What should I do? I was not accepted at UF in Gainesville for spring 2009!?

Question

Ok. I am 25, and finally finished three years of night school while living in Vero Beach. I just earned my AA in Engineering with a 3.84 GPA. I applied for UF and UF only not because I was not prepared, but because for aerospace and mechanical engineering they are the best in the state as far as public universities go. Because of the quotas now in place and the budget cutbacks I was not accepted. Should I ride it out for a year and save money hoping to get in fall 2009? Or should I quickly apply to UCF and or USF which might have comparable programs? I know MIT GA Tech etc are the best of the best. I want to stay in FL until I get my 4 year degree because of the tuition costs. Should I look into Embry-Riddle or FIT? I feel so frustrated! I do not want to wait a year to be able to go to school again. I have worked so hard for all of this only to be turned down because the slots were filled.

Answer 1

Florida State is another well respected school in Florida, well ranked overall, solid academically. I'd have you consider them above UCF and USF.

Another good school in FL is U Miami, but I don't know the strength of their engineering programs. And they are private, so probably not a good fit. But Embry Riddle is also private, and it's on your list.

Embry Riddle, in Florida, is a strong engineering school, especially in aerospace. It absolutely should be on your list. FIT? Not nearly as strong.  

I'd have you look at Florida State, for the Spring. You should also apply to Embry Riddle, and see what sort of financial aid they offer you. You can also apply to UCF and/or USF as options.

And a strange question: How much do you really want UF? Does U Florida have rolling admissions? If so, if you apply now, can they admit you now for Fall 09? Because if they can, then sitting out a year wouldn't be as bad.

But Embry Riddle and Florida State I'd add to your list, for Spring.

Answer 2

i work there.  with football starting, i'd run as fast as possible....

anyway, apply to as many schools as possible.  you can always transfer later.  keep trying.  save your money (UF sucks out as much money from you as possible), and go for it.  Budget cuts have SUCKED, but luckily, they didn't affect us at the PD.  you'll be fine.  good luck, and we'll see you next year.