<p>Me: OOS (Texas) National Achievement Semifinalist</p>
<p>With my stats, I could get into UT-Austin automatically based on their 10% rule. But I'm wondering what UF has on UT. I know they're ranked similarly, that they both have ginormous football teams and that they have nearly the same number of students, but I was wondering about the things that the rankings can't tell you, the things you can't learn from reading statistics... Also, as it stands, UT doesn't even offer a dime to National Merit/Achievement/Hispanic Scholars anymore, so UF could be loads cheaper (if I were to get admitted). I shot an email to the admissions department a few weeks back, and it seems like they're extremely generous with money for out-of-state National Scholars. The man that emailed me back was even out of town and it was a Sunday, which was impressive.
By the way, I should also mention that I'll most likely major in something like Political Science... any info on UF's Political Science department? </p>
<p>I'm sorry if my question seemed vague, I just feel sort of lost right now. And obviously, I know I don't have to make the decision for months, but it would soothe my nerves a little bit to at least have a slight preference. Thanks.</p>
<p>I applied to UT-Austin last year (for admission for Fall of this year) and was admitted.</p>
<p>Now, I am a Florida resident. The reason I applied to UT-Austin last year was I was at first looking into majoring in Engineering, which UT is ranked top 10. Also, I had family there so after a year I would be able to pay in-state tuition after transferring guardianship from my parents to my aunt and uncle in Texas.</p>
<p>Now lets get to your question about what “the rankings don’t tell you.” I visited the campus (UT Austin) for a full day to get a feel for it (tour, info session, etc.). After being in college for a few months now, I can imagine what my life would have been like if I had gone to UT. Now, the MAIN difference that anyone can tell you off the bat is the setting. UT is located almost in the middle of Austin, while UF is pretty much a college town, everything pretty much revolves around the college. This is actually a bigger deal for some than you can imagine, I personally say I may not have liked living in a city (with how crowded it is and all).</p>
<p>Also, DO NOT take the PR “party rankings.” It is college, there will be parties everywhere. Yes I know that both these schools are ranked in the top 10, but that makes little difference. Now, I do not know the party scene in at Austin, but I can tell you about the scene in Gainesville. Pretty much, parents should not worry about the whole “should I send my kids here if all they are going to do is party?” ordeal. Let me put it to you straight: you can EASILY avoid parties if you want to. Asuming its the same at Austin, you should be fine in terms of avoiding distractions.</p>
<p>There is my two cents that I can think off the top of my head.</p>
<p>I do not know much about the Political Science department here, but I can look into it if you want.</p>
<p>If you have any more questions feel free to ask.</p>