<p>I am in need of some guidance, advice or personal experiences if you would be so kind.</p>
<p>I am deciding between CU Boulder and UMDCP. First off, let me say, I would be enrolling in the pre medicine program for which ever school i decide to attend. Although price is a factor, in this case, it shouldn't be a problem wherever I choose to go.</p>
<p>Overall I am looking for:
-somewhere that will prepare me to apply for medical school
-a laid back, enjoyable yet challenging environment where I can be super happy
-I'm okay with stepping out of my comfort zone too
-Campus life is a big factor for me, I want to go to a place where both food and living are going to be not too bad
-a place where theres always something going on
-good resources and classroom technologies
-accessible teachers</p>
<p>I've done my research over and over again but I think I need some advice from others.
Thanks :)</p>
<p>I do not know anything about Maryland. I do know something about CUBoulder. I am fairly certain that if you are majoring in pre-med, they assign you counselors to help you through what they call the “pre-professional” program, giving you assistance and making sure you get the courses you need to apply to med school. The same is true if one is pre-law. My son is a freshman at CU Boulder, and he is very happy there. There is a lot going on always on the campus. He has played two intramural sports already this semester with his dorm mates. The dorm rooms are fairly roomy, especially in the older dorms surrounding Farrand Field. They are not new, but the architecture of the buildings are pretty and the rooms are spacious. The University just opened a new dining hall this past year and it has 9 different ethnic food choices for lunch and dinner every day. He has gone hiking with his dorm a few times up to 14,000 feet. He has snowboarded already once. He has pledged to a coed professional fraternity. He is being challenged in his chosen field of study. In short, there is always something going on that he can participate in if he chooses to. Boulder is a nice small city, easy to get around and the students get free transportation on the buses as well as the bus to the airport. Ask me any more questions if you like. He is home now for Fall Break, returns to school tomorrow.</p>
<p>As I live in Maryland, I have had quite a bit of exposure to UMD which makes me a bit nervous paying 20,000 more dollars to go out of state. However, I’m worried that if I dont keep stretching my comfort zone, I will never leave. Does that make sense?</p>
<p>Well, all things being equal among the two schools, if money is a concern, then certainly pick Maryland. It is a good school and just being in college will stretch you in many ways. If you really desire to live elsewhere and money is not a concern, then choose Boulder. My son got admitted to an excellent university in California, but it was in our city and he did not want to be that close to home. As his parents, we understood that as neither of us went to college close to home. So we supported him in his decision and he is happy and we are happy.</p>
<p>All things being equal, I’d probably go to Md for undergrad and save my $$$ for medical school and living expenses then. I don’t know anything about Md personally. Both our kids went to CU-Boulder (one graduated - economics degree, one a junior in the sciences field - he wants to be a dentist). </p>
<p>I echo a lot of what Rousse54 said above. I can add that in the sciences, the school is very good about giving you pre-professional school guidance. You’re assigned an advisor who has been very “hands on” with both our kids. </p>
<p>Good luck with your decision!!</p>