Penn State Universtiy Park, Smeal's or UMD Freshman Connection?

<p>Hey guys. this is my first post on college confidential because idk where to go for advice. I got into Penn State University Park and Smeal's Business School and also got accepted to UMD for Spring 2011 and offered Freshman Connections. Maryland was my number one choice, but now I am not sure what to do. I did not get into the Smith Business School. Atleast I don't think i did. My letter didn't say anything about LEP or Business even though I applied as a Business Major. That is one thing I am stuck on, the business school. Although I like UMD alot more, i don't know if I should choose Penn State now because I got right into the business school. However, I am considering doing Freshman Connection at UMD because I love the school so much. But, without admission into the business school i don't know if I would be making the most wise choice.
Any advice would be greatly appreciated!
Thanks</p>

<p>“My letter didn’t say anything about LEP or Business even though I applied as a Business Major. That is one thing I am stuck on, the business school.”</p>

<p>Pick up the phone and call them for more information.</p>

<p>Is there a significant difference for you in the cost of attending one university or the other? Talk this over with your parents or whoever it is who is helping you pay for your education.</p>

<p>Both of these universities are fine institutions where you can get a great education, however the communities where they are located are completely different. PSUP is in a true “college town” in an essentially rural part of Pennsylvania, whereas UMCP is in the Washington, DC suburbs. UMCP is just a short Metro or bus ride from downtown Washington, DC which means that you have easy to transportation up and down the east coast. Getting from PSUP to other places is a bit tougher. Then again, many would argue that University Park is a “nicer” neighborhood than College Park.</p>

<p>Maybe you and your parents need to take a road trip?</p>

<p>Wishing you all the best.</p>

<p>Thanks! based of the environment after both college visits, i liked UMD more. The part that is making this such a hard decision is that I did not get into the business school at Maryland. I don’t know when my next chance to apply is either. I heard someone say junior year. In that case, I would probably have to go to Penn State even though I prefer UMD for the educational aspect. But other than the programs, I really fell in love with UMD.</p>

<p>if you go to Maryland do freshman connection you will have to live your first year off campus and I have heard mixed reviews about freshman connection. you also have to maintain a GPA around a 3.5 and get involved in extracurriculars to get into the business school your junior year…its hard but not impossible. If you are in state Maryland would be a good choice, but then again at Penn State you are guaranteed the program you want and Penn State is also a sweet college town with a good football team.</p>

<p>Thanks for your input! What have you heard about the Freshman Connection program?</p>

<p>Double check on whether you got into UMD’s Smith school of business. If you don’t get in as a freshman it can be tough to get in later, you need a certain GPA and recommendations. When my son applied to UMD a year ago, he applied as an undecided student. By the time he went to accepted students day (last year) at UMD and he learned that it is much easier to get accepted as a freshman than it is to transfer. So he switched his application to be to the business school and got in. (He decided against UMD) </p>

<p>If you applied to UMD’s Smith school and didn’t get in, I say to go to Penn. Especially since UMD didn’t accept you until Spring</p>

<p>To Katytyibbs: Oh so your son originally applied undecided, but before his application was reviewed he changed to business? Does applying to UMD’s business school simply mean you listed business as your major or is there an additional application for “the business school?”</p>

<p>Actually, he switched after he was accepted. At UMD you can switch up to the first day of classes (if you get accepted). There wasn’t a separate application, it was just a re do of the orginal application</p>

<p>So, if you apply to UMD and major in business, and you are accepted, then you are automatically admitted into the business school?
or can you be accepted into UMD as a business major but not be admitted into the Smith Business school?</p>