<p>I believe that a college decision should be based solely on the person, and what they want out of college.</p>
<p>For me, I have been accepted to UF, UCF, and three other state schools, but I ultimately chose UCF.</p>
<p>Since I will be majoring in Computer Science – the school’s program was a top proiority for me. UCF has the strongest CS program, compared to UF… from my research. Also, UCF admissions staff has been helpful along the whole admissions process… while UF has failed to email me back on several occassions. There are several aspects that I have looked into when choosing the right college for me and UCF won.</p>
<p>Remember, it is not about what school is better for everyone… but what school is better for each person.</p>
<p>It is no surprise that UF has the largest endowment; the school is 150+ years old!!! We know a 90 year old law school alumni who just died and had been a huge supporter of the school. I have friends whose grandfathers went there and I am 44! UCF is only 40 years old and it will take time to build the alumni support. I also know MANY kids who, in the past years, have been opting for UCF over UF and FSU. Our friend’s son is in the 7 year medical program there and had been accepted to the other schools. It will take a little time but their endowment will grow. </p>
<p>“Since I will be majoring in Computer Science – the school’s program was a top proiority for me. UCF has the strongest CS program, compared to UF… from my research”</p>
<p>I hate to tell you: you had some bad research. According to US News: UF is ranked 37th overall in Computer Engineering & 47th overall in the Computer Science Program.</p>
<p>UCF is not ranked in either of these categories.</p>
<p>Thank you SSobick, but I am aware of that information.</p>
<p>My decision is based on the curriculum, research opportunities, and the overall program-- not ranking.</p>
<p>In all it is about finding the perfect fit-- not the highest rank.</p>
<p>However, I do know where you are coming from SSobick. I used to stick solely to rankings, and ignore what each program consisted of. When you look into each school and know each major well a decision becomes more clear… and the rankings are no longer important.</p>
<p>^ I do not put 100% stock in rankings either (but it is not like UCF program is ranked just a few spots behind UF - there is in fact a huge margin of difference). But just wanted to point out that you were flat out wrong with your last statement that you stated as if it were a fact.</p>
<p>In your opinion the UCF Computer Science program is better, however the experts are of the opinion that UF’s program is nationally acclaimed. But this is in fact a free country, and you are entitled to your opinion.</p>
<p>SSobick… I did not intend for it to be fact… I didn’t mean for it to come across like that. Also… UCF is in fact ABET accredited in Computer Science… while UF is not. Other than that I feel more comfortable w/ UCF’s atmosphere and location.</p>
<p>knightforum…computer science at UCF is offered by the college of engineering, whereas at UF it is in the college of liberal arts and science…so of course the core curriculum is not ABET accredited…apples and oranges.</p>
<p>But I do that SSobick is over-generalizing, as I feel that UCF’s engineering programs would be one reason to pick UCF over FSU.</p>
<p>Of course, UF has a dentistry program, a veterinary science program, a pharmacy program and IFAS (actually a state agricultural support program, but credited to UF amazingly enough) that FSU does not, and that both FSU and UF have law schools while UCF has none of these programs.</p>
<p>To conclude, your chances of working closely with a faculty member with an advanced degree are best at FSU, nearly as good at UF and not so great at UCF. </p>
<p>What university really gets you the biggest bang for your buck? Please don’t tell me you’re to spend thousands on an education so you’ll be closer to home. :rolleyes: If that is so important, I’d suggest community college. Some in Florida are now offering 4-year degrees.</p>
<p>Ssobick, I’ve taken your thoughts and advice to heart before and i think that many others value your knowledge and thoughts. My daughter, as you may recall, was rejected and we considered appealing but she wants to leave it alone now. She’ll go to FSU and study engineering. I realize that FSU does not have the best reputation for it’s engineering programs. UCF, however, is not an option for her. She wants to go into Biomedical Engineering. FSU offers ChemE/BioE as an undergraduate degree. At UF, the education would have been a BS in Chemical Engineering and then, hopefully, onto UF’s Master in Biomedical Engineering. Few schools are offering the Bio option at this time. UCF doesn’t even offer ChemE, which surprises me. So, in finally asking my question, do you think that the ChemE/Biomedical program are decent at FSU? At nearly any other school, she’d have to do 4 years in ChemE and then go on to get a masters. I think that she still wants to go to grad school but the thought of having some of the Biomedical classes in her first four years is appealing. It’s tough to put in four years before getting into the “meat” of what you want to do as a career. I’m guessing that you are in the northeast for your PhD. I grew up in New England - lots of exceptional schools up there. Thanks, once again, for your thoughts. Sue</p>
<p>smilemaker, I don’t see a problem with your daughter getting her undergrad in engineering from FSU. If she gets really good grades and does really well on her GRE, then she shouldn’t have a problem getting into grad school at UF.</p>
<p>FSU’s engineering program is ranked 92 in the state. Not sure why everyone claims it to be garbage; it’s a whole 12 spots behind UCF (and engineering is the ONLY ranking where UCF is ahead of FSU).</p>
<p>knightforum…you are correct, and thanks for pointing that out… I see that UF now does offer a Computer Science degree in the College of Engineering…but that program is brand new and likely has not been through the ABET accreditation process yet.</p>
<p>Not to mention that the lack of intellect/maturity in the UCF area is astounding…it has exceptions of course(knightforum for instance), but I’ve said it before and I’ll say it again…It’s everybody from high school that you never want to see again. And before it’s brought up…of course every college has it’s bad seeds, but there is a certain type of student that chooses UCF.</p>
<p>It’s a fact: the Gator Nation likes to taunt the School-out-West. We have been doing it for almost 50 years now. But the point is they have alot of good people at FSU.</p>
<p>I honestly can not say the same for the people I have met at UCF (yes, some exceptions apply). I just think they need more time to grow as an institution.</p>
<p>parent2noles, ssobick says that you are very in touch with FSU and it’s programs. What’s your take on the Chemical/Biomedical engineering program? Pros and cons? Your thoughts are appreciated. Sue</p>
<p>I completely agree with your logic… UCF is not as “grown up” as UF and FSU, but I do believe that it is growing. I was drawn to UCF mainly because of their Honors College, which makes UCF seem a lot smaller… and of course their Computer Science department.</p>