University of Florida Top Questions

I would tell any prospective parent or student to check out each campus before they make a decision. I did not look around too much and I only applied to a few schools because I was so sure that the University of Florida was the right school for me. Luckily, it was. But not everyone is so lucky. There are so many different colleges and universities because there are so many different types of students. That being said, every student should be able to find a school that is perfect for them.

Consider the fact that you or your child is eighteen years old. They have life figured out and they know exactly what path they will go. They will get this degree and this job. Now remember that you're eighteen years old. No one really has any clue on how their lives will end up. Your body might not yet be done changing, you've never been away from home for any significant amount of time, and you very likely will be leaving behind your group of friends. Things change. Make sure you go to a college that lets you change. Are majority of their academic programs respectable? How hard is it to change your major? Do not underestimate the impact a new social life will have on you, either. You would be doing yourself a disservice if you never met people with different interests, lifestyles, and cultures. The experience opens you up to the world as it is, an interesting mixture of people from all different walks of life. Go to a college that you love, but consider that what you 'love' might be very different by the end of your first year.

Really think about what you want FROM MULTIPLE DIMENSIONS. Don't get too caught up on one thing, whether it be money, academics, or social life. Chances are, you will change a lot during college so you want a college that can accomodate what you might become, not just what you are. In fact, if you have a decent list of colleges you're considering, i'd consider immediately taking out the extremes (the uber academic, uber social, uber-anything) unless you have really strong convictions about them. For me, the most important determinants of college satisfaction have turned out to be the size and academic orientation of the student body. I think everyone should really focus on these issues. Make sure you choose a school where the median (not average, averages get skewed) student is not too different from you in terms of motivation, as your classmates will ultimately make or break your learning experience. In the end, no school is perfect and making the best decision with limited information is hard. Hopefully this site will help you be more informed. Good luck! Once you choose a college, do your best to enjoy the ride.

It doesn't hurt to apply to a lot of schools. Going in state is great for the costs and for being close enough from home: close, but far enough away to where you have to dedicate a quater day or more to driving to get home. Being away from home is a great learning experience, and a necessary on e. If in the state of Florida, try to enroll in the International Baccalaureate program in high school. If you get your IB diploma, you automatically earn a 100{4a082faed443b016e84c6ea63012b481c58f64867aa2dc62fff66e22ad7dff6c} Bright Futures scholarship and can go to any Florida state school for free! Plus, a top school like UF loves students from the IB program, and it helps your chances of getting into a school like UF a lot.

As a Graduate, I would suggest to a high school student and parents to be as open minded as possible. Visit every school choice, large or small. Sometimes what one would consider the most prestigious university may not be the best choice for getting the best personal academic experience. I would stress to the parent that this is a big decision and their assistance in the process to the prospective student is important, but remember that it is the son or daughter who will be attending the university and the final decision should be up to them. I would also suggest that the prospected-student find a way to sit in on a class to get first hand experience rather then taking a guided tour that the University has paid a current student to give. Each college is unique in its own right and the same is true for each prospective student. Carefully list what you as an individual consider the positives and negatives about each University. Take time to asses academic and lifestyle needs, and then do the research to see if the university can meet those needs to help reach the life goals that you strive for.

For Parents, let your child decide. Afterall, it is he or she who will be attending school there for about 4 years. Be sure to visit the school and talk to current students or alumni to get a better perspective of what the school is really like. Students should pick a school where they have the greatest opportunity for them to succeed academically and socially. It is best for a student to attend a school where they will be able to balance school work and a social life. They should pick a school that will be accepting of their race, gender, sexuality, etc. All in all, if you could imagine yourself being a student there, then it is probably a good fit for you.

Do your research!

Do your research! Don't go in blind, ask people who attend the school of have attended about their experience. If the school is right for you, you'll feel it.

When searching for the right college, it is imperative that you visit the campus and spend a bit of time in the city to see if you feel that is a place that you are comfortable living in. Also, make sure the school offers classes you are interested in taking, even if you are not entirely sure what your major or area of study will be. To make the most out of your college experience, take classes that interest you aside from what is required. Go out. Join clubs. Meeting people and helping people are two of the most rewarding things you can do as a college student. When in college, lifetime memories are created. Don't waste the experience buried under a book. (But studying is really important too!)

Pick a school keeping in mind that you probably WILL change your major at some point. For this reason, try to find a college that has balanced funding for both its arts and science programs. I began as a pre-med major and so I chose my college based on its research and pre-med opportunities. Now, I'm an English major, a change that I don't regret at all. I am, however, disappointed with my university's suffering liberal arts program. I wish I would have chosen a college that would have allowed such a transiton to be easier. Also, don't pick a school based on a sports program (unless, of course, you are an athlete!). Sports are fun and great, but it's not going to help you get a great job or help you in your classes. You can always watch sports; you can't always get a great education from a school that has tons of sports teams. Keep your priorities straight and don't let "amenities" be your deciding factor.