You know, FSU gets a bad rap by some for being alledgedly inferior to UF. I myself am a soon to be FSU alum (who was NOT rejected from Florida) who chose FSU because I saw it as a place that was enjoyable, and unique. At the time I chose FSU, i picked it in part because of the fact that I had a sister at UF, and wanted to be away from my family for college (also I can't stand UF football). And let me tell you, although it may have been a bad reason to pick FSU, I'm very glad I did.
FSU is bashed by UF lovers for not being comparable academically, but FSU has plenty of strong academic programs in its own right. The accounting program is in the top 20 nationwide, the risk management insurance program is number 6, the creative writing program is arguably first in the nation, the psychology and science departments have just recieved new buildings and that should help the programs excell substantially, not to mention we have a top notch film school (not of much use for prelaw, but w/e). There are also other factors to consider when comparing the schools. Such as the size of the campus and the availability of adjacent housing. FSU's campus is much smaller than UF's (whose campus is so enourmous it makes it impossible to get around on foot), for example. UF has much larger class sizes, and many of the classes are online lectures, rather than actual class (especially if you're a business major). Also, FSU has the opportunity you discussed for workign with the govt. Someone else responded that you should look for a job in the summer. That is not too plausible, considering that session runs mainly during the spring, I would know, I interned last spring myself, and it was a wonderful experience.
UF ultimately has a bigger student body and a bigger alumni base, thats why you always hear so many people talking about how UF trumps FSU. Quite frankly, I have plenty of friends at UF, and the education they recieve is identical to what friends of mine at FSU recieve. The education is just what you make out of it. As far as social life goes, the schools are comparable, with tallahassee being a bit more laid back and bar oriented, whereas gainesville is slightly more upscale and club oriented. Other than that these two schools are way too similar to merit the amount of contrasting people like to do with them.
What I'm saying bottom line is that you should not write off FSU as a safety school, and one school is not necesarrily better than another just because of rank (frankly when it comes down to the process of applying to LS, i dont think they will make a discernible difference btw FSU n UF), and that there are plenty of factors in deciding which to attend, and ultimately the decision should not be made on what people from this board say, but rather by visiting both yourself and seeing what both places have to offer.
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