Not excited about college. Help?

<p>So I'm pretty much certain that I'm going to go to UMBC next year, because out of all of the colleges I got into, it was the best one (I considered Towson but apperently academically they are not as good). Based off of all the online reviews I've been reading, and the few people who I've talked to about UMBC, it really looks like its so academically focused its impossible to actually enjoy yourself and have a college experience.</p>

<p>I know what you are probably thinking. Why not go to college park? It has everything you could ever imagine in terms of a college experience and more?</p>

<p>Yeah, I know, but unfortunately I didn't get in :(. </p>

<p>Every time people ask me where I'm going, I'm almost embarassed to say UMBC (I go to one of the better high schools in maryland where we have kids going to MIT and Yale).</p>

<p>I really don't know what to do with myself though...obviously academics are important for me, but I don't want to go to a school that is all about that and doesn't have any parties/social life (something that there's not a lot of for me in high school). </p>

<p>I literally feel like I'm at a dead end....advice?</p>

<p>Hey,
I read your other thread about someone describing UMBC. I don’t have first-hand experience either, but I’d just like to say that you just have to make the best of your situation. Right now, you can’t do much. </p>

<p>I really just would recommend trying out UMBC. Despite reviews, you might actually enjoy the school. From the other thread, UMBC sounds a lot like my school (no big sports scene, no big party scene, many people go home on weekends), but there is always one party going on on the weekends of my school. If not, we venture into the city or a nearby party school and party there. And if anything, my weekends are spent with good company. You’re bound to make a few very good friends you like!</p>

<p>And if you find that you still don’t enjoy UMBC, keep your grades up and plan to transfer to perhaps college park or wherever you choose. (: Just stick it out for at least a semester and try to aim for a 4.0 so your transfer chances are at its highest!</p>

<p>Well, look at it this way, those going to Yale and MIT will have higher bills right? :)</p>

<p>Make the best of it! Join clubs, participate in classes, go to events! Surely there is something there you like.</p>

<p>you can always transfer to UMCP. I posted in the other thread about how I know a guy who went to UMBC and he said he had quite a bit of fun there. </p>

<p>also don’t feel embarrassed. I went to a high school where I’d wager 20% or more of my class (about 110 students) got into ivies and presitigious SLACs. I’m the only one who went to Maryland. I was a little embarrassed for a little but then I realized that I don’t care about 99% of those people or what they think. Probably never gonna see them again. And I’m enjoying it here!</p>

<p>i know that its a pretty much guaranteed that you’ll get into college park if you have a 3.0 or above at umbc so just do well and then transfer. or if you end up liking it you wouldn’t need to.</p>

<p>My daughter graduated from a very competitive high school in Maryland. She was accepted at College Park, but decided UMBC was the right fit for her. She is studious and not the “party” type. She has been very happy with her decision. If you find that UMBC is not to your liking, you can always transfer after your first year.</p>