Any regrets about Banneker Key?

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:At 20K per year and at a T25 school, given the major, I would probably strongly consider the T25. She'll be able to pay that back. Coming out from UMD with a psych major is not terribly competitive for grad programs, BK or not. If you do choose UMD, your daughter needs to very consciously strive to be the #1 student in the program, or as close as possible.

I disagree. Some quick sleuthing shows us that T21 to T25 privates are: Emory, USC, Georgetown, and Carnegie Mellon. I would not take on $80,000 in loans to go to one of these schools for a psych degree. Congrats to your daughter!

Agreed.

And you can probably eliminate Carnegie Mellon from the possible schools identified above. Nobody goes there to study psychology. Not sure CMU even has a psych department.

Another caution: tuition goes up every year, so the amount you'll need to borrow will also go up, presumably.

UMD isn't a name that fills anyone with awe, but the price is right. Save your money for grad school (as long as its not for a degree in psych!).

https://www.cmu.edu/dietrich/psychology/

CMU definitely has a psych department. It’s excellent.

Yes. The Dietrich School of the Humanities and Social Sciences at CMU. I seem to recall that in 2018 the Dietrich School mounted a year-long celebration of the bicentennial of the birth of Karl Marx. You can look it up. I believe it was called Marx@200.

Sounds like a place I'd want to go. How about you?

Marx@200 Events
“Karl Marx remains one of the most influential and controversial thinkers since the Enlightenment. On the occasion of his bicentennial, the Humanities Center at Carnegie Mellon University is offering a variety of perspectives on Marx’s ideas and impact. Through lectures, performances and an art exhibit, this programming will explore Marx’s critique of inequality and capitalism as well as his influence on political movements and political regimes, including totalitarianism.“

Yeah, actually does sound like somewhere I’d want to go.

The description of Marx@200 fails to give credit to the man for his real accomplishment: he devised an ideology that led to 100 million deaths during the 20th century. That kind omission provides insight into the caliber of faculty at the Dietrich School of CMU.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:B/K for sure. No regrets whatsoever!

- A full B/K family

OP again. Here's another question: how can a student make the most out of attending a big state university like UMD? (Both parents went to privates, so this is foreign territory for us). We would like for DD to experience study abroad, internships, and research. Saving money will make study abroad very likely and there should easily be opportunities for research as a Banneker Key scholar. We don't have to worry about paid internships, as student will not be stressed about money. We live in the DC area, so it will be easy for DC to commute to summer opportunities, whether paid or not.

Are there any other opportunities that we should encourage DD to make? One point of sadness is that DD will not experience having a significant international cohort at her school. One of the previously mentioned schools (USC, Georgetown, Emory, Carnegie Mellon) would probably present more job opportunities after graduation, regardless of major, if DD decided not to do grad school. However, at this time, DD is strongly considering grad school. I do not see DD being interested in investment banking or management consulting.

Also slightly worried that UMD administration does not seem to be as organized as that of many other privates. This information has been gleaned from reading listservs about how different universities have responded to the coronavirus crisis. However, DD is very excited about UMD and that is what is important.

Does anyone else think that UMD might become overenrolled next year due to the shaky economy?

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:B/K for sure. No regrets whatsoever!

- A full B/K family

I am a former BK recipient and have ZERO regrets. Best decision ever.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:B/K for sure. No regrets whatsoever!

- A full B/K family

I am a former BK recipient and have ZERO regrets. Best decision ever.

Thank you! Could you tell me more about what you and your BK classmates have gone on to do after graduation? Were you at all jealous of high school classmates who went on to prestigious privates?

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:B/K for sure. No regrets whatsoever!

- A full B/K family

OP again. Here's another question: how can a student make the most out of attending a big state university like UMD? (Both parents went to privates, so this is foreign territory for us). We would like for DD to experience study abroad, internships, and research. Saving money will make study abroad very likely and there should easily be opportunities for research as a Banneker Key scholar. We don't have to worry about paid internships, as student will not be stressed about money. We live in the DC area, so it will be easy for DC to commute to summer opportunities, whether paid or not.

Are there any other opportunities that we should encourage DD to make? One point of sadness is that DD will not experience having a significant international cohort at her school. One of the previously mentioned schools (USC, Georgetown, Emory, Carnegie Mellon) would probably present more job opportunities after graduation, regardless of major, if DD decided not to do grad school. However, at this time, DD is strongly considering grad school. I do not see DD being interested in investment banking or management consulting.

Also slightly worried that UMD administration does not seem to be as organized as that of many other privates. This information has been gleaned from reading listservs about how different universities have responded to the coronavirus crisis. However, DD is very excited about UMD and that is what is important.

Does anyone else think that UMD might become overenrolled next year due to the shaky economy?

The B-K opportunity sounds to good to pass up. Save your money for grad school.

The big issue is the one you've identified. These state schools are like huge factories. But maybe the B-K programs operates as a small school within a behemoth state school. Look into that.

And, as parents who live nearby, you can stay in touch and visit your kid -- and she can come home on the odd weekend. Keep an eye on your kid. The biggest danger at a big school is that a kid develops a problem or gets in trouble, and know one notices or reports it.

Again, look into the level of supervision and care provided to B-K participants. It's a legitimate question to ask the school, and probably more useful than posing the question on DCUM.

If the B-K program doesn't provide the kind of supervision that is afforded as a matter of routine at a small, private college, then it will be up to you to do your best to fill that role.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:B/K for sure. No regrets whatsoever!

- A full B/K family

OP again. Here's another question: how can a student make the most out of attending a big state university like UMD? (Both parents went to privates, so this is foreign territory for us). We would like for DD to experience study abroad, internships, and research. Saving money will make study abroad very likely and there should easily be opportunities for research as a Banneker Key scholar. We don't have to worry about paid internships, as student will not be stressed about money. We live in the DC area, so it will be easy for DC to commute to summer opportunities, whether paid or not.

Are there any other opportunities that we should encourage DD to make? One point of sadness is that DD will not experience having a significant international cohort at her school. One of the previously mentioned schools (USC, Georgetown, Emory, Carnegie Mellon) would probably present more job opportunities after graduation, regardless of major, if DD decided not to do grad school. However, at this time, DD is strongly considering grad school. I do not see DD being interested in investment banking or management consulting.

Also slightly worried that UMD administration does not seem to be as organized as that of many other privates. This information has been gleaned from reading listservs about how different universities have responded to the coronavirus crisis. However, DD is very excited about UMD and that is what is important.

Does anyone else think that UMD might become overenrolled next year due to the shaky economy?

The B-K opportunity sounds to good to pass up. Save your money for grad school.

The big issue is the one you've identified. These state schools are like huge factories. But maybe the B-K programs operates as a small school within a behemoth state school. Look into that.

And, as parents who live nearby, you can stay in touch and visit your kid -- and she can come home on the odd weekend. Keep an eye on your kid. The biggest danger at a big school is that a kid develops a problem or gets in trouble, and know one notices or reports it.

Again, look into the level of supervision and care provided to B-K participants. It's a legitimate question to ask the school, and probably more useful than posing the question on DCUM.

If the B-K program doesn't provide the kind of supervision that is afforded as a matter of routine at a small, private college, then it will be up to you to do your best to fill that role.

OP here. The B/K program doesn't provide any "supervision" or special advising beyond the regular Honors College, as far as I know. I certainly will be nearby to offer advice, but I already did that for 4 years in MCPS. There is a special advisory program within the Psych department for students who are considering a PhD, so I am hoping that DD can participate in this. Overall, I hope that the cohort from the Honors program is strong.

[Anonymous]

I went to a state flagship on a full ride and then a T4 law school. I was able to stomach taking on the loans I needed for law school because I had no debt from undergrad. Make sure she concentrates on getting good grades and take the long view.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:B/K for sure. No regrets whatsoever!

- A full B/K family

OP again. Here's another question: how can a student make the most out of attending a big state university like UMD? (Both parents went to privates, so this is foreign territory for us). We would like for DD to experience study abroad, internships, and research. Saving money will make study abroad very likely and there should easily be opportunities for research as a Banneker Key scholar. We don't have to worry about paid internships, as student will not be stressed about money. We live in the DC area, so it will be easy for DC to commute to summer opportunities, whether paid or not.

Are there any other opportunities that we should encourage DD to make? One point of sadness is that DD will not experience having a significant international cohort at her school. One of the previously mentioned schools (USC, Georgetown, Emory, Carnegie Mellon) would probably present more job opportunities after graduation, regardless of major, if DD decided not to do grad school. However, at this time, DD is strongly considering grad school. I do not see DD being interested in investment banking or management consulting.

Also slightly worried that UMD administration does not seem to be as organized as that of many other privates. This information has been gleaned from reading listservs about how different universities have responded to the coronavirus crisis. However, DD is very excited about UMD and that is what is important.

Does anyone else think that UMD might become overenrolled next year due to the shaky economy?

PP you were responding to. We were lucky enough to have more than 1 B/K scholar. If your daughter is self-driven student (and I assume she is given she is a B/K scholar), you really don't have to worry about any of the concerned you raised. UMD, due to its size and focus (research), there is little to no hand-holding by the Administration. Once the school starts, each student goes his/her own way. Looking for research/lab opportunities, studying, and whatever. Research opportunities are there but not because your kid is a B/K scholar. Do not expect special treatment of any kind. My kids had to "walk the hall" knocking on professors' doors during winter vacation introducing themselves and handing out resume. Also, do not let her think she is special because she is a B/K scholar. Other kids don't know. Most kids don't care. At the end of the day in 4 years, it's all about her accomplishments, not about B/K. Good luck.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:B/K for sure. No regrets whatsoever!

- A full B/K family

OP again. Here's another question: how can a student make the most out of attending a big state university like UMD? (Both parents went to privates, so this is foreign territory for us). We would like for DD to experience study abroad, internships, and research. Saving money will make study abroad very likely and there should easily be opportunities for research as a Banneker Key scholar. We don't have to worry about paid internships, as student will not be stressed about money. We live in the DC area, so it will be easy for DC to commute to summer opportunities, whether paid or not.

Are there any other opportunities that we should encourage DD to make? One point of sadness is that DD will not experience having a significant international cohort at her school. One of the previously mentioned schools (USC, Georgetown, Emory, Carnegie Mellon) would probably present more job opportunities after graduation, regardless of major, if DD decided not to do grad school. However, at this time, DD is strongly considering grad school. I do not see DD being interested in investment banking or management consulting.

Also slightly worried that UMD administration does not seem to be as organized as that of many other privates. This information has been gleaned from reading listservs about how different universities have responded to the coronavirus crisis. However, DD is very excited about UMD and that is what is important.

Does anyone else think that UMD might become overenrolled next year due to the shaky economy?

PP you were responding to. We were lucky enough to have more than 1 B/K scholar. If your daughter is self-driven student (and I assume she is given she is a B/K scholar), you really don't have to worry about any of the concerned you raised. UMD, due to its size and focus (research), there is little to no hand-holding by the Administration. Once the school starts, each student goes his/her own way. Looking for research/lab opportunities, studying, and whatever. Research opportunities are there but not because your kid is a B/K scholar. Do not expect special treatment of any kind. My kids had to "walk the hall" knocking on professors' doors during winter vacation introducing themselves and handing out resume. Also, do not let her think she is special because she is a B/K scholar. Other kids don't know. Most kids don't care. At the end of the day in 4 years, it's all about her accomplishments, not about B/K. Good luck.

OP. Great advice about how to get research opportunities. We definitely have emphasized humility about the BK selection. DD is accomplished, but so many of the top quarter or top third of UMD students are. Selection can seem a bit random. DD is very motivated in classes, but not necessarily opportunity-savvy. I think that this latter quality comes from either the family or school. In DD's case, high school was not very competitive.

[Anonymous]

Bump

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:I went to a state flagship on a full ride and then a T4 law school. I was able to stomach taking on the loans I needed for law school because I had no debt from undergrad. Make sure she concentrates on getting good grades and take the long view.

Best advice.