University of Florida vs. Florida State University

<p>I applied to all in-state schools because of Bright Futures [who could deny a full-ride tuition? Not me!] so it was not my highschool transcript that set me into these schools by any means. I decided it was a good thing because graduate school will have to cost something and I don't want undergrad to eat up all of my college money. </p>

<p>I have ACT 29/SAT 1300/1600 or 1950/2400, ranking's in the top 6% of my class [out of 478]. </p>

<p>I have visited only UF after receiving notification of my acceptance to the Fall term there. I have been at FSU's campus and, though it was prettier, I wasn't wholly impressed by the prettiness factor [I'm there for academics - not for scenery? UF's campus was nice too, though]. </p>

<p>I am an intended Biochemistry major.
I've read posts that UF was unhelpful to undergrad students etc. But I didn't really get that from some students I've talked to or from what I've learned at the school. Though FSU seems more quaint, I don't require the step-by-step guidance to succeed. I will go out and seek help if I really require it..which was one of the only upsides to FSU that I could see.</p>

<p>UF sounds like the better option.</p>

<p>I thought you already decided this?</p>

<p>Neither FSU nor UF are going to hold your hand as an undergraduate. My D1 is a biochem grad from Florida State and is now in med school. It was not easy.</p>

<p>Is Bright Futures the Florida equivalent of the Hope scholarship in Georgia? Where in-state students get a full ride to state schools if they have over a certain gpa?</p>

<p>I thought I did too but I’m getting antsy about my decision. I guess I should just put down my tuition deposit and move on.
and jgraider - you need a 28 ACT and a GPA of 3.5 for Bright Futures. Otherwise it’s the same. [:</p>

<p>Bright Futures no longer covers full tuition. And if you decide to withdraw from a class, you have to pay for it. You might want to look at this a little more closely, I think you can find all of the information at the main website. </p>

<p>Anyways, I think both schools are excellent choices. But keep in mind you have chosen a very tough major. I’m sure it will be equally rewarding, but the road there will certainly not be easy. Personally, I would say FSU because of the scenery and and the general “atmosphere” of it. You might think the scenery doesn’t matter, but you could change your mind once you actually live there. And I just can’t handle UF being located in a swamp. I need to be in a city area. It really depends on your personal preferences though.</p>

<p>“2) Effective January 1, 2008, a Florida Academic Scholar who is enrolled in a public postsecondary education institution is eligible for an award equal to the amount required to pay tuition and fees.” </p>

<p>Is that outdated legislation or…? Here’s the link: [Statutes</a> & Constitution :View Statutes :->2009->Ch1009->Section 534 : Online Sunshine](<a href=“Statutes & Constitution :View Statutes :->2009->Ch1009->Section 534 : Online Sunshine”>Statutes & Constitution :View Statutes :->2009->Ch1009->Section 534 : Online Sunshine)</p>

<p>UPDATE:
It seems like I will have to pay any increase in tuition mandated by the university. I see now. I’ll check into the former rates and the rates now… Gah, what a bummer.</p>

<p>If you are looking at a major that is strong at both campuses, it would be hard to choose.</p>

<p>I like a lot about FSU, but there is a real shortage of student housing there, isn’t there? (You can live on campus freshman year maybe, but after that probably not?)</p>

<p>There would be a definite housing shortage at UF so I guess I’ll see about my housing status there…
Just got accepted to FSU Fall and will hopefully be receiving an invite to honors relatively soon by mail.</p>

<p>100% Bright Futures is no longer 100%.</p>

<p>UF may be your best hope, though New College of Florida (with many fewer students and a much higher faculty:student ratio) boasts considerably higher average SATs.</p>

<p>Both my daughters had no difficulty living on FSU’s campus as long as they wished. D1 left campus housing as a junior; D2 will be graduating in April and still lives in McCollum Hall in a single.</p>