<p>I was admitted to both, UMD was my good match school and Wash U was my reach. not much aid at either (UMD is about $15,000-$20,000 cheaper, which is a factor). I am interested in either business or engineering. The UMD engineering is better and i think the business schools are of equal status. Wash U has more prestige and is a harder school , but i was impressed with the campus/diversity/sports of UMD. Would I be giving up a lot choosing UMD over a top-tier school, or should i take advantage of the education at Wash U, risking the chance that I might not enjoy it and have to transfer (although i have a lot of leverage transferring from Wash U, hopefully that wouldnt even be an issue)? Is there even that much of a dispariy in quality of education for my field of interest?</p>
<p>as much as i like selling washu, if u feel that ud be happier at maryland, then u should go there...both are good schools so you can't go wrong with either...its all about where you feel the most comfortable. Go with your heart, the rest will work itself out</p>
<p>I've just been weighing the pros and cons, there are mostly pros at both of these schools but its hard to deny the prestige of Wash U compared to UMD, thats all I'm saying. I'd enjoy Wash U but i might enjoy UMD more.</p>
<p>Have you visited both schools? Do you have a preference for size? </p>
<p>Every year (I live in Maryland) it seems like there is an article about freshmen at U MD who come unaware, expecting that a place with the name "College Park" is a safe, little bucolic haven. Also, it is a tradition to have a riot for major sports' victories or losses. But if you want to have a strong sports program to cheer for, I guess you want to "fear the turtle."</p>
<p>My son preferred the WashU engineering program. He didn't even want to apply to Maryland. His final choice was between WashU and UIUC. He thought he preferred the latter (for the same sort of reasons you mention) -- but when he visited, he found that he liked the size, location, and atmosphere at the former.</p>
<p>So if you haven't visited both places overnight, I would suggest doing so.</p>
<p>wow, I'm deciding between these two exact schools as well! Thought I was the only one, seems like an odd/random comparison lol :) I'm visiting WashU for the Multicultural Weekend thing though, so hopefully that'll give me a better idea.</p>