UCF versus UF

[kungfupanda2]

---

Members do not see this ad.

Despite the 9K tuition difference, it would cost me approximately the same to attend both when cost of living is factored in. Also, I am looking to go into opthamology.

UCF
Pros
Technology
FIRE project
Sanford Burnam Institute
Orlando is awesome!
Students seem chilled out

Cons
Reputation not yet established
Housing around Lake Nona is very expensive
Car required
PBL/CBL learning modality
Preceptorship throughout the pre-clinical curriculum

Neutral
Graded all four years

UF
Pros
Lots of research opportunities
1.5 year curriculum
Car not required
9-3 PM days with Friday mostly off
Top 50 (as stupid as rankings are, they "seem" to matter)
P/F for pre-clinical curriculum
Average Step 1 score is ~232, and 22% of class does better than 250 (I know this is an individual effort, but clearly the school is doing something right)
Preceptorship is in batches

Cons
Gainesville

Neutral
Students seemed more serious

I guess part of my confusion stems from the fact that I have no idea what an average day of a UCF student looks like. So if anyone knows the answer to this, it would be very helpful in clearing the air.

 

[Gas Rules]

I think the P/F grading system and strong history of Step 1 scores would tell me to choose UF.

 

[CarlATHF]

You definitely need a car at UF for years 3 & 4 (and arguably 1 & 2, since Gainesville isn't the easiest city to get around in). Doesn't matter if you do school in a city or town, since you will spend most of your time working at the hospital and studying.

Also, ophthalmology

 

[TheMightySmiter]

I'd go for UF, because it's more established and has better sports teams.

 

[Sephiroth]

I'd go for UF, because it's more established and has better sports teams.

Haha, thats a good reason. Honestly, sometimes thats a bad thing though - i hate it when the whole school and University Ave are shut down because of a meaningless game against some small minor-conference school we paid to come lose to us.

The ophtho residency may be a good reason though.


Just wondering though, OP, is housing by UCF really that expensive? I have a couple friends who go there who said they have a place where a lot of the students live that is really cheap. Dunno if its as cheap as gville though.

 

[Cinclus]

Haha, thats a good reason. Honestly, sometimes thats a bad thing though - i hate it when the whole school and University Ave are shut down because of a meaningless game against some small minor-conference school we paid to come lose to us.

Sounds like my alma mater. lol We lose to everyone.

 

[kungfupanda2]

Haha, thats a good reason. Honestly, sometimes thats a bad thing though - i hate it when the whole school and University Ave are shut down because of a meaningless game against some small minor-conference school we paid to come lose to us.

The ophtho residency may be a good reason though.


Just wondering though, OP, is housing by UCF really that expensive? I have a couple friends who go there who said they have a place where a lot of the students live that is really cheap. Dunno if its as cheap as gville though.

From what I understand, most students live in Legends, and for a one person, it's $800, and that doesn't include anything. Plus, I would have to factor in the cost of transportation. I don't have a car (I currently live in a big city and don't need one), and that would be an additional $300 per month headache + gas. My sister goes to UF right now, and while taking the bus is not desirable, it seems doable. But I guess 3rd and 4th year will be a different story.

 

[kungfupanda2]

You definitely need a car at UF for years 3 & 4 (and arguably 1 & 2, since Gainesville isn't the easiest city to get around in). Doesn't matter if you do school in a city or town, since you will spend most of your time working at the hospital and studying.

Also, ophthalmology

Could you please expand on why a car would be required for the clinical years? I thought most students rotated at either Shands in Gainesville or Jacksonville, and they provide you with housing when you have to go to Jacksonville?

 

[CarlATHF]

Could you please expand on why a car would be required for the clinical years? I thought most students rotated at either Shands in Gainesville or Jacksonville, and they provide you with housing when you have to go to Jacksonville?

You do rotate at Shands Gainesville or in Jacksonville, but while there, you will be in not only the main hospitals but also various outpatient clinics (especially for portions of Peds and Family Medicine). You might be doing a rotation that's a 40 minute round trip away with no bus service, or you might be working at Shands Vista (the psych/addiction/behavioral medicine place).

Having a car is a requirement, period.

 

[rambo64]

From what I understand, most students live in Legends, and for a one person, it's $800, and that doesn't include anything. Plus, I would have to factor in the cost of transportation. I don't have a car (I currently live in a big city and don't need one), and that would be an additional $300 per month headache + gas. My sister goes to UF right now, and while taking the bus is not desirable, it seems doable. But I guess 3rd and 4th year will be a different story.

I'm also having a hard time with this choice, FYI most students have a roommate at legends and pay around 450 a month (single living housing is expensive everywhere including gville). Legends is biking distance from the school. Sounds like you were set on UF though. I honestly don't think ranking matters all that much for residency placement unless it's top 20. good luck wherever you decide OP, I'm honestly leaning toward UCF but I have 2 weeks to decide.