The University of Maryland is a great place to attend if you want a large diverse school with a challenging academic environment and a vibrant social life.

Background

I graudated in the Spring of 1994 from the University of Maryland with a B.A. in Urban Studies and Planning and a minor in Government. I actually graduated in 4 years and I loved the big school atmosphere. After attending graduate school where I was able to meet and judge people form other institutions, I realized just how good my education was and appreciate it all the more.

Academics

In reading some of the other reviews, people started their reviews with comments on the food service, parking, and social life. I believe that ones go to college first and foremost to receive a education (hell, if you goal in life is to have a vibrant social life or eat good food you don't have to go to college), so I'm going to concentrate on this area.

Computing Facilities
Maryland offers first rate computer facilities which at the time, I was attending were 2 to 4 years ahead of even its peer group (large research universities). From what I hear, they continue to stay ahead of the curve with high speed internet connection in every room, a phone line for every resident, and very good integration of computers into the teaching environment.

Libraries
Second, the libraries while not outstanding were very comprehensive and offered more than what will be necessary for 99% of undergraduates.

Instruction

This is a research university and not a teaching university. I think the University has made great strides in adding "elite" level programs (college park scholars, honors, project gemstone) to the curriculum and personalizing education since I graduated, but this is not a liberal arts school. This means large freshman/sophomore classes, and graduate students acting as teaching assistants and even teaching classes. By the time you get to the junior and senior level your classes will start to get smaller in all but the most popular majors. The professors will be demanding in what they expect but not always helpful. Some students will not react well to this, but for others the challenge will be similar to the real world (e.g. when your boss asks you to do something with little guidance).

Dorms and Food Service

Since I attended a increasing number of incoming freshman live on campus, its over 75%. You get put in these 9 story god awful highrises which have no air conditioning and no carpeting. Having said that they have good security, phone lines for every resident (meaning if you share a room both you and your roomate will have individual lines), ethernet ports for each resident, and many programs offered in the dormitories. If that doesn't put you off, by the time you get to your junior year you can move to South Campus where most housing is is in apartments or studios (no kitchen but a living room) which are carpeted and air conditioned and a lot closer to most academic buildings.

The food service is excellent for on-campus dining. Students have the choice of getting sandwiches, grill items, salad bar, soups, etc... if you live on campus in a unit that does not have a kitchen participation in a meal plan is mandatory. You get points equal to dollars and you must use them roughly proportionately during the semester (if you don't you forfeit them).

Social Life and Atheletics

I knew several students from my high school, plus my sister and two first cousins overlapped with me while in college. I did only make one friend that I didn't know, but he's a great friend and I remember many a night phone calls with him (he lived off campus).

The Greek system is very ominipresent, especially among full time students who live on campus. However, that doesn't mean you can't make friends. Living on campus your freshman year is a GREAT way to make friends. Now with all the honors programs, I think that affords another way to make friends.

Maryland plays Division 1 athletics in all sports. It boasts first class facilities including the soon to open Comcast Center, which will be among the finest on-campus basketball facilities in the country. The football program has been down in recent years, but the basketball team has made the NCAA tournament now for something like 8 straight years advancing to the Sweet 16 something like 4 times. Other sports are uneven with the womens sports tending to be stronger than the mens sports.

Overall

If you like a big school with tremendous diversity (other schools prepare you for the real world, Maryland immerses you in it), division 1 athletics, good academics, and a location just outside the nations capital the University of Maryland is for you.



Recommended: Yes