<p>I've been accepted to both. I'm looking into both schools for engineering and jazz studies. I live 20 minutes away from UMD, so I've seen plenty of the campus. I visited MSU about a month ago, and I love its campus and atmosphere a lot more than I do UMD's. It doesn't seem like MSU's academics can really compare to UMD's though.</p>
<p>Thoughts?
- on academics
- on social scene
- on campus
- on local atmosphere
- on night life</p>
<p>I would think MSU and UMD are comparable but UMD probably has a more geographically diverse student body.</p>
<p>UMD is ranked a little bit higher in terms of academics, but it really depends on the major or program you are looking at. I don’t know much about engineering or jazz studies at MSU, so I wouldn’t be able to help you there (except from what I have heard, my friends in both programs enjoy it). I would say in terms of social life, they are very similar, with MSU having the slight edge on better sports (football and basketball) teams on average. From what I know, UMD is more of a commuter school than MSU is, and MSU has a bigger residential following (creating more school solidarity/spirit). UMD area isn’t as safe as East Lansing. UMD is advantageous in terms of its location between Baltimore and DC (for internship purposes), while East Lansing is near the capital of Lansing (so there are some internship opportunities but definitely not as many). I can’t speak for UMD parties, but MSU’s are definitely pretty awesome (the bar scene for 21+ is decent, but not fantastic). If money is an issue, definitely go to UMD. If you are more concerned about fit and MSU has a program that you really like (that UMD doesn’t), then go to MSU!</p>