<p>Hello everyone!
My son is accepted in both Maryland and Case Western for Materials Sciences Undergraduate programs. We just got back from admitted student tour and still could not gage which program is stronger? Understanding that both benefit from research opportunities and great staff. Due to its size, it seemed that Case and engineering is at the core of what the college is about, but being part of a science scholar and having the weight of federal research seemed to add weight to the program! He has to make his decision soon!</p>
<p>I pick Case Western. Nicer college. Safer. Better housing and a very strong program.</p>
<p>Thanks for your quick response! This is where I am leaning especially that we did get quite overwhelmed by the large scale of Maryland (even though when u zoom in to the actual Materials program the scale really shrinks). But basically it seemed that he would be a little fish in a huge pond vs a big fish in a good little pond… I still would like to engage in a more detailed conversation about the actual programs, courses’ levels, professors availability, etc. even though it is early to specialize, but my son seems interested in Polymers…
Also does anyone know which program truly offers a better exposure at the undergraduate level (junior or senior) to entrepreneurship or start up process as well as the research opportunities? They both claim to have both.</p>
<p>The two programs are evenly matched. I would focus on the money, fit, and geography - where he wants to stay after college, etc.</p>
<p>I’m not sure the fish-in-pond analogy applies here. I think it usually pertains to selectivity, as in “he would be a big fish in Maryland but a small fish in MIT.” :)</p>
<p>“Also does anyone know which program truly offers a better exposure at the undergraduate level (junior or senior) to entrepreneurship or start up process as well as the research opportunities?” MARYLAND!!!</p>
<p>Maryland actually offers a minor in technology entrepreneurship for engineers!
[Maryland</a> Technology Enterprise Institute ? Educate, Create, Connect](<a href=“http://www.mtech.umd.edu/educate/minor/]Maryland”>Mtech: Minor in Technology Entrepreneurship)</p>
<p>[Mtech:</a> Hinman CEOs Program](<a href=“http://www.hinmanceos.umd.edu/]Mtech:”>http://www.hinmanceos.umd.edu/) </p>
<p>[QUEST</a> - Robert H. Smith School of Business - University of Maryland, College Park](<a href=“http://www.rhsmith.umd.edu/quest/whatisquest/]QUEST”>http://www.rhsmith.umd.edu/quest/whatisquest/)</p>
<p>[25</a> Best Colleges for Entrepreneurs - CBS News](<a href=“http://www.cbsnews.com/8301-505145_162-37246682/25-best-colleges-for-entrepreneurs/]25”>http://www.cbsnews.com/8301-505145_162-37246682/25-best-colleges-for-entrepreneurs/)</p>
<p>[Which</a> state university grads earn the most? - CBS News](<a href=“http://www.cbsnews.com/8301-505145_162-57573646/which-state-university-grads-earn-the-most/]Which”>http://www.cbsnews.com/8301-505145_162-57573646/which-state-university-grads-earn-the-most/)</p>
<p>What discipline of engineering is your son interested in?</p>
<p>Even tho Case is high on our plans for DD2 in a couple years, I have visited UMD and the DC area is pretty awesome. I mean, come on people, an IKEA next door 
??? The UMD campus looked a bit too generic - office park-y - but as others said, they have the stuff commensurate with a flagship state school which can be useful. </p>
<p>What does the financial picture look like?</p>
<p>Is there a particular concentration that interests you? Pharma, biomaterials, mechatronics, etc? Is your field of interest offered in the undergraduate program at either university?</p>
<p>Although Case can be considered a little safer than UMD, both area’s have high crime rates. By attending either of these 2, basically you are just asking someone to stab you. Both have their own typical stereotypes like University of Maryland for JHU rejects and Case Western for Carnegie Mellon rejects. </p>
<p>Case Western Reserve University definitely has the better atmosphere and overall great academics. Case is also the expensive of the two. Its common sense to choose the small top private University instead of large state university but costs can sometimes be a problem. If both cost the same, then definitely choose Case Western Reserve University.</p>
<p>As I said before, Material Sciences and particularly Polymers. He got $23,000/year from Case and $24,000 total from Maryland which make them comparable.</p>
<p>Thanks for the info, very helpful. He ants to do Materials Sciences and seems further interested in Polymers.
Are you a Maryland graduate? or do you have any close association with them? If so, what can you tell me about the safety issue concerns that some raised? Like how bad is it? unsafe to walk on campus or vicinity?</p>
<p>Case Western has a good reputation in the engineering field, but at Maryland you have all the benefits of a huge university, plus the proximity to DC.</p>
<p>I don’t think one school trumps the other. Perhaps the deciding factor should be whether your son would prefer a large school, or a small school.</p>
<p>My son is a freshman engineering student and I happen to also be an alum. </p>
<p>As a female, I never went OFF campus alone when it was close to the evening, but I always felt very safe ON campus. There were so many people around and always someone to walk with if you wanted to. </p>
<p>It really is a beautiful campus and you can find everything you need on campus without leaving it - I have often described it as living in a bubble. There are several convenience stores/shops on campus and lots of places deliver food to campus if you are sick of dining hall food or are up late. Lots of kids rave about D.P. Dough - inexpensive calzones that are made to order with a huge variety of ingredients. </p>
<p>While I agree that parts of College Park are sketchy, I think any place at night would make me a little nervous to walk alone! There are call boxes all around and a number to call if you need someone to walk somewhere with you or need a ride. </p>
<p>In an odd way, knowing that the area off campus is not exactly bucolic actually makes it a little safer because you do take the precaution of always walking with friends – and don’t get lulled into a false sense of security that makes it more likely to risk not following safety advice…</p>
<p>FYI, Maryland has a long range plan of converting the surrounding area to resemble the more typical, bucolic college town…not sure what the timeline of that is though, but doubt it will occur that quickly.</p>
<p>My son researched both CWRU and CM and decided CM was not an option at all because of the difficulty with potentially changing majors or trying to double major, so I respectfully disagree with Xtreme’s comment about CM rejects. For a student who really does their research the two schools are really not comparable. </p>
<p>Also I would suggest that you and your son focus more on the “fit” than on the rankings. My son has been accepted at several other supposedly higher ranked comp sci programs, but he loved the vibe at CWRU and felt he could be better positioned there as a big fish (in the little pond). </p>
<p>BTW I don’t know much about the polymers field, but I sure saw some impressive presentations during our visit! Good luck whatever he decides -</p>
<p>Thanks to all for the replies, a lot of food for thought! to every point, I am finding a counter point…</p>
<p>" to every point, I am finding a counter point… "</p>
<p>Yes, akin to remembering that there are three sides to every story - what person A says, what person B says and the reality of what really happened. With college choice, the reality is what you feel and experience when you are there. Has your son spent an overnight at both schools? Where does he feel most comfortable? Is he leaning more towards one than another? </p>
<p>If he really feels equally comfortable in both environments (large v small), then I would make a list of pros and cons for each school. Be sure to include “soft” factors like distance from home, and if something should happen to the scholarship money availability/eligibility, would you still be able to afford that school. I have a friend who gave up a $40,000 scholarship to Rennselaer because if his gpa dipped below a certain level at any given semester, he would no longer be eligible for those funds. </p>
<p>If the pros/cons list is still pretty equal, then put each school’s name on a piece of paper, crumble them up and put them in a hat. Have him pick, but before he opens up to see the choice of “chance,” ask him which one he will be most disappointed to not see when he opens it up…chances are you won’t need to open that paper. He probably knows in his gut what school he really wants but is trying too hard to think with his head and rationalize what the “best” or “right” choice is/should be. </p>
<p>There is no right or wrong answer, only what is right for him. He wins with either school because they are both good choices. </p>
<p>Best of luck…</p>
<p>My son is also choosing between UMCP scholars/Engineering program (in-state) , Case Western, and U of Rochester. He is leaning towards UM College Park and we had a great visit last Friday at admitted students day. The concerns I have about UMCP are 1) the focus on graduate students rather than undergraduates and professor interest and accessibility in undergrads, 2) the party-school rep, and 3)you have to be a self-initiator to get involved in activities as you can get lost at a big school. On the other hand UMCP seems to be the most educationally hands-on vs. theoretical school of the three; there are options to be involved in the Baja/ formula 1 and Solar Decathalon competitions among many others. The classes try to have a hands-on vs. solely frontal teaching approach. I think that U of Rochester is more theoretical, and Case is probably a mix between the two. Lastly my son knows lots of kids at UMCP as we are from a local high school so he perceives his social life being easier and more fun than at the other schools. He is specifically concerned about social life at Case. We are still gathering info. and impressions and are working towards a decision… any thoughts?</p>
<p>My son was also concerned about the social scene at Case, but he was blown away by his experience at the recent admitted students overnight visit. I was too, actually - everyone we met there was warm, friendly and open. My son said he learned from current students that there is some partying that goes on, but you have to look for it, and its easy to avoid if you’d rather not. But they also assured him there is plenty of fun for kids who want a social life in addition to rigorous academics. He said he met dozens of students and not one regretted enrolling there. They were all very happy with their decision. </p>
<p>If possible I would urge you to take advantage of Case’s admitted students’ day to really see for yourselves what they have to offer. Go to the department presentations to learn about the academics and hands-on opportunities for students. Have your son do the overnight option to get first-hand info. about the social atmosphere. Good luck! </p>
<p>(PS and go have dinner in Little Italy - the food is amazing!!!)</p>
<p>My nephew, who had the stats to go anywhere in the country, chose UMCP engineering and is loving it (as a freshman). He recently applied for a competetive grant and received funding to start an unusual study. The professors have been accessible and helpful along the way.</p>
<p>“The concerns I have about UMCP are…” </p>
<p>1) the focus on graduate students rather than undergraduates and professor interest and accessibility in undergrads, </p>
<pre><code> Not sure where/how you got that impression, but undergrads are equally important and have the opportunity for research starting in their junior year. Let me refer you to a thread on the Maryland forum where I referenced the Keystone curriculum and focus on retention http://talk.collegeconfidential.com/university-maryland-college-park/1481313-help-decision-engineering-major.html
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<p>2) the party-school rep</p>
<pre><code> Every school has some party element to it - even MIT! - but that does not mean there are not serious students there or that you will be isolated in any way should your student choose not to partake. That’s kind of the beauty of such a large school - you can find people with similar interests very easily. There is a lot of school spirit at Maryland, and students can have a great experience with or without alcohol.
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<p>3)you have to be a self-initiator to get involved in activities as you can get lost at a big school.</p>
<pre><code>You can just as easily get lost at a small school if you are not a “self-initiator” - nobody is going to spoon-feed you. It’s all part of the growing up process - learning to speak up for yourself applies to both in and out of the classroom. In September, there is a huge fair called First Look, where all the clubs, activities and groups each have a booth set up for students to walk all around and see what’s available that might interest them. It’s as simple as putting your name and email on a list at the groups you are interested in, and they will contact you to let you know about meetings and the like. It really couldn’t be any easier.
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<p>Also, I just want to second Magnetron’s note about accessibility of professors. My son has actually commented about how much he likes some of his profs, especially after speaking to them outside of the classroom. They have given him guidance for classes, and suggestions for people to do research with.</p>
<p>We have thoroughly explored the academic programs of both. My husband and I liked the cheerfulness and spirit of Maryland as well as DC’s proximity, and opportunities for extracurricular activities (son is currently in the thespian society acting and tech and comedy sportz) and is very athletic (up till two years ago, he played club soccer and starts in HS varsity soccer, and volley ball). Case lacked in cheerfulness and their “talent” and clubs gala at the end of the tour was rather sad. On the other hand they tried, whereas Maryland had no showcase at all. Also, we had the impression that our son would need to be a lot more aggressive in securing popular classes, and other academic opportunities. While he did not say it outright, I believe he favors Case due to its smaller scale and the fact that we have a lot of family friends there (he was born there and lived there till he was seven) because he said today that now he wants to focus on Case vs UCSB where he was accepted in the Arts and Science Chemistry program NOT engineering. Which means now the discussion is between Material Sciences Engineering (which includes a lot of chemistry) and pure chemistry! We currently live in LA, so UCSB is a 2 hours drive and for us is an instate tuition. No extra money though (not considering loans). We are doing the open house this Saturday and will have all weekend to hash it all… Yippee! But seriously, can anyone help me now figure out which major carries more advantages (assuming in both he does graduate studies)? Also how is the chemistry/science dept in University of Santa Barbara?</p>