<p>Hello, Florida Polytechnic University is basically a new university that has been split off from USF, it seems pretty cool and the campus when finished looks pretty nice. And they are offering scholarships for the first class of 500 students i was told </p>
<p>"The scholarship we are offering for the first class this year is:
$5,000 per year for the first three years.
$3,200 for the fourth year."</p>
<p>and admission requirements</p>
<p>"
The admissions requirements are as follows:
3.0 GPA
22 ACT or 550 on each section of the SAT
Letter of Recommendation
"</p>
<p>After kinda being depressed on my college search due to feeling i won't be able to make it into other universities this one seems certainly possible for me and i could do it with hard work if they would take high sat and or act scores over a gpa thats close to 3.0 but not quite</p>
<p>But the catch is its not accredited but the man i emailed said the state of florida benchmarked them for accredation December 16. </p>
<p>He also said "The school currently is not accredited since it is a new university. The State of Florida has set a benchmark for us to become accredited by December 2016. We are building for that and working on that time frame. With the recognition of our degrees, we are already in the process of working with the industry to setup internship opportunities, curriculum development and eventually hiring opportunities for our graduates. Please see the current industry partners on board here: <a href="http://floridapolytechnic.org/partners/">http://floridapolytechnic.org/partners/</a>."</p>
<p>So what i am asking is this university a waste of time? Should i not try since its not accredited, if i get my AA in 2016 from them and the school becomes accredited will my AA be useless but my bachelor mean something?</p>
<p>Yes it is a waste of time</p>
<p>Reasons why is it because of not being accredited?</p>
<p>How do new schools usually succeed then? Is the first class of students just like a sacrifice to make the school look good?</p>
<p>I only know a bit about Florida Polytechnic, so I’m going to reserve judgement about whether or not it’s a waste of time. However, you might find it interesting to look at the experiences of the first students at UC Merced, a public college in California. This school was opened in the mid 2000s, and a few early students posted on the [Merced</a> board](<a href=“http://talk.collegeconfidential.com/university-california-merced/?pp=20&daysprune=-1]Merced”>http://talk.collegeconfidential.com/university-california-merced/?pp=20&daysprune=-1). Many of the initial posts document some of the challenges and opportunities that the first students faced at the school.</p>
<p>I see, well my main problem is the school not being accredited right now as this is what really worries me</p>
<p>This school is being pushed by the state of FL. The scholarships involved would essentially make the school tuition free for in-state students. [Florida</a> Polytechnic’s plan: Free tuition for incoming freshmen](<a href=“http://tbo.com/news/education/florida-polytechnicx2019s-plan-free-tuition-for-incoming-freshmen-20130826/]Florida”>http://tbo.com/news/education/florida-polytechnicx2019s-plan-free-tuition-for-incoming-freshmen-20130826/) I think the risk is low that the school would not be accredited by the time you graduate. It seems like a good deal for you.</p>
<p>It is absolutely NOT a waste of time - if you don’t mind being in a small, start-up college that will have some bumps in the road, and may not have all the amenities of an established college in place yet – but where you will get lots of individualized attention in small classes and the excitement of being part of something brand new where you get to help shape the future.</p>
<p>Lack of accreditation is only a risk if you do not plan to stay there and want to transfer your credits BEFORE Florida Poly becomes accredited. The only other issue with lack of accreditation is that they can’t offer federal student aid yet. They are working on some other forms of financial assistance - of course, including the inaugural scholarship.</p>
<p>Just take a look at Florida Gulf Coast University (a.k.a. “Dunk City”) which was Florida’s 10th state university. When it was brand new, it also was not accredited (it’s impossible to get accredited without being in operation a certain length of time!). It is now, has grown fast, and is definitely on the map! I also recall when UCF was in its infancy in Orlando and is now the 2nd largest college in the U.S. They all have to start somewhere and Florida Poly promises to be something special for those seeking very sought-after (and high paying) tech degrees. Many industry partnerships are in place already.</p>
<p>I know a lot about Florida Poly because my son is one of the first to be admitted for Fall 2014 semester. He also applied and was accepted to Florida Tech in Melbourne, but that school costs upwards of $40,000 a year with tuition, room and board. We like the state university pricing very much - less than half of Florida Tech’s cost (before scholarship)! </p>
<p>We have not even seen the exact curriculum/course requirements yet, but based on what we’ve been told - it will not be the standard old general education requirements of every other Florida state university. Students will get into their specialized degree area from the first year, including projects, and the gen ed required courses will be more tailored to a tech curriculum (not liberal/fine arts).</p>
<p>College selection is a personal choice, and you have to do what’s right for you - based on your comfort level, goals and preferences. Florida Poly is a great fit for my son and we’re excited about it.</p>
<p>One more note regarding your original post. Florida Poly does not offer AA degrees, only Bachelors and Masters. This is consistent with other state universities in Florida - including UF, FSU, UCF, USF, FGCU, FAU, FIU, etc.</p>
<p>Accreditation takes a few years. Every school must go through this when it’s new. It is a state school so I imagine accreditation will go through.</p>
<p>If you’re interested, you really should go tour the campus (but be ready to wear a hard hat, it’s under construction!). If you can get in with your current GPA, it may really work out for you. Even if you don’t, if you get your AA at a CC, then it could be one of the schools you may wish to transfer too for your BS. </p>
<p>Good Luck!</p>
<p>I would suggest a campus visit and in depth research on local media articles about the school. Check the faculty directory, are the positions filled or has the University at least posted openings. Exactly what business partnerships have been firmly established. Have academic maps been approved and in place? Check with the legislature on funding and progress of construction. Are there dorms? The posibilities exist for this to grow in future years and fulfill it’s mission statement. As a parent, I would not have my child apply at this time when there are other options.</p>