Washington College vs McDaniel vs SMCM

[Anonymous]

My son's considering these three colleges. We've visited SMCM and McDaniel, but haven't had a chance to visit Washington College yet. He's a smart, sporty kid (but not varsity player), but not particularly into an intense class schedule. He has a lot of other interests that are important to him though.

We had a great visit with McDaniel, but a disappointing one with SMCM. I'd hate to write off SMCM just because of that though. Can anyone share more insight on these schools and help us compare/contrast them? What type of kid might fit better with which school? What are some of the relative strengths and weaknesses?

[Anonymous]

Smcm has kids with various levels of academic achievement and potential for whom in-state tuition is important (and for the higher achieving ones a lac experience with in/state tuition is important.) McDaniel may be stronger for kids with learning differences and has more umc kids.

[Anonymous]

If you’re cisgendered at SMCM, you might be in the minority.

[Anonymous]

What does he want to study? We had a good visit at Washington College with my DD who wants to study environmental science. They have great resources for that. We liked it more than I expected to and the campus felt larger than I expected for a small student body. They talked about having three centers of excellence -- environmental science, creative writing, history. I don't know that I'd really consider it if you aren't interested in the programs they consider their priorities.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:What does he want to study? We had a good visit at Washington College with my DD who wants to study environmental science. They have great resources for that. We liked it more than I expected to and the campus felt larger than I expected for a small student body. They talked about having three centers of excellence -- environmental science, creative writing, history. I don't know that I'd really consider it if you aren't interested in the programs they consider their priorities.

Thanks, PP. That's really good to know. He's not sure what he wants to major in yet.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:If you’re cisgendered at SMCM, you might be in the minority.

[Anonymous]

SMCM is a great college and value if you are from MD.
A lot of happy students and graduates from there that will be my choice.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:If you’re cisgendered at SMCM, you might be in the minority.

Bigot. Go away.

[Anonymous]

Washington College takes really good care of their students. Nice little college town right on a river. One of the ten oldest schools in the country, so lots of tradition.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:What does he want to study? We had a good visit at Washington College with my DD who wants to study environmental science. They have great resources for that. We liked it more than I expected to and the campus felt larger than I expected for a small student body. They talked about having three centers of excellence -- environmental science, creative writing, history. I don't know that I'd really consider it if you aren't interested in the programs they consider their priorities.

Thanks, PP. That's really good to know. He's not sure what he wants to major in yet.

Washington College is the smallest of the three so if he really has no clue what he wants to study, he might want to consider the school that has the most flexibility and options. SMCM is academically strongest overall and definitely the least expensive. What factors are most important to your DS?

[Anonymous]

We visited Washington College and St. Mary's. Washington College has a pretty, traditional campus. It is very close to the water, which made for a nice visit. Seemed like a small, private LAC. Sorry but I can't say much about the educational experience. We felt like it was less well known, and we did not know anyone who went there. If, as another poster has described, they have identified areas of strength...that is usually a good sign. It means that they will prioritize faculty, courses and other resources in those areas. If your son is unsure of his major though, that is perhaps a negative.

SMCM had a pretty campus also. It IS literally on the water, so kids have a shoreline for their free use (kayaks, SUPS, stand up paddleboard). I felt like that must make for a relaxing outlet many months of the year. Some of the dorms are a bit in the woods, which we also liked. We had run into many people who went there, who were happy with their experiences. At the time (a few years back) there were some news reports which concerned us (about finances, a criminal incident), but I think it is just a public university and open to all comers...so, more of a mix. The science programs (which is what my child wanted) seemed strong. History also I would imagine (due to their location). We did not like that they do not arrange overnight visits (which, at that time/pre-COVID, most schools would). You would need a car or friend with car I think, to get to restaurants/stores.

We have heard good things about McDaniel, especially for kids with learning challenges.

Sounds like you have come up with a strong list. Good luck.

[Anonymous]

Can’t speak to the others, but my sibling went to WC and I got a grad degree there. Agree that its environmental, English and history programs are especially strong and will give you an experience you can’t get elsewhere.

That said, it’s very small, which is both a plus (supportive and nurturing) and a minus (they’ve made a serious effort in recent years, but still not much diversity).

Very close-knit alumni network, and people stay in touch with their professors for decades. It’s the kind of school where entire classes are invited to dinner at faculty homes.

[Anonymous]

My kid and I visited both SMCM and Washington College and she liked SMCM much better.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:My kid and I visited both SMCM and Washington College and she liked SMCM much better.

Can you share why?

[Anonymous]

My son’s BF goes to SMCM and absolutely LOVES it. But he’s a shy, quiet, non sporty academic type. The school is very small. It sounds lovely to me.