What is UF like?

I’m a junior in Florida and I’m planning on applying to college’s this summer, UF being one of them. I’m retaking the SAT on June 4th (I have a 660 in reading and 450 in math (around that I don’t remember exactly) and have a 3.2 unweighted GPA but a 3.7 weighted (I sort of screwed around freshman year…) with all honors and many AP and dual enrollment classes)) and will apply in July when the scores come back but I’ve been wondering since I started considering it; whats the work load like? Is it heavy or light? Is it hard/very intense, or just time consuming? What mentality will I need to succeed in UF? I find a lot of work I go through currently isn’t hard but time consuming, can the same be said for UF? How often/how much time should I dedicate/do you dedicate to studying? Whats the social scene like? Really any info on UF would be helpful but specifically anything on the academic/homework (do they even give out homework???) standpoint would be helpful. Thanks a bunch!

(also if it helps I am terrible with studying but rather cram… I mean I do well on tests but I’m sure that’s a mentality that I need to change in preparation for uni, let alone UF)

Gainesville is a great town built around the school. So the scene is very diverse. Food options are amazing (if you get in be sure to ask me for recommendations), and there are always plenty of events. One of the biggest Punk music fest takes place here, we also have frequent art-walks, and there are monthly food truck rallies just to name a few local events.
On campus there is a lot of ambition, but the specific culture mostly depends on your major. Though no matter what school you go to the attitude you need for success is one of discipline and a sense of responsibility. Get your work done in a timely manor, genuinely make sure you don’t stop studying until you understand the material, join study groups, and communicate with professors. Stick to those rules and you’ll be fine.

Thank you for responding! Just as a side question how likely do you think it is for me to get in? I hear that while an overall high GPA and testing scores are going to help one get in, that even some people with a good GPA and scores don’t.

I mean I heard that UF re-calculates the GPA, but from what I’ve seen people that are accepted have a 4.0+ GPA in highschool, but recalculated mine would be a 3.8. They still look at the recalculated GPA right?

Dude I have no idea. From personal experience and observing all my academic friends, I find most schools acceptance records to be sort of inconsistent and as a result pretty unpredictable. I was rejected when I applied for Econ as my major with a 3.4 GPA, and high standardized test scores. Furthermore I was transferring from Santa Fe which most people will say is “guaranteed acceptance”, yet it seemed it didn’t guarantee me acceptance. I recently applied again but this time for International Studies, and was accepted.
So my best advice is try to relax and wait for the results.

Thanks for the info! I suppose that’s both relieving to hear and sort of heart wrenching ;o; I’d rather have some sort f means to base my chance of acceptance off of, but if it’s random I guess I might as well try!!

You need to improve your SAT Math score (good luck on Saturday’s test!), otherwise based on your GPA, UF will be a high match to a reach. Holistic admissions can seem a bit random, but you should go ahead and apply. Just make sure you apply to several other schools as matches and safeties.

UF can be very rigorous, based on your major/field of study. You will need to spend time studying, and it helps to form study groups. This advise works at any school. Plan on putting in the time, and make an effort to improve your study habits (if needed). If needed, take advantage of tutoring, etc.

UF can be very social (with almost 1,000 clubs/student organizations), and you should make an effort to join a few groups and start making friends (see study groups above!). Having fun helps balance the study/work. However, don’t let it dominate your time, or you will pay a price.

Some classes do have homework (mostly papers or “projects”), but more likely you’ll run into quizzes, clickers (checking attendance/in class quizzes), and multiple test. The multiple quizzes and tests help force you to stay up on the material.

Good Luck!