<p>So, I was accepted into University of Maryland (College Park) Honors program but I'm really very close to eliminating it from my list. I thought I should come here and maybe you (brilliant!) CCers could convince me not to. </p>
<p>I'm a female interested in engineering... civil & environmental in particular... but I've always said I wanted a more liberal based education. Professional engineering is not my final desire as of now but I'm using it as a stepping stone to project management or most likely law. I know there are many on here who strongly urge prospective lawyers not to go for engineering as their undergrad but this is what I've decided to do. UMDCP is a really great engineering school... top notch professors(who are more interested in their own agenda... ie research... then their undergrad students) and first rate facilities. So, seems good, right? But their dorms are... crap!... the campus is pretty on the surface but too big and strung out. All the engineers that I've met from there are serious, techie, engineers... they want research and they want ALOT(I understand that some amount is necessary) of hands on projects. The class sizes are not very enticing and the co op programs are just... okay.</p>
<p>I just see it as more of a traditional engineering program and not flexible enough for me. The school itself is VERY focused on sports... which I disagree with... and I feel that alot of the students there are not as, well, focused as what I'd like. I've also heard alot about how its not very personal(which is understood with the size of the school... but still not a good thing, IMO) and how if you have special needs you my as well give up because they will not be addressed. </p>
<p>As you can see I'm not too fond of the school. I just see it as too big and too impersonal and their engineering program is too specific and not broad enough. </p>
<p>... the only thing that might keep it around for a while is the cost. I have University of South Carolina at a mere 9K a year and UMD at only 15K a year. The rest of my schools range from $25K - 39K. </p>
<p>So, what makes you want to go to UMD? the parties? the professors? the reputation? what?</p>
<p>I guess I just don't see the appeal that others must see.</p>
<p>It is by no means your traditional engineering school. While it does have a demanding engineering program, you will find time to take other courses that you desire. I'm a CompSci/Math double, and I'll be able to take plenty of electives that I want and graduate in 4 1/2 years. </p>
<p>If you want good co-ops, you're going to have to work hard in school, and present yourself at the job fairs. That's how it is at every school. Don't expect a great co-op just to fall in your hands, you have to go out looking for them.</p>
<p>As far as class sizes are concerned, they shrink dramatically once you get outside of the CORE courses. It also becomes a lot more personal once you get into the higher level courses. In a school with enrollment of around 30,000, what did you expect?</p>
<p>As far as sports oriented, it really only appears that way because the sports people are VERY vocal and well, because we're pretty good. There are tons of other things on campus to get involved with. We have over 300 groups and clubs you can join, which provides a lot of variety for students.</p>
<p>I agree with you about the Dorm situation at UMD. My son will be a freshman in engineering this Fall and was accepted to the Honors/Gemstone program. That program guarantees availability for their best and brightest students a dorm in Elicott Hall...on the upper floors of a 40+ year old, unairconditioned, asbestos-containing high-rise!!! You would think they would at least put them next door in the renovated La Plata dorm. </p>
<p>That said, we didn't let the dorm situation become a negative. Adjacent to the campus is a new construction dorm-like high-rise opening this Fall called University View Apartments. Each suite has 2-4 bedrooms, most have private baths, and all have kitchens, washer/dryer, microwave, dishwasher, and other amenities including air conditioning! As of last week, there were still rooms available. Go to <a href="http://www.universityview.net%5B/url%5D">www.universityview.net</a> for more details. </p>
<p>... atleast I'm not the only one who thinks UMDs dorm situation stinks!</p>
<p>I've been accepted at Lehigh, Lafayette, Smith, Syracuse, Northeastern, Miami, South Carolina, Delaware, and Embry Riddle. Because of cost(ie a lack of merit aid) I'm debating between UDel, USC, and UMD. I've gotten lots of 10-12K scholarships but that still isn't enough at most of my schools. I'm leaning towards Delaware but I'm not sure by any means.</p>
<p>BigJ has a point - and I will add that college is what you make of it, no matter where you go.. Your decision has to take into account many factors - my son chose Maryland because it is ranked among the top 25 engineering schools, it would be in-state tuition for us, and they offered him a $20K scholarship. The proximity to Washington DC and the prospect of internships and research at NASA, NIH, NSA, and within the government is attractive. </p>
<p>Economics does play a significant role in these decisions. Have you considered part-time work either on or off campus to help fund your tuition/expenses? </p>
<p>Back in my college days, I sold auto parts to fund my nursing school in community college, then worked as a nurse and went to night school to finish my BS in Business. 20 years later now I am halfway through an MBA program, paid for by my employer's tuition reimbursement benefit. </p>
<p>Sounds like you are very fortunate have many offers and some great choices. Here's another website that might help you to compare colleges:</p>
<p>maybe u will like the sports. i know lots of people who hated sports but when they went to college they loved it. the spirit of hte game, game day, the tradition can turn anyone into a fan. and those kdis i knew really didnt go to a good sports school. maryland has one of hte best sports tradition and going to comcast stadium with thousands of people wearing red and yelling. it is a sight to see. one of the best stadiums in college.</p>
<p>My D. LOVES everything College Park has to offer, especially the sports, got zero scholarships and she STILL feels lucky to be sitting on a wait list for the fall.... You have to weigh your options and choose with what is best for you. We've talked to current Md. students who have never attended any sporting events there and haven't got a clue about it. It's just not their thing....but take it from me...they are missing out. Athletics is a HUGE part of the Maryland tradition.</p>