<p>I know that you all may think I'm crazy, juggling between going to Cornell or the University of Maryland, but let me explain. I was accepted into the University of Maryland honors program for engineering, and it costs about $12,000 a year. UMCP has a good engineering program and all of my friends are going to UMCP, so I wouldn't mind going there at all. For Cornell, I was waitlisted and then accepted to the college of engineering. I just got my financial aid package and I would basically have to pay $43,000 a year because the only aid I got was $5,000 in loans. Oh, and my parents make about $110,000 a year. I also want to go to graduate school. My parents think I should go to the University of Maryland because they think the debt I'll have after all my schooling will be too much. I agree with them on that point, but I also think going to Cornell is a great opportunity. So what should I do? Cornell or UMCP? Any advice will help....thanks</p>
<p>I'd go with UMCP. It seems to have a lot going for it. Since you're going to grad school, your grad school will be more important in the long run.</p>
<p>i tend to agree with norcalguy. Sure Cornell is higher in the rankings (and a wonderful opportunity!), but don't drown yourself in debt like a bunch of my friends have. If you're gonna go to grad school, go to UMCP. If worst comes to worst and you hate it there, you can always transfer. At least then you saved some cash on the way to earning the cornell degree.</p>
<p>UMCP was my second choice too! i love it there! i wouldn't be too disappointed because cornell and umcp are very similar, its just umcp is much bigger, but the athletics makes up for it ;). also did you check out the new rec center? there is like a pool on the roof with lounge chairs and stuff or something like that and that is so awesome.</p>
<p>I had to make a similar decision, I was actually waitlisted at Cornell also and then accepted last month. I had already decided to go to a cheaper school close to where I live, but ultimately decided to accept Cornell's offer. Why? I just liked Cornell better- thats what it came down to. Go with your gut feeling about where you think you'd be happier. I understand that money is an issue- just see if you think you like Cornell enough to accept that you'll be in debt for it. If not, go UMCP.</p>
<p>Thanks for all your input. I've decided to go to UMCP. Believe me it was hard to let Cornell go, but I think that the money was just too much. CMB720 I actually just went to UM the other day and saw the new rec center. It was awesome...I didn't go to the roof, but there were like 3 pools in the building. I'm definitely excited about the sports teams too. Being a Marylander I've always been a terp basketball fan. Well thanks again for the advice.</p>