UF vs UCF

Colleges and Universities A-Z University of Florida
1

<p>I'm posting this in both forums, to get both perspectives. I'm finding it extremely difficult finding an unbiased opinion regarding these 2 schools. I am a HSAA. I currently attend UF. I'm a pre-med bio major, but not for long... I was one of those students that believed bio for med school would be best, but taking bio this year made me realize that if med school didn't work out, I would not be happy with a BA in biology. I'm thinking of switching to psych or anthro. (I'm a confused mess honestly.) My first year at UF was okay, not great but not bad. I like the school and the majority of my classes, but I don't really care for athletics or partying all that much. I had an extreme case of seniorits my senior year of high school and barely did any research on universities. I admit, I chose UF simply on prestige and just because, it's UF, which is biting me in the butt now.</p>

<p>UF is a great school, but I'm starting to rethink if its the right school for me... Also before anyone starts to assume that I want to transfer schools because UF was too "hard", let me say that I have 3.8 GPA, so that has nothing to do with it. I'm starting to think that maybe another school, like UCF, would be better for me. I'm from the Central Florida area, and if I was to transfer to UCF, i would move back in with my parents, which would save so much money. I do not have job and I live off campus, and watching my parents struggle to pay my $500 rent plus their bills is tough to watch. I wanted to get a job, but since my bio/premed classes were pretty difficult for me, i needed that extra time to go to tutoring services. I'm still learning how to manage my time wisely, and i'm sure plenty of UF students juggle all 3, and I give them props. Also since Gainesville is a small college town, bleeds orange and blue, and because I eventually want to go to med school, I don't think I would survive living here for the next 8 years or so... I feel as though those tough years of med school I would want to be surrounded by my family, who live in central florida, who can give me all the emotional support I need. Also, I don't have a car up here, which sucks, regardless if the bus system takes you everywhere or not. I have a car back home, it just wasn't reliable enough to drive 2.5 hours to gainesville, which is why i couldnt take it lol. I feel like with the support I would have back home, would also allow to handle a part time job, because i believe I would be happier.</p>

<p>I made a premature decision by attending UF, but I don't regret it. I learned alot about myself this year. Luckily for me, since I have my AA, i can easily transfer to UCF if i wanted to. I would just like some advice on this issue. Do you guys think switching schools would be a mistake? Should I just suck it up and stay at UF? Im not unhappy here, I just believe I would be happiER going to UCF. I know UCF med school is new, but it's growing. Thanks in advance.</p>

2

<p>Hi,</p>

<p>First, you need to do what is right for you and your family and only you can tell what that is…</p>

<p>Where you go to school, does not determine which med school you would attend. You can get your BA at UF and then go to med school at UCF (or go to UCF and then UF for med school). Med school is very competitive, so you’ll apply to several and hope to get an invite. All med schools are GOOD. In-state is more affordable, but if all of your invites are OOS, then OOS you will be going. This is one reason saving $$$ now for med school makes sense. :)</p>

<p>Even though you have a HSAA, in many ways you’re still a freshman, and that first year is the toughest. It does get easier.</p>

<p>If UCF makes more sense, then by all means transfer. If you still plan on med school, not only do you need to keep your GPA high, but you need to start working on your EC’s (or anything that can make you more likely to win an acceptance at a med school). Look into what’s available at UCF and start making a plan. Compare that to what you could do at UF. Don’t let the process of transferring cause you to drop focus on your ultimate goal.</p>

<p>Good Luck!</p>

3

<p>From what I understand the prestige of your undergrad is not that important when applying to medical school. It’s all about test scores and GPA.</p>

<p>Definitely spend some time at the UCF campus before making a decision. UCF is a gigantic school – even bigger than UF. </p>

4

<p>To echo Gator88 a bit–you are basically a freshman at UF. It probably would have been easier to have been in a dorm than off campus for you simply because it’s easier to make friends who become a new support group. But new things (no matter where you are) can be difficult–it’ll be easier next year.</p>

<p>Sounds like what you really need is a plan of action. Changing campuses won’t accomplish that. It may be PART of your final plan but not where you need to start.

  1. Pick a major. Don’t feel bad about changing–the majority of students change major. Do the research–courses you like/interested in, job prospects. Be honest–is med school what you really want? Science? Business? Any way to combine your interests and talents? Which college is better for you in that field?
    If you start over at a new campus, things will be new again and perhaps better but no guarantees. Go visit UCF --you’ll have new eyes after being in UF–is it better or your wishful thinking as a way to improve your situation? UF overall has a better rep than UCF in most fields.
  2. Do you REALLY want to live at home? I’m biased here–I grew up a lot during those first two years away from home and found it very hard to return home even for a summer. Only you can answer that question.
  3. Don’t know where you live now but be as close to campus as possible if you don’t have a car. Don’t be afraid to change your living situation. Make a friend who HAS a car!
  4. Make your plans/choose a major WITHOUT med school in mind. You can major in just about anything to apply to med school. Your grades, work, and especially the MED CAT will determine where you attend/if you attend. Going to UF/UCF does not guarantee admittance to either.
  5. It’s nice to have family support but they can cheer you on, no matter where you live. Make an active plan to find support (club, study group, etc) where you live. You need that no matter where you are.
  6. Plan how/where to get a job. Great for any resume and puts a few bucks in your pocket. Perhaps changing majors or organizing your time schedule better would allow for it.
    7)and good luck! New attitude, new life!</p>