UMD vs. UMBC vs. Towson vs. JMU vs. GMU

College Search & Selection
1

<p>I will be majoring in biology and want to attend a university with connections to medical industries. I need opinions to help me make my final decision!!</p>

<p>Important factors: Tuition (EFC is 0), Night life, School pride, Academics, Nice and grassy campus :)</p>

<p>Here are my options:</p>

<p>University of Maryland-College Park: Top School</p>

<p>I was rejected for early action; however I appealed 2 weeks ago and have yet to hear back. They said I would hear back no later than May 1st (which is the deadline to notify colleges if you choose to attend)</p>

<p>If I dont get in, I have to choose from the following-</p>

<p>UMBC-
+ Will receive financial aid (havent heard back, but estimate about $12,000)
+Good academics and research facilities
+In state tuition= little debt (about $24,000 per year before financial aid)
+Will be with one of my best friends
-ABSOLUTELY NO SOCIAL LIFE!
-Commuter college: Must have a car to survive (I wont have a car)
-Ugly and sterile campus</p>

<p>Towson-
-Alright academics
-Bad reputation amongst high schoolers
+Good social life
+$12,900 grant + loans to cover college expenses
+In state tuition=little debt ($23,000 per year before financial aid)
-Ugly campus in a city</p>

<p>James Madison-
+2nd choice school
+$7,100 grant, $2100 work study, & many loan offers
-Out of state (will cost about $30,000 per year before financial aid)
-Will have to pay back debt later on in life
+Beautiful campus</p>

<p>George Mason- Not interested in attending
+Admitted to Cornerstones program
+$12,750 in grants + loans
-Very diverse
-Out of state tuition ($34,000 per year before financial aid)
-Many middle aged students
-Campus was just not for me</p>

2

<p>“majoring in biology and want to attend a university with connections to medical industries”</p>

<p>UMBC does have a rather ugly campus, and it is in the middle of nowhere compared to College Park. However it is the state honors campus for subjects like biotech. For your major, it probably would be a better choice than Towson.</p>

<p>Until you hear from the financial aid office at UMBC, Towson is your least expensive option. James Mason may have a more attractive campus, but do you really truly want to pay an extra 10k each year for that? For that kind of money, you could get a car.</p>