<p>UMD would be a good choice for me, but I struggle to find exceptional aspects of the school. While everybody waits for decisions to come out, would some of you mind stating your reasons for attending? Why are you all so excited about decisions? What are the best aspects of the school that allow it to stand out from the rest? Thanks.</p>
<p>For me Maryland seems like a perfect school, it’s different for everyone but the reasons it’s perfect for me are: 1. It’s about 3 hrs from home so far enough to feel like in really on my own being independent but close enough for me to come home when I need to. 2. It’s got a great pre-vet program and animal science majors perfect for my dream of becoming a vet. 3. It’s a well known research college 4. The campus is gorgeous and even tho it’s a relatively large school the setup makes it feel some-what smaller and like I’d never get lost. 5. They have amazing school spirit I could tell from my visit and they talked about tons of fun things they have there like Maryland day and some concerts and sports games in general. </p>
<p>Those r my top five reasons hope they helped and there’s tons more if ur interested in hearing more from b about y I LOVE MARYLAND</p>
<ol>
<li>Has top-ranked computer science program and a major in Japanese.</li>
<li>Diverse</li>
<li>In-State</li>
</ol>
<p>A big plus is proximity to Washington, DC. Lots of opportunities for internships, part-time jobs, activities, etc.</p>
<p>I love the school spirit, beautiful campus, proximity to DC, highly ranked, not outrageously expensive OOS, perfect distance away from home… The list goes on and on and on</p>
<p>I live only 30 minutes away from UMD and im out of state :(</p>
<p>So you live in either DC or VA? DC gets the tuition assistance grant, but if you’re a Virginian then why UMD over VTech or UVA?</p>
<p>its near DC and 18 hours away from my house in Florida!!! I’ve also never been to the state of Maryland before, but i got accepted!</p>
<p>I just don’t get why out of state people choose UMD over places like William and Mary and UMich or one of the UC’s. I know I would have chosen one of those had I been out of state.</p>
<p>I’m from california and applied to many UC’s and I also got into UMich but this is why I am have UMCP as my #1:
-The beauty of the campus is unmatched in Cali (brick buildings, grassy quads, quaintness)
-The weather changes with the seasons, unlike 60-90degrees all year round
-the school spirit which only UCLA and UCB have in cali
-The great programs that make a big school feel small (living learning stuff) which UC’s also don’t have.
-getting away from home.
-proximity to DC and the research opportunities
-family in Dc
-The UC’s are in serious need of money and are cutting everything
-biggest reason: change…college is a time to explore and experience something new…staying in cali is boring and not at all different from high school. I need a new atmosphere.</p>
<p>that’s all I hope gave you an idea of the reasons for someone coming from the west coast.</p>
<p>
I’m not sure if I’m choosing UMD but it was my only OOS public because I’m interested in politics so I really want to be in DC.</p>
<p>Yo smmyldl I’m doing politics too. did you get into any living and learning programs?</p>
<p>yea im in state and i got accepted here for scholars and another school that is pretty much identical to umd academically, OSU so im deciding. The biggest reason im considering UMD is because of (in no order of importance)
- in state tuition and parents want me close. my ideal is 3 hrs away…but OSU is 8 hrs and there are complications with Penn State
- respected academics
- no risk in going to the midwest and finding out i dont like it there even though I kind of want a scenery change
- Campus does fit the description, Gorgeous.
But the biggest reason i still havent enrolled yet; - Sports SUCK, Everyone in maryland knows Terp football sucks and basketball is alright but we’re like a 3rd wheel in the Duke-UNC rivalry. So idk how school pride and spirit is there. Comparably to OSU and other big ten schools…UMD cant compete
- Dorms are prison cells (from what I saw) even the scholars dorms. Granted idk if they’re like super fun like the movies lol then it’ll all be worth it.
- The City of College Park…in PG County. Visit it. You’ll know.</p>
<p>I hope I dont sound too harsh though. Know that Im still very happy I got into the school and I am highly considering it.</p>
<p>
yeah, i got into the honors college so i’m thinking humanities honors :)</p>
<p>@nihility, what makes Maryland so special is often something you won’t know until you go. People choose schools for various reasons. When you visit a campus, you get a “feel” - an impression that isn’t tangible. You can go to the school with the highest ranking, that has everything on paper that you want, yadda yadda, but if you step on campus and see that the kids are stressed out/constantly trying to prove themselves or generally don’t look happy, well that kinda says a lot. Some schools are very preppy. Some schools have primarily wealthy kids. Some schools are highly competitive. Some schools are very team oriented. Some schools are major party schools. At some schools, all the kids look alike. Maryland is pretty diverse in all aspects. </p>
<p>Walking on another school’s campus, on an overcast day, all the kids looked miserable. When we visited Maryland, despite the rain, all the kids seemed happy - wet, yes, but not miserable. I cannot think of one person who ever said they were generally unhappy at Maryland (they might not have liked a teacher/class here and there, but overall they really loved the school). </p>
<p>The school has so many opportunities that if you change your major, you have a lot of great options. It’s not strictly a LAC or a science/tech school. It has everything, including great school spirit. That says a lot. On top of that, Maryland does not rest on its laurels. It constantly seeks ways to improve. New buildings are always in progress so that more opportunities are always on the horizon. The reputation of Maryland is very solid and continues to be on the rise. </p>
<p>There are many things I could give great detail on, but frankly, if you have to be “sold” on Maryland, it may not be the right “fit” for you. Spend an overnight and see how you feel. If you have to talk yourself into wanting to go, and you don’t feel as excited as all the posters here, don’t feel bad. Maryland is not for everyone. You need to find the school where YOU can be happy at for the next four years - not where you are “struggling” to find exceptional aspects. Just keep in mind that NO school is exceptional in every aspect. </p>
<p>So, sign up for an overnight and explore all that Maryland has to offer - then you’ll see for yourself. No one but you can decide what will make you happy.</p>
<p>nice I’m doing Civicus</p>
<p>UMDCP is my safety/settle school, but if I don’t get into my #1, it hardly feels like I am settling. It’s top ranked in computer science, has a great social scene, it’s very diverse, has tons of on-campus recruiting, is a great gateway to top grad schools, the list goes on.</p>
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<p>lol so true</p>
<p>…another reason to attend…your friends and family can watch for you on ESPN during exciting UMD vs. UNC basketball games!</p>