I’m “attending” my virtual graduation next week for my community college, but I’m taking a few summer classes until August to finish up some credits. I’m earning my AS in business administration at 18 since I dual enrolled full-time as a senior. Anyway, I have been accepted into several schools, all out of state, and UF and UCF are my top choices, both for economics. I am on the Autism spectrum, so I do not make friends easily, and I would prefer UCF since it has a wider variety of activities and more to do off-campus. Internships would be easier to find in Orlando than in Gainesville. UF is more prestigious and I would likely make more out of school, but it is in a college town setting and far from the beach and theme parks. What are your thoughts?
@bgp7901 I think you would be a better fit for UCF. I never viewed UF as prestige even though it is higher ranked. I do, however, believe for you UCF would be better as I think it has a better student life. Either one is great but one is a better fit. In choosing a college/university don’t choose it because of so-called “prestige” but moreso if you fit in this school. If you fit and it has the prestige you are looking for, then great! Student life is important as it leads to better success overall.
I went to UF and my daughter is going to UCF. I don’t think you could go wrong with either school. Both schools are excellent, and both business schools are very good.
I think your assessment of the pros and cons of both schools are spot-on, with the possible exception of the beach distance. Cocoa Beach is about an hour from UCF (maybe a little less), but UF is only about 1 1/2 hours from St Augustine Beach and a little over 2 hours from Daytona – so beaches are pretty easily accessible from both schools.
There is not a whole lot to do in Gainesville except party, which you can do anywhere. Obviously, Orlando is the #1 or #2 tourist destination in the US, so that’s a big deal. UCF students also get discounted tickets to both WDW and Universal, and probably also to Sea World and related attractions.
I also think not only internships, but also jobs upon graduation, are quite a bit better with UCF.
But the most important consideration, to me, is what Michiedel posted above – FIT.
UCF has SO many activities, and they have an absolutely amazing student support system. I’ve never seen anything like it. Every week when I watch the Parent Orientation Zooms I am impressed all over again. Maybe UF has similar systems, but I know UCF’s are really good.
Good luck with your decision, and you’ll do great either way!