UMD vs. U Michigan

<p>Can these two schools be compared or is U Mich so far ahead that it does not make sense? Or is one better than the other for certain majors? I am looking at electrical or computer engg with an economics minor.</p>

<p>Why makes you think that UMich is “so far ahead” of UMD that it “does not make sense to compare them?” No question that UMich is an outstanding school, but so is Maryland! For engineering, they are really comparable. </p>

<p>One friend’s daughter just graduated from UMich engineering and was very happy with it, but the internship opportunities were out in the midwest and so she ended up getting a job out there and moving out to the midwest. </p>

<p>Another friend’s son attended UMD and had better and more job offers than his ivy league peers. He is doing EXTREMELY well. So, he was very, very happy with UMD!</p>

<p>I have said this in previous posts (so please accept my apology if you have seen it already), but if you haven’t scrolled through other threads, it is worth me repeating - UMD as a university overall is #8 in highly recruited (read jobs!!!) schools, but for engineering, UMD is ranked #3 (look at small box of “how majors match up” and you will see UMD engineering is only behind Georgia Tech and Perdue). UMich is impressive, but given your statement that UMich is “so far ahead” perhaps this will shed some light on that question for you.
[Best</a> Colleges & Universities - Ranked by Job Recruiters - WSJ.com](<a href=“Best Colleges & Universities - Ranked by Job Recruiters - WSJ”>Best Colleges & Universities - Ranked by Job Recruiters - WSJ)</p>

<p>Thanks Maryversity. Rankings r only one dimension. It is difficult to decide as there are so many soft factors. I am going to UMD’s summer session next week so I do have a high opinion of UMD but am keeping an open mind right now as I shortlist. Which r the other threads u referred to?</p>

<p>Here is the most recent thread I can think of that I gave details on the engineering program - you may not have looked at it because the opening post is about a different engineering discipline…but some of the info applies to engineering in general…hope it helps.
<a href=“http://talk.collegeconfidential.com/university-maryland-college-park/1360487-aerospace-engineering-umaryland.html[/url]”>http://talk.collegeconfidential.com/university-maryland-college-park/1360487-aerospace-engineering-umaryland.html&lt;/a&gt;&lt;/p&gt;

<p>Glad to hear you are attending the summer program - which class? ENES100 or something else?</p>

<p>You are going to have a lot of fun! I hope the heat breaks for your move in…yes, your dorm will have a/c, so no worries…</p>

<p>Take advantage of access to The Dairy- world’s best ice cream ever! It’s homemade and really is outstanding. Really.</p>

<p>Yes I am attending ENES100. Checked in yesterday when it touched 100 F!!!</p>

<p>My eldest took that course also and really enjoyed it. The bonus is that not only does it give you 3 college credits, but if you decide to attend Maryland, you are one course further along in the engineering curriculum - plus you start out with that gpa! </p>

<p>And ugh! about that heat…it always seems to work out that move-in day is the hottest of the year. I can get a job as weather forecaster based on that kinda luck. I am already predicting another 100 degree day on August 25th - that’s the freshman move-in!</p>

<p>Have fun and take full advantage of being on campus to get to know how much Maryland has to offer…:)</p>

<p>Thanks Maryversity. First day on the course seems exciting so looking forward to it.</p>

<p>I would say that both the schools are comparable in terms of the level of education received, but the Michigan brand name is much more prestigious.</p>

<p>I’d say the price tag is more prestigious…:p</p>

<p>I went through a similar dilemma when I applied to colleges and got into both UMich and UMD… ultimately I chose UMD but I also didn’t realize something back then - if you’re interested in getting a job right after graduation (vs continuing on to another graduate program), location is KEY. UMD will give you a lot of the D.C. opportunities and connections. I don’t know anything about UMich, seeing as how I didn’t go there, but I can’t say the same for them. Of course I’ve seen students from out of state schools also work in the DC area, so it’s not all or nothing, but something to consider.</p>

<p>Overall, college is what you make it. UMD was really fun for me, there are a ton of people, things, and places to experience.</p>