<p>Since we are residents of New Jersey, Rutgers would be a more economical choice for our son. These schools are comparable in size and opportunity (proximity to large cities, research, etc.)</p>
<p>Any comments on Pros/Cons for either one of these schools?</p>
<p>What is your proposed major?. We are NJ residents and my son is attending UMD in the fall as a freshman computer science major. He chose UMD because they have such a strong Computer science major. The college grounds are at UMD are more aesthetic. The facilites at UMD are more up to date. We are paying full boat - no financial aid. Son was offered merit of $ 6,500 from Rutgers and $ 2000 from UMD. Also, intern opportunities in the DC area are unlimited.</p>
<p>My son is also planning a computer science major. </p>
<p>His gpa is 4.0 and SAT’s 1400/1600. He has taken all honors and 1 AP junior year. Will take 2 additional AP’s in the fall. Has been in Wind Ensemble in school and All-South Jersey Band/orchestra 3 years. Also ran track 3 years.</p>
<p>If you don’t mind me asking, how does that compare to your son? I am only asking because I’d like to get an idea of what (if any) merit aid he might receive.</p>
<p>SAT 1390, # 8 in Class, total of 8 AP Courses. Invited and participated in
Engineering Governors School for 3 weeks during summer before Sr Yr @ Rutgers.
weighted GPA was 4.5.</p>
<p>I agree with everything justfine has stated. </p>
<ol>
<li>UMDCP is notorious for being cheap on merit aid.<br></li>
<li>Rutgers, any campus of Rutgers can’t hold a candle to UMDCP, especially New Brunswick.<br>
UMDCP has the traditional college feel, rolling grounds, beautiful buildings, enclosed to the world.
If you have not visited it yet, watch National Treasure 2, when they visit Nicholas Cages Mom, that is UMDCP campus, it is not a set. Same for St. Elmo’s Fire.</li>
</ol>