Wake Forest vs. U of Maryland..what would you do?

<p>So here's the deal.</p>

<p>Accepted to UMd no problem.
+Going as biology major with concentration in cellular biology in hopes of continuing to med school.
+Love the campus, not crazy about the size.
+++Have a good shot at making the dance team which is super important to me.
---Freshmen dorms suck.
--Less prestigious than Wake.
+Strong Greek system.
+at least $20,000 less than Wake per year
+Nice distance from home. (4ish hours)
+Big time sports</p>

<p>Waitlisted at Wake Forest.
+Beautiful location.
++Love the upscale-ness of it all.
+++Nice dorms.
++Good reputation.
-Pretty far from home (11ish hours)
-Mighty pricey (although my parents are willing to pay it)
---can't try out for dance team until fall
-More competition</p>

<p>Pleasseee help! I'm so torn between the two, should I be accepted to Wake Forest. I have always dreamed of going to a prestigious, upscale school, but I know that shouldn't be the primary reason for choosing a university. I actually really love Maryland, and I would like nothing more than to just get settled and try to find a roommate, but this little voice in the back of my head says I have to wait to hear from Wake.</p>

<p>I know that you can find success anywhere as long as you work hard, but theres something about attending a more reputable school, as vain as that may sound.</p>

<p>Opinions?</p>

<p>If you get in, I would go to Wake if your parents can pay for it. It’s a great school, and I wouldn’t let competition be a reason you don’t choose a school. Their Greek system is very strong too, I believe.</p>

<p>Are you on the waiting list for Wake, or are you just planning now for where you want to apply next year?</p>

<p>If you are on the waiting list, you aren’t likely to get off it before May 1. Pay your deposit at Maryland, and make a final decision if/when you get off the waiting list this summer.</p>

<p>If you are thinking about next year, you are worrying much too soon. Apply to both institutions. If this time next spring you have been accepted by both places, take a look at the financial aid packages, etc. for both of them and for any other places you have been accepted, and then decide. Many things can change between now and this time next year. One or the other might not admit you. One or the other might not be as affordable as you think they will be right now. Or, by then you may prefer another place altogether. Save the link to this calculator. You will need it: [FinAid</a> | Calculators | Advanced Award Letter Comparison Tool](<a href=“Your Guide for College Financial Aid - Finaid”>Your Guide for College Financial Aid - Finaid)</p>

<p>The other thing that you should do if you are making your college list for next year, is have your parents spend some time reading through the threads in the Financial Aid Forum. Unless they’ve sent someone to college within the past four years or so, they may not be up to date on the financial aspects.</p>

<p>Happymomof1, thanks for the info but this is for the fall 2011 semester, I’m a senior right now. I’ve been accepted to Maryland and waitlisted at Wake. I already sent my deposit to Maryland, this was more a question of which should I attend should I get off the waitlist at wake. Most people in my school already know where they’re going so that’s why I’m considering just taking my name off of the list and going to Maryland for sure.</p>

<p>My parents don’t have a problem with paying for wfu if it’s where I think I’ll be happiest, but I’m not so sure it would be worth the money when umd is a perfectly good option.</p>

<p>Many people face that dilemma. State schools are a perfectly good option for a lot of people, but people attend private schools for various reasons.</p>

<p>If you do get off the waitlist, see if you can pay a visit. It might sway you one way or another. My niece was waitlisted at her dream school, and had to choose between several others at deposit time. In the end she decided to not stay on the waitlist because she decided she preferred the place where she had deposited. By the time you hear from Wake, you may fee that way too.</p>

<p>Maryland is one of the best state schools in the country, and it’s very cheap. Very few people complain about it and everyone claims to have a great time. I’d say Maryland would be the best option, not to say that Wake isn’t also good. But with price considered, you would be much better off just choosing Maryland, its sure to please!</p>

<p>If you decide on Maryland,Please let me know. My D needs a roommate for an apartment close to campus. She is arising Junior.</p>

<p>I’m not sure if it’s too late, but UMD is definitely the place to go, considering WF is at least 20k more a year which is not worth the price.</p>