Is UMD's ranking accurate?

[Anonymous]

Another lovely story re UVa.

http://www.swimmingworldmagazine.com/news/former-uva-swim-team-member-files-hazing-lawsuit/

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:The argument of UMD vs UVa (or UNC) always follows predictable path - UVa (or UNC) supporters pointing to its ranking UMD supports pointing to its products/alum.

I give credits to UVa and UNC for playing the rankings game better than UMD. Just like NEU has done past 10 years or so. But under the ranking, there isn't much to show.

UMD is a much bigger school with strengths in areas that lend itself well to individual achievements (like the Pulitzer or various science research awards). UVAs strength is in the humanities and teaching. It all depends on what you prioritize, if you say that endowment and small class sizes makes a better university then UVA is better. If you say research and professional schools are more important then UMD is better.

Honestly, this debate is so subjective it's meaningless.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:^ and yes, I think your DC will be admitted to UMD. Whether DC will be a direct admit to UMD limited enrollment program (LEP) program, I don't know. What major?

LEP = Honors or Scholars?

Major undecided.

Thanks.

No LEP doesn't mean honors or scholars. They are not mutually exclusive. Certain majors require approval of Department prior to acceptance by the department.

http://www.lep.umd.edu/

So, a lot of kids are accepted into UMD but not to the majors they may want to major in.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:FWIW - popular perception around the DMV favors UVa over UMd in terms of "prestige", but this thread taught me a lot I didn't know. What about St Mary's College? How is that seen + what is the reality?

Not sure what you want to know but St. Mary has had a rough time last 2-3 years and currently under enrolled. It is:

- Much easier to get into than UMDCP.
- small LAC out of nowhere
- reasonable cost for IS students
- easier to find lab work (for premed/grad school bound kids)
- resort like setting

and did I mention it's out of nowhere?