UF Gator Engineering at Santa Fe?

[natcarbon]

I was offered a computer science program at Santa Fe and would like to know if anyone has tried it. Please, I’d like to hear your opinions and experience. Thanks.

p.s. Is it better than UCF?

[FernandoFranco]

You are guaranteed UF admissions after one year at Santa Fe, as long as you maintain a 2.8 (I think) GPA or higher The school itself is better then UCF but the long run is worth it in my opinion.

[gouf78]

I don’t see anything about guaranteed admission to UF. You still apply to UF as freshman.

[Gator88NE]

You don’t have to apply again as a Freshman. Just meet the course and grade requirements at Santa Fe(SF):

During the first fall term, all student participants are SF students taking SF classes.

Contingent on meeting the minimum standards of performance of 2.0 cumulative GPA and 2.5 critical tracking GPA (based on the University of Florida grading scale and meaning that all students must take a calculus, chemistry, or physics class during their first semester), students are admitted to UF after the first fall term. Students showing strong promise to meet the minimum performance standards by the end of the first fall term are invited to participate in UF Preview near the end of the first fall term. Here, UF staff from the Dean of Students Office and Engineering Student Affairs prepare the incoming UF students, including registering for spring classes, introduction to the UF Honor and Student Conduct Codes, and obtaining a Gator 1 card.

Students who fail to meet the minimum performance standards in the first fall term remain as SF students and are closely guided by a UF advisor. Students remain a part of the Gator Engineering @ Santa Fe program. If they raise their GPA to above the minimum standards, they will be eligible for UF admission and will participate in UF Preview prior to admission.

[FernandoFranco]

To quote the letter I got:
“As a student of the Gator Engineering @ Santa Fe Program, you will begin your engineering study at Santa Fe College, and, after approximately three semesters, you will continue your studies on the UF campus. What makes this program unique from a transfer program is that, after your first term, contingent on meeting standard performance levels, you will be admitted to the University of Florida, giving you access to UF resources”

Also from emailing the head of this program and talking with some of the students that were in it- yes, as long as you achieve strong grades, you are extended an invitation as a Sophomore (assuming you can do all the courses in just two semesters since Santa Fe doesn’t offer summer program).

Considering the smaller student to teacher ratio for first year students, and overall the easier course load, I’ve been highly recommended the program. There are various information sessions, I can probably provide more information and forward any questions you have then.