It’s something of a shock to be accepted to Pace. It’s not for everyone, but for some it’s could be a good fit. Especially if you’re coming in with several AP/IB/AICE/DE credits.
Low cost. They only charge 75% of the normal tuition rate, and a very limited number of fees.
Easy transition into your major, once you reach junior status
With AP/IB/AICE/DE credits, it could only take a year or so to be classified as a Junior.
Disadvantages
Limited number of majors. You have to pick one of the 60 offered.
Not attending class can seem lonely. Need to get active in outside activities (see the examples in the above linked article).
Not the standard college experience.
Each year UF tweaks the program. Last year, I believe they started to let students pay some of the fees so they could participate in on-campus student activities
My D was accepted for PACE, and she is devastated. She is a lifelong Gator, and is right now saying no to it. I said we should look into it more and see. Would like to hear from any previous PACE students.
Yeaa…bag that. My son got into PaCE, but he also got into UMD, UDel, Rutgers, FSU and USF. UF was our first choice, but we don’t want it bad enough to do that.
@rccoble, congratulations to your Gator! Students admitted to the PaCE program are 100% Gator from day one. We know that it’s not always the offer your student was looking for, but it’s a great way to attend UF. We also know that online coursework isn’t for everyone, so if you have questions or would like to chat further, just let me know.
Oh, I should mention that one of my son’s (Class of 2021) friends is in PaCE, and that they plan on rooming together in the Fall. Currently he’s staying at one of the private “dorm style” apartments right next to campus.
If there were the opportunity to live in a dorm, I think my D would consider it, but with not going to classes, and not living among the other freshmen, it seems like it would be isolating. She is very social, and looking forward to the full college experience. Was accepted to FSU (her second choice) with a scholarship for Fall, so we are perplexed about this PACE acceptance to UF. It is making this an extremely difficult decision.
We always tell our PaCE students that they will get out of the experience what they put into it. If they are willing to seek our some opportunities for involvement (student clubs, interest groups, rec sports, utilizing libraries, etc), and find some groups with whom they connect, they will have a very enriching experience. For students who have a harder time stepping outside of their comfort zone, the traditional college experience of dorm life and live classes is sometimes what makes the difference. We want whatever decision your family makes to be one you all feel good about. Check out the FB groups (search for UF PaCE Class of 2022 - there’s one for students and one for parents), consider attending a Florida Days event, and let us know what questions we can answer to help.
Thanks for the information. We just went to check availability for my DS at Windsor Hall for PaCE living and there are only two rooms left?; is this normal?. Also, is there a percentage known of PaCE students who do reside near campus for the student experience and who pay the fees to be able to go to games etc?
Regards
@Mcccbw I would recommend checking out the UF Pace Class of 2022 group on Facebook. You may get some answers. Also, I think they started up a student group (PaCE students, living in Gainesville), and that group may have some info.
Right now, a lot of UF current students are signing leases for next fall housing. I’m not surprise by the lack of availability at Windsor.
Ok great, will do. When can a student in PaCE find out which classes ie… AP dual enrollment transfer so they can figure out how many credits they truly have to take to get to the 60 required?
@Mcccbw It’s based on when UF gets the AP scores. We had AICE scores that didn’t come out till August, so it was late August before we had the final credit breakdown.
You should be able to see AP scores/credits for test they took in the 11th grade and earlier, fairly early. Long before Preview. However, this years Spring AP scores don’t come out till the Summer (I think), and once UF gets them, it takes several days to process the scores before they show up online.
Remember, you can sign up for classes, get your new AP scores, and then go through add/drop in the beginning of the semester to fix your schedule. For example, we learned in August that he got his Chemistry credit via an AICE test, so in add/drop, he dropped Chemistry and added a different course.
@Mcccbw: CC won’t let me post web links, but if you’ll search for UF Incoming Credit Chart, you’ll see what UF awards for incoming credit. Please note that it is for the current academic year and your Gator’s catalog information will be posted later this spring. It doesn’t change often but it’s always prudent to keep an eye on it.
Also, please search for the UF Office of Off Campus life for housing help if you need it. Students do not have to live in Windsor or Ivy, though many choose to. There are no UF-run or UF affiliated or UF endorsed housing options for PaCE. Your student should live in the complex/house that best suits his or her needs as well as that of your family. Don’t let the apartment complex marketing tactics rush you into a housing contract with them. Sign only when you’re ready. Hope this helps.
For those of you accepted into the PACE program, Congratulations!! DO not fear about feeling left out, rather embrace that you are a Gator and now have a very flexible and envious schedule. Our daughter is a freshman in the PACE program and absolutely loves it. She lives in Gainesville in Ivy House, an all girls dorm building next to sorority row, and participates in all activities and programs the same way a traditional student does. She even has some labs on campus. She is in a sorority and is very active, socially and academically. She has so much flexibility to study or come home (she doesn’t very often) and is fully engaged on campus. She connects with her classmates and professors regularly and she is always at the library or meeting study groups or attending greek life functions. She has a meal plan through her sorority house, which is right next door, and she can attend all sporting events. I honestly think she prefers having her classes this way.
When she first found out that she was admitted through PACE she wasn’t sure because she didn’t know anything about it. Within 2 days we had gathered info, driven to Gainesville and signed a lease and she has never looked back. She absolutely loves being a Gator and loves her independent lifestyle! So, I recommend doing your research and giving PACE a try if you really want to be a Gator