I rarely get on this site (like 3 years since I've logged in), but was looking since I just took the NPTE and happened to see your post! Hopefully I am not too late. I just graduated from UF's program. What is intimidating about the reputation? I applied to it because it had a great one, but did not find the classes to be too difficult at the end of the day. I know some of my classmates struggled and were stressed out the first semester (probably being a big transition). For me, Fall semester was not horrible because I had already taken a lot of the classes in undergrad, so it was like a more in-depth look. But if you were to ask my classmates, I'm sure most of them would recall that they cried halfway through the semester--which I think is normal. Depending on how much you pushed yourself in undergrad study-wise will also help you gage how challenging it will be. Did you learn how to study? Did you study in order to do well in school? One of our classmates was smart, but never applied herself in undergrad because she didn't have to to make an A--and this led to her struggling with performing academically in PT school. I pushed myself very hard in undergrad and found that I did not have to push myself as much in graduate school. To me, the hardest part was actually getting in, and I am originally out-of-state. The exams are not meant to trick you-if you study, you will know the answer as it is fairly direct (anatomy, physiology, evidence based practice). If there are questions in classes with "grey" areas, you can always speak with the professor after and explain your reasoning and often you will get points back!
In regards to the "average day," I was able to participate in intramurals with classmates, go to bars on weekends (and some week nights), tailgate games, and made time to study. My experience was different from the average PT student because I found way more time to party than I probably should have! But I know myself and how much study time I have to put in to do well. My social, academic, and athletic lives were able to coexist and my GPA was more than fine. It's about knowing how YOU function and also making sure you give yourself time to go to the gym or hang out with friends. It is certainly a transition, but I think you will find a balance in life after 2 weeks.
