<p>My examples are fine as meteorology aptly shows the nuanced nature of these two schools and illustrates that many UF-interested students who figure UF is the answer for all majors plainly is false, as stated in post #3 Overall UF solidly trumps FSU and post #7* UF hands down is a better school academic and althletic wise. FSU isnt a bad school, but its a bit off of UF standards* in this thread alone.</p>
<p>The Mag Lab is located in Tallahassee with only a small part at UF in Gainesville. It is located nearby the FAMU-FSU College of Engineering in Innovation Park.</p>
<p>My daughter's choice is hers to explain. I've come as close as I can without putting words in her mouth. UF did not have what she wanted, and research was one of the areas she wanted. What UF has done in this area of undergraduate research since 2004 is not surprising, as FSU and UF copy each other frequently.</p>
<p>Since you ask me to explain why I think FSU is as viable an option as UF for a multitude of reasons let me start by saying my opinion will come off to non-FSU/UF interested kids as a bit snobbish, but there is a reason why I think this way.</p>
<p>I am a fairly old guy (and parent) who grew up in Florida and visited both schools (FSU and UF) regularly growing up. I watched both universities for decades and wound up attending and graduating from FSU in the 1970s. Other family members attended and graduated from UF, some from both schools.</p>
<p>These two schools have achieved what I call critical mass in terms of public residential universities - the only two to do so in Florida in this class. They have achieved excellence (such as it is in the current fiscal environment) in multiple areas, almost always in areas of long term emphasis. Many times this excellence is not addressed by simplified magazine ratings. FSU still has more liberal arts areas and UF more vocational areas. </p>
<p>Many from Florida do not think about schools in this way as they tend to be relative newcomers to Florida and only know what they have perceived for the past few years. I take the longer view. For example, when I attended FSU, UF was not seen as it is today by some. Other schools that are commuter schools in Florida want to have the characteristics of these two, but don't for many structural and political reasons. They are spending millions and millions to compete with what I will call the two flagship schools.</p>
<p>The fairly recent acceptance of the public of surveys like US News have affected universities and selection of same in probably more negative than positive ways. This may be illustrated by general ignorant comments that one school is better than another. Large public universities like UF and FSU are very nuanced places that are quite different in significant ways and similar in others. It is very hard to make sweeping general statements accurately. Most often the statements can be proved false or successfully attacked and discounted. Opinion abounds, most unreliable. </p>
<p>The consuming public (generally high school age children) finds comparison difficult between nuanced offerings so they latch onto simplistic ratings and proclaim their choice wise. Peer pressure and other herd dynamics play into decisions and thus some schools become more popular, especially if they are closer to population centers and thus parents. School "A" becomes "superior" to school "B" even if it makes no sense in reality. Add in sports attraction and you have a near-complete feedback loop of ignorance.</p>
<p>For any typical undergraduate able to achieve admission to either school in the main they will be fine unless they elect a particular strength the school does not have, but the other does (I'll be happy to list some of those if you want, meteorology is an example). Generally this only matters at the graduate level, but does matter at the undergraduate level in some areas. Both will provide a well-rounded liberal education in a traditional residential setting. Honors programs enhance the experience, but is not necessary. Students may enter Honors programs later, even if they don't qualify at admission - at least at FSU. </p>
<p>Most of what makes a university education at these two schools is based entirely on the individual's drive and persistence. Professors do actually get to know students and will eventually see individual performance, though large public schools, such as these, tend to be meritocracies rather than more political environments that can be found in private schools. You will quickly find this out if you attend either. Embarrassing examples can be found to the contrary, but generally this is correct.</p>