<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>I’m ambivilent about your situation. Sometimes it’s just good to get away. Both of my D’s have a perfectly good if not gr8 home state U. But both elected to leave and get some distance between them and “home”. I applaud that decision. It’s good to strike out on your own. On the other hand if poli sci is your bag, and you’re over-the-top serious about it and know what you want to do then, you do have to consider the proximity to “the district”. My D is actually going to go to UMd for Econ and Social sciences due to it’s proximity to DC and internships in addition to good reputation of Econ, plus the Terp spirit etc…and we live 1600 miles away. So easy call for her. Hope this helps.</p>
<p>Rochester’s “cluster” academic system allows the student to explore and pursue various interests outside a structured major system with limited electives. The fifth year “free” to finish a desired course of study is also attractive. With that being said it comes down to money and snow. without extensive scholarships Rochester is a boat load of money and bring a shovel 10 feet of snow this year. GOOD LUCK </p>
<p>I wouldn’t count UMD’s gened requirements against it. Speaking as a grandfathered CORE student, UMD’s gened curriculum is more flexible now.</p>
<p>Thanks for the input.</p>
<p>I know this may sound odd, but I really do not care about the snow. I do care about the cloudiness.</p>
<p>I guess its a balancing act between what i see as better academics overall (rochester) and a campus im used to + proximity to DC (UMD)</p>
<p>Any other input?</p>
<p>My D looked at URoc for neuro, got accepted, won some merit, etc. She liked the place but wasn’t crazy about the city or the location. She likes snow, but likes to measure it in packed powder and powder. The grayness of the campus and the city during the winter also was not to her liking. The difference in price between URoc and UPitt and UMD settled it however. Then the more she looked at UMD and UPitt the better each looked. That UPitt can be gray, too, might decide it in favor of UMD. That she will be able to go to UMD with little cost to her should seal the deal, even tho they don’t have u/g neuro. We’ll see. </p>
<p>UMD can be strong in the social sciences, and there’s no place like Washington, DC, for internship opportunities. If you come to CP, employers will expect that you will have experience in the federal or state governments, so make sure you get it. Not to do so will have employers scratching their heads about your application. Good luck with your decision.</p>
<p>Better academics at Roch? Um not really. Not even close. UMD in a landslide. </p>