Hi- I understand the difference between the schools listed is huge at least cost wise. Besides that, I’m really having a difficult time choosing the best fit for me. I live in Naples FL, closest to UTampa & UMiami. For this reason I am inclined to want to go to one of these schools. I’m also a little turned away from the “big school feel” at UCF & the fact that FSU is party party party. I love a good social life but FSU’s reputation really is that of a vortex. While the school is great, I wish it was in another location. I think if it was located a couple hours from me I’d definitely go. But Tallahassee really has no opportunity career wise. I expect to change majors as most people seem to but as right now I’d like to go along the lines of communication - journalism/ photojournalism. Super into the fashion/ art side of marketing business etc. this is what leads me to believe Miami will have the best opportunities for me. Orlando & Tampa may also have decent surroundings. While this is true I do hope to be part of Greek life and also have a good academic/ social balanced career. If anyone has knowledge / opinions based around #1 opportunity, #2 academics, #3 social, please help a girl out. Would so appreciate any input (aside for rivalries)
Miami based on your goals would be an excellent choice. In every category. But plenty of partying there too.
I just dont know the cost differences.
UCF is moving up in both academic reputation and football too Orlando was recently ranked one of the best cities to go to college. If not the best. I forget where, but it really surprised me.
FSU is super solid too. As well as Tampa.
If equally priced and or affordable at any level for you. Based on your goals. Miami FSU UCF and Tampa. Based purely on my gauge of the national brand of each in my area. Which is New England , so you probably have zero desire to become the next Vera Wang in my area.
So take it with a grain of salt (the kind we use to melt snow on the winter)!
Orlando is one of the best cities in Florida. Nightlife, sailing, close to the beach, every type of outdoor activity, best restaurants in Florida, and also the best well run airport in the US, so easy to get places. Remember its set up for millions of tourists, but in fact, its just a fun place to live, if you avoid theme parks. Its got nice gardens, and lots of day destinations too. Cold springs for swimming up north, hiking, forests, lots of wildlife and actually lots of wilderness for a state thats the fourth biggest population in the nation. Orlando offers Valencia College, a tiny private LAC called Rollins College and UCF. UCF used to be a tech school that has morphed into a school for anything and everything. It is the largest school in the USA along with Arizona State. Many students at UCF commute from home, but the area has plenty of good housing. Biking is fun there, too, and any hobby you have, there will be a club for it. Orlando, instead of pigeons, there are giant sandhill cranes walking around downtown, like they own the place. You can find rare birds like Crested Cara Cara, and a large community of happy gay people live near Lake Underhill, a lake with a highway running over it, but still pretty. Its not too hard to get to the gulf, but the Atlantic beaches are closer. Its a melting pot of Southeast Asians, African Americans, Jewish neighborhoods, Florida Crackers, and Spanish speaking immigrants from all over the world. Its not as hot feeling as Washington DC, because there are breezes.
Orlando is a tourist mecca which need communications experts. There is a small and growing high tech job market there, as well, which spills over to Melbourne area and Cape Canaveral.
U of Miami, the private school, though will have better students if that matters to you. UCF has a high drop out rate.
look at the drop out rates of each of the universities if that matters to you. Any private school in Florida, tends to have more serious students in Orlando, with a lower drop out rate.
Stetson University is another private school, you could look at up in Deland Florida. Its smaller and quieter up there.
Rollins College in Winter Park is right next to Orlando, and might be another school to look at too, if you can afford privates. Stetson offers very good merit as does Rollins College. Rollins offers a big Greek life for a small school.