[cjrudy]

My wife and I are moving down to Tampa next summer and my daughter is considering FGCU for the fall of 2015. She also likes USF which we have already visited.

Would really like anyone's thoughts on FGCU.

Thanks

[kyle19125]

While some will diss the regional Florida universities such as FGCU and UNF, the reality is that they've seen quantum leaps in quality of education and facilities provided. FGCU has a 60% acceptance rate, which should speak a bit to it's popularity (UF is at 40% and FSU is at 54%).

[kellygirl925]

I have a good friend whose son goes there, he's a junior. They're very happy with the school. And it's on my daughter's list of schools but she's only in 8th grade so that can certainly change.

[8to32characters]

Don't waste your money.

[kyle19125]

Originally Posted by 8to32characters

Don't waste your money.

Higher education is rarely a waste of money.

[OptimusPrime69]

FGCU is a solid, quality university. The only issue that people have is that there is no history yet. It was founded in the late 90s so it doesn't have that sense of place yet. It doesn't have that extensive alumni network yet, it doesn't have traditions yet, it's new.... It's a great university however.

Any school in the "SUS" (state university system) is going to provide your daughter with a quality education from a regionally accredited university. FGCU being one of them.... Of course UF, FSU, USF, UCF are the popular ones and have been around much longer and have a longer history, etc, however those universities are very competitive to get into these days, especially UF and FSU....even USF and UCF are turning down highly qualified students..... the issue is the sheer number of students applying to these schools. They become very selective. . .


FGCU is a beautiful campus, with amazing facilities that will provide your daughter with a great education, HOWEVER..... it does not have that "ra ra school spirit".....some say it's a bit boring, it's reputation isn't established yet....it's not looked at as a highly selective or competitive school, therefore some ppl may think it's a crap school. .It's reputation in FL is more of a "safety school"..... or a last resort, however given time I'm sure it will be in the same ranks as USF and UCF, etc etc

[Travelassie]

Originally Posted by OptimusPrime69

FGCU is a solid, quality university. The only issue that people have is that there is no history yet. It was founded in the late 90s so it doesn't have that sense of place yet. It doesn't have that extensive alumni network yet, it doesn't have traditions yet, it's new.... It's a great university however.

Any school in the "SUS" (state university system) is going to provide your daughter with a quality education from a regionally accredited university. FGCU being one of them.... Of course UF, FSU, USF, UCF are the popular ones and have been around much longer and have a longer history, etc, however those universities are very competitive to get into these days, especially UF and FSU....even USF and UCF are turning down highly qualified students..... the issue is the sheer number of students applying to these schools. They become very selective. . .


FGCU is a beautiful campus, with amazing facilities that will provide your daughter with a great education, HOWEVER..... it does not have that "ra ra school spirit".....some say it's a bit boring, it's reputation isn't established yet....it's not looked at as a highly selective or competitive school, therefore some ppl may think it's a crap school. .It's reputation in FL is more of a "safety school"..... or a last resort, however given time I'm sure it will be in the same ranks as USF and UCF, etc etc

FGCU may be more of a commuter school than some of the other state universities. I know there are dorms there, but as you mention, being relatively new, and likely attended more by local students who commute, the school spirit may be a work in progress right now.

I know that was the way it was with FIU back in the 70's and 80's, before there were student resident halls there, and most of the students were locals who commuted back and forth to their classes.

[kyle19125]

Originally Posted by OptimusPrime69

FGCU is a beautiful campus, with amazing facilities that will provide your daughter with a great education, HOWEVER..... it does not have that "ra ra school spirit".....some say it's a bit boring, it's reputation isn't established yet....it's not looked at as a highly selective or competitive school, therefore some ppl may think it's a crap school. It's reputation in FL is more of a "safety school"..... or a last resort, however given time I'm sure it will be in the same ranks as USF and UCF, etc etc

Actually that's changed, probably due in part to the men's basketball team's run to the Sweet Sixteen a few years ago and increased awareness of FGCU as a result. The current acceptance rate is 60% which is far from "safety school" numbers.

[OptimusPrime69]

Originally Posted by kyle19125

Actually that's changed, probably due in part to the men's basketball team's run to the Sweet Sixteen a few years ago and increased awareness of FGCU as a result. The current acceptance rate is 60% which is far from "safety school" numbers.

Well, being that I work in college counseling office at a high school in Miami.....all my students and throughout southeast FL look at FGCU as a safety school when compared to UF, FSU, USF, and UCF. Even FIU....

They admit anyone with a 2.6 or higher... 19 ACT 950 SAT. It's very numbers driven. It's as simple as that.

[8to32characters]

Originally Posted by kyle19125

Higher education is rarely a waste of money.

I was referring to FGCU, not higher education in general.

I have a master's degree, FWIW.