Choosing a Florida College

<p>I have been under a lot of stress lately trying to choose the perfect college for me. I fell in love with Florida Southern College, but have heard many unpromising things from students who've attended there. It is also very expensive because it is a private school. UCF is one of my top choices because it is so close to home and has a great medical program. FSU and UNF are also on my list.</p>

<p>I am looking for a school that I can fit in at easily and be able to receive the best education possible.</p>

<p>I have been chosen for a $36,000 scholarship ($9,000 a year) at Florida Southern, yet I will still be in a lot of debt after I graduate.</p>

<p>I have received a $10,000 presidential scholarship and invitation into the honors program at UNF.</p>

<p>Is a private school education really worth the money? Is UNF Honors better than UCF/FSU standard? Can UNF even be put on the same level as UCF?</p>

<p>Thank you in advance!</p>

<p>That school is not worth debt.</p>

<p>What is your situation? Are you instate for Florida?</p>

<p>Do you get Bright Futures?</p>

<p>What will your major be?</p>

<p>What are your stats?</p>

<p>How much can your parents pay each year?</p>

<p>Yes, I live in Florida and am only looking to stay in state. I should receive 100% of bright futures, but if not, then definitely 75%.</p>

<p>I plan to major in the sciences, maybe biology or chemistry, because I plan to work with animals. However, I have also been looking into physical therapy lately.</p>

<p>I have a 3.851 GPA (UNF recalculated it as 3.94), a 28 ACT score, and 1550 SAT score (yes, I know this is low.) I am in many extracurriculars including National Honor Society, Spanish Honor Society, Asian Student Association, Key Club, and am treasurer of Best Buddies. I’m also a varsity cheerleader. I have 110+ volunteer hours at the local hospital.</p>

<p>My parents say they can find the money to pay for whichever school I choose, but I know that I should still keep it at a reasonable price. The scholarships I receive make a big difference and I am trying to lean towards one of those, though I really do love UCF.</p>

<p>Well to me, FSU is the way to go. It’s one of the top 2 public schools in FL with UF and with bright futures, the cost will be very little. </p>

<p>To pay most of FL Southern (gonna be close to what, 30k a year?) over say 10k a year at FSU or even UCF at that point, just seems like your throwing money away.</p>

<p>If you like the small feel, maybe check out the New College of FL.</p>

<p>Well, I’m already past the point of picking out schools: I’ve applied to UCF, UNF, FSU, USF, FGCU, and FSC. I’ve been accepted to UNF, USF, and FSC. </p>

<p>I visited FSU and enjoyed the look of the campus, but I feel that there would be nothing to do on the weekends, besides party, and I never really got into that crowd. It is also 4 1/2 hours away from home. I haven’t ruled it out yet because I know it is one of the best schools in Florida and I love the location and programs that they offer.</p>

<p>Your ACT should get you accepted to all of your schools.</p>

<p>I think you should go to either FSU or UCF. If I had to choose one, it would be FSU. </p>

<p>There’s more to do there on weekends besides partying. Believe me.</p>

<p>If you’re going into some kind of career that will required you to get more than a bachelors, then don’t go into debt for undergrad. And, don’t have your parents “find the money” somewhere. Save that for grad school.</p>

<p>I’m definitely leaning toward UCF over FSU. I just want to know if UNF Honors can even compare.</p>

<p>Just want to second those who say that Florida Southern College is not worth debt when you got excellent public universities from which to choose. I can’t comment on the honors program at UNF but as someone outside of Florida I can tell you that UCF has developed a national profile over the last 15 years. I also know someone who loved the honors program at UCF, but not sure if that is a possibility for you.</p>

<p>Also, you might face less stress if you look at it as the best fit rather than the “perfect college.” There may be no such thing and many people love/don’t like different aspects of where they attend college. You are right to visit and see where you feel most comfortable. Just think through your options, write down what is most important to you, what each college offers, etc. – and you will be in a good position to make a good decision. You have some good possibilities!!</p>

<p>Thank you! I am hoping that the honors program is an option for me at UCF, but I’m a little bit behind the criteria. I will still submit an application in hopes of smaller class sizes.
Is there anybody on here that is currently attending UCF, FSU, or UNF?</p>

<p>“I visited FSU and enjoyed the look of the campus, but I feel that there would be nothing to do on the weekends, besides party, and I never really got into that crowd. It is also 4 1/2 hours away from home.”</p>

<p>Although it was 20 years ago, I attended FSU as a non-partier (and non-football fan – heresy!). It was also four and a half hours from my home in central FL. I found plenty to do on the weekends, and never had trouble finding a ride back home. Unless Tallahassee has changed dramatically since I left, I don’t think you should worry too much about those things.</p>