<p>I'm deciding between going to Syracuse University or the University of Maryland at College Park. I applied ED to Newhouse at Syracuse, but was admitted into Arts and Sciences. I was admitted into the Scholars Program - Media and Society - at UMaryland. </p>
<p>At the moment, my dream career is to be a novelist, but I understand that I must prepare for other options.</p>
<p>I know that there is a good possibility that I can transfer into Newhouse sophomore year at Syracuse, but I have some reservations about the school. I like school spirit and an emphasis on sports, but I'm concerned that Syracuse is too focused on that. Maryland is also focused on that, but I feel like the bigger campus makes it less of an issue. </p>
<p>I know that for communications, Newhouse is the best. However, I'm nervous that my interests might change, and if I go to Syracuse, I'll be locked into that program. If I go to Maryland, I'd have many more options for programs, but the communications program is not nearly as good as Newhouse.</p>
<p>Please give any advice you may have!</p>
<p>This is a tough choice if you are not a Maryland resident. If you are a Maryland resident, then UMD CP is an easy choice. Maryland has a more elite student body. The SATs are 150 points higher at Maryland. On the other hand, Newhouse is one of the best communications programs in the country. They are both great for sports fans. Maryland has proximity to DC going for it. College Park is quite congested and Syracuse has more manageable traffic. Syracuse has snow, Maryland has heat. They are both really big schools. Both nice campuses.</p>
<p>My brother went to SU for undergrad and Maryland for grad school. He loved both places. He studied biology. I love Delmonico’s and Coleman’s restaurants in Syracuse. I love Franklin’s restaurant near College Park.</p>
<p>I think the more elite student body at Maryland gives Maryland the edge IMO but not by much. You can have a great experience both places.</p>
<p>Maryland is also less expensive by far if Syracuse doesn’t give a lot of FA to you. I consider MD to have an edge for academics as well.</p>
<p>Wow! I’m in the exact same situation as the OP with the same schools and same major! The only difference is that I want a school that focuses on sports and school spirit. I’m on the Maryland Scholars waitlist, so that is pretty much my deciding factor. And I love Franklin’s by UMD as well. (my brother did his undergrad there and we ate there all the time).</p>
<p>Also if you don’t mind me asking, what were your stats?</p>
<p>BB12345 – Can you check your Scholars assignment online yet? I see you already know you are in Media and Society. I don’t see that anywhere under my login. When did you find out? Email? Letter?</p>
<p>JetsNYNJ --UMD is rated #1 for “athletic facilities” by Princeton Review, for whatever that is worth. Did you see the online competition for best school for fans? It was sponsored by mtv and included Penn State and W. Virginia for finalists in the east along with MD. Makes for good reading. My D’s initial 1st choice was PSU but now she’s leaning toward UMDCP. Syracuse – still haven’t heard, but probably off her radar now.</p>