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[quote=Anonymous][quote=Anonymous][quote=Anonymous]Anyone with a PhD in a STEM field or social sciences knows that UVA is not an academic powerhouse. [/quote]

If this poster is still around could you weigh in on how people with a Ph.D in a STEM field view UMD (which is after all the topic of this thread!).
Interested for my kid who wants to pursue a Ph.D in the life sciences
TIA[/quote]

I have a PhD in chemistry, now work in the life sciences. I don't think where you go to undergrad matters that much for getting into top tier PhD programs.  There are a set number of things that are important for getting into PhD programs.  These are first and foremost showing a passion for research--meaning getting into a research lab and taking advantage of opportunities to do summer research internships. Taking rigorous coursework is good as well, especially upper division and grad classes (if available).  Getting your name on a peer-reviewed publication is seen very favorably.  Icing on the cake is winning national STEM awards like the Barry Goldwater scholarship.  But the truth is, this can be done at all kinds of schools--flagship publics, liberal arts colleges, private universities, and even second tier state schools and regional liberal arts colleges.

I would say students typically get better guidance on applying to research fellowships, applying to graduate school, and applying for internships at more selective schools than they do at less selective ones.  But whether it is a well regarded SLAC, a state flagship, or a private university is more a matter of fit for the individual student.  UMD would be a fine choice, provided the student is motivated enough to take advantage of the opportunities it provides.  UVA is not really that strong in STEM, but that's at the graduate level and is not super relevant when discussing undergrad experiences.  If you live in Maryland and want to pay in state tuition and have a kid who won't get lost in the crowd at a larger school, then go for it.[/quote]

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