<p>Was accepted at the college of arts and sciences at both and am trying to decide between the two. If anybody can help me make my decision that would be great.</p>
<p>similar issues here. I'll follow the thread</p>
<p>It's warmer, with lots less snow in Maryland! Otherwise, I don't know anything about Syracuse.</p>
<p>Hey -</p>
<p>I was accepted at both Syracuse's SI Newhouse School of Public Communications (with a 12,000/yr scholarship) and Maryland's Philip Merril College of Journalism (5,000/yr scholarship). </p>
<p>Have you visited both campuses? I was extremely impressed with the facilities at Syracuse, the prestigious alumni, and the job placement rates out of Newhouse (over 95% of graduates are working in their field). The faculty and prospective students were smart but not pompous. I also felt pretty at home with the enrolled kids there. My friend is interested in the psychology program in arts and sci, which is also apparently one of Syracuse's better fields of study. The campus is small and pretty nice looking. Kind of dreary - but it's upstate NY. </p>
<p>Maryland struck me as a little bigger and badder - the faculty were very warm and helpful, but the school and campus was just massive. The j-school doesn't have as good of a rep, but arts and sci is comparable. </p>
<p>What field exactly are you studying in? I know Maryland would be much stronger in something like chemistry or biology, but probably comparable to Syracuse in, say, English or History. </p>
<p>In the end, I chose UMD for several reasons.</p>
<p>1.) COST! UMD was half the cost of Syracuse. Arts & sci at Syracuse would definitely not be worth the extra 60 grand if you are in-state for UMD.</p>
<p>2.) Weather. Syracuse has a free shuttle to a mountain for skiing - maybe that's your thing, but I couldn't stand snow every day. Also, the Syracuse campus was seriously a downer what with the constant over-castness, the lack of days in which there is green grass, etc.</p>
<p>3.) Location - both are located in relatively ghetto areas, but the city of Syracuse > College Park. Syracuse is kinda cute, actually. Small town; good food. But in the end I chose UMD, because I like the proximity to DC and the connections there. Syracuse might be better for a career in upstate NY or NYC.</p>
<p>4.) Social scene. Both are pretty similar actually. Big basketball teams (yessss), pretty big Greek scene, etc. In the end I felt UMD was a better fit b/c there'd be more diversity. I felt like it would be harder to find a bubble that wasn't into partying and sports as much at Syracuse, especially once it got really cold...</p>
<p>In my case, Syracuse had a superior rep in my field of study, but the costs just didn't make it worth it.</p>
<p>Groovin-
For what it's worth, I think you made the right decision. The Merril College of Journalism is very highly ranked; I don't think it's lower than Newhouse at all. Plus the proximity to D.C., not to mention the in-state tuition. Congratulations on your acceptance and scholarship. Hopefully my S will be in your shoes next year.</p>