Some students want to be part of a really top student body where students are well prepared. U of Maryland is that, given its very high selectivity, and student body largely from New Jersey and Maryland. NJ and MD public K-12 are very very strong compared to some of the public schools in the midwest. I think test scores of classmates and preparation, matter to some students, depends on the student. I know students who turn down Purdue for this reason, every day. They want a more selective school. Maryland would be that, I believe. With that, Purdue has a rank and reputation that cannot be beat and a weed out system for majors, described above, so its all going to be the same by the 4th year. Purdue can and will weed out the weak ones, but they give them a shot !