I’m a senior from Maryland and I am deciding between the University of Maryland and the University of South Carolina. I’d like some advice because I am so indecisive!!!
UMD Pros: In-state school, cheap, a well-known good school, good sports (minus football lol)
UMD Cons: Don’t have marine biology major, kinda boring from what I’ve heard, I was a spring admit but I can do Freshman Connection where I attend in the fall and take classes from 3 pm-9 pm.
USC Pros: I get in-state tuition for marine biology major (I’ve always wanted to do MB!), warm weather, good sports, not Maryland. I loved it when I visited it!
USC Cons: It’s 8 hours away from home. That’s the only con I could think of.
I think I’m mostly nervous about the distance from home. I know if I really do need to come home I could hop on a plane but that would be pricey. Also, for as long as I can remember, I’ve wanted to go to be a marine biologist. While UMD doesn’t have that, they have Environmental Science but that isn’t that same. I’ve actually already paid my deposit for UMD and I was excited about going for about a week and then I felt like I was passing up an opportunity I’ve always dreamed about. All my family lives within 5 minutes of me which is why I think I am hesitant to take a leap of faith and go out-of-state. Advice is VERY much appreciated! 
Go to USC! It has everything you want. So what if it is further!! Although it’s not ideal, you can drive home in a day if you need to. That’s doable. Don’t sacrifice the career you have always wanted just because you are scared. Almost half of USC’s student body is out of state so you won’t be alone in being away from home. I’m from NJ and am most likely going to USC so it obviously isn’t too close but you can’t let your fears hold you back!!!
College is about changes , so if the cost are the same go to USC BUT only you know yourself, what is the backup plan atUSC if marine bio does not float your boat Take the leap if you hate it after a year you can always transfer.
If the costs are essentially the same, try U of South Carolina for a semester or year, and then reevaluate. You will have time to see how well you cope with being farther from your family, and you will have time to really check out the Marine Bio. major. If you aren’t happy, transfer back to a university in Maryland.
This fall semester is likely to be a bit strange in any case because of the coronavirus situation. It is entirely possible that you will be studying remotely from home no matter which place you choose. There won’t be any clarification about that kind of thing until months from now.
@animallover345 thank you! You’re absolutely right about the career. I need to get out of my comfort zone more.
@NJdad07090 If marine bio doesn’t end up working, I’ll probably go to a school in MD (possibly UMD) and do their environmental science major. But you are 100% right. I need to take a leap of faith. I appreciate your advice!!
@happymomof1 Right. Hopefully, the coronavirus doesn’t last until the fall:( Stay safe and thank you for your advice. I keep forgetting that I can transfer if I don’t like it.