Hi everyone. My senior son was not accepted to UF, his first choice school. He was accepted to FSU and is prepared to attend, but is saying he will transfer to UF as soon as he is eligible to. We are a Gator family, so attending FSU will take a little getting used to for all of us. We know FSU is a good school; however, we just don’t think it’s in his heart to try to assimilate once he’s there.
So, assuming he sticks to his decision to transfer, my question is what is the better option for him, FSU or Santa Fe.
I know UF requires transfer students to have earned their AA degree, so it will be two years before he will be at UF. I also know his likely major, Marketing, is a very competitive major and that he may be admitted into the BA Business program and not the traditional BS in Business.
I know a large part of this answer is a personal choice that can only be answered by him, with our support. So what I am hoping to hear from the forum are stories from people who faced a similar situation. All advice and info will be greatly appreciated. I know in the big picture everything will work out, but right now we feel a little lost.
We are in same position as you. I’m a Gator Alum and have raised my son a Gator. He has attended Gators games since he was five. He’s enrolling at FSU after having been denied by UF and we are both excited he has that opportunity. I bought him FSU clothes and other FSU stuff. Told him he has to set his own path now. I was mostly worried that he would think I was disappointed in him so I made sure to let him know that acceptance to FSU is a great accomplishment. It feels wierd to us but we are both adjusting quite well. I told him to be full steam a Seminole and to enjoy the four year university experience. I thought about Sante Fe, but I’d rather him be a traditional freshman at a big residential university like I was. We’ll have a fun father-son rivalry going. He’s planning to do really well at FSU, graduate with a BS in business, then apply to UF’s MBA program. My guess is your son will fall in love with FSU once he’s there. FWIW, I suggest encouraging him to be Nole and buy him Nole stuff to ease the transition. Best wishes!
Two things to keep in mind if he really wants to ultimately transfer to UF.
First, he may have enough AP/DE/IB/AICE credits, that it only takes a year (and perhaps a summer) to earn his AA before being admitted to UF.
Second, if he attends SF, he’ll be able to make friends that will also be transferring to UF or are already students at UF. The process is “easier” from SF to UF than FSU to UF, since you don’t have to leave behind your friends, and don’t have to search for roommates and housing (you’ll already have it).
While at SF, he can attend UF sporting events, etc. He could even join the Gator Marching Band! If you haven’t already, see the following link:
On a personal side. I really think Freshman need to become engaged with campus, join clubs and make friends. If he “pulls back”, knowing he is going to transfer, and doesn’t make an effort to build up his circle of friends, it could be a lonely experience. If he goes to FSU, push him to get “engaged” and make some friends. Even if he transfers, it will make his time at FSU much more enjoyable.