<p>Hi,
I've been accepted to both Rutgers University NB and the University of Maryland at college park. (Exercise
science for Rutgers and Kinesiology for Maryland) Now, I know it does not particularly matter what I major in to get into a good physical therapy graduate program after I get my bachelor's at one of those 2 schools, but I was just wondering which school/program would give me more/better exposure into my career as a physical therapist? Which school is more focused on physical therapy and rehabilitation? Whose program is more credible?
Also, if anybody has any other details to share that may sway my vote such as academics themselves at each school, the school's connection, etc.
Thank you!</p>
<p>Academically, Rutgers is a good school. I know a lot of students that go and absolutely love it . I’m a Jersey girl myself and a Maryland alum, so I am biased in favor of Maryland.</p>
<p>Visited Rutgers with my kids and we simply didn’t like it (not a good vibe). They went on their own a couple times for school events and still were not enthused. BUT, bear in mind that both my kids had seen Maryland first, so that could have colored their impression.</p>
<p>However, to be fair, post your question on the Rutgers board so that you can get a better answer of all the positives that Rutgers has to offer. Everyone looks for different things and what is a good fit for one student isn’t necessarily a good fit for another. That doesn’t mean the school is bad, it just means it wasn’t a good match for that person. A friend’s daughter had same opinion as us until she spent an overnight at Rutgers and then she came back saying it was much better than her impression from a day visit. So, that’s something to consider.</p>
<p>Of course, I can sing the praises of Maryland ad nauseum. In my opinion, there is no comparison of campuses - Maryland is beautiful and cohesive. Rutgers is (in my opinion) not as pretty and is disjointed. Maryland is a 15 minute ride to DC…the unique opportunities and experiences are incomparable. </p>
<p>Honestly can’t speak to which school is better for PT and rehab…Best way to compare programs is look at the four year academic plans for each school - here is a start for Maryland
<a href=“http://sph.umd.edu/KNES/ugrad/degree.html”>http://sph.umd.edu/KNES/ugrad/degree.html</a>
<a href=“http://sph.umd.edu/KNES/ugrad/kinesmajor.html”>http://sph.umd.edu/KNES/ugrad/kinesmajor.html</a></p>
<p>Regardless of stranger’s opinions, remember that only you can decide what is a better fit for you. There honestly is not a wrong choice/answer because, as I said, BOTH are good schools. Best of luck in the decision process!</p>
<p>My son is in the same boat - comparing Maryland with three other schools for an undergrad program that will get him into a competitive DPT program. At the 2/28 accepted student visit, we attended a session in the School of Public Health and the Kinesiology adviser mentioned that four seniors had been accepted to UMBC’s DPT program. We ran out of time and kicked ourselves for not pressing to get information on further grad program outcomes for the Kinesiology Class of '14.</p>
<p>As maryversity wrote above, only you can decide based on your perceived vibe from both schools. I have developed a strong respect for Maryland since our first campus visit and would have no qualms about sending in tuition payments if that’s where my son chooses to matriculate. But I also respect his other choices and sympathize with him for having to make a tough choice. Best of luck to you!</p>
<p>Just found this…<a href=“http://www.studentorg.umd.edu/ppta/faq.html”>http://www.studentorg.umd.edu/ppta/faq.html</a>… hope it is helpful</p>
<p>My son was admitted by UMD too, and as an international applicants, we didn’t get the chance to visit the campus. It’s glad to here some opinion about this university.</p>