<p>So I've applied to all three of these schools and I've been accepted by FAU so far. I want to know honestly the vibes and feelings of campus life if you go to or work at either school. Are all three party schools and if they are is it easy to find your own little group that isn't part of that scene? Is any school better academically than the other? Are then any pitfalls to either school?</p>
<p>I can speak to the Florida schools.</p>
<p>I know that FAU has experienced a decline of students choosing on-campus housing, despite some new facilities. Less than 15% live in dorms and about 40%+ are part time. It is still considered a commuter/suitcase school by the locals of South Florida, but the college has been working for many years to change that perception/actuality.</p>
<p>UCF has its share of commuters, but it is a HUGE school. So, even if half the people left at night and on the weekends, there are still plenty of people left to socialize with. That said, many feel that it is just TOO big (59,000+ students.)</p>
<p>FAU has a much lower 6 year grad rate than UCF. UCF also has a higher Carnegie class rating and has conferred twice as many Masters & Doctoral degrees.</p>
<p>Can you pay for the OOS pubic U(s)?</p>
<p>Academically, Rutgers > UCF >>> FAU.</p>
<p>Which universities are in-state, if any?</p>
<p>UCF is HUGE and often overcrowded. Its strongest programs are in the sciences.
FAU is a directional, but not for someone who’s focused on academics.
Both are heavily commuter.
Rutgers has excellent programs and some okay programs, and it’s within rail distance to NYC. It’s less commuter than the previous two.
Obviously the weather is different in these locations.</p>