So I got into IU and qualify for applying for selective scholarships. I have not received a decision from UMD yet but if I get in IU and UMD are my top 2 choices. I want to major in political science, and both schools are ranked high for this major. I feel like UMD is a better fit, since there are internships in the capital just 20 minutes away, but I personally like the town of Bloomington MUCH better than College Park. I have a few questions:
-Does anyone know of poli sci internships available at IU?
-Is IU politically active?
-How safe is the town of College Park? Do I need to be worried about crime and theft?
Please feel free to post your opinions and help me make up my mind. Thanks!
I thought UMD had a really nice campus but I also though Cillege Park was very sketchy. I mean sure there are a to no of university police around though.
If you prefer IU (and it sounds to me like you do) then, assuming the cost is similar, go there. It may be worth re-visitng the two schools for accepted student day if you do get into both.
If you end up at IU, you can always look for summer internships. Also, a number of colleges have a semester in Washington DC option (replacing study abroad) so you can see if that is an option at IU. That said, people I know who went to UMD were happy there but (assuming finances are even) you have to pick the school that is right for you.
If you have specific questions about each school (ex.neighborhood at UMD and political activism at IU) you may want to post those questions on each school’s page.