Florida Schools Application Thread (2009) Part 3

[pianola]

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Wow. 79K per year x 4 years. Wow. 😱😱😱. $320K (before interest!) is hard to swallow. Especially since I heard FIU's focus is going to be primary care (correct me if I'm wrong on that).

I really hope FIU has significant scholarships for their students because $320K (before interest) + a new, as of yet, unknown school + a primary care specialty + any kind of undergraduate loans is more or less suicidal, wouldn't you think? I mean is that doable in any way shape or form? You'll be paying off loans until you're 110! Assuming the school gets full accreditation and you're actually ABLE to pay off those loans.

Is there some part of the equation that I'm missing here? Cause that looks frankly incredible (and no, I did not apply to FIU).

 

[MossPoh]

I really did not get the impression that FIU was primary care focused, but rather south florida and underserved focus. They want you to go into a speciality that makes you happy and keeps you in the area. Obviously the Neighborhood HELP program has a primary care tinge to it, but the idea is that you get to watch/participate in more than being family practice type person. If they have surgery, you get to go in and watch...stuff like that. They said they'd like people to go to primary care, but they aren't going to dissuade anyone that chooses other pathways. By the looks of their plans for the next 10-15 years, they want to orient towards having lots of research as well. I don't think FIU is as open about their future ambitions as UCF, but they certainly have major plans on the books.

Also, 79k is for OOS. The people who are more likely to leave Florida once done. It is just a different way to provide disincentives than simply not interviewing OOS students. The state of florida is dumping a nice sum of cash into these schools relative to the rest of the higher education system I believe.

 

[pianola]

Also, 79k is for OOS. The people who are more likely to leave Florida once done. It is just a different way to provide disincentives than simply not interviewing OOS students. The state of florida is dumping a nice sum of cash into these schools relative to the rest of the higher education system I believe.

Well, but that was kind of my point. Why on earth would they interview OOS students? Are the students actually going to come? It takes resources to interview people. And it takes resources for the student to come interview in the first place.

I was definitely under the impression that the school favored primary care physicians. Which is what underserved areas need, btw. Unless you're independently wealthy, a primary care specialty is NOT going to be an option with $320K in loans.

It just seems like a really weird setup.

 

[PseudomonasPAO1]

Well, but that was kind of my point. Why on earth would they interview OOS students? Are the students actually going to come? It takes resources to interview people. And it takes resources for the student to come interview in the first place.

It just seems like a really weird setup.

Don't forget that it's the inaugural class, so there's a ton of attention being placed on the interviewees and accepted students. There were stories in the local newspaper stating "over 2000 applications received, including applicants from all the Ivy League schools."

The final matriculating class is what will be interesting to see 🙂

 

[MossPoh]

Well, but that was kind of my point. Why on earth would they interview OOS students? Are the students actually going to come? It takes resources to interview people. And it takes resources for the student to come interview in the first place.

I was definitely under the impression that the school favored primary care physicians. Which is what underserved areas need, btw. Unless you're independently wealthy, a primary care specialty is NOT going to be an option with $320K in loans.

It just seems like a really weird setup.

You'd be surprised. Students come. Also, while primary care is needed in underserved. Every kind of physician is needed. It doesn't take a full practice to contribute to the area. Even a cardiologist or radiologist can go and do basic physicals and stuff if need be. My dad is a radiologist in an underserved and rural area. Check out Dr. Greer, who is mister help the poor with FIU. He is board certified in gastroenterology and hepatology. If you are willing to work in those areas, then there are loan repayments a plenty. I have an offer to have a year paid back for every year I am there in addition to regular income in my hometown. It just has to be a speciality they need. The debt becomes a bigger issue if you want primary care in a nice little suburb or richer area. If you are willing to set up shop in the middle of nowhere or a place to help the poor, then it is fairly easy to get loan forgiveness.

 

[pianola]

If you are willing to set up shop in the middle of nowhere or a place to help the poor, then it is fairly easy to get loan forgiveness.

That's a really good point. I forgot about that. Well, I guess it makes more sense now.

But still $320K is a lot of money.

 

[Fp02c]

Any other news from Florida?

 

[MossPoh]

Waitlist at FSU....pretty bummed.

 

[DomFowler]

Well guys...


Acceptance from USF!🙂


I hope this gives hope to everyone out there. I am a re-applicant, and I applied late. For USF I was complete 9/26; II 10/9; I 10/20; A 10/29. But this time around I made sure my essays would rock their world.

I know what I am about to say sounds like a broken record, but if anyone needs any guidance for interviews or has any questions, please feel free to pm me or post on the forum. By no means do I know it all, but I would be happy to share what little I do know.

This is very humbling.

-Dom

 

[take the shot]

Well guys...


Acceptance from USF!🙂


I hope this gives hope to everyone out there. I am a re-applicant, and I applied late. For USF I was complete 9/26; II 10/9; I 10/27; A 11/05. But this time around I made sure my essays would rock their world.

I know what I am about to say sounds like a broken record, but if anyone needs any guidance for interviews or has any questions, please feel free to pm me or post on the forum. By no means do I know it all, but I would be happy to share what little I do know.

This is very humbling.

-Dom

Congrats on your acceptance! Although I am not applying to Florida schools, a good friend of mine was also part of the 10/27 interview group at USF. She told me that they were told that the admissions committee would not meet until 11/11 because of some tournament. Did they end up meeting yesterday?

 

[DomFowler]

my apologies for the wrong dates..small mix-up in my mind with another school..my interview was on 10/20 and I was called last wednesday by Leila. I posted this wednesday cause I was out campaining for President-elect Barack Obama for the past week. So I got good news two wednedays in a row..👍

****complete @ USF 9/26, II 10/09, I 10/20, A 10/29

 

[take the shot]

my apologies for the wrong dates..small mix-up in my mind with another school..my interview was on 10/20 and I was called last wednesday by Leila. I posted this wednesday cause I was out campaining for President-elect Barack Obama for the past week. So I got good news two wednedays in a row..👍

****complete @ USF 9/26, II 10/09, I 10/20, A 10/29

I told my friend this and she was so relieved! Wish you the best luck in the future. Anyone who is as determined and persistent like you with your reapplication deserves to get in.
I wish I could check out Florida schools, just have heard so many cool things about them from my buddy. Here's hoping the western schools admit me!

 

[DomFowler]

Thanks guys, for the congratulations!

I know its just one acceptance, but I feel so thankful right now. I can't help but look back on the last 5 years and see how far I have come. So many lows, so much hardwork, so many tears. I was always the underdog in my friends and family. My older brother is a doctor, and so is my dad. I am not blessed like they are with intelligence and talent.

People laughed when I told them five years ago that I am interested in becoming a doctor. I admit I am not the brightest person out there, but the human spirit can compensate for such shortcomings.

The people who know me never expected me to get through the chemistry, physics, orgo's or biochem. Each step I was doubted by those closest to me. I was never supposed to get a 30+ on the MCAT. I was never supposed to get interviews. I was never supposed to make it. When I didn't get get in last year, I was told by many to give up on medicine. "Its not for you man, its for smart people," I was told.

The reason I am writing this is because I know there are pre-meds out there right now who are doubting themselves. DON'T! People like myself, who are not blessed with intelligence and talent, are given other gifts. We can take anything this world throws at us. We can work harder and longer than others. We can keep moving forward when most others fall. We have to work twice as hard to get half as far.


Okay, enough of my sob story...
I'm gonna be a doctor!!! whoooooo hoooooooooo

-Dom

 

[MossPoh]

There are always doubters. As far as only smart people being doctors, they haven't met too many med students and doctors. I've met some real idiots where my first thought is, "How the hell did this person get out of high school?"

 

[mikedc813]

Most people have the brains to be a competent doctor. It's their common sense that sometimes is lacking.

 

[MossPoh]

What is this "common sense" you speak of?

 

[greg1184]

You'd be surprised. Students come. Also, while primary care is needed in underserved. Every kind of physician is needed. It doesn't take a full practice to contribute to the area. Even a cardiologist or radiologist can go and do basic physicals and stuff if need be. My dad is a radiologist in an underserved and rural area. Check out Dr. Greer, who is mister help the poor with FIU. He is board certified in gastroenterology and hepatology. If you are willing to work in those areas, then there are loan repayments a plenty. I have an offer to have a year paid back for every year I am there in addition to regular income in my hometown. It just has to be a speciality they need. The debt becomes a bigger issue if you want primary care in a nice little suburb or richer area. If you are willing to set up shop in the middle of nowhere or a place to help the poor, then it is fairly easy to get loan forgiveness.

Dr. Greer is such an amazing guy. I have heard him speak twice, and there are alot of things that many people in this forum can learn from him.

 

[ElCaminoReal]

Any news from UF lately? How long did it take for you to get interview invites after being complete? How about UM? 🙂

 

[ElCaminoReal]

Thanks guys, for the congratulations!

I know its just one acceptance, but I feel so thankful right now. I can't help but look back on the last 5 years and see how far I have come. So many lows, so much hardwork, so many tears. I was always the underdog in my friends and family. My older brother is a doctor, and so is my dad. I am not blessed like they are with intelligence and talent.

People laughed when I told them five years ago that I am interested in becoming a doctor. I admit I am not the brightest person out there, but the human spirit can compensate for such shortcomings.

The people who know me never expected me to get through the chemistry, physics, orgo's or biochem. Each step I was doubted by those closest to me. I was never supposed to get a 30+ on the MCAT. I was never supposed to get interviews. I was never supposed to make it. When I didn't get get in last year, I was told by many to give up on medicine. "Its not for you man, its for smart people," I was told.

The reason I am writing this is because I know there are pre-meds out there right now who are doubting themselves. DON'T! People like myself, who are not blessed with intelligence and talent, are given other gifts. We can take anything this world throws at us. We can work harder and longer than others. We can keep moving forward when most others fall. We have to work twice as hard to get half as far.


Okay, enough of my sob story...
I'm gonna be a doctor!!! whoooooo hoooooooooo

-Dom

CONGRATS!!! 😎

 

[Kaya12]

FSU interview invite!! Woohooo I love love love the Florida schools 😎

 

[DrZeke]

bump

 

[umean2tellme]

Florida is a really cool place. On the interview trail I got to drive through the entire state for the first time and i didn't realize how different things are all over the state of Florida. I live in miami, but driving through Tampa and then Gainsville it was like going through a completely different universe lol.

 

[DrZeke]

I know what you mean. I've been across Fl. as well and its def. different from part to part but Fl. is growing slowly. The inland and panhandle tend to be like rural country compared to the Orlandos and Miamis of Florida.

ah yes 🙂 this is why I didn't apply to two of the Florida schools even though I am a Florida resident. But, that was also partially due to the fact that I'm terrified of living in a 'college town'.

 

[pianola]

But, that was also partially due to the fact that I'm terrified of living in a 'college town'.

Haha. What's so terrifying about it? 😉

Don't worry, we don't eat small children here.

 

[DrZeke]

Haha. What's so terrifying about it? 😉

Don't worry, we don't eat small children here.

1) I'd never really understood the concept of a college town until I was 20 and visiting one and already in University. It kinda weirded me out how an entire city revolved around a school.

2) I'm from a big city in the Northeast and the thought of going to the real south terrified me. The probably sounds stupid, but if I'm going to be in the South I insist on being in a large city.

 

[DrZeke]

1) I'd never really understood the concept of a college town until I was 20 and visiting one and already in University. It kinda weirded me out how an entire city revolved around a school.

2) I'm from a big city in the Northeast and the thought of going to the real south terrified me. The probably sounds stupid, but if I'm going to be in the South I insist on being in a large city.

Also:

3) I've never been to a pep rally, seems like college towns in Florida have a lot of 'team spirit'.

4) People who want to own pick-up trucks and don't need them for work scare me (again this is referring to florida). Now, I can appreciate that it's because they are southern and have this natural affinity for pickups.

 

[pianola]

Sorry, I just feel like I have to defend Gainesville for a second because it's where I spent most of my life:

1) I'd never really understood the concept of a college town until I was 20 and visiting one and already in University. It kinda weirded me out how an entire city revolved around a school.

Well, I mean, there's a core of us whose social lives tends to revolve around the school to some extent: art festival/s/galas, performing artists (Andre Watts/Murray Perahia), guest lectures in different fields. We're not freaks, I promise. There are a lot of interesting intellectual and social opportunities that can come out of a university.

2) I'm from a big city in the Northeast and the thought of going to the real south terrified me. The probably sounds stupid, but if I'm going to be in the South I insist on being in a large city.

Gainesville is NOT the real south. It's basically a city of transplants from other places. It's not a big city, but there's enough to do. We have movie theaters, coffee shops, places to eat, the works. I'll give you this: we don't have very good Asian food. But we're not as bad in other areas. There are people with southern accents who live in Gainesville but by and large, they come from outside the city limits; "the South" is not a huge part of what Gainesville is.

3) I've never been to a pep rally, seems like college towns in Florida have a lot of 'team spirit'.

Nope, me either. It's actually very possible to avoid the crowd who has 'team spirit'. Yes, that core group of people exists, but especially among graduate students, most people really could care less about sports. Most of the graduate students in my program are not from the US and so their main focus is hardly on who won the football game 😉.

4) People who want to own pick-up trucks and don't need them for work scare me (again this is referring to florida). Now, I can appreciate that it's because they are southern and have this natural affinity for pickups.

Heh, I don't know anyone who owns a pickup truck. No, I mean anyone at all. 😛

 

[DrZeke]

Sorry, I just feel like I have to defend Gainesville for a second because it's where I spent most of my life:



Well, I mean, there's a core of us whose social lives tends to revolve around the school to some extent: art festival/s/galas, performing artists (Andre Watts/Murray Perahia), guest lectures in different fields. We're not freaks, I promise. There are a lot of interesting intellectual and social opportunities that can come out of a university.



Gainesville is NOT the real south. It's basically a city of transplants from other places. It's not a big city, but there's enough to do. We have movie theaters, coffee shops, places to eat, the works. I'll give you this: we don't have very good Asian food. But we're not as bad in other areas. There are people with southern accents who live in Gainesville but by and large, they come from outside the city limits; "the South" is not a huge part of what Gainesville is.



Nope, me either. It's actually very possible to avoid the crowd who has 'team spirit'. Yes, that core group of people exists, but especially among graduate students, most people really could care less about sports. Most of the graduate students in my program are not from the US and so their main focus is hardly on who won the football game 😉.



Heh, I don't know anyone who owns a pickup truck. No, I mean anyone at all. 😛

When you're from a city like the one I grew up in, so much is considered 'the south'. Also, I've never lived in a town. I don't think it matters if it's a college town or not, the only time I'm living in a 'town' is during residency.

I'm sure there is nothing wrong with Gainesville, I just had no desire to go there. The only time anyone talks about it is when they talk about UF or Gators. To talk about UF for a second, I went to a school that regarded by Harvard as an Ivy, so when I hear UF speak of themselves like their the Queen of England, I kind of laugh inside. It's not to say they aren't a good school it's just to say that they might want to look around and get a clue as to what their international reputation really is. I do think lots of good research comes out of UF though.

I will say this about food...so, when I think about Miami, I think one of its biggest downfall is variety of food. Now plenty of people will say I'm crazy. But if you want good thai, indian, chinese, cheap sushi, greek, lebanese or other varieties of food that aren't directly located in the caribbean or south america, then it's pretty much American food. Which I love, I'm a carnivore. But sometimes I crave good greek food...and Miami just doesn't have it 🙂

 

[pianola]

Actually, Gainesville's a city. Not a huge city, but a city, yes.

The only time anyone talks about it is when they talk about UF or Gators. To talk about UF for a second, I went to a school that regarded by Harvard as an Ivy, so when I hear UF speak of themselves like their the Queen of England, I kind of laugh inside.

Haha. It's so funny to hear other peoples' impressions of UF. I'll just say that my experience of UF and UM has been somewhat different than yours. (I've never heard the above-sentiment expressed).

Actually, I didn't go to UF as an undergrad and my school was likewise well-regarded (top 5 liberal arts college). And yet I'm here as a grad student at UF, and I can tell you for a fact that it's a very good school.

And I am half-Greek. So if you want Greek food you have to come my house and I live in Gainesville. 😉

PS. Does UM have a good international reputation? We have a huge international student population at UF...

 

[DwyaneWade]

When you're from a city like the one I grew up in, so much is considered 'the south'. Also, I've never lived in a town. I don't think it matters if it's a college town or not, the only time I'm living in a 'town' is during residency.

I'm sure there is nothing wrong with Gainesville, I just had no desire to go there. The only time anyone talks about it is when they talk about UF or Gators. To talk about UF for a second, I went to a school that regarded by Harvard as an Ivy, so when I hear UF speak of themselves like their the Queen of England, I kind of laugh inside. It's not to say they aren't a good school it's just to say that they might want to look around and get a clue as to what their international reputation really is. I do think lots of good research comes out of UF though.

I will say this about food...so, when I think about Miami, I think one of its biggest downfall is variety of food. Now plenty of people will say I'm crazy. But if you want good thai, indian, chinese, cheap sushi, greek, lebanese or other varieties of food that aren't directly located in the caribbean or south america, then it's pretty much American food. Which I love, I'm a carnivore. But sometimes I crave good greek food...and Miami just doesn't have it 🙂

You don't like the University Inn Greek Restaurant??? 🙁

 

[dkb86]

I'm sure there is nothing wrong with Gainesville, I just had no desire to go there. The only time anyone talks about it is when they talk about UF or Gators. To talk about UF for a second, I went to a school that regarded by Harvard as an Ivy, so when I hear UF speak of themselves like their the Queen of England, I kind of laugh inside. It's not to say they aren't a good school it's just to say that they might want to look around and get a clue as to what their international reputation really is. I do think lots of good research comes out of UF though.

I don't think that UF thinks it's the "Queen of England" - people have school spirit, and they are proud of being UF students and proud of being Gators, what's wrong with that? You "laugh inside" - it sounds like you are saying you scoff at people for being proud of their school because you think yours was so much better... Sounds a little self-righteous... Anyway I am not trying to start some kind of argument, but I just thought that your post was a little on the offensive side. 👎

 

[Fiko18]

if u think miami doesnt have good greek or lebanese food then u are absolutely crazy, u just havent been to the right places. I am Greek and partially labanese and can tell u of a few great restaurants from west palm to miami. There is a great diversity of food here is south florida. sorry for the rant, i just love food

 

[pianola]

Sorry, but I do have to ask, DrZeke: Have you ever been to Gainesville before?

The only people I have ever heard describe Gainesville as a "southern town" are:

(A) People who are 75 years old and visited 55 years ago and
(B) People who have never been here before.

 

[pianola]

if u think miami doesnt have good greek or lebanese food then u are absolutely crazy, u just havent been to the right places. I am Greek and partially labanese and can tell u of a few great restaurants from west palm to miami. There is a great diversity of food here is south florida. sorry for the rant, i just love food

Woohoo! Yay! My mom's Greek 😀.

 

[Fiko18]

Woohoo! Yay! My mom's Greek 😀.

nice lol im actually egyptian, italian, lebanese and greek. Mediterranean mix 😉

 

[pianola]

nice lol im actually egyptian, italian, lebanese and greek. Mediterranean mix 😉

Ah, I'm Greek and...West Virginian 😳. No West Virginia jokes, please.

Gosh, I just can't get it right when it comes to "where I'm from" can I?

 

[Fiko18]

Ah, I'm Greek and...West Virginian 😳. No West Virginia jokes, please.

Gosh, I just can't get it right when it comes to "where I'm from" can I?

haha greek and west virginian, that is one ive never heard before, very unique 🙂

 

[pianola]

haha greek and west virginian, that is one ive never heard before, very unique 🙂

Indeed. I suspect I'm URM but AMCAS didn't have a little box to check off half-Greek and half-West Virginian 😉.

 

[Fiko18]

Indeed. I suspect I'm URM but AMCAS didn't have a little box to check off half-Greek and half-West Virginian 😉.

damn amcas and their inconsiderateness lol

by the way i think im calling UCF sometime this week to get some kind of an update on the waitlist

 

[Kaya12]

When you're from a city like the one I grew up in, so much is considered 'the south'. Also, I've never lived in a town. I don't think it matters if it's a college town or not, the only time I'm living in a 'town' is during residency.

I'm sure there is nothing wrong with Gainesville, I just had no desire to go there. The only time anyone talks about it is when they talk about UF or Gators. To talk about UF for a second, I went to a school that regarded by Harvard as an Ivy, so when I hear UF speak of themselves like their the Queen of England, I kind of laugh inside. It's not to say they aren't a good school it's just to say that they might want to look around and get a clue as to what their international reputation really is. I do think lots of good research comes out of UF though.

I will say this about food...so, when I think about Miami, I think one of its biggest downfall is variety of food. Now plenty of people will say I'm crazy. But if you want good thai, indian, chinese, cheap sushi, greek, lebanese or other varieties of food that aren't directly located in the caribbean or south america, then it's pretty much American food. Which I love, I'm a carnivore. But sometimes I crave good greek food...and Miami just doesn't have it 🙂

So, being from chicago and then living in Miami, I totally agree with you! However, there are a couple of good finds in miami; Mykonos is a good greek restaurant on 22nd (coral way)... annd also there is The Old Lisbon, which is AMAZING peruvian, also on Coral way and 17th ave! Def try the old lisbon it is yummmy 🙂

 

[pianola]

So Pianola,

Are you going to cook me some good Greek and other mediterranean food if I ever come up?? 😉 😉

I love dolmades, and though this isn't typically greek but still mediterranean I love hummus, Tabouleh, and falafel. 😀

also baklawa (don't know if the spelling is right on that one). haha 😀

We have one of the biggest greek churches in Bradenton right down the road from my house. Its called St. barbara's orthodox Church. They always have a greek glendi around early Feb. that's so much fun.

As per the issue of Gville, my oldest bro went to UF for undergrad and some grad school from 1996-2000. Since then, my friend has gone onto Gville for med school from 2007-present. So I've been to Gville quite a few times. I must tell you that I've seen Gville change so much since the late 90s. There was a time when it was ver hard to find good variety even in typical college type of restaurants i.e. Chipotle, Tijuana Flats, etc. But now Gville is far more developed in terms of restaurants then back then.

Ocala area just south of Gville by 30-45 min has a real awesome Indian restaurant and Thai restaurant. I've heard that there are some really awesome restaurants in Gville itself too these days.

Sure thing, guju. Just let me know when you're going to visit me 😀😀. Baklava is fun to make, but it takes a while. I don't think it's entirely Greek either...but it's still good 🙂

Yeah, Gainesville has some decent Japanese restaurants (and a few new ones). Ichiban and Shooting Star (also new!) are both pretty decent, I'd say. I've never had fish that wasn't fresh at either place and I'm rather picky about my fish freshness.

The only Indian restaurant I knew we had closed down 🙁 Which is too bad because they were pretty good and VERY reasonably priced. Thai Fusion (new restaurant) has some good dishes but I'm a bit picky when it comes to my Thai food -- I thought they used a bit too much salt. LOVE Thai FOOD, though, in general.

But anyway, yeah, Gainesville's not huge, but it's not exactly no-man's land either. You CAN get good food but you may have to look for it.

 

[pianola]

by the way i think im calling UCF sometime this week to get some kind of an update on the waitlist

I figure I'll wait for bad news to come to me...no sense looking for trouble 😉. It might still be another couple of weeks before we hear anything.

 

[pianola]

Dude I know its like 35 miles south of UF, but if you ever get a chance to go to Ocala exit 350, there's a Thai Ruby (we have one in Tampa by Peabody's) and a place called Amrit Palace.

Not the last time i was in gainesville, but last fall when I was in Gville, I went to Amrit Palace on my way back to Tampa. I love that restaurant for Indian food. a lot of sarasota families have always catered from them bc they think they are one of the best in Fl. outside of the greater Orlando/Kissimmee area.

Thai Fusion isn't that great if its anything like Tampa's Thai Fusion.

But Thai Ruby in Ocala and Tampa = the bomb!! 😀 😀

yummmm...good to know! I will definitely be checking it out sometime =) I've been to Tropical Thai in Sarasota and I really enjoyed it.

Yeah, Thai Fusion...it had a really good opening soup and salad, but the panang I had was a little disappointing. I was prepared for a spicy panang but I was not prepared for one as salty as I got. I could feel my blood pressure rising with each bite 😉 And the rice was just strange. It was kind mushy like it had cooked for too long or something.

But they're still new to Gainesville, so maybe they'll get better with time...we'll see.

And see on the West Coast, they have all TYPES of Asian restaurants practically every other street. 👍👍👍 Ironically enough I only ended up applying to one West Coast school and I ended up withdrawing pre-interview.

 

[DrZeke]

You don't like the University Inn Greek Restaurant??? 🙁

No. Even Opa's has better food then them, and they are overpriced and not that good. 😉

 

[DrZeke]

I don't think that UF thinks it's the "Queen of England" - people have school spirit, and they are proud of being UF students and proud of being Gators, what's wrong with that? You "laugh inside" - it sounds like you are saying you scoff at people for being proud of their school because you think yours was so much better... Sounds a little self-righteous... Anyway I am not trying to start some kind of argument, but I just thought that your post was a little on the offensive side. 👎

Um, I wasn't talking about GATORS and balls...I'm talking about UF interview day and how they talk about how they are the "harvard of the South" and how they boast about board scores being ridiculously high when UM's board score average this past year was a 229.

In terms of reputation...go to a website that ranks schools internationally and that will give you a good idea. I'm talking in general about how people from other countries don't know that many schools. I know people who go to tiny itty bitty liberal arts colleges who think their school is "famous" and "world renown". I'm not saying that they aren't good schools, I'm just saying that some names are well-known and others aren't. In general if you say University of (insert state here), most foreigners that know a bit of American geography won't be surprised that it exists, but unless they've done research affiliated with that institution they will probably not have heard much about the school.

 

[DrZeke]

Sorry, but I do have to ask, DrZeke: Have you ever been to Gainesville before?

The only people I have ever heard describe Gainesville as a "southern town" are:

(A) People who are 75 years old and visited 55 years ago and
(B) People who have never been here before.

It's in the South. It has under 2 million people. 😀 😉

 

[DrZeke]

So Pianola,

Are you going to cook me some good Greek and other mediterranean food if I ever come up?? 😉 😉

I love dolmades, and though this isn't typically greek but still mediterranean I love hummus, Tabouleh, and falafel. 😀

also baklawa (don't know if the spelling is right on that one). haha 😀

We have one of the biggest greek churches in Bradenton right down the road from my house. Its called St. barbara's orthodox Church. They always have a greek glendi around early Feb. that's so much fun.

As per the issue of Gville, my oldest bro went to UF for undergrad and some grad school from 1996-2000. Since then, my friend has gone onto Gville for med school from 2007-present. So I've been to Gville quite a few times. I must tell you that I've seen Gville change so much since the late 90s. There was a time when it was ver hard to find good variety even in typical college type of restaurants i.e. Chipotle, Tijuana Flats, etc. But now Gville is far more developed in terms of restaurants then back then.

Ocala area just south of Gville by 30-45 min has a real awesome Indian restaurant and Thai restaurant. I've heard that there are some really awesome restaurants in Gville itself too these days.

Been to Las Olas, haven't done much eating around there. I'm just saying there are other cities where you don't have to go on a HUNT for food. It's right under your nose, in for example a "greek quarter" or "little italy". This isn't an attempt to bash Miami. I've just found I'm always searching for decent versions of certain foods types. It's not like you can just walk into an entire neighbourhood of that food type... For example, there is a "china town" of Miami, but according to Miami.com it's on 163rd street which is in north miami. And compared to other large cities - that's a small China town.

 

[DrZeke]

So, being from chicago and then living in Miami, I totally agree with you! However, there are a couple of good finds in miami; Mykonos is a good greek restaurant on 22nd (coral way)... annd also there is The Old Lisbon, which is AMAZING peruvian, also on Coral way and 17th ave! Def try the old lisbon it is yummmy 🙂

There you have it... 🙂 I will try Mykonos. I have had pretty good Ceviche at this tiny peruvian dump in North Miami that my peruvian buddy takes me too. Honestly, it's not the south american food that I have trouble finding....

 

[pianola]

Um, I wasn't talking about GATORS and balls...I'm talking about UF interview day and how they talk about how they are the "harvard of the South" and how they boast about board scores being ridiculously high when UM's board score average this past year was a 229.

Wow. Funny I never heard that after living here for 20 years. Did someone at UMiami tell you we think that?

UF simply noted that they had board scores higher than the national average during my interview day. Which is completely fair and accurate.

Oh and FYI, DrZeke, at my UF interview, I never saw any UMiami students booed simply because they were from Miami. You know what I'm talking about.

***I would strongly prefer that you not characterize the school I currently attend based on a few rumors that uneducated people may be passing around***

In terms of reputation...go to a website that ranks schools internationally and that will give you a good idea.

That would be interesting to see.

While we're on the matter of rankings, DrZeke, I'm sure you haven't forgotten that UF ranks higher in USNWR (yes due to research $$ probably). But I wasn't the one who brought up rankings...

 

[DrZeke]

Perhaps UF has changed their interview day. This is what I heard from several people on SDN and in person. I also heard from a student in 4th year that UF has a more 'competitive' student body than UM. Though, this doesn't really have any bearing or shouldn't on people's decisions to go to a school. People can choose wherever they want to go for whatever reasons. Some people love a more competitive environment some people do not. Some people want to live in a huge city, some people want to live in a small city. Whatever floats your boat. And you didn't see making fun of anyone on interview day, because I'm not into that.

And I'm not talking about bloody medical school rankings - I know my school is ranked lower than UF. I'm talking about UNDERGRAD...Since I'm getting annoyed, I'll post this and it's not to compare UM and UF it's to inform people that nobody knows where your (the figurative you) college is... HAHAHA

http://www.topuniversities.com/worlduniversityrankings/results/2008/overall_rankings/fullrankings/

Oh WOOT WOOT #20. Merci Beaucoup. Haha.