College

My spidey senses were tingling. Someone was besmirching my kids’ beloved UCF…

Just wanted to let you know that while UCF does have some huge classes, they still do have some great programs that outweigh or mitigate that problem.

Honors college, Excel, COMPASS, LEAD scholars. These are some ways to get priority registration, smaller class sizes, and undergraduate research experiences. I had a rather lengthy conversation with a pre-med student last year who had been working as a research assistant (chemistry? biology? I can’t remember in what area) for over a year and who was currently studying for the MCAT. The student was extremely happy with the opportunities provided at UCF and was looking at some pretty selective programs, having decided on a medical phD as opposed to MD. I ran into this student in a study lounge(and I tend to strike up conversations with random strangers), so this wasn’t just an admissions poster child.

Admittedly, the math department at UCF has a pretty bad reputation, so much so that students will take courses at nearby Valencia college in order to get through. Bear in mind, Calc 2 is the “weed-out” class for pre-med and a slew of engineering majors, so it’s usually pretty competitive no matter where you go.

Still. I would say if you’re the kind of student that needs very little hand holding, then UCF can offer some amazing opportunities. If you’re not, then you will find any large university a challenge.

Good luck!

I also have 2 kids at UCF and they have not experienced any shuffling.
The student asking the question has taken and intends to take AP courses, which will limit his need to take the aforementioned pre-reqs and gen ed classes. I also think that most students who are as interested and committed as this student (evident by his posts) are capable of getting thru an online course. Yes one must be motivated, but isnt that what will be required for years to become a medical professional?
UCF has a wonderful program and if he can get into the BMS, his opportunities are greatly increased.
I just think calling UCF a “Terrible choice” is not helpful and not accurate.

Just my 2 cents.

sorry to disrupt to you guys, I wanted to know that if not UCD what would be my chances for USF how hard is it to get in that school for me ?

@Qasim770,I think you need to stop worrying how hard or what your chances are for each school.
Just keep your grades up, keep up class rigor, try to add leadership roles in your EC, and take your act/Sat. Know that you have a good chance at any of the Florida schools. Visit as many as possible before applying…its amazing how each has a different vibe and you may be surprised to be drawn to one more than the rest. Get a few good rec letters in the spring before summer. Work hard on your application essays and set up for someone to give you feedback and proofread. You will be fine.

BTW, @Qasim770, you do not need a 1390 on the SAT to qualify for Bright Futures:
http://www.floridastudentfinancialaid.org/ssfad/PDF/BFEligibilityAwardChart.pdf

You’ll need a 1290 SAT / 29 ACT for the highest BF and a 1170 SAT / 26 ACT to qualify for the next level BF Scholarship.

so does that mean that I can get a 1200 on the SAT and can still get Bright futures?
If so how much would it be?
and I am already getting a scholarship for the first two (tuition) which ever college it may be but in Florida… so I wonder how would that correlate Bright Futures

A 1200 on SAT get you FMS bright futures…about $103 per credit hour. This is all on the Bright Futures website. A 1290 is FAS which potentially is 100% (minus some fees) tuition.
Your last post was a little confusing as to what scholarship you have, what it actually covers and if it applies to schools in Florida only or for any school. And can you confirm you are currently attending high school in Florida, otherwise BF COULD be a mute point.
Have you signed up for an SAT/ACT yet?

It’s known as Johnson Scholarship, which will pay for the first two years of tuition fees at any college in Florida ( any school in Florida). Yes I am attending High School in Florida.
So I am planning to take the SAT in December or in early 2018.

I would suggest that you call the financial aid office at any and every school you apply and ask how they handle Johnson scholarship and BF together. Ask johnson also. Which pays first and can the second one be used for housing or something. If you get BF, can Johnson be postponed for later years in case you go over 4 years.
It’s always nice to have the facts if you can get them, because you might not know about what BF will cover until late spring or early summer.