<p>I'm trying to find out how their biology program is. This is mainly because they sent me a letter today saying that I'll be paying them $2500 a year minus FAFSA cash to attend. If it helps, my stats are such:</p>
<p>Asian Indian
Academics:
SAT: 1530, 770 english 760 math
ACT: 33, 36 in reading</p>
<p>Rank: top 10%
Classes: 8 APs after I grad, expecting 4's and 5's in all</p>
<p>Clubs:
Quiz Bowl (captain 2 years), sectional, regional champs
Forensics
Science Club founding member
National merit semifinalist at the moment
NHS</p>
<p>Out of school:
Boy scouts, going to be getting eagle
Community service award, very small number given</p>
<p>Work:
1 year target employee, 1 year as an english tutor at a private school</p>
<p>Will be getting excellent recs from 2 department heads.</p>
<p>UF is ranked 51 it's a good school but seems a bit below your level. It has a state school atmosphere and sports are big. You would definately get into the school's honors program (has optional seperate sorms) if you wished to apply. The campus and weather are very nice, but gainsville is a smaller town especially if you are comming from a large city. Your AP's would probably allow you to skip some classes and have more room in your schedue, and obviously their financial aid for you would be great. I know nothing about their biology department though.
~ wish I could help more</p>
<p>I am currently a freshman at UF (I too was lured in by the $8,000/year cash option) and I am not happy here. I just finished my first semester here and am looking into possible transfers to elite universities. The classes are large and it's hard to get to know your professors, I'm not saying it can't be done... it would just be much easier at a small LAC. If it's any help, the money is nice and the atmosphere is nice - the town itself is kind of small (esp. since I'm from Miami) but in general there's stuff to do. The campus is nice, and the people are as well. Some of the courses are taught by TA's, but those are usually limited to discussion periods and whatnot. You would definitely get into the Honors college, which provides opportunities in research through the University Scholars program and allows for more intimate relationships with your professors. Ultimately, the school is not bad, it is top 15 amongst public schools in the nation and I don't think you would have a problem getting into a top grad school if that is what you wished to pursue. That's about it I suppose...</p>
<p><edit> By the way, the school cuts incoming freshman at 30 credits from AP/IB classes. (Bugged the hell out of me to see them throw out another 15 credits)</edit></p>
<p>UF is a solid school, and you should at least attempt to visit. Of course it's not a small LAC...no large public is. On the other hand, it has vast resources...including a highly regarded med school....that may offer a student like yourself opportunities that would be hard to get at a smaller school. BTW....UF does attract many students with your qualifications...(ranks 4th nationally in number of National Merit Finalists enrolled). If a larger school sounds attractive to you, you should give it strong consideration.</p>
<p>lol i know. it's actually a wonderful university, but i got regected and am pretty bumbed about that. but it's ok... life goes on, right? but seriously, it is a great university and you should apply, you also have a wonderful chance. it could probably be your "safety" school.</p>