The University of Miami is a private research university serving 12,000 undergraduate students. Featuring Division I athletics and more than 100 majors and programs, U Miami offers a comprehensive educational experience. Located in Coral Gables, Florida, just 20 minutes south of downtown Miami and stunning beaches, you gain the best of both worlds: a traditional, picturesque college campus paired with access to one of the world’s most vibrant and diverse metropolitan areas. Imagine sweeping lawns, active students, and the tropical aesthetic of tall palm trees. Beyond the obvious draw of U Miami’s campus and location, U Miami offers topnotch academics especially in business, marine science and music.
Bethany Lestochi, Associate Director of Undergraduate Admission, has been with the University of Miami for almost five years, and we had the privilege of chatting with her to get an inside look at one the leading institutions in the Sunshine State! Bethany primarily reads applications from students in Northern California, Oregon, Washington, and Alaska. She earned her bachelor’s in public relations and advertising from Duquesne University in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, and her Master’s Degree in Higher Education Administration from Florida International University.
The Nest: Tell us a fun fact or about a tradition that is unique to your university.
Bethany: Fun fact – our baseball stadium has the best (and most unique) milkshakes in college baseball! Besides the traditional, chocolate and vanilla, for every game series, Alex Rodriguez Park at Mark Light Field debuts a new, specialty milkshake flavor – and they always try to match it with where the opposing team is coming from. Previous flavors include: Lucky Charms; Cannoli; Blueberry Cobbler; Apple Pie; Chicken and Waffles; Pimento Cheese; Philly Cheesesteak; Pulled Pork; Lobster Roll; and Bagel with Lox!
The Nest: What is the most unique major you offer?
Bethany: With over 100+ programs and majors it’s hard to pick just one…so instead, you get three!
In our College of Engineering, we offer an Innovation, Technology and Design degree, which blends the problem-solving of engineering and the entrepreneurship of business. Through this degree students complete several Design Challenges with real-world clients, and it can be completed in an intensive three-year study or in a traditional four-year pathway. Learn more here:
Additionally, in our School of Education and Human Development, we offer a Data Analytics and Intelligence for Social Impact (DAISI) program, which blends the technical capabilities of data intelligence and analytics, critical thinking skills, and a strong theoretical foundation in education and social sciences such as sociology, psychology, geology, communication. It also includes built-in field experiences and practicums! Learn more here:
Finally, in our Frost School of Music, we offer a Music Therapy program! The Bachelor of Music Degree in Music Therapy at the Frost School of Music is designed to help students acquire basic clinical competencies. Upon completion of coursework, students enter a six-month, full-time clinical internship. When the internship requirement has been met, candidates are eligible to take the board certification examination in music therapy and begin practice as a clinician. Learn more here: https://musictherapy.frost.miami.edu/degrees/bachelor-of-music-in-music-therapy/index.html
The Nest: Who is the best-fit student for your university?
Bethany: Our students are ambitious and driven; they have big dreams and are doing some really cool things to accomplish those dreams – from research, to internships, studying abroad, and more. However, they also know how to take a step back, relax and enjoy their college experience. Miami is a unique academic environment that still values school-life balance and encourages you to explore your personal hobbies or passions. Our students are truly taking advantage of everything our campus and our city have to offer.
The Nest: What application plans do you offer, and how should students determine which plan is best for them?
Bethany: The University of Miami offers four admission plans for first-year applicants! Early Decision I and Early Action (non-binding and non-restrictive) are both due November 1; Early Decision II and Regular Decision are both due January 5. Learn more about our plans and how they differ from each other here:
All applicants, regardless of admission plan, are automatically considered for our merit scholarships. However, at the University of Miami, there are a few perks when applying under Early Decision I or Early Action by November 1 – namely, consideration for our premier scholarships which can cover up to the full cost of attendance. Learn more about applying early here:
The Nest: What is your best application advice for prospective students?
Bethany: By the time you are submitting your application, so much of your app is already set – your test scores, your GPA, your high school class schedule, etc. The essay(s) is the one place where you truly have control and where admission officers get to hear your unique voice. If you’re not super funny, don’t try to write a comedic essay; if you’re not overly academic, don’t try to wow us with your extensive vocabulary. Write in your voice and tell your story – not the story you think we want to hear.
Application/College insights from The Nest:
- U Miami is on the Common Application
- Early Decision: November 1, 2025Early Action: November 1, 2025Early Decision II: January 5, 2026Regular Decision: January 5 2026
- Test-optional through Spring 2026 (scores required for Fall 2026 applicants)
- iPEDS 25th/75th percentiles:
- ACT: 30 – 34
- SAT: 1360 – 1480
- 92% Retention Rate!
- You can view U Miami’s current first-year class profile, as well as admission information here: https://admissions.miami.edu/undergraduate/about/class-profile/index.html
Helping you soar sooner,
Carrie
