Raise high the black and gold
Written: Dec 18 '02
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Product Rating:
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Pros: Beautiful Southern-style campus, close to busy metropolitan areas, great science programs, exhaustive internet services
Cons: Confused bursars office, high crime area, large lower-level math lectures, too much construction
The Bottom Line: It's got great engineering, physics, math, computer science, kinesiology, psychology, business, architecture, and criminology programs. Don't count Maryland out if you're interested in one of these.
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| spacegal471's Full Review: University of Maryland-College Park |
I am currently an undergraduate student living on campus at the University of Maryland, College Park. I am double-majoring in physics and astronomy, and I am in the honors program. The topic is broad, so in this review I will address the following: students, academic programs, extracurriculars, and on-campus living.
Students at Maryland are highly diverse, both ethnically and in terms of their aspirations and interests. Everyone here finds someone to fit in with. I think there is a drinking epidemic, which is the greatest flaw of the students. This drinking leads to the famous post-game "riots" (which I can speak informatively about. They are not so much riots as a bunch of bored and confused students milling about around a large bonfire. Usually only about 5 drunk people cause all the trouble). The students here tend to be very spirited about activities, but not nearly as enthusiastic about academics. The average gpa is probably a 2.8, and it takes most students 5 years to graduate. The gym is a very popular place among students, as is McKeldin Mall, a large grassy area in the middle of campus. Any day you can see about one hundred students lounging and studying outside on the mall.
I believe Maryland's academic programs are on par with the ivy league schools. All students have to take what is called "CORE" classes from topics like history and theory of the arts, social and behavior sciences, math, science, lab science, and diversity. These help the students become more well-rounded. In addition, students are required to take freshman English, although you can test out of it. Many of these CORE classes take place in large lecture halls with many students, but most non-CORE classes have about 30 students. Lab classes seldom have more than 15 students. In my experience, all professors are very knowledgeable and very much want students to seek their help. Most professors have a great sense of humor, and more patience than I could have. Almost all classes are taught by professors, not TA's. Even though it is a large university, many professors take the time to learn your name. In physics and astronomy, I've had learning opporunities that many ivy-league schools on't give. Every physics student is aided in getting a research opportunity, and this is true in many of the science departments.
Recommended:
Yes
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Epinions.com ID:
spacegal471
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Location: Bowie, MD, USA
Reviews written: 20
Trusted by: 1 member
About Me:
University of Maryland college student, Physics and Astronomy major, engaged, Christian, plays clarinet and skis.
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