing a major.

With a $1.8B endowment and one of the top merit aid programs in the country, Trinity is a great option for strong A/B students. Nearly 60% graduate with no debt, and 40% study abroad—with aid that travels with them. Students can also receive a $1,500 summer research stipend and funding for dozens of activities.

The vibe? Supportive, collaborative, and intellectually engaged. Everyone I met—from students to staff—talked about the strength of community, a real diversity of thought, and a campus culture that’s both rigorous and kind. One student called the first few weeks “like camp”—the good kind!

Bonus fun: walk-in closets, suite-style dorms (with cleaning service!), free admission to campus performances and games, and Trinity’s famous “ring dunk” tradition in the campus fountain. Oh—and yes, the cat club is real.

I was truly impressed. More to come from TX!