What are some good college/universities?
Question:
Answer:
I agree-- you should do some research and decide based on what it means to be a "good college" to you.
UF is my alma matter, and is considered #1 in the Southeast by many people. After all, UF is:
#1 in Football
#1 in Basketball
#1 in national merit scholars (of those you asked about)
Because of the award winning sports program, UF is well known throughout the country-- but there's more to it than that.
Did you know that UF placed #13 out of ALL of the public schools in the Nation, in a 2006 study? (http://www.ufl.edu/facts/) You truly receive a top notch degree when you attend UF.
It's a great school in a great town. It's located in Gainesville, Florida . Nearly half the population of Gainesville either attends or works at UF, but there is also a stellar community college called Santa Fe (http://www.sfcc.edu/) in Gainesville, too. The weather is beautiful, the city is small enough to navigate but big enough to keep you busy, and there's generally low crime. Also, it's a really good deal compared to other Universities (you get a great degree for relatively low cost per credit hour). There's an active greek community, with different organizations for every personality type. UF offers several internship programs, which will help you get class credit while working on your resume, and they have award winning colleges in everything from science to theater. For students looking to study Medicine, it's a particularly good choice, with Shands as the UF teaching hospital--- among the best in the nation. Also, I found the students to be laid back enough in their studies that I didn't feel pressure to compete--- which is unusual in such a stellar university.
However, UF isn't for everyone. First, it's very hard to get into. Secondly, it is more expensive than a community college. Third, the cost of living here in Gainesville is higher than in many other small SE cities. Also, it's a very large school, which is a huge step for many kids who went to small high schools and are used to less challenging courses and more "hand holding" from staff, counselors and teachers. Other cons of UF: there's only enough on-campus housing for 7500 total students (though there are over 50,000 students at UF). For those who live off campus as undergrads, there is no place to park on campus, and the bus system is very slow and problematic. Plan on at least a 1 hour commute per day, if you live in an off-campus apartment that isn't walking distance to classes. Also, the majority of the UF students don't work, so if you don't come from a privaleged background, you might have trouble fitting in and relating.
If you can't get in by applying directly to UF, consider applying to Santa Fe instead. Santa Fe is a community college, so it's easier to get into. It's also MUCH cheaper than UF per credit hour. You can get your AA there and then apply as a transfer student to UF. Santa Fe is a feeder college to UF. Several of my family members went this route-- it's less expensive and easier to get into UF than applying straight out of college. Plus, it can serve as a nice stepping stone between high school and the large University.
If you do choose UF, here are my pointers:
- Apply to both UF and Santa Fe, just in case you don't get in directly.
- Though you might have heard about early decision, don't plan on using it. They stopped the program this year.
- If you want to live on campus, apply for both UF and the housing as early as possible (ie: June of your Junior year) because housing assignments are given based on your priority date from your app.
- Tour as soon as possible.
- Start in Summer B instead of Fall; this will allow you to learn the city and the campus before it's overcrowded and hot
- If you live off campus, live walking distance to your CLASSES (near University Ave and 13th St)
- Get involved as early as possible in extra-curricular activities which have something to do with your major. There's everything from journalism clubs (where you can work at the local newspaper) to Frats/Sororities. Join! Join early!
- Don't get the gator dining program. Everyone agrees its a waste of money and that the flex plan is the only way to go.
Helpful websites:
- UF site: http://www.ufl.edu/
- Santa Fe CC site: http://www.sfcc.edu/
- Gainesville Wiki: http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/gainesville...
- Gainesville Sun: http://www.Gainesville.com
- On campus housing: http://www.housing.ufl.edu
- Off campus housing that is walking distance to UF: http://www.trimarkproperties.com...
- Student Newspaper: http://www.Alligator.org
Good luck!
Everyone in Ohio knows the University of Florida is #1
The Building Construction Management program at UF is the only program in the state with 100% job placement before graduation (and the $ is great!)
http://www.bcn.ufl.edu/
GO GATORS!!
Well, I think you need to decide what YOU want to go to college for... When you figure that out, check which of those schools offers the programs you want..
Not to sound rude, but do you always ask people to do your thinking for you?
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