<p>I am going to University of Maryland - College Park and was wondering how prestigious it is considered to be. I know it is at least decent, but how does it compare to public schools like UNC, UVA, and Michigan? Also, what are some comparable schools? Please don't just quote US News, I don't put too much stock in rankings based on statistical algorithms and if I did I would look it up myself.</p>
<p>Like a lot of other schools, UMD used to be a mediocre place that accepted most kids. Now, especially during this economy, it’s considered a solid school all-around, and somewhat selective. Its proximity to D.C. definitely helps. I think the FBI, CIA, and other government agencies do a lot of recruiting there. It’s downside (IMO) is its size. When I visited the campus it felt like a city of its own. It has some great facilities and anyone can go far coming from it. Oh, and while those other schools (UNC-CH, Mich, UVA, etc.) have a little more prestige, it’s not a big deal. UMD is a good school!</p>
<p>it’s maybe not quite as ‘prestigious’ as UNC, UVA, or Michigan. particularly UVA and Michigan - those schools have multiple programs that rank among the Ivy Leagues. so i wouldn’t go as far as to put UMD among them.</p>
<p>but that honestly doesn’t matter that much in the real world. Maryland is still a good school that pretty much everyone knows. </p>
<p>as for comparable schools, i would say it compares well to schools like Florida, Penn State, Miami, Wisconsin, Illinois, Washington, Texas, Ohio State… big flagship state schools with solid academics.</p>
<p>^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^</p>
<p>Agreed.</p>
<p>Thanks for the info. One more thing that i forgot in the original post is that I’m in the honors program at Maryland. Is that significantly better than attending the regular program?</p>
<p>bump .</p>