Hi, I was admitted recently into the UMD Gemstone program, but I am unsure whether to stick with the program or apply for the FIRE program. While I like certain aspects of each program, there are some that I still have questions about;
Gemstone: I like the LLC component, but I am concerned with the 4-year commitment. Does this commitment get in the way of doing other research/ completing internships (I am required to complete an internship due to being in the college of AGNR)? Also, because the topics are student chosen, is it likely that the project that you get isn’t one you’re passionate about?
FIRE: I like the 3-semester commitment because afterward, you can pursue other things. However, I wish there was a living component, at least for the first year. With only 15 different research streams, how easy/ difficult is it for you to join the stream you want?