UMD B/K vs Johns Hopkins

Hi, I’m really torn between JHU and UMD:CP. Both I think are great schools, but they each have very striking allures to them that keeps me heavily undecided. To start off…

Finances:
UMD is giving me the full Banneker/Key Scholarship, not to mention that supposedly unused funds get deposited as credit into my account. JHU has given me a lot of money, mostly from the half-tuition parent benefit, a large grant, and a Hopkins Academic Success Scholarship. The cost would be around 7000 the first year, however it is likely to increase in upcoming years because in the previous financial aid form that requested 2016 taxes my dad was unemployed for a good portion of the year, so our ability to pay will probably shoot up in resulting years (at least for 2017/2018, my mom recently got fired). As of now finances are probably good as my grandparents can help, so it isn’t too much of a deciding force. Along with any comments any of you may have, I suppose I have two questions:

What other benefits are there to Banneker/Key in terms of getting distinguished, forming high-level connections, or special events (I’m partly deciding based on food)?

Is JHU known to drastically decrease financial aid for changing family situations?

Academics:
I also need opinions on academics. Right now my major for UMD would be Chemistry, however after a visit to JHU and learning about Chemical Engineering, which uses both math and chemistry, I think I would rather pursue ChemE. The issue is: I practically switched my major twice at umd already. On my app I said mathematics, then I sent an email asking for chemical engineering to which the admissions officer agreed and started putting me in chemical engineering, and at that point I told them I meant pure chemistry, so they put me in there. Now I realize ChemE is pretty cool, but I really don’t want to be such a nuisance and change my major like every two seconds. So that’s a big headache that pushes me away from umd. However, umd also accepted me to ACES (I guess I gotta learn how to program) which I think is very prestigious and a huge resume booster. From what I’ve heard about JHU, however, is that everybody says getting a high-paying job would be much easier. True, a ChemE degree from JHU probably looks good, but it’s a bit of a dilemma if I want to be an average kid at Hop or shine at UMD (I have heard that graduate school is basically all GPA, and I’m pretty sure my GPA at UMD would be higher). The research and coursework for JHU is a little intimidating.

To what extent would a ChemE degree from JHU beat Banneker Key/ACES/High GPA at UMD?

Is switching majors so often really a big deal at UMD?

Big fish in a small pond or small fish in a big pond. Which is better?

Campus Life:
UMD would undoubtedly have the better dorms as the ACES P Freddy hall has spacious rooms, clean areas, and good AC. At JHU I would probably go with AMR I/II, however the dorm is a little small and hallways cramped. It’s like the lights are strategically placed to make some of the dorms at JHU more depressing. At UMD I would have all the Bro-skies from High School, and my brother will be a junior there when I enter so that would be fun. My friends and brother pull me pretty close to UMD, and at JHU I would practically start anew. So that’s a pretty big consideration. UMD also gave me a really nice luncheon at the B/K interview and I feel so indebted no one has ever done that for me before. I love the scenery at both campuses, but UMD would definitely be a lot more walking. It’s tough to compare food because ive only eaten at a diner from each once, but it seems like JHU has more unique and changing items, but UMD has unlimted biscuits.

Do I place too much importance on staying comfortable socially at UMD vs the prestige and opportunity at JHU?

Who has better food?

So that’s what im torn between really. If anyone has anything about either school, or college as a whole, that they think would help me make a decision please share. Thanks a million sorry for all the text.

Well, it’s hard to compete with unlimited biscuits…haha, sorry, couldn’t resist…

In all seriousness, I really believe that where you attend school has less to do with ease of “getting a high-paying job” than how well you perform/what you do at the school you attend. Meaning that the “brand” of a degree from JHU only goes so far. It’s really up to you. Students at Maryland get equally great, high-paying jobs. Personally, I would go for free at Maryland. You can use the savings in tuition to get all kinds of the latest technology to make studying easier.

I think it’s better to be a big fish in the big pond (sorry, can’t refer to Maryland as small, lol). You will have more unique opportunities open to you, and a better chance of getting one of the prized/limited seats in special programs.

Of course, it’s all personal perspective, but I have heard on several occasions that JHU is more of a cut throat environment, BUT I don’t know how true that is. So, that’s something to take into account as well - the overall experience at Maryland as a BIG 10 school is more of the quintessential “best four years of your life” experience (in my opinion, of course). I have a friend that attended JHU. She is brilliant and absolutely loved it at JHU, and her only regret was lack of athletics. So, not sure if that’s something that’s important to you. I am not a sports fan by any stretch of the imagination, but I really love going to Maryland games because it’s more about the experience itself and school pride, which is totally awesome, fun, and highly memorable.

Do NOT worry about changing majors several times before you start!!! You are only 17/18 years old. Really knowing what you absolutely want at that age is a rare thing. So, I would suggest looking at the curricula (4 year plan that lays out the specific courses) for each major at each school. See what you find most appealing. The specific courses for each major may actually be different at each school. That may be a good way to decide between the schools as well.

As for the food, I think that’s a personal opinion, but Maryland does have a Chick Fil A on campus, just sayin’…

Look, wherever you decide, I’m sure you will be happy. They are both great schools and it’s not about what other people think is best, but what YOU feel is the better fit for YOU. You will make new friends at both places. You will grow and learn about yourself at both places. You will be academically challenged at both places. Best of luck in the decision process…it’s all good, so no worries.

Wow. First off thank you for the thoughtful and insightful reply it really makes me lean toward UMD. Haha yeah Chik Fil A is a huge pull, and I suppose I am overthinking major changes as a big deal. I didn’t expect such an encompassing reply but it really does ease some stresses that I have about choosing. Thanks again.

No prob - best of luck!

@maryversity I just wanted to say thanks so much for helping me choose UMD and relieve the stress of the decision. I am proud to become a terp soon.