University of Maryland, College Park vs UR

<p>Hello Everyone,</p>

<p>I am having trouble deciding between the University of Rochester and UMD (in state). Leaving money (a very important factor no doubt) aside for a moment, what are your thoughts? I plan to major in Poli Sci/Gov and Pol and dual major in Statistics</p>

<p>I really like Rochester's open curriculum, and I do not really like the gen ed requirements at UMD. I also like the fact that Rochester seems to have a very good Poli Sci department. Overall I just seemed to like the academics at rochester better: the way the classes are oriented, the open curriculum, etc. That being said, I like UMDs proximity to DC, and there is a certain feeling about the place that I just like (maybe because I have been visiting UMD for basically all of my life) </p>

<p>In addition, Rochester's weather seems to be a detriment. I am not really concerned about the snow or the cold weather as much as I am about the constant cloudiness. </p>

<p>Thoughts?</p>

<p>Really can’t answer this kind of question. Yes, UR is a very good school. The people who post here are mostly parents of kids who have loved or are loving their time there. Yes, it has a very well regarded PoliSci dept., which I believe may have been the 1st established. Yes, you have very good access to professors and to research opportunities at UR. </p>

<p>Can’t speak much to proximity to DC or how the size of UMD might matter. </p>

<p>But can’t answer the question for you. </p>

<p>Since I know UMD quite a bit, I think I can speak to it. It was a top contender along with UR. A few differences - people may talk about one section of Rochester being sketchy - all of College Park is sketchy. Big, big party university and the dorms are just now being converted to have a/c. They are just two different vibes. UMD is a good school don’t get me wrong. A big state school vs a medium private is a really tough comparison. The budget at MD has been an issue the past few years - sports programs have been cut, etc. And if you live in MD surely you must know there is not a lot of sun here between Thanksgiving and the end of March either. Classes will be bigger at Maryland, less familiarity with professors, larger presence of sports oriented spirit. After freshman year you move off campus period. I think it causes something to be lost with an on campus vibe when that happens. </p>

<p>However, if you are into politics, MD to me would win hands down for the location and internships. Though I would check with both departments and see where students get internships. I can say we’re invited all the time to Rochester events in DC, including job fairs and internship gatherings, so there must be a strong presence here if the President and others have multiple events here throughout the year.</p>

<p>Like I said I don’t know if you attended a public or private school during k - 12. It’s just different and you can tell the difference in the budget and spending.</p>