ID at UF: Searching for Universities

Part 1 of My Interior Design Journey at the University of Florida

Spoiler Alert: I only applied to two schools for college. Read on if you want to hear why.

I won't lie to you guys. This isn't the picture I wanted to use but this was four years ago and all I could find were emails that came after I received the acceptance packages from UF and FSU. Anyways, lets get back on track....

The Search

What do you look for when applying to colleges? Is it a historical connection, family ties, prestige, opportunity, parties, the city....etc?

Well, I researched the well known colleges/universities in Florida and this was my original list of schools that wouldn't mind attending:

- University of Florida

- Florida State University

- Ringling College of Art and Design

- Florida International University

- Florida A&M University

- University of Central Florida

Let's laugh together, because this list dwindled down when I included Interior Design or Interior Architecture. So let's review that list again

- University of Florida ✓

- Florida State University ✓

- Ringling College of Art and Design ✓

- Florida International University ✓

- Florida A&M University x

- University of Central Florida x

Then came time to "analyze" how much it would cost and whether or not I needed a portfolio. At the time I did not have a proper portfolio. I used to draw for fun, but it was nothing that I was comfortable using as criteria to apply for school so that eliminated FIU and Ringling from my list.

The Application Process

The essay portion of the application process was surprisingly less stressful than I thought. If I remember correctly, one or two of my high school teachers had us write our college essay for a grade and they would proof it for us before we submitted it. That being said I already had essays ready for both UF and FSU.

For the University of Florida, myself and a few other students who expressed interest in UF got an email from my guidance counselor to meet in the library at a certain time with a list of documents/information needed to apply to college. On that day everyone in the room applied with the help of some people from UF and if I remember correctly we all got in.

I don't have much to say about my application process to Florida State University. It was fairly easy because I had already applied to UF. But, I am happy to say that I also got into FSU.

Conclusion

Looking back, I didn't think I had a proper system when it came to applying to college. I had no one to question in regards to my major, so it felt like I was flying blind. I (obviously) ended up choosing UF's interior design program. Ultimately I am happy with my choice.