<p>I got admitted today to the University of Maryland-CP, but was wait listed for the fall 2014 semester and admitted for the spring 2015 semester "due to space limitations." I have a couple questions:</p>
<ol>
<li><p>What are my chances of getting off the wait list and start to enroll as a UMD student in the fall? Obviously not all of the slots will be filled that they offered and other kids will be waiting. </p></li>
<li><p>Is the Freshman Connection program worth it? For those who don't know what it is, it is apparently a program in which you take UMD classes in the fall that go towards your credit hours and GPA for when you are fully enrolled in the spring. I've heard that you get the same privileges as a UMD student and that you get to live on-campus (not sure if that's entirely true, can someone confirm?). What's the main difference between the program and being a student fully enrolled in the fall semester?</p></li>
<li><p>Should I go to UMD? I am majoring in political science and love DC, but I would like a normal college experience with a nice campus, sporting events, lots of people, parties, etc. I was recently admitted to American University with a $10k/year scholarship and am waiting on Michigan and George Washington to get back any day now. I also got accepted to Iowa and Colorado, but I want to get away from Iowa (I'm from Iowa) and Colorado isn't giving me any money ($50k total cost? No thanks)</p></li>
</ol>
<p>I don’t have the answer to all of your questions, but I can tell you that UMD is beautiful, huge, and it is a really nice campus! Have you visited UMD? It has a lot of people… I’m sorry, but I don’t think you are sure where UMD is located, and how much it offers. It’s full of opportunities, and even though I am still in the college decision process, I am in love with UMD and I believe it’s the place to be (for me). Washington DC is just a bonus that the university has, and it’s like 20-30 min from the campus (I think). Yes, you should go to UMD if you feel like you belong there (like I have), and if you have sufficient financial aid. </p>
<p>I do not believe you live on campus via the FC program. My D - a current junior - had a couple of really close friends in that program and most of them live in apt. complexes called The Varsity and The View, which are right on the edge of campus. (you can google these) These are set up with orientations, fun group activities during move-in, “RA” types, etc for the FC program. My D would tell you if UMD is your 1st choice you should absolutely accept the FC invite and it’s just like being a regular part of the university. Some more classes may be at night but not all of them. I’m sure UMD at full retail is still less expensive than American with a $10k scholarship.</p>
<p>As for the living situation, the down side is possibly that the rules are less strict in those apt. complexes than they are in the dorms. You should explore that further but still think you should accept the FC admission.</p>
<p>I’m not sure how this works but maybe there is a way to live on campus. See the info below. </p>
<p>The Department of Resident Life is excited to announce a new development concerning on-campus housing for Fall 2014.</p>
<p>Our department believes campus residence halls offer the most supportive housing option for freshman students as they transition to the University of Maryland. As the Office of Undergraduate Admissions prepares to release decisions for new applicants for the 2014-2015 academic year, the Department of Resident Life has sought and obtained approval to offer Spring 2015 admitted students participating in the Freshmen Connection program during the fall semester an on-campus housing option for the first time.</p>
<p>With long-term advocacy by the Residence Hall Association, and support from both the Office of Extended Studies and the Office of Undergraduate Admission, we plan on offering Freshmen Connection students housing on a space-available basis for Fall 2014.</p>
<p>The opening of Prince Frederick Hall in August will add over 450 new beds to the nearly 12,000 spaces currently available in residence halls and public-private partnership apartments. This increased capacity, along with the desire to provide housing options for first-time students makes the timing for this decision optimal.</p>
<p>Our recently posted “Fall Housing Outlook” stated that we anticipate being able to house current first, second, and third year students interested in returning to on-campus housing in residence halls or seeking spots in public-private partnership apartments, and this development for Freshmen Connection students does not change that expectation. We remain committed to offering our current students the ability to remain in our housing for 2014-2015.</p>
<p>More information regarding housing for the 2014-2015 academic year in public-private partnership apartments can be found athttp://<a href=“http://www.reslife.umd.edu/housing/commonscourtyards/ and”>www.reslife.umd.edu/housing/commonscourtyards/ and</a> our web site, <a href=“http://www.reslife.umd.edu”>www.reslife.umd.edu</a>, will soon be updated in preparation for Room Selection 2014 for our residence halls.</p>