<p>With only 3 days left to make a decision, and my financial aid award still not completed by BC, I’m left w/ making a decision between BC and UF (Univ. of Florida). </p>
<p>Academically, BC is more reputable. It’s campus is beautiful (from what ive heard) and the caliber of students is just a smidge (sarcasm) higher than UF’s. </p>
<p>However, I lived in Florida my whole life and I know UF is regarded a great school down here and I’d like to get opinions from northerners-what they think of UF. Is the school viewed as academically strong? or is it just known for their recent championships? Did anyone on this board even CONSIDER UF? What is the overall perception of UF? </p>
<p>ANY input whatsoever would be incredibly helpful.
Thanks!</p>
<p>I've visited UF, but being that I've lived in Miami (a city) my whole lifetime, that small college town is a little bit of a downer. I know a lot of former classmates that attend UF and they eventually learn to love the campus and small town life, plus they frequently visit Miami for the amazing club scene we have down here.
As far as visiting BC, I planned to visit this weekend, unfortunately the impending ap exams presented a conflict of interest so I decided to attend the study sessions vs. visiting Boston.
I plan to pursue pre-dental studies. I have a former classmate who now attends BC and she could not be more ecstatic. She loves the school and is currently pre-med and enjoying all her classes. She also said although the classes have been challenging, the professors always give various opportunities for students to raise their gpa. Many dont really heavily or solely on exams.
Also, (i dont know if this experience is the same for all BC students) but she has met many students from neighboring schools (MIT, Tufts, Harvard, BU) and she loves every minute or it. There is also HUGE diversity, which is a plus. </p>
<p>As far as where i would fit, I dont think there is a big disparity between the two schools as both present a bit of a culture shock for me. (moving from a predominantly hispanic city to a small town of mostly caucasian and different ethnicities)</p>
<p>Many mentors and peers believe BC would be the better choice based on its reputation. Although, UF would eliminate the financial aid issue and they would accept more of my AP credits. </p>
<p>Based on your situation, I really like Florida. </p>
<p>Florida can provide excellent academics, great sports, vibrant student body, and financial support. </p>
<p>I just think that Florida can match almost everything Boston College has to offer at the fraction of Boston College's cost. You would miss out on the city of Boston, connection to students from neighboring schools, and more unique aspects of the northeastern lifestyle, but you would not miss out on a great college experience.</p>
<p>Either one is a great choice. </p>
<p>If money is a huge concern, then you should strongly consider Florida.</p>
<p>However, the best choice is to pick the one you like more.</p>
<p>As long as you keep your Florida residency for dental school, you are good to go :D.</p>
<p>It's funny - just yesterday afternoon I was at a high school baseball game in NJ and several people were talking about the University of Florida. Everyone agreed that UF was becoming better all the time. One woman said that she had a niece in Florida who did not get into UF- she is a good student and she is tremendously disappointed. All the adults there agreed that it would be great to have such a good, inexpensive public univeristy to attend. The kids however, all wanted to go to FLA for the sports and the weather - of course, this was a baseball game and you can't beat Florida for that.
Good luck with whatever you choose.
By the way, dentistry is a great profession - flexible and lucrative.</p>
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Florida can provide excellent academics, great sports, vibrant student body, and financial support.</p>
<p>I just think that Florida can match almost everything Boston College has to offer at the fraction of Boston College's cost. You would miss out on the city of Boston, connection to students from neighboring schools, and more unique aspects of the northeastern lifestyle, but you would not miss out on a great college experience.
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<p>I really agree with this. Also consider that UF is considered a rising star while many people think BC is overrated...</p>
<p>Ok well I am also in Florida (Tampa) and I appled to and got into both schools. I didn't even really consider UF, as BC was my top choice. But, if it came down to money, UF would probably be appealing. UF is a great school and is recognized in Florida but it is a VERY large school (40,000+) whereas BC is around 9,000. Big lecture halls are not my thing. BC has a BEAUTIFUL campus, small/medium class sizes, the city of BOSTON is amazing, and there are tons of opportunities in the city. Whatever decision you make, I think you will be happy. I am really excited to go to BC and I think it is going to be a great experience.</p>