Reviews

Ave Maria is semi difficult to get in because the academics are vigorous and the school is excellent in the liberal arts area. If you are considering pursuing a career in law, I suggest you check Ave Maria University out. The law program here is ranked highly right alongside the big law schools. The classes are pretty intense but class sizes are small and professors try their best to form personal relationships with each student so that they can get the best education possible. Professors are normally available after class as well. To be successful here, you just have to try hard and FOCUS! It's difficult sometimes to concentrate on your schoolwork when gorgeous beaches are 20 minutes away, Miami and the Florida Keys are about an hour away as well. I highly suggest Ave Maria University for any student looking for a challenge.

Making the decision to come to Ave Maria is one of the best I have ever made. Not only is it an incredible school, the people here are probably the friendliest and most caring bunch of people I have ever surrounded myself with. The number of students here is teeny tiny so just like in any close knit community, everybody knows each other and everybody looks out for one another as well. The town that surrounds the campus is stunning and when you walk through, you feel like you are walking the streets in beautiful Venice, Italy. There is so much to do here! When I was looking at colleges, I wanted a place where there was definitely parties to attend but more importantly lots to do in the area that didn't include the stereotypical college experience (ie alcohol,sex etc). Miami is about an hour away along with the Florida Keys and some gorgeous beaches are a short car ride away as well. Another thing, you have got to see the dorms here! Most dorm rooms at OTHER colleges are small, dirty, cramped and kinda crappy. Not at Ave Maria though! There are two types of dorm rooms. The regular dorm room and suites. The typical dorm room that most students stay in their first and second year is a clean, BIG room with its own individual bathroom suited with a shower, sink, toilet of course (that's right, not hall bathrooms that you share with twenty other people!) and connected to the bathroom is another dorm for two people. A lot of times, Dormers convert their connected rooms into an apartment! We are putting the four beds in one room and in the connecting room, a futon, tv and desks to create a little living area! Ave Maria is AMAZING like that (:

One of the greatest things about this school is that they have a tendency to give out good scholarships! Likely the most important decision in choosing where I was going to college is the cost. When I spoke to an admissions counselor for Ave over the phone, I discussed my situation with her and recall her saying, We hate for any person not to be able to attend this school because they can't afford it. They were right! I only got a 22 on my ACT and had a 3.5 GPA along with average sports and volunteer service and they gave me a pretty hefty scholarship! I think AMU is probably one of the best colleges in the country. This place has everything! Incredible academics, great people and community and a beautiful campus and surrounding area. Ave Maria has everything you can ever ask for in a university!

If you live far away like me (I live almost 20 hours away!) try and find somebody who goes to Ave Maria already via Facebook and lives nearby you. Become friends with them (it's not creepy! really!) and see if maybe you guys could carpool on breaks! When you get to Ave Maria, take advantage of the tight knit community! Get to know everybody and get involved on campus! If there isn't the right club for you, start one! The best advice I can give is to get involved and soak up the sun at Ave!@#$%^&*

Students who are Catholic/Christian and want to form a better relationship with God
Students who like the idea of a small student body, small classes
Students who want a challenge academically and who aren't all about parties
Students who love Florida weather!

If you're looking for one of the greatest Catholic schools, you've found it! Ave Maria is a great university complete with challenging academics, super supportive staff, a friendly atmosphere that makes you feel perfectly at home, ample opportunities to have fun, serve others, grow in your faith, and reach to new heights. I love going to Ave!

Your studies are by far the most important thing but don't feel bad if you have a little fun once in a while.

I love the challenge I get at Ave. It makes feel like I'm actually working to learn something.

The living conditions are awesome and there is plenty of common space to hang out or study. There's also a great sence of security.

I've never seen so much variety! And the food is no ordinary cafeteria food. You can really tell the dedication of the chefs to make the students feel content.

If you have a ride, which is not to hard to get, you can head down to Naples and enjoy all the fun stuff they provide. If you find yourself on a day the school has no special outings and your buddies can't take you off campus there's always the pool, the foosball, ping pong, or pool tables, you can watch movies on one of the many flat screen tvs, take a walk around the breath-taking campus, play a sport on the awesome courts, relax at one of Ave town's beautiful parks, Head over to the Piazza and grab a bite at the pizzaria, or a drink at the pub or the bean or tropical smoothie. There's tons to do and much more!

Going to this school has changed me completely. I've made life-long friends, joined a household and made some beautiful sisters. I feel that I have really gotten in touch with my spiritual life. There is so much I feel greatful for this school but do not have the words to express.

When joining a household you go through initiation week. Some things are top secret, for members only, and some are public embarassments (not really, they're just funny things the intents have to do in front of the whole campus. Even professors!) It's just great for everyone and no one is hurt in the process!

Ave is great for students who rank school as a priority. The students here are also here to deepen their faith whether they're Catholic or not. Students at Ave Maria are very dedicated, 24-7, in everything they do. Ave is great for those who treasure a bright future.

Since Ave is a pretty new school there aren't hundreds of clubs yet, but that doesn't mean that these aren't amazing!

knights of the Cross Chess Club;
Archangels Futbol Club;
Yearbook;
International Students;
Skate Long Time;
Students for Life;
Knights of Columbus;
Ballroom Dance;
College Republicans;
Genuine.Feminine;
Faith in Action Team;
Thespians 'R' Us Drama Club;
Fine Arts: Collaboration and Directed Education;
Gyrene Gazette;
Student Activities Board;
Hippocratic Society of Science and Medecine;
Men's Outdoors Club;
Communion and Liberation;
Parousia Films;
Phi Beta Lambda;
Photography Club;
Role for Initiative: A Fraternal Order of Supremely Imaginative Individuals;
Rugby;
The Voice of Ave;
Volleyball Club;
Latin Dance Club;
Running Club;
Tailgating Crew;
Sumpturi Cooking Club;
Fishing Club;
Women's Outdoors Club;
World Youth Day Club;

I cannot forget about the households. In each of the Residence Halls there are a number of different faith based groups of men or women striving to lead one another to holiness through regularly scheduled meetings and prayer times. These Christ-centered groups strive for balanced, healthy, interpersonal relationships while they support and challenge a member to develop spiritually, emotionally, academically, and physically. Currently we have the following households that are officially recognized by the University.

Women:
Daughters of the Little Way;
Esto Femina;
St. Gianna Molla Sisterhood;
Rosa Mystica;
Stella Maris;
Via Caritatis;
Vessels of Mercy;

Men:
Totus Tuus;
Brotherhood of Divine Love;
Esto Vir;
Filii in Filio;
Alethes Arete;
Lawless Heirs;
Sacred Heart;

In fact, there is a greek major. And, FYI, my favorite lunch day, after Taco Tuesday, is when they cook greek cuisiine.

There's always, always a security van driving around campus, not to mention the countless security cameras and emergency poles around all of Ave Maria. There's plenty of light at night too. I feel totally safe.

The school is challenging. Facilities are remarkable. Faculty and staff help in anyway they can.

Study agressively with all topics. Meet with the teachers to find out what they are looking for.

Challenges all aspects and tools of your mind. Testing you to find your weaknesses.

Rooms are in great condition. With its own bathrom and living area.

Great food and good chefs.

Has a water park and a golf course. Also live events like music performances.

Worth every penny towards your education.

Prays three times a day (the devoted) to bless the school and people who come and leave from here.

Studious, hard working, dedicated students who want the best education in Florida.

Fraternities and clubs such as Rugby, Chess, and etc.

The school goes by Latin instead of Greek.

Twenty-four hour security patrolling the campus.

Ave Maria offers a beautiful atmosphere in which to study. It is not a normal college campus because it has a town literally across the street from the campus itself. Most of the college employees live in town and open their homes to students on a regular basis.

By all means, make a campus visit. It is an absolutely wonderful tool to help make one's decision for college. The admissions staff could not have been nicer to me when I visited. If you stay overnight, I would highly recommend Xavier Hall, the dorm building the University uses (for the time being) as a hotel of sorts for guests. Also, prospective students can choose to sit in on classes. This is also a recommended step, even if you visit during the summer, since Ave Maria offers summer classes. The professors are willing to speak with you about your plans for college and beyond, whether or not you are certain of your career path.
A campus visit will help you gain perspective of the food, the atmosphere, the faith presence, and the size of the campus better than any virtual tour can.

The University offers all classes at four credits per semester, rather than three credits. Students only take four classes per week instead of five, but the extra credit per class makes up the difference.

As a Catholic University, Ave Maria has a strict policy concerning intervisitation. Men are absolutely prohibited from the women's dorms, and vice versa. The policy is so strict that not even fathers are allowed in their daughters' buildings and mothers are not allowed in their sons' buildings. This is in effort to prevent near occasions of sin among the students and visitors and preserve a state of grace.
Honors students have a section of a dorm reserved just for them, so that they can live in community with one another. Due to the aforementioned intervisitation policy, Honors men room in one of the men's dorms and Honors women room in one of the women's dorms.

The food is pretty good, as college fare goes, but it definitely isn't home cooking. Options abound, however, as there is both hot and cold breakfast food every day, and a variety of options at lunch and dinner. One can choose pizza, a sandwich, or full-fledged meat, starch, and vegetable meal at lunch or dinner. Soup and salad are also available, as well as fruit and yogurt. The dessert options are rather lacking, however, with only one or two choices per meal. As a Catholic college, fish is a prominent option on Fridays. For drinks, one can choose from soda, water (plain or with orange or lemon wedges added), soda, juice, milk (chocolate or white), and coffee.
There are other options for dining, should one tire of the regular cafeteria. There is another small eatery in close proximity to the main dining hall which offers sandwiches, wraps, and paninis. There is also a Tropical Smoothie Cafe in the town square which sells (you guessed it!) smoothies, as well as salads and sandwiches, among other things. For a cup of morning joe, nothing beats The Bean of Ave Maria, also in the town square. The Bean offers coffee, water, juice, muffins, bagels, and other light breakfast fare, as well as an inspirational quote on your coffee cup's cardboard sleeve. In the mood for ice cream? Scoopz is the place to be, offering a wide selection of flavors and toppings. Keep in mind, however, that only the main cafeteria and its neighbor are included on the meal plan; students must pay at the other eateries in town.
There is a Publix grocery store in the town, too, if you wanted to eat in your room. Students are allowed a small refrigerator and a microwave, so you could buy some basic food to heat up in your dorm. There is a kitchen available in each residence hall, as well. Availability of cooking pots, pans, and utensils is questionable, however.

Intramural sports are big at Ave Maria. You can choose from just about anything, from Ultimate Frisbee to Soccer. There is a pool on campus (Ladies, please leave your bikinis at home. College modesty policy does not allow them.) and a waterpark within walking or biking distance. The flat campus make for wonderful biking, running, jogging, or walking. On weekends, most students pile into cars or vans and travel to Naples, just a few miles away, for a few hours at the beach. There are competitions among the dorms, as well.

At 11:00 PM every evening, there is a Rosary walk around the campus for any and all students interested. It is highly recommended for all students. Even if you can only do it once a week, it is a great spiritual benefit.

The campus has the blue-light boxes (seen at an increasing number of colleges nationwide) at intervals along the walking paths and the roads, where one can call for security to come and pick them up if they need help getting back to the dorms.

Ave Maria University is an excellent school. The faculty works with the students to assure their success. There is a very friendly atmosphere at Ave Maria.

You need to be committed to your studies. Ave Maria offers many opportunities for their students to improve their grades.

Ave Maria University is comparing itself to an Ivy League college. I believe that one day it will be an Ivy League college.

Nice, large spacious dorms.

The cafeteria offers a good selection of food.

I would advise new students to become involved with Intramurals. This is a great opportunity to meet people. The beach is only about 1/2 hour from the school and it is an awesome place to study!

The University offers numerous scholarships.

There are numerous clubs and activities to assure that there is something for everyone to become involved.

24 hour security

Ave Maria has welcoming environment to people of all backgrounds. It is academically challenging and invigorating. The core of the university is based on faith and academic excellence.

It is important to be studious and not fall behind in classes. Always attend class and pay attention in class. Stay involved and never be afraid to approach a professor with any problems you may be having.

Although the curriculum is challenging, it is well worth the hard work and effort. You'll be happy with your end product after attending.

The dorms are clean and quite beautiful in terms of dorms. They are spacious and the furniture is accommodating. The boys and girls dorms are separated, which many students find aggravating but it has its pros as well. There is respect to students who may be studying in their rooms yet there is always a welcoming environment. People always have their dorm rooms open welcoming new friendships and a sense of community.

The food is far from gourmet, but it gets the job done. You'll never go hungry attending here but you'll definitely be missing your home cooking.

For fun, I enjoy going to the near by beach. Occasionally the student government with have organized events which are always fun as well. The pub, which is in walking distance is always a hot spot for students too and it is always fun.

It is a private school, so the tuition is high but they offer plenty of scholarships and try to make the school affordable for all backgrounds. Here you will receive an excellent education.

Since the school is Roman Catholic affiliated, there are plenty of traditions related to celebrations within the church.

Studious and friendly, there are many home-schoolers so there is a fostering element as well to students who may not have been exposed to much.

It is always possible to find a club that fits your interest and if theres not, the university is always open to starting a new one!

There is no greek life.

You could not ask for a safer campus!!

Ave Maria is a school that challenges students in a positive way, to try their hardest and truly devote themselves to academics. With excellent teachers and fine curriculum, the school is perfect for a liberal arts education. The school has encompassed social and extra curricular activities for a true college experience.

Get ready for a healthy challenge that is truly rewarding, and a beautiful campus that welcomes students from any background.

Excellent material for the students to study, challenging but enjoyable work, where you truly feel like you are learning.

The dorm life at Ave is for any type of person, whether you enjoy social activities or living on your own. There is privacy, comfortable housing and bedding, and a wonderful environment for all.

Although the food is not excellent, the cafateria offers a wide range of foods so you can choose from many options if you dislike a main course.

Inter-mural Sports, Pool, The Bean Coffee shop, The Pub, Shopping in Naples, Nearby beaches, restaurants nearby, games, hanging out and having discussions, visiting R.A.'s on duty.

Late night runs to McDonald's, and Immokalee for delicious Mexican food, spending time at the park, movies.

The campus life is welcoming and friendly, so many types of students attend and integrate together.

Households, School Newspaper, Inter-Mural Sports, Dorms Wars, Dances, Halloween Parties, Art Club, Photography Club, Philosophy Club, all kinds!

Traditions among students, ethnic backgrounds!

All around the clock security.