I’m really torn-
Money wise I have the possibility of a full ride to both and I am paying instate tuition currently so while not exactly the same, money is not a real factor.
My current thoughts: GT has better opportunities, they have 6 cube satellite projects and slightly better name recognition. I would hopefully be in Grand Challenges.
Maryland would probably be easier academically, leaving me more time to pursue activities more extensively. The problem is it seems it is a really safe option as I live 30 minutes away and have family there. There are still great opportunities, just not as many. Though, I would probably “stick out” more at Maryland, making it easier to fight for in-house work.
I know the answers will be biased but I’d like any advice you have! Thank you!
I have a freshman at GT and a senior at a school in Ohio, who worked ten weeks at U of Maryland college Park.
My bias is for GT!
Its a hard decision, both are outstanding public programs. Maryland offers more majors if somehow you were to change your mind and want to study say agriculture or journalism. Georgia Tech does have an outstanding Media/CS major too.
Locations: Atlanta is much more exciting. College Park is suburban, and while you can get on the Metro, its a bit of a trek to get all the way to DC. At Georgia Tech, you simply walk, you are in the heart of Atlanta.
Size: Georgia Tech is smaller overall, but for mechanical engineering, and aerospace, those majors are large, so may not matter.
It may come down to personal preference, do you prefer to stay home in Maryland or do you want to branch out and try Atlanta? There may be more OOS student at GT, so better geographic diversity for undergrads.
Spirit: Georgia Tech wins. You cannot beat the Yellow Jacket spirit.
Outdoor education: Georgia Tech offers rock climbing, kayaking, mountain biking and more.
http://www.crc.gatech.edu/programs/outdoor
@emxplusb Grand Challenges is a living group. I would not worry about it too much. You will find friends at Georgia Tech in any freshman dorm and all will be very smart. But if you can get into GC say yes. Remember, its gender balanced so its not really a merit program, but a dorm with half girls and half boys. Like everything in life, its a hook but it turns out to be a very unimportant hook in the scheme of a four year Georgia Tech education.