One Gator nation: CCHS seniors react to diverse UF admittance decisions

BY EMMA HUERTA

The University of Florida (UF) is arguably one of the most prestigious colleges in the state, recently ranking as the top seventh public university in the nation. Along with being one of the most sought-after institutions by Florida applicants, it is also one of the most difficult throughout Florida to get into.

On February 28, CCHS seniors who applied to UF opened their anticipated admissions decisions. One might think that the results were extremely polarized, with students either feeling happy with their acceptance or disappointment with their rejection. However, UF’s decisions are in a gray area, as there are many different ways to gain acceptance into the school, such as through different terms or programs. UF’s diverse admissions system never fails to cause varying reactions among CCHS seniors.

One of these UF admittance routes is Pathway to Campus Enrollment (PaCE). UF admitees selected for PaCE are required to complete a minimum of 15 credit hours and two semesters through the school’s online program, and are then able to transition to on-campus classes after completing at least 60 credit hours and all prerequisites for their specific PaCE major. Although PaCE may seem unappealing to some students because they cannot take classes or live on UF’s campus and are relatively limited to the 60 PaCE majors available, it is beneficial to those seeking a smoother switch to college life at their desired school.

“There are pros and cons to PaCE but I believe that it may benefit my transition into college.”

Senior Mark Zhang

“There are pros and cons to PaCE but I believe that it may benefit my transition into college,” senior Mark Zhang said. “I’m viewing it as a mere stepping stone. I was disappointed with the admissions decision but I’m happy that it’s something.”

Innovation Academy (IA) is yet another way seniors can get into UF. IA is a “living-learning experience” within the traditional college in which students choose from over 30 UF majors and earn a minor in Innovation during a Spring-Summer semester schedule. Again, this different class schedule may discourage students from going to UF via IA, but this program is uniquely educational, giving students special internship and employment opportunities during the fall.

“I was ecstatic when I saw that I got in,” senior Ethan Silverman said. “I think the IA program will help me a lot because it allows me to take the fall off and work or have an internship in a production studio or TV station, so it gives me a lot of chances to be ready for my career choice. Also, the classes are smaller so that gives me a more hands-on learning environment.” 

“I mean, giving more options for admissions gives more students an opportunity. [But] honestly, I feel like UF decisions are a lottery.”

Senior Poria Hong

Aside from these distinctive UF admission pathways, the university also offers Summer B and Fall admittance. These two forms of entry are the most common, only differing in the semester a student begins classes as a Gator. Despite the similarities, some students may dislike the fact that they may have their summer break before college shortened.

“At first, I was hesitant about getting Summer B because I wanted to enjoy my summer,” senior Jesse Vieira said. “But then I realized that I would have even more fun up in college for the summer and that it would help me get used to college life before the craziness of the fall.”

Even though UF has a wide variety of ways for prospective students to get accepted, many discrepancies in their selection process are still noticed by students. At the end of the day, college admissions is a complicated process, and decisions increasingly vary from student to student. 

“I mean, giving more options for admissions gives more students an opportunity. [But] honestly, I feel like UF decisions are a lottery,” senior Poria Hong said. “A bunch of my friends are highly qualified and didn’t get in. I’ve noticed UF accepted less minorities. I got into the school I really wanted to, [Florida State University,] but seeing my friends in despair over UF decisions made me sad. I like to remember [that] the university you go to does not determine your intelligence.” 

Disclaimer: Ethan Silverman is enrolled in the CCHS newspaper class.

Photo courtesy of UF Admissions Twitter