Find Your Counselor
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Out-of-State Students: Enter your state name
Andrea Flores (she/her)
Program Director, Recruitment | andrea.flores@fsu.edu
Hometown: Miami, FL
Degrees: Florida State University, B.S. (Psychology)
My favorite thing about Tallahassee: All the green space! Coming from a big city, I loved being able to study or sip coffee under the massive oak trees.
What I enjoy the most about FSU: How warm and welcoming campus is. From the first day I stepped onto FSU's campus, I felt at home. Whether it was just a simple wave as I crossed paths with another student, new friends inviting me into a study group in the library, or how helpful and courteous faculty and staff were, I knew I had found somewhere special!
My advice for future Seminoles: Live on campus if you can! It will help you meet people, get connected across campus, and help ease the transition into college.
Kyrstin Switanek (she/her)
Admissions Counselor | kswitanek@fsu.edu
Hometown: Jacksonville, FL
Degrees: Jacksonville University, B.F.A (Theatre); M.B.A (Management)
My favorite thing about Tallahassee: I love that it has the best of both the city vibes, but also all the nature. Between all the niche restaurants, dog parks, and the springs I can always find something fun to do.
What I enjoy the most about FSU: The community and how prideful of a place it is!
My advice for future Seminoles: Do not think you have to have your entire life planned out by freshman year. Take the time to discover you, your passions and interests, and try something new!
Samantha Buxbaum (she/her)
Admissions Counselor | sbuxbaum@fsu.edu
Hometown: Little Rock, AR
Degrees: Florida State University, B.A. (English); M.S. (Retail Entrepreneurship)
My favorite thing about Tallahassee: Tallahassee has a never-ending list of great local restaurants. I also love some of the unique festivals that we host each year, as well as our great parks. I'm a regular at Cascades!
What I enjoy the most about FSU: Besides the fact that FSU gave me an amazing college experience, it is also just so naturally beautiful. From the red brick to the Spanish moss, it's nice to just find a quiet spot on campus and soak it all in every once in a while!
My advice for future Seminoles: Document your college journey! Take lots of pictures, save that ticket stub from your favorite football game, and create a memory box with tokens from all your favorite college memories.
Annie Blanchard (she/her)
Admissions Counselor | ablanchard2@fsu.edu
Hometown: Baton Rouge, LA
Degrees: Florida State University, B.S. (Political Science and Media/Communications Studies)
My favorite thing about Tallahassee: As an educational hub and Florida's state capitol, Tallahassee brings in people from all across the world, making it an exciting hub of activity. We're also a short drive from both the beach and some beautiful hikes. Lastly, everything from evergreens to live oaks to palm trees can grow here. This city really has it all!
What I enjoy the most about FSU: I came to FSU as an out of state student not knowing a single soul, and I left with a community unlike anything I've ever known. At FSU, everyone wants to cheer you on, be your friend, and help you make your dreams even bigger than you thought they could be.
My advice for future Seminoles: Just say yes! You might think you know exactly what you want out of your college experience, but at FSU, you will have access to endless opportunities that you never knew existed. Whether it's our incredible student life, top 5 study abroad program, or R1 research labs, be open to all that this incredible school has to offer. You never know where you might learn something new about yourself or discover a new interest that might change your life.
Carolina Salinas (she/her)
Admissions Counselor | csalinas@fsu.edu
Hometown: West Palm Beach, FL
Degrees: Florida State University, B.S. (Social Science Education)
My favorite thing about Tallahassee: Coming from a fast paced town, everything is calmer and cozier. In addition, all the beautiful greenery. Tallahassee has so many beautiful parks that allow you to immerse yourself with nature. And finally, being able to experience seasonal changes is something that I did not experience in South Florida.
What I enjoy the most about FSU: What I enjoy the most about FSU is how much FSU cares about students. There is always something for everyone to participate in or join. Not only that, FSU wants their students to succeed in every aspect of their college careers. They offer plenty of resources and help for students to use to make sure they are getting the best of their college experience.
My advice for future Seminoles: Don't be afraid to step out of your comfort zone, it may feel uncomfortable but you never know when a great opportunity might present itself.
Catherine Arthur (she/her)
Admissions Counselor | cearthur@fsu.edu
Hometown: Orlando, FL
Degrees: Florida State University, B.S. (Psychology)
My favorite thing about Tallahassee: Tallahassee is one of those rare places that instantly feels like home no matter how far you have travelled or how long you've been here. Every person you meet is welcoming and kind and wants to show you the often-unnoticed beauty in every aspect of this city.
What I enjoy the most about FSU: I love the culture of this university and how contagious everyone's love for Florida State is. Whether it is through academics, athletics, or research, there is something every single person has an unwavering passion for, and they would love to help you in gaining that same passion. Personally, I love going to FSU football games to really see everyone showcase their passion for Florida State loudly and proudly!
My advice for future Seminoles: Get involved with something you never thought you would enjoy. There are hundreds of student organizations that cover a vast variety of interests that maybe you haven't even considered, and getting involved with an unfamiliar one may lead you to a group of new friends and experiences you will never forget!
Samantha Turner (she/her)
Admissions Counselor | smturner@fsu.edu
Hometown: Gray, TN
Degrees: University of Pennsylvania, B.A. (Psychology)
My favorite thing about Tallahassee: I love the feel of Tallahassee, it feels like a small town but has so much to do. I also am from the smoky mountains, so I love being in a wooded area but only a short drive to a beach
What I enjoy the most about FSU: The School Spirit from students, alumni, and the surrounding community. I grew up to be a sports fan and there is nothing like being at a school where everyone feels school spirit and goes to all the sports games. I also love that at FSU, it's not just a football school, here, all of the sports are widely attended and cheered for.
My advice for future Seminoles: Don't hesitate to take a chance that might seem small like joining a club or taking an internship that is out of your comfort zone. I found my two passions- higher education and sports photography- by taking opportunities that didn't align with what I ended up going to school for. Both of those opportunities changed the direction of my life. So even if its just a small organization or job that you only spend a few hours a week or something that is larger, take a leap with something new at FSU. You may just find a new passion.
Hannah Godfrey (she/her)
Admissions Counselor | hgodfrey@fsu.edu
Hometown: Orlando, FL
Degrees: Florida State University, B.S. (Psychology)
My favorite thing about Tallahassee: I love how unique the city of Tallahassee is, blending historic landmarks, modern architecture, and lush green spaces. With the capitol, extensive parks and trails, and vibrant art scenes, every street in Tallahassee promises a distinct experience.
What I enjoy the most about FSU: FSU felt like home from the moment I stepped onto campus. Our emphasis on traditions and community makes our school one of a kind. The school spirit within the community extends beyond sports and into our research, student organizations, and academics. For me, few things were more special than waking up on campus for the first home football game. Experiencing the War Chant echoing through campus and witnessing locals, students, faculty, and alumni alike show their support for FSU is something I wish everyone could experience.
My advice for future Seminoles: Take advantage of everything our campus has to offer and fully immerse yourself into the experience. Outside of student organizations, there are always events happening on/around campus that provide students with an opportunity to meet new people, engage in fun activities, and even learn new skills. Take every opportunity to explore yourself and allow yourself to step outside of your comfort zone. These years provide a once in a lifetime opportunity, enjoy them!
Alfredo Alvarez (he/him)
Admissions Counselor | aaalvarez@fsu.edu
Hometown: Miami, FL
Degrees: Florida State University, B.S (Political Science)
My favorite thing about Tallahassee: The food! Considering how small of a city this is relative to population size. We have some phenomenal food, whether these are sit-down restaurants, food trucks, or a small hole-in-the-wall place. This city and its surrounding areas have it all.
What I enjoy the most about FSU: How accessible our campus is, you can walk from one corner of campus to the other in under 30 minutes. It's incredible how this university can have so many things in such a compact area!
My advice for future Seminoles: Enjoy the time that you have on campus, these will be some of the best experiences you have. Make sure to cherish them and live in the moment. Get involved, and step out of your comfort zone, you're only a college student once!
Katrin Frederickson (she/her)
Admissions Counselor | kmfrederickson@fsu.edu
Hometown: Tallahassee, FL
Degrees: Florida State University, B.S. (Human Development and Family Sciences)
My favorite thing about Tallahassee: As a local I've always had a love for Tallahassee for many reasons. There are many parks to explore including Tom brown park and Piney Z, which has a great walking trail my mom and I love to go on! Tallahassee also offers lots of variety. While FSU brings a vibrant energy into the city (especially during football season!), you can easily escape to a "small town vibe" within a 10-minute drive. Above all, the kindness of its people and the sense of community make Tallahassee truly special.
What I enjoy the most about FSU: The environment here is truly unique. Whether inside the classroom or out, there's a genuine desire for your success. You will find support in every aspect of your college experience. FSU quickly feels like home, and the campus itself is stunning!
My advice for future Seminoles: Take advantage of every opportunity that comes your way. Even now, I'm discovering events, resources, and activities on campus that I wish I had known about earlier. You might be pleasantly surprised. Every experience you have is an opportunity to learn. Additionally, take some time to explore Tallahassee. There's so much to discover and enjoy beyond campus life.