Out of all the schools I have been accepted to, my remaining choices are Stetson (De land, Fl) and Florida Gulf Coast University (Fort Meyers, Fl). I have been awarded an annual $40,000 scholarship to Stetson University as well as the medallion scholarship from Florida Bright Futures. I am also apart of the Pre-Paid Florida College Plan for state schools which covers the cost of tuition at Florida Gulf Coast University along with Florida Bright Futures. Thankfully, I am financially covered at both schools, making this decision that much more difficult. Stetson is a much smaller and more prestigious university while Florida Gulf Coast is a larger university but still has that smaller atmosphere in the classroom. I have visited both schools and plan to shadow a student overnight at Stetson next week after recently visiting an open house there a few weeks ago. I am from Miami, FL and Fort Meyers is two hours away while De land is 4-5 hours away. I would like to work in Disney World during my years away at school and De land is only 45 minutes away. I have a 3.2 weighted GPA overall but I currently have a 4.1 this year. (I did poorly freshman year and took several AP/H courses to bump up my GPA). There are obvious reasons to attend Stetson but something keeps me from jumping at the opportunity. I am afraid of the small student population affecting the social atmosphere of the university. If any one knows from experience or second hand what the social atmosphere at stetson is like, let me know! (May 1rst deadline is in a little over two weeks)
Also I should also add that I have so many interests. I have applied to each as undecided but I am leaning more towards Marine Science/Biology, Psychology, Sociology, Theatre (would minor not major) and I am highly interested in studying abroad.
Congratulations on your scholarship!! The two colleges have many similar stats, so it is a fair comparison.
You will not be commuting from Deland to work at Disney. Your earnings wouldn’t cover the transportation costs (112 miles round-trip)! In high traffic, you need to allow 75+ minutes to get there.
Stetson IS more suited to your capabilities. Will you be a part of the FGCU Honors Program? I hope so, because the university has an overall 45% graduation rate. You are a high achieving student where as FGCU has many students that chose it as their only option.
Be sure that these schools have sufficient attractive majors for you to explore and eventually choose from. Despite Deland being a quaint town, Stetson is more likely to have “connections” to Florida businesses and industries you will need for internships & jobs. Southwest Florida has one industry - retirement - and FGCU probably has not established as many business relations.
You know, often a big college can be like Disney World on a busy day. You are surrounded by people, but it’s not social. You chat, smile, and have short chats with other guests, but you don’t make friends. More isn’t always better.
Explore the specific organizations and activities offered at each school. Good luck with your choice!
I don’t think there are a lot of students from Stetson on this board to help you out with the social aspect, @Chills728. Thanks for chiming in here with some good points, @NotForEveryone. I thought this was a hard post to respond to because, other than student input on social life, it’s like comparing apples to apples. It doesn’t seem as though OP picked schools based on a major. Neither FGCU or Stetson are known for their marine science/biology program. That being said, if these are the final choices, they will probably serve equally well. I’m pretty sure FGCU requires a min weighted GPA of 3.5 to participate in the honor program. With a weighted GPA of 3.2, OP wouldn’t qualify, but there are other programs FGCU offers designed to acclimate freshman into campus life. The only reason I can think of to choose Stetson over FGCU is that private schools do usually have more study aboard opportunities, however, I know that FGCU offers study aboard opportunities as well. The biggest difference in these two schools is the size of the student body. There is just not enough contrast between the two otherwise. I hope you get a good feel for Stetson on your overnight. You may just have to rely on your guts for this one, @Chills728. Good luck.
^^ I misread post and thought overall GPA was 4.1.