Hi I’ve been accepted to both UF & FIU and I was wondering which would be better to go as a Marine Biology major. I live in Miami but I’m sort of leaning towards Gainsville since it would be a new adventure. But, I’m still not very confident that being 4 or 5 hours away from home would be the best option.
UF is much more prestigious. I don’t know about Marine Biology specifically. Gainesville is a great college town, but nothing like S. Fla.
@damon30 thank you for the help
@scarlett17, from what little I know, FAU has a much better Marine Biology than FIU. I’m honestly not sure where UF’s program stands in the hierarchy, but UF as a whole is much more prestigious than either of them…
Note that UF has two different Marine Biology majors, one within CALS (College of Agricultural and Life Sciences) and one within CLAS (College of Liberal Arts and Sciences).
http://marinesciences.program.ufl.edu/
CALS is more about resource management, while CLAS is more about biology, engineering and sciences. Most schools have a CLAS like program. If you are more interested in the CALS program, that would be a major reason for picking UF.
So, what part makes being 4-5 hours away a difficulty? Is it logistics of getting home on breaks? Is it the potential homesickness? Money?
As a mom, I feel that you have to weigh all your pros and cons. Prestige is one thing…but there are other reasons you may choose one school over another.
If you are already worried about being 4-5 hours away, take some time to really think about what is best for you and how you would handle those barriers if you chose to be away.
Everyone is different and some can pack up and be away…some cannot. Do not let anyone else make this decision for you!
@ufalumn1997 I actually had some problems at home so, either way I will get a room and board. Money isnt a big issue but I do think leaving home would be better for my parents financially since I have a younger brother.
UF would have more opportunities due to the university’s prestige in Florida and the money they get from the state.
However I’m not sure how it’s possible for room&board to be cheaper for your parents?
@Gator88NE I actually looked at the coursework for both majors and CALS is closer to what I want to study.
@GatorBand I got accepted to FAU too but when I went it just didnt pull me in as much as FIU & UF did.
@MYOS1634 I have a part time job in which i have saved around 18,000 since I have been working since 10th grade. I have the job out of my own will, my parents are actually financially well off. I plan to pay for the room and board with that as I continue working in the summer till the fall. Thank you very much on your opionion in UF.
@Scarlett17, since you were accepted to UF, I assumed FAU acceptance was a given. 
in that case, I’d choose UF. If you don’t like it, you can easily transfer to FIU (probably honors) with no trouble, whereas the opposite isn’t true - that’s of course assuming you do well at UF. You’ll have to work hard anywhere you go.
UF isn’t just a really good state flagship. It’s pretty elite these days. Number 9 public uni in the country. Rubbing elbows with Michigan uva unc and the cal schools. It’s a real testament to your hard work to have this opportunity.
I would give it a go unless the distance will be too much for you. FIU will offer you a quality education as well.
@GatorBand Thank you ?
@MYOS1634 & @privatebanker Thank you for the advice and help. I will work as hard as I can to help achieve my dreams of exploring deeper into the ocean!