I acted like the May 1st decision deadline wasn’t a thing until like literally yesterday, so now I’m freaking out about where I’m going to go. I’ve narrowed it down to Barrett the honors college at ASU and UF. I flew from Seattle to tour UF, and I loved it, but I feel like I really didn’t get to see that much. We didn’t go in many buildings, I didn’t get to see a dorm, etc. Also, I’m scared about being in a small town. I love going to concerts and having things to do in a big city so Gainesville kind of scares me, but part of me wants the college-y feel that it would give me. I would be in downtown Phoenix at ASU. (I’m a mess I know). I really need someone to give me the good/bad points of both and tell me why I should choose one over the other. I plan to study journalism, and both UF and ASU have great journalism programs. If you know a lot about the journalism programs at each that would be awesome. I know I probably shouldn’t think this way, but I feel like I should go to UF just because it’s ranked better nationally and it has a lower acceptance rate. On the other hand, the honors college at ASU is really great even though ASU is looked at as an “easy school.” Basically, I’d appreciate anything you can tell me that you think will help with my decision making process/sell me on one of the schools. 
Are you talking about UF’s overall rank? Because ASU is definitely a hotter journalism program right now. It’s viewed as cutting edge in its preparation of digital-savvy journalists. We just hired a grad and had several strong internship candidates from there apply, too.
I am a working journalist and Mizzou grad – another great J school. My D16 got into both schools and chose ASU Barrett.
If you want a traditional college campus UF is more of a match but I’d still go with ASU for larger city, and stronger J program. (And the Tempe campus is only a light rail ride away)
Are costs a factor?
Yes, I was talking about overall rank. I’ve had some people make remarks about ASU being an “easy school” even though I explained the journalism program is great. Costs are kind of a factor. I would receive a scholarship in Florida that basically covers all tuition. I got about $58,000 in merit scholarships from ASU.
Well, journalists don’t tend to make a lot, so a more affordable school is important – and a completely valid reason to choose Florida. Free tuition is great!
What’s the difference between what you have to pay at each? Can you/your parents afford it? Would you need loans?
PS. Ignore what everyone else says. ASU does have that rep, but Barrett is well-respected and the journalism program is strong, as you know.
UF’s program is also fairly well respected. The two colleges do offer some different degree programs, so you may want to dig into it a bet deeper. The both offer the standard Journalism degrees, but ASU also has a sports journalism degree, while UF also offers degrees in Advertising, Public Relations and Telecommunications(radio and Television).
Yep, Gainesville is your classic college town and is definitely not the big city. Between your classes, sporting events, concerts (UF host several a year), and about 1,000 student clubs, you will not be bored. For larger concerts, folks car pool down to Orlando, or perhaps Jacksonville/St. Augustine (my daughter did all three this year, concerts in Gainesville (Wiz Khalifa), Orlando, and Jacksonville).
Good Luck!