SOS! I’ve been accepted into both schools. UM gave me $25,000 a year and UF gave me around $7,000 a year. I have researched everything about the schools and I know they are pretty much the same academically. However, the size of UF really worries me since I don’t want such a big school. With so many kids I feel like UF would put me as just a number among my other classmates. I like the area surrounding UM, but as a biomedical engineering major I also like how UF has the hospital on campus, thus giving me so many opportunities to volunteer, research, etc. I applied for the UF honors program, which comes out in 2 days. I am also interested in UF’s premed program that exempts you from taking an MCAT exam ( which would save my life ). Miami has amazing dance teams that I plan to audition for, however, I haven’t really heard of UF’s team. Please help me make a decision!!! If you have any experience at either school feel free to let me know how it’s been for you! Thank you guys so much(:
I’m about to start at UF this fall, so I can’t give you any personal experience aside from a few things that I have seen from friends and my own views.
I’ve visited UF and have lived somewhat near UM. In terms of location, UM is definitely better; the Miami area is full of things to do and filled with culture and art. The only downside would be the traffic! I will say that while UF has a big campus, Gainesville is a pretty small town once you’re outside the campus and is really centered around UF more than anything. A lot of people I’ve spoken to grew tired of Gainesville because there was really nothing to do outside of UF unless you wanted to travel out of town.
In terms of academic opportunities, you saw yourself that both schools are almost the same. I don’t know much about UM, but I can tell you that UF has a large number of opportunities and focus granted to premeds. The only downside to this is that the premed courses are typically designed to fail those not prepared to study about 10 hours a week at the least. UF Honors is a good program to be in as well if you get accepted, but unless I’m mistaken the main perk from this program is priority in choosing your classes and smaller classroom sizes.
Disregarding the obvious financial difference, If you want to focus solely on academics, UF should be your choice. In my personal opinion, I think you should also value a great overall college experience that UM will definitely give you over UF. You can be involved with things outside of school and you can still definitely follow your premed goals.
Both are really great schools and you must be very happy that you even have an opportunity to choose between these two!
I decided against applying to UF due to its location. Gainesville is a super small town, which just did not feel right to me when I visited. I grew up living nearby a big city. Miami is different… It will definitely provide you with more job and internship opportunities.
I have a friend who is at UF right now. Even though overall he loves the school, he also says that he does feel like “just a number.” So, if that is a concern for you, Miami would probably be better in terms of size.
But, overall, both are great school. Good luck!