<p>I'll be starting as a freshman at the University of Maryland - College Park soon and am seriously considering transferring to American University in Washington DC for my sopohomore year (Fall 2006). This is mainly as a result of my realization that UMD basically has nothing in terms of majors that I'm interested in. AU seems to. There are various other social aspects that I like about AU, but I won't get into that.</p>
<p>NOW, I didn't apply to AU originally, but I'm fairly sure I would've gotten in. Correct me if I'm wrong, but isn't UMD more prestigious than American? And if so, should I really worry about anything besides maintaining a decent gpa while I'm at Maryland? How much would the fact that I got into and am attending UMD weigh?</p>
<p>You are correct. But you should apply and aim for GW which is slightly better than Maryland-College Park and AU just as a backup. Maryland has an amazing campus though.</p>
<p>rounds - it really wont make difference whether you went to Maryland or not. Now, if you went to Hopkins or Gtown, then maybe it would actually help you. Going to Maryland will obviously not hurt you whereas other applicants may have the same gpa as you from a community college or third tier school. Overall, your stats are alot more important for transfer admissions. Also, if youre in-state, the selectivities of the two schools are identical...maybe even in favor of American. As the above post states, check out GW...it might be a good fit.</p>