<p>Penguin10 You made some very good points. I talked to this girl today in one of my electives, and although she was a Sophomore, she had a lot of information to offer. She told me that it doesn’t really matter what school you go to, it’s what you make of it. I asked her how she knew that and she said it’s because she’s spoken to name-brand schools like Princeton because she aspires to be in the medical field.</p>
<p>When I first came here at UCF I was a Engineering major, changed to Economics. Here’s what I heard, UCF is the best engineering school in the state–that’s a complete lie. Lockheed Martin places UF #1 in terms of where they recruit over Georgia Tech and UCF. Please guys, do not make the same mistake I made, I learned alot and overall, I hope I get into UF in the spring. It’s a no brainer to me now, before it was alot of crap I heard from different people. Don’t let an opportunity pass you by. I heard from a friend that he chose to come to UCF because he felt better about the people here (and he loves football)–then I found out he was not as hardworking as I once heard and is barely making it by here. So, guys if you are smart and motivated you want to be around smart people–not average. Sorry, but being a UCF student, I feel everyday I am limited and just hope I can get out and get a UF education–one I can afford and has a better name recognition. Because, believe it or not you might not go to Harvard–but the Gator Nation is strong and powerful beyond measure. Do not MAKE THE SAME MISTAKE I MADE COMING TO UCF!</p>
<p>If you have any questions, feel free to email me at <a href="mailto:sbeckett20@gmail.com">sbeckett20@gmail.com</a></p>
<p>Here’s the way I see it - </p>
<p>Everybody knows that Harvard is a fantastic school right? BUT - if you get in, they probably wont offer you any aid, so you’ll be coming out of school with 100k in student loans. Plus, top schools tend to be more focused on their graduate studies and view undergrad students with a bit of disdain. The intense pressure to excel and handle the schoolwork might make some students miserable, despite the wonderful brand name and the academics. </p>
<p>BOTTOM LINE is you get out what you put in - I could go to Harvard and skim by and just cram for tests and forget everything I learned in 10 years, or you could go to a school where you’re comfortable and happy and learn and pick the best classes the best professors ask questions do everything to the best of your ability get a 4.0 if you want pursue internships and job offers and end up on the better end. </p>
<p>I also think there’s a sort of “belonging” factor to picking a school. My sister and I each visited the same school, she didnt like the vibe at all but I’d never felt more at home - there’s a certain feeling you get even if you didnt expect it where you just LOVE the school and cant stop thinking about it and I don’t think thats something to disregard.</p>
<p>And for the people who come on here to bash and rant and rail about how much they hate a school - what the heck is wrong with you? You see a bunch of people who are excited and happy about the schools and you just come in and try to rain on their parades? Out of what, spite because you had a bad experience? If you have a valid point and can present it like an adult then I’m sure it will be welcomed if not then it has no place on these boards.</p>
<p>I agree completely with you LauraG2011. It’s unfortunate that your experience wasn’t exactly what you wanted it to be sbeckett20 but UCF without a doubt is a close second to UF in engineering in the state. I doubt Lockheed Martin places UF over Georgia Tech, one of the best engineering schools in the country. In fact I doubt they place UF over UCF. Lockheed has plenty of UCF engineering students as interns that then go on to get offered jobs. I don’t care what you say, you obviously are extremely biased and just came here to bash UCF, but I’m smart and motivated and I’m doing just fine here. If you think you’re so smart then you should have joined the Honors College like I did. I was accepted into UF from the start but declined it because I felt at home here and didn’t want to deal with people who have an elitist attitude because of the UF name. A great and hardworking student can be successful anywhere, not just at a school with a big name to “motivate” you.</p>
<p>So I haven’t been on here in quite a while, but I’m going to post a follow-up to my original post if anyone’s interested.</p>
<p>In the end, I chose UCF, and I am extremely happy doing so. I love it here. I’ve made great friends and have become so involved. I’ve tried new things. UCF offers so much for a student. Also, being a student of the Honors college has its perks. I have to say, I have already enrolled in my Spring 2011 classes and my schedule is perfect. I got the times I wanted with the professors I wanted. Counselors and advisors are also great to talk to. All my professors so far have been knowledgeable for the most part and also very engaging.
I don’t really feel like UCF has an apathetic student body. Since I’ve been here, it’s been pretty exciting. Game days there are tons of people decked out in black and gold.
All-in-all, I’m glad I made the choice of coming to UCF.</p>
<p>Questions? Post it here. I’ll try to check this site!</p>
<p>Hi, look guys I am not trying to trash UCF. IF you don’t believe me that Lockheed Martin prefers UF v. UCF–why don’t you call their recruiting office and find out? </p>
<p>I am trying to offer you advice so you don’t make the same mistake I did. UF is the best school in florida–if you are the valedictorian in your class or go for a job interview they will TAKE the UF kid vs. the UCF kid anyday (considering GPAs are close and work is close). </p>
<p>I know you can say it’s what you make of the scenerio. But, understand not everyone is brilliant, and not everyone can become a CEO from UCF. I agree my idol went to UCF, but now that I think about it it’s not for me. Simply, put UF is a better education for me because if I decide to go to grad school uf provides a better reputation and better recommenders vs. ucf. also, if you don’t believe me see wall street journal’s survey for best schools employers look to hire from–UF is #9. </p>
<p>So, guys I am not trying to bash UCF–all I am saying it UF is a better school OVERALL, and NOW IT IS A BETTER SCHOOL FOR ME–Don’t listen to what people just put down or just a few conversations–visit both places for yourselves and in terms of internships, most aren’t going to do it in the fall/spring anyway–so it doesnt matter because u are going to be most likely working in the summer. SO, Look I am a kid who got into Johns Hopkins and didn’t go–UF is a much better school than UCF: it’s from my experiences. You will have fun in both places, I agree in Orlando there is more in Downtown–but are you really going to go there everyweek? NO! Most people here just go to clubs and get drunk and that’s what happens everywhere–so don’t limit yourself for location or what someone says (just DO YOUR OWN RESEARCH AND YOUR MAJOR). FOR ME, UF is a WAY BETTER ECONOMICS school that UCF–it’s not even a comparison. UCF has no profs. from an IVY league UF has over 10, UF is in the AAU, recognized internationally. </p>
<p>Think about it–if you go for a job at NYC, and one says they went to UCF vs. UF, the central portion will cut you out, especially if they are taking 10+ kids in the i/b from harvard and wharton. Atleast, you can talk about football and show your knowledge to get in. It’s SIMPLY A NO BRAINER TO ME NOW–it wasn’t in the past!</p>
<p>Here’s the link from WSJ, this is by actual people who hire workers for top firms: so please read the methology before you say anything !</p>
<p>[Best</a> Colleges & Universities - Ranked by Job Recruiters - WSJ.com](<a href=“Best Colleges & Universities - Ranked by Job Recruiters - WSJ”>Best Colleges & Universities - Ranked by Job Recruiters - WSJ)</p>
<p>LauraG, if you get into Harvard, they have a generous financial aid plan (because they have over $30 billion in endowment). Over 30x than UF’s and over 300x than UCF’s. </p>
<p>If your parents make less than 60k you have a full ride, if less than 100k you get tuition paid for…the cut off number is 220k per year. So, please make sure your information is relevent. I have a friend at Harvard who only paid 8k a year. </p>
<p>Also, Johns Hopkins financial aid isn’t like Harvard, because they only have 2.5b and they spend more to finance grad students.</p>
<p>And a school’s reputation is based on ‘how many kids they reject’ not allow. UCF is the biggest in terms of enrollment with only 100m in endowment. Look, I made GREAT friends at UCF–but’s it’s simply not for me. Every since I couldn’t go to my dream school becuase of the cost–Johns Hopkins–I feel there’s something missing everyday. And, now I want to make that space up–the intricate rank and professors there make that up for me. So, I am sorry if I offended anyone–I didn’t mean to–after all I was accepted as a transfer from UCF–all I am saying is it’s not for me and it’s true I am beginning to develop a elitist view because I understand better how the world works atleast in terms of where I want to go–and that’s in the hierachy of corp. finance. I just feel everyday UCF will not get me there no matter how hard I work…and all the statements I made I made with research–please take a look for your selves or call the corp. recruiting offices at Lockheed (but I am not an engineering major anymore). Call them and ask them and tell me what they tell you. They recruit from both UCF and UF–but they prefer UF students more–it’s almost a gurantee v. UCF’s 35% rate of intern offers. If you want to have a honest conversation, I would like to as well. I don’t want to offend anyone I really don’t but I like relevent and accurate data. And, UF is ranked higher than UCF in engineering–ANYWHERE U LOOK besides the #s of patents by university rank. Thank you for listening.</p>
<p>“I don’t care what you say, you obviously are extremely biased and just came here to bash UCF, but I’m smart and motivated and I’m doing just fine here. If you think you’re so smart then you should have joined the Honors College like I did.”</p>
<p>Just because you are smart doesn’t mean you are in the honors college. People since high school think “honors” means something. In florida, grades are highly inflated–and people get overly hyped–but in the end, I would take a prep school kid from Massachussets with a 2.8 gpa (who took all the literary and science courses) than a 5.4 HPA from a Florida high school. Don’t feel special because you are in the honors college–In the REAL WORLD no one cares–it’s about work experience and where you come from…unless ofcourse, you start your own business and even then–you have a upper hand if you come from a more established place. And, call Lockheed Martin and tell me what they say–even look at this ranking or the WSJ ranking…</p>
<p>[Rankings</a> - Best Engineering Schools - Graduate Schools - Education - US News](<a href=“http://grad-schools.usnews.rankingsandreviews.com/best-graduate-schools/top-engineering-schools/rankings/state+FL]Rankings”>http://grad-schools.usnews.rankingsandreviews.com/best-graduate-schools/top-engineering-schools/rankings/state+FL)</p>
<p>UF is #30 v. #75 for UCF: It’s not even a close comparison. Please get your facts straight! And I know this is just one ranking–find one for me where UCF is ranked higher in engineering quality!</p>
<p>You’re obviously trying to make up for something by coming on here and trying to make yourself feel all high and mighty since you now going to UF. You start off by completely bashing UCF then each post you made afterward is trying to come off as apologetic when you really don’t care because all you keep bringing up is the rankings. Unlike you I didn’t come here to brag. I mentioned the Honors College because you said that you weren’t motivated since you weren’t surrounded by other smart people. If you wanted that environment then you should have considered applying for the Honors College. So in the “REAL WORLD” no one will care even the slightest bit that I graduated with honors but they’re going to throw dozens of job offers your way simply because you went to UF? And what are you talking about “getting your facts straight?” After you came on this thread, NO ONE even brought up the rankings or claimed that UCF was higher than UF in any engineering ranking. Only you said that you “heard” that UCF was ranked highest in the state for engineering. You also do realize that you’re comparing a school that’s only about 50 years old with one that’s about 150. Of course UF is going to be ranked much higher. You make it seem as if you discovered fire by telling everyone that UF is ranked higher than UCF. You should take into consideration the fact that the majority of the people who post on the UCF threads are genuinely interested in the school. They like the school for what it is, they know it isn’t near an Ivy League school yet. Is it wrong to try an encourage people to look into UF? Absolutely not, but it is when you come in with some horror story about your experience at UCF and only a few posts later writing that you just meant to explain why UF was right for YOU.</p>
<p>I said, “it was a mistake” because I have heard from countless people that UCF is better for engineering. Just so you know, if you get rejected from UF you go to UCF. And, honestly, no, no one gives a damn if you are in the honors college. </p>
<p>Go up to any florida owner and ask them which school they prefer and they will tell you (unless they are an UCF alum–in which case its very little). Also, UF grads are more likely to be hired by Lochkeed–that’s SOMETHING YOU GOT WRONG marlins97–so basically I dont want to be rude–but you are trying to clean your own mistake. </p>
<p>See the level of speakers that come to both universities, see the level of quality of the professors and which schools they received their phds, see which courses are offered, and see which how people in another state react to the name of a university. </p>
<p>Go to a top investment bank and tell them you went to Wharton (response, “wow”), tell them you went to UF (“that’s a pretty good school you have a shot”), tell them you went to UCF (“where is that?”). At the end of the day, it comes down to reputation and I am trying to offer advice to students here so they can research both universities and all universities that will allow them to pursue their goals. The tuition is about the same and UF gives more aid–so why the hell would you want to go to UCF? I made that mistake and I don’t want someone else to make the same mistake. That’s all, so please provide sources for your BS–in the real world your reputation will matter initially and that has an impact years down.</p>
<p>So sbeckett20, are you trying to say basically, that reputation means everything? I mean I get it, it comes into play, but if what you said was true, then we could all just go to a fancy college and then get mediocre grades and get jobs JUST because we went to X university. Being in an Honors college shows that you have that extra motivation to get more out of your education. I highly agree with marlins97’s statement "So in the “REAL WORLD” no one will care even the slightest bit that I graduated with honors but they’re going to throw dozens of job offers your way simply because you went to UF? " I don’t believe that EVERYONE at UF is smart and motivated to learn. People know the school because it has a superior football team and like marlins97 said, you’re comparing a relatively new school to school that is much, much older.
And how can you say you didn’t come here to bash UCF if you make generalizations like, “Just so you know, if you get rejected from UF you go to UCF.” If you dislike UCF so much, why did you even pick it in the first place and had to transfer out? You do so much research now to prove a point, but you didn’t do that research to pick your school in the beginning? You say you came here to make sure other people don’t make the same mistake as you; well I hope they know to do more researching on schools than you in their college search.
I don’t understand why some UF students like to go around talking as if UF is the equivalent to something like Yale. Like if they walked up to an employer and said, “I attended University of Florida”, that it would be an automatic in. This type of attitude is what I could not stand.</p>
<p>And for the record, I was accepted in BOTH UF and UCF and ultimately chose UCF Honors instead. So your generalization that people who get rejected by UF go to UCF is not true.</p>
<p>Hey look you are all taking it the wrong way. I don’t want to seem elitist.
UCF was something I chose by default (between FSU and UCF, when I graduted from H/S I agree I didn’t do the complete research and I didn’t even check the campus. Yes, It was my mistake. However, looking at UF’s professors and their experiences I now feel it is a better university. Coming to UCF was a mistake, and you are right not everyone goes to UCF when they get in–I stated that with my friend who is currently here. But, UF is a better school. And, please don’t compare a old school vs. new school–it’s not relevant! So what if a school is new–no one cares. In general, I think a school’s reputation can be reflected well with their endowment (So, we all agree Harvard is the best university). However, yes, I would proudly say I went to UCF or UF to an employer (prefer the second one more). At UCF, people don’t have pride, most students are just there to get a degree. It’s great you are in the honors college, but in reality no one truly cares–I am sure it is of great intricate value to you. As I stated earlier, my idol went to UCF and I still respect the school somewhat, but NOT LIKE I DID WHEN I CAME OUT OF HIGH SCHOOL. And, In H/S I made mistakes and at UF I feel I am better equipped. I mean I had a 4.0 and the coursework is more challenging–thus it makes me feel my work is being pursued in the right direction because I struggle more, but also learn more. </p>
<p>I am greatful of the opportunities I have had–both are a piece of me now. However, for ME UF is a better college and part of that is the reputation and my view of the world. Sure, we all want to go to harvard, but not everyone can get in and afford it…UF is the best bang for the buck! Thank you for listening and I do recognize I came out as abrusive and I did not mean to be–but I do want to share my experiences.</p>