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UTK vs FAU: Help me make a decision?

Hi everyone, I've been accepted to both the University of Tennessee, Knoxville (UTK) and Florida Atlantic University (FAU) for this fall, and I'm having a hard time deciding which one to attend. I am majoring in psychology. If anyone can offer some insight on academics, student life, and job prospects after graduation, that would be really helpful!

a year ago

Congratulations on your acceptances! Both UTK and FAU are good schools, but they do have their differences, so I'll try to touch on some key points for each. Keep in mind that choosing a college is a personal decision, but I hope this information helps you make an informed choice.

Academics:

- UTK: As a flagship state university, UTK has a lot of resources, strong research opportunities, and generally well-regarded faculty. Their psychology program is solid, with a good variety of courses and opportunities for involvement in research projects.

- FAU: While FAU may not have the same level of prestige as UTK, their psychology program is still quite respectable. Do note that FAU has a higher student to faculty ratio (21:1) which generally means larger class sizes and possibly less individual attention.

Student life:

- UTK: UTK tends to have an active campus life, various clubs and organizations, and a strong sense of school spirit for its SEC sports. Its location in Knoxville offers vibrant arts and cultural scenes, as well as outdoor recreational opportunities nearby.

- FAU: Located in Boca Raton, FAU is closer to beaches and greater South Florida, which can be great for outdoor enthusiasts. The student body is slightly larger, which provides lots of extracurricular opportunities and diverse groups for students to partake in.

Job prospects:

- UTK: Graduating from a flagship university can give you a slight edge in the job market, and UTK's Career Center is well-equipped to help students find internships and job opportunities. Its solid reputation within the state can lead to better job prospects within Tennessee and surrounding areas.

- FAU: While FAU may not have the same name recognition as UTK, their Career Center also offers resources to help students secure internships and job opportunities. FAU's location in the South Florida job market can be beneficial, as there are many potential employers in the area.

In summary, think about your priorities: location, academics, campus culture, and opportunities offered by each school. Do you prefer the large flagship experience, or do you want a smaller, more intimate setting? Is being near the beach important to you, or would you prefer a more balanced college town atmosphere? Consider these points as you make your final decision, and don't forget to visit both campuses if possible to get a feel for each school. Good luck!

a year ago

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