<p>Hi guys my son recently got into the university of maryland, college-park and elon university. I was hoping someone could help us make this tough decision. We're both contemplating the positives/negatives of both but we are still undecided. We would both really appreciate your help. Thanks</p>
<p>Apples and oranges…need much more info…</p>
<p>Prospective major, interests, etc…</p>
<p>I agree with Rodney-- We’re from MD and my daughter is at Elon. If your son wants a very large state U with big sports teams and diversity and everything else a large U can offer, then obviously UMD. Elon is mid-sized, but MUCH smaller than UMD- small classes, no lectures as far I as know, and a lot of personal attention. But sports are not a big deal, and you’re in a small town in NC, rather than a subway ride to DC.
I would imagine that if he visits them, one will definitely come out on top- they couldn’t be more different.</p>
<p>Hi - have to agree - very different options. We know lots of kids at Maryland. Are you in-state? If you are - and if finances are an issue - than Maryland will be more affordable. If bigtime sports are important - than Maryland comes out on top. Elon is better - IMO - for class size, housing and facilities and personal attention. I also do not care for the College Park area around UMD - rundown and crime can be an issue. Elon has a gorgeous campus and a nicer climate.</p>
<p>That being sad - I think both are fine options - just very different.</p>
<p>he has visited both but is still unsure. He plans to major in political science if that helps. He didn’t like maryland too much when he visited. And couldn’t get a real feel for elon because it was down pouring when we visited. So we plan to revisit sometime in April. Does committing earlier to a school make a difference? Also I know i shouldn’t be saying this as a parent, but I know there will be drinking and due to some reasons he cannot drink. Should he stay away from a bigger school such as Maryland for this reason?</p>
<p>One answer at a time:</p>
<p>1) yes, depositing at Elon influences housing choice, but, honestly, at this point, doesn’t make a difference…everyone is in a double; it will just depend on where he is placed…</p>
<p>2) there is drinking everywhere; alot of kids do and do not drink…if your son can’t drink for whatever reason, there will be other kids who can’t or do not want to in both schools…</p>
<p>This decision needs to be based on size, academics, surrounding area, etc…again, so different…</p>
<p>If political science is to lead to law school, higher GPA could help law school admissions…if political science is to lead to a political career, maybe UMD would be better for proximity to DC…</p>
<p>What questions would you like answered specifically? Maybe that would be easier?</p>
<p>Elon and Maryland both offer substance free housing. You can always find kids who do not want to drink and party. They may be the quieter minority - but they exist at any school.</p>
<p>How about your son’s learning style? Would he prefer to be more invisible and be in a large lecture hall in Maryland? Does he like to participate in class? Elon is so focused on engaged learning - participating in class is a big deal. Are you ok with the use of TAs/grad students at Maryland? Or would you prefer a smaller school like Elon that has professors teaching classes?</p>
<p>I do think proximity to DC is an advantage for internships - giving Maryland an edge. But Elon also has many internship opportunities - including in DC. Elon also does things with the North Carolina legislature.</p>
<p>I would focus on the disparity in size and the differences in the academic experience more than anything else.</p>