Choosing where you go to college may feel like a daunting and overwhelming decision.  To find the best place, you need to determine a variety of factors that will narrow down your many options.  If you are looking for a school that offers a balance between academic rigor and an engaging, lively social environment, then the University of Maryland may be for you.

The University of Maryland (UMD) is a prestigious public research university.  It is classified as a university with very high research activity, and also receives funding from a multitude of federal agencies including NASA, the Department of Homeland Security, and the National Security Agency (NSA).  It consistently ranks in the top 20 public institutions, and the top 50 nationally.  Two of UMD’s schools are particularly notable: the A. James Clark School of Engineering, and the Robert H. Smith School of Business.  These schools are well-acclaimed for their particular majors.

Established in 1856, UMD has a rich history as one of the older institutions in America.  Initially an agricultural college, then a state college for a few years in the early 20th century, UMD became a university in 1920.  Maryland Freshman Sarah Schwartz (Schreiber ‘24) has valuable insight into why Schreiber students should take a look.

“I chose to go to Maryland because I felt it was the perfect balance between academics and social life.  Also, the variety of classes and majors is really nice,” said Schwartz.

UMD also has a highly selective and competitive honors program; the classes are smaller, and give students a small liberal arts college experience while attending a large school.  Due to UMD being such a big school, there are 127 undergraduate degrees and 112 graduate degrees across thirteen different schools and colleges.  Whatever you would like to major in, there is a good chance that UMD offers it.

UMD has a very large campus, spanning over 1,300 acres of land, with manicured lawns and beautiful brick buildings.

While Schwartz attends UMD, College Park, there are ten other campuses spread throughout Maryland.  

There are also  a variety of housing options. , including traditional-style, suite-style, or apartment-style housing, and within those options there is single-gender, mixed-gender, and gender-inclusive housing.  UMD offers a unique opportunity called “living-learning” programs, which allows for students with similar academic interests to live together and perform research.  Students can live in any of the 39 residence halls, but the university also provides  off-campus housing services.  

“I live in Easton which is a freshman only dorm.  Most freshmen live on North Campus, with some living on South Campus,” said Schwartz.

Nine  out of ten freshmen end up living on campus t.

UMD is home of Testudo the Terrapin, and students are more commonly known as the Terps.  As an  NCAA Division I school and a member of the Big Ten Conference (the oldest Division I league in the United States), Maryland is best known for its mens basketball and football.  

UMD also has one of the top lacrosse programs: the mens team recently won the national championship in 2022, and the womens team has won fifteen  national championships, more than any other program in the country.  

“The school spirit is really high always, but especially on game days everyone is wearing Maryland swag and excited to go to watch the games,” said Schwartz.

Dining is a commonly overlooked aspect of the college search .  Between dining halls and fast food, there is a wide variety of options.  

“There are three  dining halls on campus which you use meal swipes for, and then in the Student Union there are restaurants such as Panera and Chick Fil A, which you use dining dollars for,” said Schwartz.

UMD also has something called Terrapin Express, which is a prepaid debit account that is accepted at 30+ locations across campus.  Terrapin Express funds roll over to future semesters (Dining Dollars do not) and is simply a convenient way to pay.  UMD also offers “Sick Meals,” in which you complete an online request form, then a representative picks up and drops off your order.  They cater to those with special dietary requests, whether that be any allergies, Kosher, Halal, or vegan and vegetarian food options.  

As application deadlines loom closer, UMD is definitely a place to consider applying (early action is due Nov. 1 but regular decision ends on Jan. 20).  

“I’d say that if you really like schools with school spirit but also want to be challenged academically, I’d say Maryland is the perfect school for you.  As somebody who didn’t want to be a plane ride away, it is also really nice to be able to take the train to and from school,” said Schwartz.