First Semester Update (Daughter)

Colleges & Universities University of Maryland - College Park
1

<p>I was a little bit nervous about my daughter going to a large university, due to the fact she is introverted. My thought that she would better off at a small liberal arts school. As it turns out she is doing quite well, both academically and socially. Being part of Gemstone gave her a starter group of like-minded people. She attended Gemstone camp right before the fall semester started. I think her newfound friends in her Honors dorm was the real impact during her first semester at UMD. She made a lot of close friends in a short amount of time. </p>

<p>During the semester she only came home twice, for Thanksgiving and once during her sister’s birthday. During Thanksgiving and now during winter break, she misses her friends back at UMD.</p>

<p>Several times during her first semester I have asked her if she likes Maryland and if she had to made the right decision. She always answered without hesitation, Yes!</p>

2

<p>Great to hear! :slight_smile: </p>

<p>Maryland is one of those schools that live up to the saying that “college is the best four years of your life.”</p>

3

<p>That is great to hear that your daughter is doing so well. Being an alum of Maryland and now having a son who is a sr in HS, I speak to a lot of folks about UMD. Many are worried about the size. My guidance is typically that while it is a large school, there really are great opportunities to engage in much smaller communities. Clubs, sports, academic programs, dorms, etc. </p>

<p>I can honestly say that I have not come across a single student who attended Maryland that was not happy there. I am sure there are some, I just haven’t met them.</p>

<p>Best wishes to your daughter for continued success.</p>

4

<p>Thanks. I agree about the clubs. There are a ton of clubs. </p>

<p><a href=“https://stars.umd.edu/orgs/[/url]”>https://stars.umd.edu/orgs/&lt;/a&gt;&lt;/p&gt;

<p>I haven’t met anyone who regrets going to UMD or did not enjoy the experience.</p>

5

<p>Great feedback to hear!</p>

6

<p>My twins, both freshmen, have loved their time at Maryland so far! My son is working on two degrees (Computer Science and Classics) & participating in Gemstone, while my daughter is working toward a Criminology & Criminal Justice degree. </p>

<p>They’re living in the same building (two floors apart from each other) and they’re excited to move back this week. Both have had extremely positive experiences. Things have gone more smoothly than I could have hoped. Go Terps!</p>

7

<p>My daughter could have waited to move back Monday, but she moved back into her dorm on Sunday. She loves her new friends, especially on the 2nd floor in Ellicott.</p>