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Challenging and rigorous engineering programs. Large in size. Many extra curricular opportunities. An abundance of research opportunities. For the scale of the school, the professors make themselves, readily available. Many career resources readily available.
DownersIt doesn't have the same feel as some more established schools. School spirit is lacking. It feels like a commuter school as most live off or far from campus. General lack of school traditions.
CommentsExcellent opportunities for all sorts of educational experiences, but you must be able to put yourself out there, or you run the risk of getting lost in the sea of students.
Would You RecommendYes
There's a lot of people and a lot to do
DownersClasses can be too big and there isn't enough seats
CommentsYou will meet a lot of new people and get to experience college
Would You RecommendYes
Core classes are probably the ones that students like the least. But once you get settled into your major field(s) of interest, the classes are a lot of fun.
Quality of LifeI live off campus, but I am on campus every day and I always have a great time. The campus is very active and the organizations that I am involved with are always doing big things.
AdmissionsVery basic and easy. The application is online, and there were two essay questions.
Level3
Graduation Year2012
Being a large university, it is hard to sum up all of the aspects of academic life. For example, in the Honors College, classes have no more than 20 students. LEAD Scholars classes are no larger than 30. In other programs, classes can range from video streamed to large lecture style to intimate discussions. When in lower division classes, you will normally have more students in your classes than higher division classes.
For major degree requirements, there are many, but I really love how the degree programs at UCF put an emphasis on service learning, internships, and research. Being next to Research Park gives us amazing opportunities for research and being in Orlando gives us an unparalleled opportunity for internships and service learning experiences. And this opportunity for experiences extends even outside our country's borders as our study abroad programs offer tons of experiences for students to learn and grow.
Quality of LifeOur campus is diverse, friendly, and full of amazing opportunities for fun and personal growth. We have excellent Recreation and Wellness Facilities, comfortable and safe student housing (with a quality beyond anything else I've ever seen at other universities), and lots of study spaces conducive to productivity.
AdmissionsThere are unique application questions, essays, and it's a rolling decision. Just by applying, you are eligible for "Pegasus Gold" and "Pegasus Silver" scholarships. Another option once you are accepted is to apply to the Burnett Honors College and the LEAD Scholars program, both of which I applied to and cannot imagine my college experience without.
Level2
Graduation Year2013
Large class sizes depending on your major, professors provide syllabus at the beginning of each semester that includes their office hours, many study abroad opportunities, academic advising is great since they send friendly reminders.
Quality of LifeOverall happiness, great library, beautiful scenery, rec and wellness expansion is phenomenal.
AdmissionsCommon Application, Roll-in admission, essays, resume
Level2
Graduation Year2013
Some general education classes are very large and can have attendance into the 100s. My major is difficult so the classes are hard, but UCF professors encourage me to keep going and ensure me that it will all be worth it in the end.
Quality of LifeThe campus is very safe and the housing is among the nicest I have seen. I am impressed with all of the new expansions on campus such as a 24 hour study space and a larger, more modern recreation and wellness center. Food choices on campus are diverse and cater to everyone's needs and wants. The library was recently renovated and now has an atmosphere even more conducive to students' academic successes.
AdmissionsThe application process is online and very easy to complete.
Level2
Graduation Year2013
Great academic advising, accessibility of professors, and study abroad opportunities. Professors are very approachable and eager to help their students all the time.
Quality of LifeThe campus is always developing and improving. There are a lot of choices when it comes to dining and housing which keeps prices fair and the quality high. Overall I am extremely satisfied.
Admissions1. Online application for admission (including essays)
2. Non-refundable $30 application fee
3. Official high school transcript
4. Official scores for the SAT or ACT
5. Official GED or TOEFL score, if applicable
Fall Freshman Class Profile
Average SAT Score: 1237 (critical reading and math) and 1813 (critical reading, math and writing)
Average ACT Score: 27
Average High School GPA: 3.8
National Merit Scholars: 45
Level4
Graduation Year2011
General Education courses followed by specialization courses and required internships. Academic advising is easily accesible and my avg class size is 25.
Quality of LifeHousing is comfortable, cost ofliving is afforadble with tons of forms of support, capus is huge but still feels like a home, te facilities and lbirary are modern and constatntly improving. I never feel unsafe on campus.
AdmissionsApplication includes unique essay questions. I applied as a regular decision student and filed a FAFSA as per the schools request to receive financial aid.
Level3
Graduation Year2012
Due to the fact that UCF is the second largest university on campus, it has a quite voluminous choice of both general education classes for every major and upper division restricted electives for major degree requirements. I am absolutely amazed on the list of fifty or so upper division restricted electives within my own major, and even saddened by the fact that I only had time to take eight of them! The diversity of classes available will suit the needs and interests of any student. Although general and core class sizes can sometimes be a little large, the professors are always readily accessible and love spending time who students who come see them in their office hours. Likewise, research opportunities abound for those who pursue them, because UCF professors are extremely open to taking students of all education levels in their laboratories! The atmosphere, even in the most difficult of majors, at UCF is actually extremely collegial and non-competitive! - Students help each other, and there are endless options for seeking help for anyone struggling with concepts in classes - from Supplemental Instruction (SI) to the Student Academic Resource Center (SARC), both of which provide free tutoring and study material for students seeking help. Study abroad opportunities are also available readily, and with scholarships to brag about! I was able to participate in an environmental study program paid for by the University, and was even given the liberty to pursue my own interests abroad by creating a public service program of my own initiative, fully supported by the university. UCF offers so much for students seeking stimulation in classes, opportunities abroad, research, philanthropy, brotherhood, and so much more! - And it is certainly all possible, despite the workload, if you maintain proper time management.
Quality of LifeFortunately for UCF students, Orlando has a relatively low cost of living when compared to the rest of the United States, so it is very possible to live well despite the "student budget". Because the university is continually growing, new facilities are constantly being constructed and the newest technology is implemented quite well throughout the campus! Our facilities and campus are beautiful, and kept amazingly clean and tidy. The university-area of course has some crime as UCF is located in a urban area, but I have never felt unsafe on campus. If you do ever feel uncertain about walking to your car alone at night, there are free university escort services that come and take you to your car, so that is very wonderful and appreciated by the student body. One of my favorite things about the university is that we have an amazing relationship with the Orlando community, and have our hands in just about everything! - There are thousands of events in conjunction with the entire Central Florida area each year. It's just great to be so close to our local theme parks like Disney and Universal, where we can get involved with their philanthropy as well - There's nothing better than caring for our community with a little sparkle!
AdmissionsUCF's admission process selects students based on academic achievement and extracurricular involvement just like any other, but is unique in the selection of its students based on their unique stories, as conveyed in the application essays. Early decision is available, as well as a priority deadline for students looking to apply early in the application cycle. Financial aid is available through FAFSA, and scholarships are also awarded on the basis of merit. From my experience, UCF is extraordinarily generous with its scholarships, making education a very viable opportunity for all of its students. If you work hard, the university will most certainly reward you for your efforts.
Graduation Year2011