<p>^that’s a really hard choice. How much cheaper? Significantly? And how “into” Gemstone are you? I wouldn’t go into major debt for MD since UNC is considered better overall, but Gemstone is something that is very enticing, you may consider taking on a minimal amount of debt.</p>
<p>Is Gemstone something you’re really, really excited to do, or are you just excited about having the opportunity to do an extra resume boosting activity? Gemstone does not have a high retention rate because it really involves passion…you get out what you put in, etc. My bro dropped out when he learned you had to write a 20 page paper second semester freshmen year for it.</p>
<p>UNC will have good opportunities for research. If Gemstone is not something that really stands out to you as something exciting to participate in, it is not as if other opportunities do not exist.</p>
<p>UNC students go to elite grad schools, too, after all 
It’s not just people in Gemstone haha. </p>
<p>Maybe you should look into the strength of the specific programs at UNC versus MD. As well as try to visit both campuses, and DC. See if that helps you make your decision. You never mentioned the majors/departments you were interested in…</p>
<p>Other programs at MD I can tell you about that you might be interested in - a program that combines engineering school students with business school students, and you come up with the idea for an invention/start up company/etc. Pretty cool. </p>
<p>Look into the programs at UNC…do you see similar opportunities there? I’m not super familiar with the school but my assumption is there are also great programs to get involved with there too.</p>