<p>It's decision time, and my top two choices are Florida and Missouri. Right now, I'm leaning towards Missouri. I'd be part of two pretty cool scholarship programs, Missouri has impressed me with their recruiting effort and the journalism school is really good. Florida has a better college overall, and is supposed to be better academically, along with weather and stuff like that. However, their journalism program just seemed a little small and sorry when I visited. Plus, I haven't been getting any attention from them as I make my decision. Does CC have any advice?</p>
<p>Missouri, because of the quality and reputation of the j-school. Browse back through this thread for a lot of student opinions, and maybe that will help you (I am the parent of a satisfied Mizzou student). I would be surprised if you’d notice any big difference between the overall caliber of students at the two schools, but the Missouri j-school attracts top students. I can’t claim that Missouri has better weather than Florida, unfortunately.</p>
<p>Admittedly Missouri’s J-School is well known, especially compared to Florida. Most of the students I know who don’t particularly care for Mizzou are minorities (myself included) - as it can sometimes feel as though you’re a peripheral part of campus, and there’ve been a few racial incidents (the cotton ball incident of this february). I do also know minority students that love it and have a good time. As is the case with most state schools, the majority of students are in-state, but a plus of the J-School is that you get more kids from all over. Columbia was too small and boring for my taste and if you don’t have a car or know someone with one it can be tough to get to the grocery store or wal-mart or the movies. </p>
<p>If you’re part of the Brooks scholarship, congratulations and be sure to take advantage of the Honors College opportunities. Any questions feel free to PM me.</p>
<p>I am indeed part of the Brooks program, as well as the Walter Williams program within the Journalism College. I’ll most definitely be PMing you, since I did indeed decide on Mizzou. The replies to my forum posts raised no issues, and essentially confirmed what I’ve been feeling. Anyway, thanks for offering to answer my questions.</p>
<p>I sent you a PM. MojaveMocha raises some good points, but unfortunately I doubt that you would have found a more diverse environment at Florida. Keep in mind that Mizzou is a huge school, and you will develop a supportive, like-minded group of friends. My son was like a fish out of water at Mizzou (though he is not a minority), and he has been able to do that. Columbia is small, but it doesn’t have to be boring. And he is always happy to see his parents when he comes home to city life!</p>
<p>On the car issue: He doesn’t have a car, but most of his friends do. He contributes to gas, etc., and generally doesn’t feel like he imposes on them by riding along on shopping trips.</p>