FSU vs. UF - Chemistry & Research Sciences

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<p>Background: // I’m a current high school senior planning to major in Biochemistry next year with the current intent of studying pharmacology or pharmacy in graduate school (the first path is a bit more inclined to research, the second to the sale of prescription meds; I’m undecided as to the specific path right now, so I’m not planning to enter into a pre-Pharm program to avoid pigeon-holing my educational background).</p>

<p>In short, my academic credentials will allow that I enter both school’s honors programs. I have Bright Futures and Prepaid College, which leaves me with practically no in-state tuition, and all I would receive in scholarships can be put towards my room and board at both schools. I will be entering with a bit of AP credit, ideally equating to 41-45 credit hours at each institution. In doing so and eliminating most of my undergraduate requirements that do not apply to my major, I hope to take additional courses still in my range of study – maybe pursuing a double-major or a few minors, but nonetheless not planning to graduate before four years of undergrad. //</p>

<p>This said, the largest obstacle I currently face is equating and discerning the PROs and CONs of not-necessarily premedical sciences in either school. I leisurely toured the FSU campus with my friend (a chemistry-biochemistry double-major) and he made a point to explain to be the institution’s proficiency and focus on research sciences as well as offering a medical school and premed program. In contrast, when I toured UF with the honors students (a group of ~20-25 individuals), the closest major in the group that I could relate to was a public sciences major, and when I asked about any science field specifics, everyone just chimed was that UF “has a great premed program.” [N.B. I’m not necessarily slanting myself towards FSU over UF, but this has so far been my only on-campus experience with students at either school].</p>

<p>The online numbers all illustrate that each institution is highly regarded and reputable in this field of study, but if anyone has any experience or knowledgeable input concerning sciences (outside of engineering or premedical programs) at either school, I would love to factor some additional opinions into my college-making decision.</p>

<p>Thanks ahead of time!</p>

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<p>My D1 is now an FSU Med M4 (a 4th year student) and majored in biochemistry at FSU. She had excellent research opportunities as an individual in the labs of chemistry and biochemistry faculty. She wrote an Honors-in-the-Major thesis in biochemistry and won a cash award. The money paid for her travel to a national biochem symposium where she presented her research (using the resources at the National High Magnetic Field Lab, I would add). It was an excellent education for her and resulted in offers of grad school for her research.</p>

<p>She wound up in FSU Med, where she is very happy. She graduates in May as an MD.</p>

<p>Contact the faculty at FSU and I suggest an appointment to visit them: [Department</a> of Chemistry [FSU] - Biochemistry Chemistry Program](<a href=“http://www.chem.fsu.edu/programs.php?program=2]Department”>http://www.chem.fsu.edu/programs.php?program=2)</p>