Hi everyone, so I was admitted to the University of Florida for the innovation academy, and so far it seems perfect for Computer science plus it seems that they build a strong foundation for people who are interested in becoming entrepreneurs and starting their own business. However, last night i received an email with my acceptance letter to Boston College, and I am having a very difficult time trying to decide which school would be best for me in regards to computer science. I know that Boston college is more prestigious and they probably have a stronger network of students than UF, but they aren’t big in the computer science department. Can anyone give me some information on both schools and their computer science programs, I am really interested in developing apps and possibly going into the finance section of computer science so everything that has to do with mutual funds and high frequency trading.
Can you afford both of these schools? Start with the money. If it’s equal, then talk to the faculty at BC about their program to see if it’s going to be what you need.
yeah both schools are providing me with good financial aid, the determining factor comes down to which school has a stronger computer science program and can help me build the foundation that I am looking for.
Since Boston College likely does not have a CS grad program you may be better off with UF which does (around #48 of over 100 ranked CS grad programs by USN&WR). Check on the requirements and available courses for the CS major. Also consider the strength of the math department as many math courses are cross listed with and/or count towards a CS degree. You want a CS program that allows for variety and depth. There is s o much more to CS than just programming.
Florida and Boston have radically different climates. Plus, the campus culture will be very different. Consider the whole experience.
Boston College does have a small CS program (7 teaching tenure-track faculty), especially compared to UF’s (41 teaching tenure-track faculty). Your options would be more limited (in CS) at BC, but then BC does offer other advantages.
Boston College has all of the normal advantages that go with a private school that charges $50K a year in tuition (before grants, etc.) as compare to a public university, which include smaller classes, and more personal attention.
Going too BC is usually a much more expensive option than going to your in-state public university, especially in Florida where tuition is around $6,300 a year, and they offer Bright Futures scholarships. That’s why posters are asking the question. If BC is about as expensive as UF, then you really should consider BC. The only major knock against it is the small CS department, so do more research into BC’s CS department (review what classes are offered, etc.).
The thing is I recently moved from NY to Florida and I wasn’t aware of the bright futures scholarship so I didn’t follow through with it, my sat score wasn’t high enough. This is a tough decision because from what I understand BC has one of the best business schools in the nation which really interest me but they have a small computer science program.
I guess a better question would be , does it matter that the program computer science program is smaller ? after all the size of the school is a lot smaller as well. I know that I would have a leg up at BC for networking and connections that I can build.
any opinions on this matter ? I also got the OTE program at BC, so its between OTE and INOVATION ACADEMY at UF .
Are you planning to work eventually in the northeast? If so, a school in that area probably makes a lot of sense. For computers in Florida honestly I’d think about doing UCF over Innovation Academy at UF. UCF has a top-notch program. I believe the deadline for admission to UCF for Fall 2017 is May 1. You could still apply.
As an aside for Bright Futures, I think if you graduate with a diploma from a Florida High School, you are eligible. You would have to fill out a Florida Financial Aid form (FFAA) so they could evaluate your prior transcripts. Test scores are accepted through JUNE of this year. (meaning you can take the test as late as June, either SAT or ACT or both) and if the score is high enough they will count it. It looks like the top award (Florida Academic Scholar, 29 ACT superscored or 1270 SAT revised version) will be FULL TUITION at Florida State schools starting in Fall of 2017. (assuming all goes well in Florida State government) That would be well worth pursuing even if you have to play a little catch-up. You probably still have time to meet the service hours requirement, even if starting from scratch! (hopefully they would count any prior service you did in high school, but I don’t know how that works)
Check out the Bright Futures website and read up on it.
And if you decide to go to school in the northeast, best of luck with that also!!
Do you have a preference? Are they equally affordable? Is it possible to re-visit the two schools? In addition to academics I would also consider some of the notable non-academic difference such as the school’s size, location, Jesuit v secular (most Jesuit colleges have a large core curriculum), Greek Life etc…
What is the cost of attendance for each? As you pointed out, BC’s CS program isn’t anything to write home about so I would be cautious about going into enormous debt when you have a arguably stronger in-state option at UF.
you guys are so helpful thank you so much to everyone !
Currently my cost off attendance is about the same for both schools, this is why I am so confused as to what would be the better choice. I know that BC has a stronger reputation over UF and it would cost me nearly the same to attend either one !
You need to pay attention to the stronger program in your proposed major. The overall reputation does not help you if you get a lesser education in the fields you want. As far as networking- it really depends on where in the country you want to work. Boston College has its reputation in the northeast but is not impressive in other regions. Coming from NY originally you are likely more aware of it than people in other regions. You need to figure out if you plan to stay in Florida or return to spend your adult life in the northeast. If your heart is up north you may be better off being there. If you made the adjustment to Florida you need to consider the overall campus culture and opportunities- academic and otherwise.
BTW bright futures scores for academic scholars is 29 ACT and 1290 SAT, not 1270. I looked up the tuition at Boston College it is 50K! Total cost of attendance including room and board, books, fees etc. is estimated at 68K. Did you get a large scholarship or a lot of aid to attend BC? Have a relative who works there that gets you a discount? Somebody you can stay with so there is no room & board?
Even if you paid full price for UF or UCF at out-of-state rates, the tuition alone is 20K cheaper.
Also, keep in mind that in engineering/tech fields like CS, the school’s overall reputation doesn’t matter nearly as much as your demonstrated CS/technical chops demonstrated through good/excellent academic performance in CS/related classes.