Creative Writing/English transfer. Should I go with FSU, UF or SUNY Purchase?

College Search & Selection
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<p>I've been waiting forever to make this post! </p>

<p>I'll be done with community college after this summer. I now have a choice to make between three of the four schools I've applied to...which is awesome, albeit a bit unexpected. </p>

<p>I WAS planning on STILL applying to a couple of reaches (Lewis & Clark, which has rolling admissions, and Emory, with that crazy June 1st deadline). But, at this point...I don't think I'm going to. They're both long shots, to say the least. I wouldn't be able to pay for either one. It's so late in the game.</p>

<p>And I can't even choose between these three:</p>

<p>Florida State University- If I do stay in Florida, I'm one of the only people in the world, apparently, who might choose FSU over UF. Pros: supposedly, FSU has an awesome Creative Writing program, really stellar. I like Tallahassee. Plus, if I go here, it will pretty much be free. (Well, my actual tuition will be covered, anyway. I'll still have to worry about Room & Board and/or general living expenses.) Cons: um, frats and football? Definitely NOT my scene, socially. And the huge size scares me. </p>

<p>University of Florida- Pros: it's largely seen as "the best" Florida state school. It is ranked the highest of these three. Plus, just like FSU, it will pretty much be free. (Well, my actual tuition will be covered, anyway. I'll still have to worry about Room & Board and/or general living expenses.) Cons: there is one major problem. I would have to wait until Spring...which means I would have to take a semester off, which I don't particularly want to do. (I missed the Fall deadline and applied for Spring without taking it too seriously.) Again, um, frats and football? Definitely NOT my scene, socially. And the huge size scares me. I don't really WANT to go here, but I realize it is a (relatively) good school, academically.</p>

<p>Purchase College, State University of New York- Pros: location location location. I love the fact that Purchase is a small town, thus providing the whole traditional college experience (to an extent) but is still 30something miles from NYC (meaning, I could go there WHENEVER I want)! I love the city with all my little heart and soul. I have always hoped to end up in NY eventually, preferably as soon as possible. Also, the predominant culture here (indie/alternative/liberal/open-minded type vibe) suites me perfectly. No frats. No football. I feel like I'd be happiest at Purchase. Furthermore, it's a LOT smaller than FSU and UF (try 4,000 instead of 40,00+), which I also really, really like. Getting admitted into the Creative Writing program involved a portofilio review and lots of waiting, which leads me to believe that the program itself is at least somewhat selective (though Purchase, as a whole, is not). I've heard the Creative Writing program is significantly smaller than some of the other "conservatory" programs but still quite good. The students I've talked to have all been really like-minded, friendly and helpful. Cons: out of state tuition. Need I say more? Also, Purchase is a LOT lower, in terms of ranking, than both FSU and UF. The bad things I've heard...are really bad. Obviously, I'm not terribly concerned with prestige at this point, but I am concerned about grad school.</p>

<p>Thoughts? </p>

<p>Any input would be appreciated.</p>

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<p>To clarify, I haven't actually been accepted into UF for Spring yet, but I've corresponded with UF and am pretty confident that I will be accepted for Spring. Not that it matters too much, because I truly don't want to go to UF. I just felt compelled to want to go there; that's what I'm supposed to want!! So really, it's FSU vs Purchase.</p>

<p>If you actually read all this, thank you.</p>

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<p>Umm, help! Please! I know I'm not talking about Ivies here, but I still need help! Would this have been better in the Transfer forum?</p>

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<p>12 views, no responses. GREAT. :( </p>

<p>Maybe the Mod should move this?</p>

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<p>It sounds like you've already made a decision, but your logistical concerns haven't been eased. Can you afford the out of state tuition? Do you have to take on loans? Will that make you get a job right out of UG because you'll have to pay them off? Do you want to teach? What do you want to do?</p>

<p>I don't understand how you can not like UF but like FSU. They're not that much different. At least to someone who doesn't live in florida.</p>

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<p>THANK YOU for responding, heh. Yeah, I guess I have. I really can't afford it. Loans will be involved. I wasn't planning on getting a job right out of UG simply because there's not much one can do with just a Bachelors in Creative Writing... I'm not sure if I'm an aspiring editor or college professor. Teaching high school is an option if all else fails. (And of course I want to write, but I don't want to be completely broke.)</p>

<p>Good question. I don't know! They are very similar, and I know people at both. I just liked FSU better than UF when I visited, for some weird reason. I don't particularly like either one, though.</p>

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<p>So whatcha going to do? Do you want the responsibility of all those loans? Usually the advice is -- go to the better CHEAPER university. I can't tell you that because of how obvious your attachment is to Purchase. Ever think about other small liberal arts schools that give full rides to people who are under a certain income level? </p>

<p>Sorry for that, but yeah. I'm curious now. Which are you leaning towards?</p>

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<p>You could always marry a rich guy??</p>

<p>kk Dunno why I said that. Best of luck of course.</p>

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<p>A couple of points to clarify on this thread:</p>

<p>-FSU has one of the best Creative Writing programs in the entire country. If this is what you want to study, FSU should be your first choice.</p>

<p>-TONS of people choose FSU over UF, including myself.</p>

<p>-There are major differences between FSU and UF, starting with the campus culture at both schools. FSU has a liberal arts background, while UF has vocational school background. UF is much more frat/sorority driven than FSU. Both schools do have a big sports scene.</p>

<p>-While FSU does have 40,000 students, it really doesn't feel like a big state university (i.e. UF). The campus is compact and easy to navigate.</p>

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<p>Bourne: I have no idea what I'm going to do! Actually, I'm now more confused than I was earlier, which I'll elaborate on shortly.</p>

<p>As far as looking for other LACs, deadlines have passed, obviously. I'm so sick of the transfer application process already, and I can't wait much longer! I really can't. And ha, marry a rich guy, huh? ;x I think I'll pass... </p>

<p>Thanks for wishing me luck. At this point, I really feel like I need it.</p>

<p>FSU MBA: I know FSU has a great Creative Writing program! And I did mention that. Somewhere in the depths of College Confidential, I know I've previously linked to The Atlantic's top 10 list (for Creative Writing programs)...which FSU is on, right below Cornell. (It's alphabetical, heh.) I'll link to it again: The</a> Best of the Best.</p>

<p>Of course, that top 10 is referring to graduate programs, but I'd think FSU having a top 10 grad program might indicate that the undergrad is good, too. Plus, I've heard good things! Many good things. I really don't doubt that the Creative Writing program is great at FSU.</p>

<p>Hooray, you chose FSU over UF! I'm really glad to meet you; I was starting to think of myself as extremely weird. You should check out this thread: "<a href="http://talk.collegeconfidential.com/college-search-selection/132602-post-your-own-state-s-college-reputations.html%5B/url%5D"&gt;http://talk.collegeconfidential.com/college-search-selection/132602-post-your-own-state-s-college-reputations.html&lt;/a&gt;".&lt;/p>

<p>UF is more frat/sorority driven? FSU has too much Greek life for my taste, so I can only imagine how frightening I'd find UF then. I guess that's one of the reasons I like FSU better, though I'm not in love with either, as you've probably noticed.</p>

<p>When I visited FSU, it did feel like a big, state university....because, um, it is one. How can it possibly have 40,000 students and NOT feel like a big, state university?! If you want to elaborate on that, what you mean by it, exactly...how you think it's true...that'd be great. (Tell more more!)</p>

<p>I'd agree that the campus itself is quite nice. :)</p>

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<p>Okay, now I'm more confused! Ahem, my original first choice of the four, the one I didn't initially mention here, was(/is?) New College of Florida. I'd assumed it wasn't going to happen, though I haven't actually quite been rejected, I don't think. On April 25th, I received an email implying that my application wasn't complete by the deadline or something, I guess? Actually, I'm just going to post it (with asterisks instead of last names). The email said:</p>

<p>April 25, 2008</p>

<p>Dear Liz,</p>

<p>Thank you for your interest in New College. We have closed our Fall 2008 class. Your application will be inactivated unless you request consideration for entry in one of the upcoming terms.</p>

<p>To be considered for admission in either Spring 2009* or Fall 2009, please reply to this email with your requested term of entry by May 15, 2008.</p>

<p>Sincerely,</p>

<p>Kathy *******</p>

<p>Dean of Admissions and Financial Aid</p>

<p>*We reserve the right to cancel the spring admission cycle if the College has already met its enrollment goals.</p>

<p>I responded with the following:</p>

<p>Ms. *******:</p>

<p>Thank you for contacting me. I'm a bit confused though. Is this a standard rejection? Or did my application materials simply arrive too late? (I suspect it took too long for my PBCC transcript to arrive. Is this the case? Has it even arrived yet?)</p>

<p>In any event, I would absolutely like to be considered for the Spring 2009 semester, if possible. I appreciate your time. Thanks again.</p>

<p>Sincerely,</p>

<p>Liz ********</p>

<p>I didn't hear anything back, so I just kind of gave up on it...other schools to worry about... NCF was kind of a reach anyway... TONIGHT, I received this:</p>

<p>Dear Liz,</p>

<p>My apologies for the delay in response. We received your PBCC transcript in time, but not your high school transcript--this just arrived very recently.</p>

<p>Do you want to update your application and have it considered for a future term?</p>

<p>Sonia</p>

<p>Sonia **
Director of Multicultural and Transfer Recruitment
Office of Admissions
New College of Florida</p>

<p>Ummmm, what?! That doesn't make any sense at all; my father and I went to my old high school together... (Heh, it was strange.) Not only did we have them send it electronically (which is supposed to be super fast), but we also had them fax it. </p>

<p>?!!!!!</p>

<p>Um...what?</p>

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<p>Well, first let me start by saying that I think UF is a great school and has a lot to offer. I wouldn't want this to turn into another one of those endless "FSU vs. UF" battle threads. With that said, it sounds like FSU would be the right fit for you, if you're looking for more of a LAC atmosphere.</p>

<p>FSU started out as a LAC many years ago, and still somewhat held to that persona after becoming a large research university. The compact campus, the friendliness of the students, and the general atmosphere make the school feel much smaller than what it really is. I actually attended FAU in Boca Raton, before transferring to FSU. FAU felt like a much larger university, even though FSU has more students. I really don't know how to explain it, the school just "feels" like a LAC were everyone knows each other.</p>

<p>BTW, NCF is also a really good school. You should still check out their campus first, since some people get turned off by their "eccentric" student population.</p>

<p>I would also advice you to post all your questions on the FSU forum. There are some very knowledgeable and helpful people over there. Good Luck!</p>

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<p>Ok to be honest with you I would go with FSU. Not only is it's creative writing AMAZING (I believe FSU is much better in the liberal arts than UF so you wouldn't be crazy for picking it) but it also has a gorgeous campus, it's not far from home, has the classic college experience, and it's so inexpensive for you. I live kind of near SUNY Purchase (about an hour away) and while it's a good school for art and writing it kind of strikes me as being sterile and cold, anyway I don't think it's worth the extra money and the travel expenses. If you really want to live in/near NYC when you're older you could definately consider it or any of the other New York schools for grad school, but for undergrad I think FSU is definately the best choice. I agree that the size could be overwhelming, but I'm sure once you settle into your dorm, major, and join some activities it will feel MUCH smaller.</p>

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<p>FSU MBA:</p>

<p>Ha, I live in Boca. I've lived here most my life, and I attend PBCC@FAU right now... FAU has a huge commuter population... I can see how it would feel larger because I don't see there being much sense of community at all, and, IMHO, it's just not a very good school. </p>

<p>So, in comparison to FAU...well, yes, of course FSU would feel more like a LAC. But UF wouldn't...? I don't actually know very much about UF, I guess. Thanks for suggesting the FSU forum. If I have any specific questions about FSU soon (which is probable), I will definitely head over there. I didn't know FSU started out that way; that's interesting!</p>

<p>I would love to check out NCF's campus. I haven't actually been there, but I am considered "eccentric" by many and feel I would fit in well. A lot of what draws me to Purchase draws me to New College...but it's affordable and GOOD academically! The only downside is that there's no writing program whatsoever. I would probably major in English Lit.</p>

<p>But of course, it doesn't look like that's going to happen... I don't know how they didn't receive my HS transcript until recently, when it was faxed AND sent electronically long ago. I'm confused, and finals are eating me alive; I fear my GPA will actually go down this semester, and that won't help anything!</p>

<p>Anyway, thanks for wishing me good luck, and for all your help. :)</p>

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<p>bunny27:</p>

<p>Thanks. What you're saying makes a lot of sense. FSU would definitely be the logical choice, probably the smartest choice, at this point. I actually live in South Florida... So FSU is really far away, but it's certainly a lot closer than Purchase. And yeah, I do plan on applying to NY schools for grad school, so I guess another 2 years in Florida wouldn't kill me. </p>

<p>I hope you're right about it feeling smaller after a while!! I'm sure you are... I think there just might be a very brutal adjustment period...but I should probably just suck it up and go with what seems to make the most sense.</p>

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<p>Why not try Emory? Do you want to go there? They have a five year BA/MA program that might be what you want? Or probably not.</p>

<p>Provided you have the money of course, you should apply?</p>

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<p>No problem! Like anything else it will take some getting used to but I'm sure you'll be just fine.</p>