<p>If you were accepted to both schools, would you choose USF over UF? Why?</p>
<p>I did choose USF over UF, and here’s why:</p>
<p>1) I liked the overall feel of the campus and the student body more… I have an advantage when selecting a school since I saw my older sister go thru this process a few years ago. and to both of us, it seems that USF students (as a general whole) were more inclusive and friendly, whereas UF students (as a general whole) came off as a little snotty… like the mean girls or something. ha. obviously there are good and bad people at both schools but thats the impression we got of the overall student body (she has friends who went to UF and used to hang out up there visiting them)</p>
<p>2) I felt really strongly that the USF Honors college would give me more opportunities to stand out and to excell… like undergraduate research experience, etc. it really had sort of a “family” feel, and that is important to me, to feel like I belong to a smaller family within such a large university.</p>
<p>3) Tampa is SO much better than Gainesville. seriously. </p>
<p>…those were my reasons, for me personally. I’m really excited to be a Bull!! :)</p>
<p>Both my friend and I are chosing USF Honors over UF Honors. My friend is going there for the 7 year medical program (UF has one, but they only accept a very very small number of people), and I’m there for the 5 year masters program for engineering (USF takes unlimited candidates for the accelerated masters as long as they meet the requirements). For the medical and computer science majors, the college matters less than say, for a law major. (There’s actually been many studies that show your college matters a lot less than your individual grades for your employers). Granted, a CS degree from CalTech or MIT would be preferable, but only if you happen to have a resident leprechaun living in your household sending you the money. And we’re not slackers, my friend is ranked 2nd in a highly competitive class of 650+ and I’m in the 99th percentile with my SAT scores.</p>
<p>I strongly urge you to watch the news next week carefully. Governor Rick Scott just got the budget from the State Legislature that would allow UF to set market-rate tuition which would allow them to increase tuition exponentially. More than the 15% cap. He may veto it. </p>
<p>[Florida</a> Legislature wrapping up 2012 session - Tampa Bay Times](<a href=“http://www.tampabay.com/news/politics/gubernatorial/florida-legislature-wrapping-up-2012-session/1219156]Florida”>Florida Legislature wrapping up 2012 session)</p>
<p>The reason why I chose USF over UF is because the differences between the two schools, at least in terms of academic quality, is marginal and statistically insignificant. In terms of lifestyle, the differences are apparent. </p>
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<li><p>Let me first say that UF is an outstanding school, and I take nothing away from their well-deserved prestige. However, the education available at USF is comparatively similar and equally competitive. According to surveys gathered outside of Florida, there is no real distinction between many of the state’s universities. Employment is won through degrees and performances reflected from transcripts and individual character, not through school affiliation (Saying you graduated from an Ivy League school is a little different, however). </p></li>
<li><p>I selected USF because it was a fit for me. What I mean by this is that USF and Tampa provided me with more opportunities that were specific with what I wanted to do in life. As an aspiring FBI employee, I decided to major in psychology and minor in criminology. USF is a top-tier university and a flagship school in terms of public research in the state of Florida, with nationally reputable psychology and criminology departments with plentiful internships that provide real-world experience in a bustling metropolitan environment. MacDill AFB is here, the FBI has a headquarters here, the school is community engaged. I can see myself having a life in Tampa (At least for a few years after I graduate, I also want to travel). </p></li>
<li><p>Due to the relatively youthful age of USF in comparison to the more “traditional” schools like UF and FSU, the potential for growth and expansion provides exciting momentum that I can be proud to be a part of. We are half the age of these schools yet our reputation is already rivaling theirs. USF isn’t known as a party school, and to me this is an absolute PLUS. I’m here for a quality education, and I want to go to a school whose students care more about their academic reputation, not about where they’re going to go bum alcohol for a Tuesday night’s rage. </p></li>
<li><p>Tampa > Gainesville. I’m not a typical college student, and so I don’t want a typical college experience. Gainesville is what you’d imagine a typical college town to be… boring. It’s quaint, but there’s nothing to do, except party, but I value my self-respect too much to say that that was the bulk of my college experience. In Tampa you have access to many options, such as Busch Gardens/Adventure Island, the best beaches in America, Ybor City clubs, professional sports (Rays/Bolts/Bucs), and much more in addition to the many clubs and organizations on campus. I’d be lying if I said I didn’t enjoy a good party to relieve me of the stresses of higher education, and in Tampa you won’t have a problem finding a good time (regardless if you wear Greek Letters or not). Living in Tampa I can say that I’ve gained a great deal of exposure to diversity, in terms of both people and my developing outlook on life. </p></li>
<li><p>UF has such a large fan base that it has become a nuisance. In many ways even, it became a deterrent and a reason why I didn’t want to associate with them. There are Gator-haters for a reason, and it’s not because of UF’s athletic prowess, it’s because of their ignorant fans who defend a school they don’t even attend, let alone could ever get into. The fact that I represent an “underdog” school makes it exciting, in my opinion. Every win is electrifying, and every upset is a finger in the face of the evil empire. I can say, “I was alive when that happen,” instead of “My great great grandfather was alive when that happened, according to his testimony on this piece of parchment.”</p></li>
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