UMD College Park Scholars vs. UDEL Honors

<p>Hi everyone,</p>

<p>My D was accepted to the UMD College Park Scholars and UDEL Honors programs. She's thinking about studying math/statistics. After scholarships and grants, both schools will cost the same. Right now my D is leaning towards UMD College Park Scholars, but she is torn. I would appreciate comments/advice on either program. Thanks in advance!</p>

<p>NJparent2013</p>

<p>well, which scholars program did she get into?</p>

<p>Hi trackdudeMD-</p>

<p>My D got into this program: [College</a> Park Scholars - Environment, Technology, and Economy](<a href=“http://www.scholars.umd.edu/programs/ete]College”>Environment, Technology and Economy Program | College Park Scholars).</p>

<p>My D has the same offers: UMD scholars and UDEL honors, as will as Pitt honors and UConn honors. We’re in-state MD so UMD is the best value even with no scholarship. All the other schools gave scholarships, but UConn was the only one that came close to matching our in-state tuition. These are all good schools so it comes down to cost for us and she’s staying in-state at UMD. Also, UMD does seem to do better in the rankings. </p>

<p>However, you should also consider (if she knows) where she wants to end up after graduation. UMD is great if you want to live in the DC area, but UDEL may be better if you want to live in the Phillie area. There may also be some individual programs that are better at UMD or UDEL so she’d have to do more research on the area she wants to study at each university. Many years ago, I went to UDEL and my wife went to UMD. I think the UDEL campus is a little prettier than UMD.</p>

<p>Thanks lanes123. That was very helpful. If we lived in Maryland, it would be a no-brainer. ;-)</p>

<p>I agree with you about the rankings. If you take the honors programs out of the equation, I think Maryland is the clear winner. But with the honors programs, the decision is tougher.</p>

<p>One more thing, UMD does have separate honors programs by department that she can apply to in her second year. She’d have to check if that’s offerred for the math majors. Also, for math, the NSA is a large government agency right near UMD so could lead to internship and job opportunities.</p>

<p>lanes123, the UMD math department does offer an honors program. I did not know about the NSA office nearby. That’s a very interesting resource to have. Thanks.</p>