Which should I choose: University of Pennsylvania or University of Maryland?
The financial aid package for the University of Pennsylvania is only a little over $1k for family contribution and $2k+ work study per year. University of Maryland gave me the full Banneker Key Scholarship which is a full ride.
The major I am currently considering is Psychology, Neuroscience, or Computer Science. It was suggested to me to pursue Education Gaming with the focus on Psychology and Computer Science. I am also thinking of the research aspect of Psychology.
I do not like the emphasize on Greek life at UPenn. Thus, my social life might be better at UMD considering I already know people going there. I’m also afraid my GPA may be lower then it would be at UMD. More so, I am afraid of the costs I may accumulate at UPenn considering I will get no financial help from my family. On the other hand, UPenn appears to have more opportunities and I will be surrounded by intelligent individuals who will hopefully push me to work hard. I also love how it is right in the city and it is GORGEOUS.
UPenn, I’d say, as long as you’re okay with the work study. UMD is a great school, but it’s HUGE, and Penn has a lot more money to throw around.
Of course, this is just my opinion, but the size consideration at UMD is definitely a large consideration, as is having to work at UPenn (if you absolutely need work study). Weigh the pros and cons, along with your impressions of each school.
Even though I feel like I might enjoy Upenn more, there are benefits UMD will garner me. Like I would love to participate in Study Abroad and the Banneker Key Scholarship will help pay for that most likely. Also, I feel as though I can rise high with research and the possibly?? there might be more focus on me because I will be in the Honors Program. I almost feel like I will be lost in the numbers of unique intelligent people at Upenn. Or, I just might slightly be afraid of failing there.
A lot of people are going to automatically tell you to go to UPenn because it’s more prestigious, especially since you only have to pay $1,000/year (plus the $2,000 for work-study). Honestly, that is the choice I would make, too. Having gone to an Ivy for graduate school - and worked with undergrads there - I can say that I think it makes a significant difference in the kinds of experiences and post-college opportunities you have early in your career. However, I feel like you need to make the choice that’s best for you, and where you feel more comfortable.
I will say, though, that only around 30% of Penn students are Greek. While that’s larger than most schools, it means that the vast majority - 70% - are not in Greek organizations, which means that you can avoid Greek life if you want to. You may know people at UMD, but everyone meets new people in college. You’ll be a freshman with a bunch of other new freshman looking to meet new friends. Most colleges allow you to take your financial aid with you when you study abroad, so if you find a study abroad program that costs roughly the same amount as a semester at Penn your semester costs will stay the same. Penn might also have some study abroad scholarships that they can help you find or get to cover any additional costs of study abroad.
There’s nothing wrong with being an average student at an elite school. You are used to being at the top of your class, but at an elite school where everyone else is also at the top of their class in high school, you don’t need to strive to try to be the best. You just need to do your best. In that sense, it’s okay to get somewhat “lost” in the crowd of intelligent people at Penn. You’ll be one of them, too, and you’ll find your niche. And the upside is being surrounded by other ambitious, intelligent, driven young people who want to do big things and change the world. Your peers will have a significant influence on your own achievements and desires.
Don’t avoid doing things because of fear of failure! There’s tons of academic support at places like Penn, and you can get help if you need it.
Again, if you really feel that you will be happier at Maryland - I think that’s where you should go. But I feel like you want to go to Penn and fear and doubt are just creeping in, making you feel unworthy. I think it’s normal to have a bit of imposter syndrome when you get into a great place, but don’t let that prevent you from going somewhere you really like!
Hello! Thank you for your comment, it was really clarifying. My biggest obstacle that I think will make me chose UMD is that the fiancial aid will change. My dad plans on getting another job which might make his income 80k with my mothers. Can you share your thoughts on this? I don’t want to have to be worrying about loans and such.
Even 80K total would qualify you for a LOT of aid - considering that at UPenn your current financial aid package wouldn’t change much up to 75K (no loans up to that, so even if your parents made 80 you’d only get the federal, subsidized loans*), you’re talking your parents having to pay perhaps 3 or 4k more, and if your dad has another job that makes more, that should be very doable. In any case, while thinking ahead is wise, here it sounds like you’re worrying about something that won’t really matter - your parents will make a bit more and you’ll have to pay a bit more. If you’re really worried, run the NPC with an income of 80k.
Your opportunities at UPenn aren’t comparable to your opportunities at UMaryland. It’s a GOOD investment you’re making here. It’s just a tiny bit more for UPenn but the returns will be much, much bigger. The experience you’ll have there is incomparable, and the support you’ll get if there’s any problem will also be incomparable. The overall quality of your peers - even the average ones- , the setting (at the heart of one of the East Coast’s most interesting cities and great for college students), the internship and networking opportunities are not comparable either. UMaryland is a good public university, but Penn is one of the best universities in the world. And YOU got in. They chose YOU to attend. And they gave you a terrific aid package so that you can attend without worry. There’s a reason. Don’t throw that chance out the window because you’re worried or not too confident.