I’m really stuck. I thought I wanted to attend UCF this summer and major in Psychology & Finance, but after being accepted to UF and touring, I realized what I could be missing out on. While I wasn’t thrilled at all during the tour of UF, I did see some things I liked.
UCF has a better Psychology program, but it is not nationally recognized as a good school. It lacks the prestige that UF has. I love Orlando because of all the activities, but will I really have the time/money to enjoy it? The biggest draw to UCF though is the campus. It seems pretty easy to navigate and I found it gorgeous. I was happy walking around during my tour there. The housing is newer too which is a plus. After graduating college I feel like I would not have to move from the area to find a decent job as well.
UF is just simply better academically. I know it is known as a public ivy and that thousands of people wish to go there, but don’t get accepted. I feel that some people think that I’m stupid for even comparing the two schools because the standard of education is much higher at UF. What I found when I toured UF was that there was so much school spirit. Literally almost everyone was wearing blue and orange. You can tell that the school really comes alive on game days and I would love to be a part of “Gator Nation”. Some things I don’t like about it, however is the campus and town. To me, the campus was huge. The buildings were all spread out and there was no rhyme or reason for the locations of some of them like there is at UCF. I really disliked Gainesville because it seemed run down and boring. I’m sure that the town comes alive during the weekends or at night, but I couldn’t really imagine it. Another factor is bringing a car. There seemed to be such scarce parking for cars and even the mopeds were stacked one on top of another.
What I really want to know is, will it really matter where I go for undergrad? I intend to go to grad school but maybe not for a few years after getting my bachelor’s degree. Also, will I really have a better shot at getting a job just because I went to UF? My fear is that after I graduate college I will look back at my time and say, “I wish I never gave up that degree from the University of Florida because that holds so much more merit.” or “I wish I would’ve went to the University of Central Florida because I felt at home when I visited there and I have just learned to deal with Gainesville.” PLEASE help a girl out and tell me what I should do…as you can see I really have no idea where I want to go. One moment I’m dead set on UCF, the next I’m thinking I could deal with Gainesville just because UF is a better school. Thanks!
Right up front–I’m biased towards 's Florida… If you got in then I’d go. It’s better academically and much more well known. And it’s great to be a Gator!
As to your concerns:
Parking: Yes. There is no parking. But you don’t really need a car. Between the bus system, a bike and walking you’ll get around plenty easy. Everyone does.
The campus seems huge: At first look it does appear spread out because there are so many areas–the vet school, medical centers, engineering buildings, law school etc. But overall the classes you attend are compartmentalized to a certain location. You very rarely if ever would find yourself scurrying all over campus to get to a class.
Activities: UF has so many things for students to do and clubs to join (when you have time) that I can’t imagine being bored. Between the fitness centers, Lake Wahlberg for canoing, sailing, rock climbing, you’ll find something to do.
And downtown does come alive. Some of those “old” places have a fair amount of tradition built in.
There is a lot of new shopping areas right outside campus (but close). The main mall is out by 75
I know everyone has a different opinion, but the UF tours in general are known to be pretty bad. I wouldn’t let that sway your decision though. UF’s business school is also pretty compact and located in the top right corner of campus and the outside is beautiful while the inside is new and updated. I am also a senior who really liked both schools. However, I did not end up applying to UCF because I knew UF was a great school with so many more opportunities. Although UCF as a nice campus, I felt like I had to keep sliding past people because there were so many people all over the campus. Also, Uf has a much smaller student:faculty ratio. Even though UCf may seem like it has more parking, there are way more commuters and the parking is just as bad. Overall, go where you think you’ll be happy. If you really do like UCF then go there, but for me, the school spirit at UF was what really pulled me in. Maybe I’ll see you on campus in the fall!
Hi, did you make your decision yet? I’m a parent with a daughter in the Burnett Honors College at UCF. Everyone thought she was absolutely crazy for choosing it over UF this time last year, but for her it has been the right decision. Her largest class size the first semester was 19 students, and her dorm is very spacious and comfy (Towers apartments on campus). UF has a better reputation, but you will get more personalized attention if you pursue the honors college at UCF. Undergraduate degree doesn’t matter as much if you are going on to graduate school. My younger daughter is in the exact same situation as you right now - trying to decide between UF versus going to UCF Honors College/Medical Scholars program, just like her sister. Both are excellent, though very different choices. Everyone will tell you to choose UF, but I think the best advice is to go where you feel most at home. Where you’re happiest, you will be most successful. Best of luck and please let me know what you decide!
It is interesting RDC101, I agree with what ever you said . My D was in similar situation UF vs UCF BMS until she went for NM finalists reception at UCF .after that She decided over BMS ( 4+4) program rather the reputation of UF. By the way, how does your D like UCF BMS? Please share
Yes, it was a very tough decision for me, but ultimately I picked UF. I couldn’t get myself to give up a degree from Flordia. UCF is a great school and I did really like it there, I just knew that I would have better opportunities with a degree from UF. I ended up going back to UF with a friend to visit her brother who goes there, and I actually really liked it. I think I made the right decision for myself and I’m excited to start this summer. I totally understand how your daughter feels…it’s really hard! Whatever she decides I’m sure she will make the right choice
As of my first semester senior year, I had a 4.29 weighted, and a 3.90 unweighted GPA. I played softball all for years and got involved in 2 clubs and 4 honor societies. My ACT was a 30. Overall, UF looks for the student who is well-rounded. If you don’t have that great of test scores or GPA, but you’re really involved, they are more likely to accept you over the person who is only good at school and doesn’t do much else. Also, I know that the essay is 50% of their admissions essay, so write something out of the box and unique and have teachers/parents proof it. I hope this helps and good luck!!
