@collegemom3717 wow! Thank you so much for your thoughtful reply! You really summed up my mindset about the whole decision making process and I totally agree that I wish that the class of 2022 would look at this.
Just a side note, UMD granted me a spot in the Gemstone Honors Program (my 1st choice) which gives me an unreal research opportunity and 4 years of housing. My ultimate goal in life is to use engineering to better the lives of those who need prosthetics to get around daily. It is through Gemstone that I feel I can obtain the most hands on experience in terms of reaching this goal.
I will be attending an open house at UMD in a few weeks so I will not place the deposit prior to the visit.
Again thanks for your help and God bless!