@Lat8erGator1 We are about an hour away from Tampa. She wants to live on campus. I did tell her it was ok if she wasn’t ready & she could do a year or 2 at community college. She will have college credits from HS so it might only be a year to get an AA then transfer. She did not like that option, she feels that she has to live on campus & it’s time to grow up. USF is close enough that she can come home often & I’m really leaning towards it.
@FLmom1226 Many flagship state schools (including UF) offer ASD support services that help with social interaction, transition, self advocacy skills, career support, interview techniques, social outings, mentors, etc. ? https://disability.ufl.edu/students/get-involved/social-gators/
OP here. We have visited USF (Tampa) a few times & specifically the Honors College. Attended an “accepted students” evening for the Honors College & half of the kids there seemed kinda weird & not very social like her. The more we learned about it, the more it seemed to “fit”, which is a concept I thought really didn’t exist for a kid like her.
Gathered more info from a teacher/mentor at her HS who keeps in touch w some students who attend UF. She reported they were frustrated they were locked out of so many classes even though they were online the second registration opened. Also seeing an advisor req an appt at least 2 weeks in advance. They are pretty much on their own for everything. She also suggested USF honors or Eckerd (small LAC in St Pete w good science reputation).
DD was also accepted to FSU in Tallahassee, another state school w excellent reputation, but it is 5 hrs away so we were not comfortable w that. We actually decided on USF Honors even though her stats will be on the high end for them & way above the avg for the U as a whole. The support she will get from them is amazing and is what she needs above else. She doesn’t drive so being an hour away from home is a big plus for me!
We found out she actually did not get in to UF the week after our decision. Her stats were 33 ACT, 3.8uw, 4.5w, 11 honors courses, 8 AICE courses, AP Capstone science research program, a few minor Art awards & 6 years w Girl Scouts incl mentoring a young troop x 2 yrs
Thank you everyone for your advice!