<p>I went to high school in Sarasota, FL. I received full bright futures but never actually submitted my application to UF my senior year because my family decided to move back to NC (so now I can't get it!) But, it's only about $5,000 more to go to UF as an OOS than UNC as an in-state. Now, I realize how much I hate the school I chose (Elon University in NC) and recently got accepted as a sophomore transfer for both UF and UNC Chapel Hill. My parents argue that I'm crazy to go to UF over UNC for its high ranking and excellent reputation, the truth is I am just in love with Florida, have been a gators fan, and really miss the warm Florida weather! Besides which fact, UNC may have some diversity and good athletics (well, basketball at least) but UF has football and basketball, not too mention a great "college town" feel that I just don't get from Franklin street in Chapel Hill from all it's expensive boutiques selling designer clothes, wine tasting shops, and coffee shops, which I'm also looking for at least for my undergraduate years. </p>
<p>I'm a history major as of now looking into doubling with political science or international relations. I want to go off to a respectable law school and I know that both of these schools can give me that, but I also want to have fun these next couple of years too..Any suggestions?</p>
<p>ok i know unc would be a better choice academically speaking but its still super southern (im originally from pittsburgh) then i moved to florida for high school so ive never really been in the south...</p>
<p>also i have alot of friends who go to uf so ive been in gainesville alot this year (at least 4 times) during the school year the same with unc so i have a good grasp on both schools </p>
<p>i want to go to uf i just have to try to convince my parents that im not committing "academic suicide" as my mom claims i am..</p>
<p>Tomatoking, I'm just going to assume that this whole thread has flown way over your head - that's the only explanation. Please refrain from commenting if you don't have something to add.</p>
<p>Now back on topic, TC - if your mom thinks going to UF is "academic suicide," two things become apparent to me. First, what I said before is definitely true and she is unaware of the status of UF as a university. It isn't as prestigious a university as UNC, but the difference is not large, and in fact UF is one of the top public schools in the nation. It is not your run of the mill state school in terms of academic reputation. You need to gather some facts and explain this to your mother. I'll say no more as we are, in fact, talking about your mother.</p>
<p>Secondly, she should be made aware of the fact that for law school, where you go for undergrad has largely no effect on law school admission, unless where you go is known for being extremely easy for your major. Law schools basically care about two things: GPA and LSAT. All else is a distant second.</p>
<p>Here is the truth: If you want to live in Florida for your career, then UF is as good as an Ivy League. The Alumni Base takes care of their own.</p>
<p>Research the Bright Futures info. If you graduated from a Florida High School, your eligibility continues for a few years. The website says "A student who receives a Bright Futures award and attends an out-of-state postsecondary institution and then returns to Florida to complete his/her education within three years may apply for reinstatement of the original award. Go to FACTS.org, click on Bright Futures, call ASAP and see if you can get things reinstated. It might help sway your folks.</p>
<p>I attended high school in Florida and recently got accepted to UF honors and UNC - CH, i want to major in something science related and go to grad school for genetics, which would be the better choice?</p>
<p>As some people don't understand on this board, academics is NOT everything. Maybe UNC ranks higher or whatever, but ranking and assumed 'prestige' is not everything when it comes to choosing a college. Choose the college that will really makes you happy (which from the looks of it, is UF).</p>
<p>Gatorbait - If it was me I would choose Chapel Hill (and i'm going to UF). UNC was the one school that I didn't apply to that I wish I would have. Getting into UNC as a out of state student, who doesn't get a sports scholarship, is very difficult (Although, I hear that transferring is easier). Consider yourself lucky to have the chance to go to Chapel Hill. It sounds like you have already made up your mind though, so I guess what you are really asking is how to convince your parents. Make sure they know about the great academics at UF, your friends there, and that Bright Futures should still work (as long as you applied for it in high school). Having visited both campuses, I can tell you that they are similar, except for the weather, which was big for me. If you want to have days in January that reach 80, then UF is the place for you. I personally don't but I don't have much a choice. </p>
<p>Also, you should consider grad school in Florida as an option. Finish your 4 years in NC, then come to Florida.</p>
<p>As others have noted, law schools generally only look at your GPA and LSAT. As someone who graduated from UF's Polisci program, I can tell you that it is relatively easy to get a high GPA within the program. In fact, I know someone who coasted, graduated with a 3.5, owned the LSAT, and got into law school at Georgetown.</p>
<p>Of course, if you are not set on law school, you should give UNC serious consideration--it has a great rep.</p>
<p>without even reading all of this, just my personal opinion. been to both schools. UNC seems much better. academically.. socially.. the whole bit, unless you are huge on partying and football. UNC just seems so perfect to me. lol</p>