Help Me! UMD vs UVa

<p>I posted this in the college search forum but got no replies :(</p>

<p>So I need some input. I've narrowed it down to these two schools out of the eight I got into. UMD is my state school, therefore being the most economically wise choice and a great school. But I can't get around turning down UVa.</p>

<p>I'm interested in double majoring in Psychology and Biology. I got into the College Park Scholars program for International Scholars and while it wasn't my first choice I still find it interesting. I know i want to go to Med school after undergrad but money isn't the BIGGEST issue for me.</p>

<p>I guess I want a school that will challenge me, offer me opportunities, and will help me achieve my goals. And while I know UMD will, UVa is the better school. I visited UMD yesterday and thought it was great! I'm heading down to UVa on Monday and I already know ill fall in love with the school hahaha</p>

<p>I guess what I'm asking for is some advice given my interests/majors on which school will be the better choice. Thanks!</p>

<p>Hi!</p>

<p>I understand money is not the biggest issue for you, but I think it should be <em>a</em> major consideration. OOS tuition, room and board next year for UVA is $45,000 versus Maryland’s in-state tuition, room and board of $18,500. If you are thinking about going to medical school, you want to keep undergrad student debt as low as possible. </p>

<p>My daughter is also contemplating a double major in psychology and biology. She was accepted a top 25 liberal arts college, but we couldn’t fathom the idea of paying $41K in tuition for undergrad if there was any chance of her attending med school, so she is heading to UMCP’s honors college and Gemstone program this fall.</p>

<p>I think both UMD and UVA are both fine schools, but it is up to each student to take advantage of available opportunities. As a College Park Scholar, you will have many opportunities to travel and challenge yourself. </p>

<p>[College</a> Park Scholars](<a href=“http://www.scholars.umd.edu/about/]College”>Information About Us | College Park Scholars)</p>

<p>You might want to see if UVA can offer you the kind of opportunities you will have as a College Park Scholar. </p>

<p>Good luck!</p>

<p>Thanks for your input! And my parents have basically said the same thing but they ultimately want me to choose the school I’m happy with. I’m visiting UVa tomorrow so ill see how their programs compare to the scholars program. </p>

<p>Sent from my LG-P999 using CC</p>

<p>I just want to add that disregarding money, think about where you will be the most successful. Med school requires a great GPA and happy students tend to do better in school so figure out which school you can see yourself thriving at! Good luck! I am in CPS too for life sciences</p>