<p>My son is a rising senior in HS. I don't know his State-adjusted GPA, but his HS GPA is 4.2. His SAT score is 1290 and he is waiting to find out how he did the last time he took it. He doesn't really know what he wants to do, but he is definitely a more Liberal Arts guy than a math/science guy. He has some interest in a career in Film, but he could just as easily end up in Law. He needs advice. </p>
<p>From his stats, I suspect that he might get accepted into UF, UM and possibly the Honors program at FSU. I say this because he is a national hispanic scholar candidate and because he writes very well. </p>
<p>I am aware of the magazine rankings, but I do not put much stock into their methodology. I know that UF has a longer and more distinguished history in the sciences, but my son is looking for a superior Liberal Arts education. If my son were interested in science or math, he would be applying to my alma mater, Georgia Tech. Of course, he will be applying to schools outside of Florida, but I would prefer to discuss the in-State schools in this thread. </p>
<p>Knowing what you know about my son, would you recommend the Honors program at FSU or regular admission to either UM or UF? He has visited Eckerd College, but dismissed it quickly. He prefers a larger school with more on-campus activity. </p>
<p>Let's try to keep the 'Noles v. 'Canes v. Gators out of this. I don't care about sports teams. I don't care about networks and connections. I don't care about school pride. All I care about is developing my teenaged son into a well-educated, thinking man. He will likely continue his education in graduate school or film school and will get his chance to develop his contacts there. </p>
<p>Which Florida program will likely provide my son with the best education? I will post this thread on all three University boards, so let's try to keep the trolling to a minimum. </p>
<p>Thank you, in advance. It is not an easy process.</p>
<p>I really don’t know his class rank. I am sure that he is in the top 25% of a private (catholic) high school. He may crack the top 10%. He goes to St Thomas Aquinas in Fort Lauderdale. The HS has a god rep.</p>
<p>His EC’s revolve around theater. He is also a member of a well-known high school improv comedy group. </p>
<p>Money is always a concern, but I would be willing to take out loans and do whatever it takes…as long as the product is worth the price.</p>
<p>FSU would be a frontrunner for your son with his interests, combined with the opportunity to participate in the honors program at FSU. Don’t forget USF in Tampa. A 1300 Sat score qualifies one for USF’s honor college. USF is getting a lot of applicants from Broward county per attached news article: </p>
<p>The honors program at FSU would be superior to the other options. My older daughter followed this route and had an outstanding ug experience. I’d recommend this again in a second. Florida State encourages individual research as an undergraduate to a level that is astonishing. If the student can handle it, the sky is the limit.</p>
<p>The FSU Film School would be extremely difficult to enter. They take maybe 30 students a year.
I’d think you’d find the science rankings comparable, with the exception of engineering.</p>
<p>IGator, I thought the original poster said she/he isn’t concerned with rankings. This is their discussion; they didn’t come here to discuss rankings.</p>
<p>FSU
More than likely he will recieve the $9,600 freshman scholarship @ $2,400 per year.
IF he can get into FSU honors it would be a slam dunk in my eyes.
Here is a link to their requirements as well as “alternate” admissions by petition:
[fsu.edu</a> | Admission](<a href=“http://honors.fsu.edu/admissions.html]fsu.edu”>http://honors.fsu.edu/admissions.html)</p>
<p>UM - he will probably get in. However you will more than likely be taking out sizable loans to pay for his undergraduate degree. I personaly don’t see any value in coming out with a UM degree but $100,000 in debt.</p>
<p>UF- Unless UF loves STA he may or may not get in. Even as a hispanic.
Not that it would be the best fit for him anyhow.</p>
<p>Do your research, gator. UF Law may be ranked one spot higher, but FSU Law gives you better opportunities with internships. FSU Law is also tougher to get into, and has a higher bar passing rate. In a few years, FSU Law will outrank UF, it’s just a matter of time.</p>
<p>Visit FSU. Stay overnight in the area. A nice place to stay is the Marriott Residence Inn in walking distance of campus. Visit while school is in session. Take the walking tour. If he knows anyone there, see if he can meet them for a meal on campus. By the way, FSU looks at the entire SAT score, not just CR and M. </p>
<p>He needs to visit UF and UM and FSU. My D always found FSU to be more warm and friendly on visits. Admissions was more about “what can we do for you…” The departments she was interested in were also helpful during Preview. </p>
<p>You can get a good education at UM. But the price tag is hefty. Visit there, apply and see how much merit aid he can get with his GPA and SAT scores. Obviously, if it costs the same to go to UM with merit aid, keep it in the mix. Given the ecomony, I am not sure debt of $200,000 full freight, or even $100,000 at half price is worth it. But if merit aid brought it down to the same as a state U, and he liked it best, why not.</p>
<p>He has to also spend time at UF. Students who were accepted at both UF and FSU but chose FSU, often mention the “attitudes” at UF. There is just an attitude, and some don’t care for it. I am NOT referring to it as arrogance, only mentioning that others have used this word. Admissions can seem all about “what have you got going for you to get in,” or “what can you do for us,” rather than “what can we do for you while you are here.” There is more of a “have you got what it takes” instead of “have we got what you need…” But he might really like it there. I would try to visit all three during the time each school is in session. See what he like when he gets there.</p>
<p>I want to thank everyone that has posted. Usually, on college MB’s, the topics degenerate into ridiculous tit for tats between rival schools. All of your points are well articulated and I appreciate that greatly. </p>
<p>I heard today that FSU will announce a special Honors tour in July. We plan to attend. We will also attend tours at UF and UM.</p>
<p>etherdome, you mentioned your son attends STA. STA has sent tons of kids to UF and FSU, the STA guidance counselors know these colleges inside out. I was just curious if the guidance counselors suggested a college fit for your son. They have much experience with these schools and pretty much every major college in America. Too, have you ruled out private or oos colleges? Your son sounds like a bright kid and there are some tremendous colleges out there in addition to UF, FSU and UM. You mentioned your son enjoys writing. I have a friend who is a professional writer–he graduated from Davidson…I guess what I am saying is don’t rule out any colleges categorically and be sure to get advice from the counselors at the school. Good luck selecting a college with your son.</p>
<p>Thanks for the advice. Yes, we are looking at several oos schools. He will be looking at Wisconsin, Indiana, Denison, Emory, and NYU. He really prefers a larger U and all of the ones I mentioned are supposed to have strong writing programs in their English departments. Denison is still on his list because a friend of the family recommends it. </p>
<p>We have not had much contact with the STA counselor yet. When the school year begins, we will sit down with her and pick her brain. For now, we are on our own and trying to get as much done as possible.</p>