<p>Hello I was accepted to the University of Florida for the Spring 2013 under the Innovation Academy program . I am very happy that I was accepted to UF , but at the same time im not very thrilled about what i have read about IA . It seems like more of a disadvantage then an advantage besides being accepted to UF ( which that itself is huge ). The day following my acceptance I requested a change of term to Summer B 2012 , which was the original term i applied too. One person i talked to said it would be very hard to get due to space limitations , and then i called a different person who said they might not even change any of the IA kids terms at all. Im just wondering if i should stay put and see what happens in mid may , or decline my acceptance and go somewhere else like FSU or UM where i got into for Fall . The only thing is i know that UF is a better school and i would be torn knowing that i gave up a chance to go there. Also the stats that i got into UF were 4.6 GPA , 4.1 UF GPA , 1810 SAT , 26 ACT and 8 AP and 6 duel enrollment . Im just wondering if anyone else got into IA and isn't to thrilled about what IA has to offer ? My dream is to be at UF , but i feel like the IA program is more of a second class UF experience rather then being in a traditional environment, i saw in years past the kids that did get into UF spring ( Non - IA ) had luck in getting their terms changed . Im very indecisive on my course of action at this point , and any feedback would be appreciated</p>
<p>If they can’t change your term I think you still stick w/ UF. It seems like your heart is set on UF and I think you should see how the Spring term is and then go from there.</p>
<p>First off all, what disadvantages do you see from IA? Being a part of IA at UF is simply going to UF but during the Spring and Summer terms. This leaves Fall open for online classes, internships, job opportunities, study abroad, or just enjoying Gainseville. You can still participate in the on-campus activities during the Fall.</p>
<p>Really, the main limitation would be not being able to physically take classes during the Fall. But other than that, everything works out. Even bright futures was approved to work for spring and summer terms for those in Innovation Academy at UF.</p>
<p>UF IA is still UF. You pick your major at IA and you’ll be meeting the same requirements and studying/getting the SAME UF education as every traditional student for that major, because you’re still a UF student. You’re still getting the same excellent education from some of the best professors as an IA student like every other traditional student because you’re still a UF student. Essentially, in UF IA, you have your major requirements and you technically minor in “innovation” or something. I’m not completely sure about this, but each year you have to take 2 classes focused on that minor. First year is creativity, second entrepreneurship, third leadership and ethics, and the fourth is a big capstone experience with others in your major.</p>
<p>You’ll still be getting the awesome UF opportunities, you still are going to one of the most prestigious universities in the nation…the only difference is the focus on innovation and taking classes on different terms. </p>
<p>Here’s a question: What do Innovation Academy and traditional students have in common? They both go to UF and both get the same, equal, top-of-the-line education…education that’s the best the state of Florida has to offer. :)</p>
<p>But, in all honesty, what is it you don’t like about IA (specifically)?</p>
<p>take CC classes this coming fall, then start classes as uf in the spring. its not nearly as big a deal as it seems; once you finish your first semester you’ll be just where everyone else is, taking summer classes. you can stay in gainesville and take one class online over the fall (or a class at santa fe even), go to the football games and go out after them without having to worry about 15 hours of class to prepare for the next week.</p>
<p>you can still participate in student organizations just like everyone else. you can take the same classes as everyone else. you get the same degree as everyone else. you go to the same football games as everyone else. you get the same recruiting opportunities as everyone else. you have the opportunity to interact with the same people as everyone else.</p>
<p>it sucks that you don’t start at the same time as everyone else, but don’t let that get you down. its really not that different, and its definitely not a disadvantage once you finally get here. if the innovation emphasis pans out, it might actually be an invaluable experience overall.</p>
<p>You should not use up your financial aid in the fall - you are going to need it for spring and summer. You won’t be behind because spring/summer are your regular semesters. IA can be a really great opportunity for the right students.</p>
<p>Im more bummed about not having physical fall classes at UF , because in previous years with spring admits they were able to do Fall at UF the following years and i wont be able too , the only major downside to that would be economically speaking because i would have to pay for housing all year round soo i can take an online UF classes or santa Fe in the fall . Thats what my major problem for the subsequent fall terms are. Im not being forced to stay in Gville in the fall but i want to , because i want to participate in activities and go to the football games and homecoming, etc. Im hoping they will change my terms and if not I hope that they make the IA program as top notch as they can 
Thank you all for your valuable input i really do appreciate it . Go Gators!</p>
<p>I am also conflicted about IA, because it adds some additional unknowns to a big decision. A big concern I have is that effectively you get 28 weeks to accomplish what traditional track students do over 32 weeks. I think you have to set up a schedule along the lines of 6-15-9 in the Fall-Spring-Summer terms, with the Fall hours online or off-campus, of course. That is part of the reduced flexibility IA students will have - there is only so much ground you can cover in the Summer term. I will throw one big plus I am considering: being in the Gator Marching Band in the Fall, which would not be practical taking a full load. Other extracurricular interests may be workable in the Fall for others. I continue to be interested in additional information as to what the IA experience will look like. Perhaps the administration will recognize that they need to set up a Preview-type program to better explain it to prospective IA students BEFORE they have to accept their admission decisions. Because of the quality of the UF applicant pool, even if the IA group is slightly less-accomplished than the Fall admits, undoubtedly they all have Fall '12 options available at desirable schools. UF needs to sell the program more than they have shown a willingness to thus far.</p>
<p>I don’t know if you HAVE to stay on-campus to take classes online, because they’re well…online 
I mean I’m just assuming you don’t have to stay on-campus for them lol.</p>
<p>Plus, you’ll mainly be taking your required courses during Spring and Summer and some extra ones (if you choose to in Fall). Just like traditional students doing required courses (mainly) during Fall and Spring, then any extra in the Summer (if they choose).</p>
<p>If I am not mistaken, I believe that housing on-campus at UF costs about $2000, more or less, per semester. So technically, if you stayed on-campus during the Fall term as an innovation academy student, for all 4 years of undergraduate college…you’re looking at pretty much an extra $8000 (again, more or less lol) to have to pay for. But given from what I heard by other friends I have who are in college, freshman year is where you have the most fun. Sophomore year you still have fun, but junior year is where you really start focusing on school, and senior year is you’re either preparing for grad school or life. Again, this is just a general idea, given what a number of friends and family in college/who had finished college, said.</p>
<p>With that idea in mind, you’d technically only be paying an extra $2000-$4000 for housing in freshman and sophomore years during the Fall, while you’ll be more interested in internships/research opportunities during junior and senior year.</p>
<p>EITHER WAY, in my opinion, I think you should just go to UF. IA is not inferior to traditional UF, it’s just different. As a matter of fact, UF themselves said (to applicants) that picking IA does not make it easier to get into the university. With that being said, you shouldn’t give up the best education Florida has to offer. It doesn’t matter on which terms you get your education, it matters that you actually get it.</p>
<p>@DoubleBubble</p>
<p>It’s definitely not impossible to do what traditional kids do in 32 weeks, within a 28 week time span. All that means is your schedule will be a bit tighter. It’s only 4 weeks less, so given some on-spot, roughly quick analysis in my mind…instead of having class 2 or 3 days of the week, it could be 3 or 4 days. Or maybe 2 or 3, just more class time. Regardless, it’s still definitely a possibility.</p>
<p>You can read all about IA here btw 
:[University</a> of Florida - Admissions](<a href=“http://www.admissions.ufl.edu/ia.html]University”>http://www.admissions.ufl.edu/ia.html)</p>
<p>Thanks CW221, I can see from the threads you are a big believer in letting this play out before we condemn it. I’m hoping for the best, but it does (by the student’s choice) reduce some of the flexibility that may be required to accommodate changes in plans over the next 4 years. Of course, there are some unique opportunities it will present to those willing to take the plunge. Go Gators!!</p>
<p>I totally understand IA is different , but taking the plunge as the first experimental group will be interesting too say the least. UF is UF and thats why i said before it would tear my heart to know that i declined admissions to a great school. I just wish they would give us the option to choose regular or IA (without disclosing on the application that we would be bound to IA if we picked it ) I thought it was an option when i chose the box , not my only choice . I mean at this point i believe things happen for a reason , Im still going to stay put and see if what term change request decision comes out to and take it from there. Im proud to be among the students that gotten accepted . Go Gators ! also @CW221 are you a current UF studnet or alumni ? lol</p>
<p>if u were accepted to IA u wouldnt have been accepted to fall either way. they consider you for IA after they deny you for fall/summer/spring.</p>
<p>IA wont have many majors so be sure to check before you go otherwise you’re stuck in IA for four years straight and they cant allow any term changes once you go there.</p>
<p>That the thing though i didnt apply for Fall , i applied to summer b and at the same timed i asked them if i could request a term change to regular spring 2013 and they told me that doesnt exsist anymore for this years seniors graduating class of 2012 . They invented IA as the Spring term entrance . Back to the drawback of not having having a Fall term unlike previous years spring admits</p>
<p>if you asked for a term change to spring and got spring, i don’t see the problem. is it just IA you have an issue with, or is it the spring term?</p>
<p>I called and asked if i could switch to regular spring , because in my thoughts i thought that it would be less full and easier to get it approved and i also could take physical fall classes at UF in the following years like everyone else , but they told me thats why they made IA soo that spring term that exists now is only IA . So i requested a term change to summer B , either way what this mostly messes up is Housing , because UF has not promised UF housing to the IA kids in the subsequent fall terms as i saw in my IA housing account timeline.</p>
<p>yeah, i’d worry less about not being able to take fall classes in person. you’ll find that its not a very big deal. biggest draw back is seeing family less because you should still be in gainesville during the fall to work/get involved in activites and wont have a summer break.</p>
<p>i wouldn’t worry about housing either; most people who are in dorms are only in dorms because they haven’t really considered living off campus yet.</p>
<p>Even if you request a term change they won’t let you change I think</p>
<p>Im not sure if they wont let you change it , but theres a list for term change and you can request to be put on it . I did , i will find out in May of there decision , im expecting it to be denied , it would be by a lucky chance that they approve it . But yeah i totally understand once im up there and get used to it , ill be content with the different schedule that comes with the program</p>
<p>You should go to IA if you’ve always had your heart set on UF. You can still go to all games/activities during the fall but without the stress of the classes. You can even take classes online during that time. Or if you want you can be lazy and chill at home for some time, OR get a job/internship etc…</p>
<p>I’m in a similar predicament. Although I’m excited and grateful to be accepted to UF, I’m hesitant to join the inaugural IA program. They do not offer my selected major of International Studies, and I would have an extended period of time before actually attending school. I have a strong desire to attend UF as it is the most reputable school in Florida, but I have other options as well. These include FSU Honors, UM, and Tulane- all of which have offered me the major and term of my choice. I feel that missing the Fall term would essentially compromise my undergraduate experience, and I would sadly miss the football games, formals, rush etc. I’m sure that the IA program will be successful and continue to grow, but it is not the program for me. I also applied for a term change, but I was told that it would be extremely difficult to carry out due to enrollment limitations, which is understandable. Several of my friends have also been accepted to the IA program and are choosing not to attend for similar reasons. It’s a hard decision!</p>