UCF vs FAU

Colleges and Universities A-Z University of Central Florida
1

<p>Hi there. I am currently a sophomore student at UVM, and am transferring to Florida for a couple reasons. Born and raised here, I feel like I need to finally leave. Without hockey, I have found the winters to drag out way too long, causing a bit of winter depressions. I am also a mechanical engineering major, and I find that this state just doesn't have the opportunities that a larger, more industrialized state does, like Florida. So, here's my dilemma: trying to pick between FAU and UCF. So far, here's what I have come up with:</p>

<p>FAU:
The good:
-I have an automatic in with the club hockey team there
-Large school, but not as intimidatingly large as UCF
-Right near the beach
-New engineering program (could be good or bad)
-Close to Miami
-Have a friend already going to school there
-Gorgeous campus</p>

<p>The not-so-good:
-Again, newer engineering program
-I've heard it is a commuter school; planning on being on campus
-Quiet weekends
-I've heard not-so-great things about the administration, or the campus lifestyle</p>

<p>UCF:
The good:
-Great engineering program (better than the one I'm currently in)
-I'm very familiar with the Orlando area
-Gorgeous campus from what I've seen
-Great on campus lifestyle, along with parties/clubs I can get out to for my once a week engineering retreat
-Well established and integrated into companies I can see myself interning/working for </p>

<p>The not-so-good:
-Huge. I'm at a state university with only 13k kids. A jump up to almost 60k seems a little drastic.
-Tough hockey team to make. I'm somewhat shy, and I've found that I've met most of my great friends is through hockey. I think if I made the team, it would work the same way.
-I know no one who will be there next year (one girl I know is transferring out, NOT because she doesn't like it there, better opportunities at OSU is what she told me)
-I've heard some mumbles on forums about crime in the area</p>

<p>I was leaning towards FAU because I honestly did not think I'd get into UCF (2.6 GPA, unfortunately), but now that I've gotten in, I seem to be in a pickle. Hockey seems to be a major sticking point to me. Ive needed an outlet from all this work, and its a great way to meet a couple new friends. I haven't gotten a chance to visit either campus, but I have watched videos and done some research on the engineering programs, along with the campus lifestyle. If anyone can give me any words of wisdom, that would be much appreciated!</p>

2

<p>Just a quick note that the ME degree at FAU is ABET accredited. It really sounds like you need to visit each campus and talk with a few students. SPRING FLORIDA ROAD TRIP!!</p>

3

<p>Disengage, are you transferring for the Fall?</p>

4

<p>Yes I am. I’m now leaning toward FAU because of the smaller school, smaller classes, and the fact that I already know someone down there. I haven’t enjoyed the last couple years of college because I didn’t get myself involved in the community, and going to a school 10 minutes from where I grew up, feels like high school all over again.</p>

5

<p>I saw that you are considering UCF and FAU! I am currently trying to decide the same thing but I have yet to be accepted to either because I applied about 2-3 weeks ago. I was wondering if you were a college level transfer with 60+ credits and have earned your AA degree? I’ve earned my AA degree (out of state at Washington State University) already but I have a 2.54 GPA (like you said, unfortunate) but the school I am attended right now has a weighted GPA scale and without that being accounted for, I would have a 2.6+ (Not sure about the actual calculations, but hopefully they look at that lol) I was just wondering if you could give me a little bit more information about your academic standing if that’s not a problem! Thanks!</p>

6

<p>@Sosa</p>

<p>Keep me posted on your acceptance.</p>

7

<p>I was just accepted admittance to attend UCF today!</p>

8

<p>And FAU. Weigh in on what school is better?</p>

9

<p>FAU’s engineering program isn’t new. We just built a new Engineering BUILDING but it’s not a new PROGRAM. For instance, FAU is the birthplace of ocean engineering (as a college major).</p>

<p>Regarding the campus lifestyle, it all depends on who you meet. And that’s true anywhere: the people make the place. For Fall 2013, FAU will have 4200 people living on-campus with plans to add another 600 more by 2016… not to mention the people who live right next door to campus in Addison Park, Bicycle Club, Casa Del Rio, etc.</p>

<p>I got involved and had an awesome time at FAU. Some people don’t get involved and don’t have as good of a time. </p>

<p>Keep that in mind.</p>

10

<p>I’ll try not to be bias, as I am a current UCF student! I do agree with FAU guy, in the aspect that neither college will give you a better social life over the other. It’s your job to go out and meet people, going to one college over the other won’t change that. College is what you make of it, and both these schools will offer the same opportunity, in terms of meeting new faces and friends. But getting back on track, it all depends what you want. As an out of state student myself (Lived up North, came down to Florida for college) I wasn’t familiar with either of these guys until I looked more into them. Now, for UCF, it’s going an incredible engineering program. FAU has a solid one, as well, but I don’t necessarily think it’s on par with UCF. It will get up there, of course, but it’s not there just yet. How important are the sports to you? If you’re a big football, UCF’s team is more established then FAU right now, and quickly climbing up the ranks. Do you want to be really close to the beach? UCF is about 45 minutes from Co-Co and daytona beach, but FAU is SO much closer to beaches. What do you want in the general area? If you’re looking for attractions, as a UCF student, I spend my weekends at Universal Studios and Disney, which is a 30 minute ride away. I think the crime in the UCF (orlando) area is higher then what you’d see at FAU, but it’s not a surprise-it’s Orlando! Over all, though, I’ve never faced any kind of issues, on or off campus (And I spend a lot of time off). It’s all going to come down to visiting the campus, if you can fund that kind of trip. It’s VERY important to do so. You can be dead set on UCF, see the campus, hate it, and LOVE FAU and feel really at home there. You don’t know unless you visit, though. If you want me to go into more straight forward opinions of either school, feel free to message me! Otherwise, go with what feels right. I know, it’s sounds cliche, but go where you think you’ll feel most comfortable. You can either stay in your comfort zone, or jump out of it, it’s up to you! Good luck!:)</p>