Choice between 2 schools: USF vs. UF

[prept]

I applied to 2 PT schools, and actually got accepted to both of them, and really don't know what to do, I realize this is only my choice, however I'm curious as to how the profession views each school. The first school is the U. of South Florida, a program that has 36 students, a 3 year pass rate on the exam of about 98.5%, and is within commuting distance, keeping me close to my family and boyfriend. It's not ranked or anything, (and I'm not sure how much that matters?) The program is within the College of Medicine, and I would take the majority of my first year classes along side the medical students. USF is home to Moffitt Cancer Center and Shriners hospital for children, both recognized hospitals, plus Tampa/ St. Pete is home to some excellent hospitals, and the school has over 500 clinical affiliations. The other option is the U. Of Florida, which admits 50 students, a 3 year pass rate of about 97%, ranked 25, and is a prestigious and well known school in general, not to say USF isn't, but UF is more well known. This school is about 2-2 1/2 hours away from home, and I'd have to take out a loan to pay for housing if I chose to go there. UF is home to Shands, a top hospital in the country, and has over 250 affiliated clinical sites. Both schools seem to have a good faculty, UF has faculty that have had their degrees for much longer (does that matter?) and all of the faculty there have their PhD's, the PT program itself has been around longer, however the DPT has only been in place for a few years. USF has the same amount of faculty members, but half the faculty have PhD's, while the other half have clinical degrees, the PT program itself has only been around since 98, but was the first school in the state of FL to receive approval for the DPT. Tuition isn't a factor, it's basically the same at both schools so that doesnt' matter, and both schools are public. If anyone has any comments, thoughts, etc. on the things I've mentioned, as to which school might be better, I know I can excell at either school, but is one school better for my future than the other? Also if there are any other factors I should consider, please let me know! Thanks in advance for any comments you all have!

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[Bad0 Fish0]

The main factor is which is cheaper. You say that's not a factor.. so I would go with the one in commuting distance. Ranking really does not matter. USF sounds like a great school; that's the one I'd choose 👍

 

[jesspt]

Ditto what Bad Fish said - ranking DOES NOT matter.

 

[ADUB]

Same as above. For some reason I have always liked USF quite a bit. The Faculty members do not have to hold a PhD to be great teachers and to keep up to date with the literature. Good Luck!!!