Considering Transfer to FSU

parent2noles
Sun, 12 Dec 2010 13:29:57 +0000

Lavender,

I think FSU is better than UF for a number of reasons. However, for the most part it is hard to distinguish between the two universities and this commonality should be emphasized more than differences, both perceived and real, should be highlighted. [Both are “flagship” universities in Florida according to Robert M. Berdahl, then Chancellor of UC Berkeley, who described just what qualities constitute a “flagship” university.](http://cio.chance.berkeley.edu/chancellor/sp/flagship.htm) Generally, if you pick the areas of strength each school can offer you’ll be fine.

Some reasons why I think FSU is better include:


UF is overrated in the US News rankings. It is rewarded for a number of things that have little to do with undergraduates, not the least of which is the “peer ranking”.
FSU is underrated in the same rankings. It is far better than the rankings reflect overall.
Tallahassee is more enjoyable than Gainesville. It is more interesting due to the terrain (gorgeous), the history of the area, plus the attraction of being the state capital and having another major state university close by. Plus, Tallahassee is closer to the coast, at least more coast where most would want to go.
UF is basically and essentially a “farm” and technical school. It is spread out and ugly, unless cow pastures make you smile. Gainesville is essentially UF and that is it. Without UF, Gainesville would be a lot more like Williston - sort of nice and country to drive through, but who would want to live there?
UF is based on smoke and mirrors in significant part. For example, the history - the school was really created in 1905, but has all sorts of “reasons” and myths why they use 1853 as a founding date. Basically, they use started using “1853” in the 1930s to avoid being last in line at processions with FSU and FAMU. The rankings scams are related. Then, to add the icing to the cake, so to speak, some recent UF fans project an unfounded arrogance which is widely despised.