Could any current students/parents comment on school spirit and how it might compare to other schools?
I’m not a student, but my D was. I think UMD School Spirit is Great!!. I always enjoy going there. I can’t compare it to other schools, but I’m sure students at other schools would say that their school spirit is great too. My D certainly enjoyed BBall games, Soccer games and other school social events. The Women’s BBall team has won the BIG10 title 4 of the past 5 years. The Lacrosse teams do very well, as do the soccer teams.
It’s one of many reasons why my d will most likely attend. Still deciding…
@njtwinmom what are the choices?
We have VA Tech, UMD, Penn State, Pitt, University of Rochester (also U Florida and U Miami, but we ruled them out).
Of your list, I would say Univ of Rochester is least school spirit. Taking a big step up, there is a tie between VA Tech and Pitt.
Without question, UMD and Penn State have the most school spirit.
The reason why I think Maryland is better for school spirit for a less obvious reason is that they don’t charge you to go to games - so no one is excluded because of finances. You sign up in time, you get a free ticket to any game as a student. And trust me, the basketball games are an experience! Check out some of the many flash mobs here
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=V32DQ-_2P3Q
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=NbGzJP3t3ZE
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=KtnE410-NBQ
https://247sports.com/college/maryland/ContentGallery/Watch-the-Latest-Edition-of-Maryland-Basketballs-Flash-Mob–51493694/#51493694_1
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@maryversity - My D LOVED the flash mobs!!
Our choices are TCNJ, Udel and UMD. Narrowed down. UMD school spirit wins on that list. I agree with @maryversity, too. My D wants the full experience. If you can get the academics and the school spirit (if that’s what your kid wants), worth the price to me.
I’ve seen the b-ball flash mobs online. How do they organize those? They’re crazy good. Kids look like they’re having a blast.
@maryversity To be fair, Rochester is a different category of school compared to the others (I’m an active alum, so we know the school). I think you underestimate Va Tech’s school spirit. I would say they have a near cult like devotion that is almost Penn Stateish. I live 25 minutes from College Park (since 1991) and I still have these questions…
I’m sure @maryversity will reply again, but the issue of school spirit may just be a matter of personal preference.