MD In-state options beyond College Park
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Anonymous
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Hey OP,
If your DS really wants UMD, don’t give up on it yet. With a 1300 SAT he could likely get in for Freshman Connection. Also, I just want to give you a little bit of perspective as I have a student at UMD as well as a student at SMCM. UMD is awesome; full of spirit and amazing research and fun things to do right off campus. But it isn’t for everyone. My DC at St. Mary’s would never have been happy at UMD and vice versa. I actually think either one would have been happy at UMBC so consider that also. This thread, like many things on DCUM, has gotten quite nasty and negative and full of misinformation and rumors. Do your own research, apply widely, ignore the haters, and your kid will know where they will fit and be happy. I do have a bias towards recommending St. Mary’s and feel that it is really a special place. It isn’t perfect but students love it and get a great, affordable liberal arts education in a beautiful location. My DC is set to graduate soon and I am sorry that he will not be around to enjoy all the wonderful new things that are just getting started at the school. He really grew as a person in his time there, made some wonderful friendships, and had amazing professors who helped and mentored him along the way. I am going to miss visiting him there and taking walks by the river and through Historic St. Mary’s City. It is truly one of the most beautiful campuses I’ve ever seen! |
Anonymous
Thanks for sharing your experience. I wish thoughtful and informative posts weren't so rare. |
Anonymous
My DC was rejected from UMD this year with an SAT of 1480. Not even offered freshman connection. It was easier last year and it will be even harder next year. |
Anonymous
LOL This is so true 
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Anonymous
| Wish there was a way to screen out the obnoxious snobs! (But I might have to move for that!) |
Anonymous
I know. Just remind yourself that people are often cruel towards others to deal with their own insecurities. |
Anonymous
Because it has 9 pages of posts by people smarter than you |
Anonymous
Whoa, this seems extreme. Poor GPA? |
Anonymous
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I know people like to hate on Frostburg, but if your kid plans to go into teaching, counseling (school or other) or something of wildlife career, it’s a good school to go to, or at least start at. I went to school with several successful people. Many of whom went on to receive masters degrees (from other colleges as well)
It’s not the worst place to go. Also, if all else fails go to any of the MD schools for two year sand you can transfer to UMd if you have your heart set on it. |
Anonymous
There are plenty of instate options, they just don’t Like any of them bc they aren’t “prestigious” Your kid got rejected, you have to stay in state, you can’t just sit around twirling your thumbs, your going to have to choose the place you dislike the least. Give us more info on your kids interests. |
Anonymous
People are cruel but reality can be. |
Anonymous
We have 10 pages discussing this. Let me sum it up so you don't have to read all 10 pages: - OP wants to know first-hand experience about state schools other than UMD - Posters list all the schools in MD and point out some good options (UMBC, Salisbury, Towson, SMCM) - Obnoxious posters chime in that MD state schools suck and going out of state is the only way to go - Helpful posters point out that it can be too costly for many people to consider anything than in-state - Defensive posters say that it is worth it to them to get their kids to an OOS school and anyone who thinks otherwise is lame and besides anyone can get tons of merit aid at other schools by clicking their heels 3 times - Helpful posters again try to point out that often that merit aid doesn’t come close to in-state costs and merit aid can be easily lost or reduced - Rude posters start making blanket criticisms of all state schools - Occasional helpful posters try to point out some good schools and give positive experiences - And now we’re back where we started… |
Anonymous
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I actually read all pages and did see where OP mentioned what her kid wanted to go to school for- if undecided that’s fine but if they are interested in something that would help move the conversation to a productive place!
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Anonymous
OP here. Thanks for reading. He is thinking pre-med but I take that with a grain of salt, which is why I said undecided. |
Anonymous
OP here. Thank you so much for this post. I had not heard of freshman connection. I suppose it is worth applying to CP in that case! |