<p>I'm trying to help my son make his decision. He recently attended accepted students at both schools and is conflicted. He got money from Clemson and College Park Scholars at UMD (no $). Overall it seems that the academic experience might be better at UMD and the "happy place" experience might be better at Clemson. Any advice is appreciated.</p>
<p>Opportunities outside the university (for research, internships, culture, etc.) are a HUGE difference…diff b/w Washington metro area and Clemson, S.C.?!!. The academic experience is significantly better at UMD, imo. Both schools have a “party” reputation which means that while they will have no difficulty finding ways to not study, there are serious students at both places. UMD has no “this is where fun comes to die” T-shirts, and generally I think UMD students are happy. Which felt better to him? Does he prefer a wardrobe of all orange shirts or all red shirts?!! (What is his major, that may help in making comparisons).</p>
<p>Thanks for the reply. I know you have experience and provide thoughtful responses. He is majoring in bio which I know supports your location argument. By “happy place” I meant how nice everyone is, the extreme school spirit, gorgeous off campus living opps, etc. We are from New England so it’s quite different (both pro and con). That merit scholarship is tough to leave on the SC table but I tend to agree with your general thinking. Thx again.</p>
<p>My son is also wrestling with the same choices…large scholarship to Clemson…small scholarship and scholars to UMD. Probably likes UMD a little better…OOS at UMD and because we get no financial aid aside from loans…makes it unlikely he will choose UMD…has some other good choices also…but probably top two choices are SUNY BING or Clemson.</p>
<p>can you afford Maryland? If so and you think it is the better choice, go for Maryland!</p>
<p>PS: As a Clemson student there are tons of internship opportunities as we are very close to Atlanta and Charlotte. If you want to work in politics, being in DC would probably be an advantage but otherwise you’d have lots of opportunities to intern/co-op/do research etc… There’s also culture at Clemson too, you’d definitely be getting a whole different experience than from New England :)</p>
<p>Thanks Pierre - After back-to-back weekend visits he is actually leaning towards Clemson much to our surprise. Time will tell but appreciate the advice from a New England Clemson fan!</p>
<p>no problem, feel free to message me whenever if you have a question about Clemson!</p>