No state income tax in FL, now DeSantis is saying he wants to get rid of property taxes. UFL is going to be very affected by research cuts as an R1 university. I’d like to know how DeSantis is going to be funding current level of public services, never mind addressing federal cuts, with a dramatic cut in taxes.

Much easier to get into UVA out of state than UT-Austin. I can't imagine picking UVA over UT. They've got everything. Great academics, great sports and of course Austin!

Anonymous wrote:Very good school. Definitely made strides to rise in the rankings over the last decade or so, IMO legitimately so (unlike certain large private schools).

Still not on the UCs/UNC/UVA/Mich level, but they're arguably right in that GT/UMD/UTA tier.

Lol UVA? C'mon man. UT-Austin > UVA. UT-Austin OOS acceptance rate is like 5% with over 90,000 aps. UVA has to do Early Decision for yield. This forum is always entertaining. Gotta love the DMV.

I don't think about UF.

Anonymous wrote:Overated, way too reliant on online learning. Also question state’s current commitment to maintaining same level of funding.

You are a broken record.

Very good school. Definitely made strides to rise in the rankings over the last decade or so, IMO legitimately so (unlike certain large private schools).

Still not on the UCs/UNC/UVA/Mich level, but they're arguably right in that GT/UMD/UTA tier.

What are the pros and cons?

How can we answer. You’ve told us nothing about your kid.

Is it easy to get back and forth for breaks?

Don’t be lazy, OP. You can figure this one out for yourself.

Anonymous wrote:Overated, way too reliant on online learning. Also question state’s current commitment to maintaining same level of funding.

I’ve heard about the whole first year online, but is this common otherwise and what about at other flagships? This would really bother me.

Two of my siblings went there, one loved it and still has a ton of friends from school, one had a meh experience and keeps in touch with no one. It’s a really big school in a sort of remote part of FL. It’s the state flagship so for Floridians going to UF is an accomplishment. I went to a LAC and when we compared notes on classes I didn’t think they were learning much their first two years (large lectures, only going to class for tests, watching classes on TV). Sophomore year my sister thought she’d dropped a class, found out late in the semester she actually hadn’t, showed up for the final and still got a B.

I understand paying more when your kid really wants a specific school, we did the same for one of ours, but imo if your in-state option is a Michigan, UNC, UVA, UCLA or Berkeley, I’d choose one of those over UF. If not, I don’t think it really matters. In the south most other state flagships seem to be similar enough and UF might have a slightly better reputation.

We stayed in Orlando when we visited UF. DS was accepted to the honors college and but will likely be heading elsewhere. It’s an amazing school though I think he’d be very happy there.

Overated, way too reliant on online learning. Also question state’s current commitment to maintaining same level of funding.

Anonymous wrote: Campus is sporty and lots of partying. Some strong professors.

Great sports teams, great academics and lots of partying? Sounds like the perfect college. BTW what major Universities don't have lots of partying. Work hard and play hard.

Harry’s seafood and bar (Cajun food) is very good, cute area downtown too. My ds got deferred but liked the campus. General impression is better for sciences than humanities. Be prepared for lots of online classes as well.

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:NP - we are visiting over spring break. Any tips as to where to stay or good places to eat?

There is no shortage of food or shelter in Florida. That is the last thing you have to worry. Just look for a hotel in Gainesville....it is a small university town. Just get temp parking permit from school

We aren't affiliated with UF but were driving through Gainesville on the way back home to St Pete and stayed here for a night: https://sweetwaterinn.com/

It was lovely. The best breakfast I've ever had (I'm not usually a breakfast person).