I’m currently torn between University of Tampa, Florida Atlantic University and Florida State (summer term).
Each of these schools have pros and cons. Obviously FSU is a standout, but I would live in Tallahassee all summer and in coming from MN.
Which is the best to attend?
Is FSU so much better that it is worth going for summer term?
All opinions are valuable to me!
What’s your major? FSU is likely going to be the best choice.
Keep in mind that the state of Florida will require you to take at least 9 credits over the summer, so, with a few exceptions, you’re likely going to have to spend at least one summer at FAU or FSU.
What’s your parents’ budget (out of pocket: income, savings)?
If you calculate (tuition, fees, room, board) - (scholarships, grants) =
what’s the result for each university?
The financial situation isn’t clear yet due to OOS and in-state tuition changes. I had to reclassify my residency for second semester to in-state. UT will be 19,000 a year and I’m guessing FAU and FSU will be cheaper.
Nursing is my major! I was thinking the same thing, a big established university like FSU seems worth the sacrifice of my last high school summer.
Since FSU is likely to be cheaper indeed, FSU would be the best choice (especially since, by the time you graduate, you can’t wait for college to start, so even if now your friends are thinking “enjoying that last summer” etc, in reality three months from now they’ll be jealous. 
)
Very true, I’m trying to look at the big picture and not focus too much on one summer in the grand scheme of life. You make a great point, thanks again!
Are you a Direct Admit into FAU Nursing program? If I’m not mistaken, FAU is the only Direct Admit program among the 11 State University System of Florida schools (those offering Nursing degrees). This option came into existence in the Fall of 2014, along with the other nursing admission options that was available in the past. As a nursing major, this might be something to consider going forward.
@jamrock411: wow, yes indeed. Very very very good point. Being direct admit would be a HUGE plus and in that case FAU would be THE choice in a heart beat.
Anyone know how Pre-med is at University of Tampa? Or st. Leo?
And what do you mean by summer terms? I’m in new York so we don’t exactly have that here…
@thisizmyyear2016 Florida public universities have a Fall semester/term (Aug-Dec), Spring semester/term (Jan-April) and a summer semester/term that’s optional (May through Aug). See post #1 for more details on the “summer requirement” at Florida PUBLIC universities.
I don’t know much about the pre-med track at UT or St. Leo, but, in Florida, several of the public universities are very popular with “pre-med” students. They have associated med schools, so it’s easier to find ECs, they also are very low cost (for in-state students or OOS with merit).
@Gator88NE thanks. Yeah I’ll find out my acceptance to Tampa on April 1st. I hope I got in! St. Leo is private so I’ll see. I’m in new York so it all comes down to the money