I got into Tulane, U Delaware, and through the Freshman Connection to University of Maryland College Park (I did not expect to get in, was expecting a flat out rejection!), but I need help deciding.
A little about me:
I MUST be able to major in a social science and minor in dance (this is easy to do at Tulane, but haven’t gotten a sense about the other two).
I am very social and will want to join a sorority – does being part of Freshman Connection hinder my ability to rush at Maryland?
There are lots of reddit threads dedicated to how FC at Maryland hurt peoples ability to make friends and, if true, that would be crushing for me – college can be lonely enough as it is, I don’t want to feel isolated by design
I really want a strong alumni network and opportunities for internships in the law field, as I will most certainly attend law school after undergrad and am targeting a top 20 law school.
Finally, school spirit and happy students matter to me a great deal. Tulane might win here, but I’m very curious to learn more about other two – is it even close?
Tulane is amazing, but so very expensive. My family can afford it, but ust barely. Finally, I have toured Tulane and will not get a chance to see Delaware or Maryland until April – thank you in advance!
Thank you. I am looking for more specific feedback on the FC connection experience and general social vibe at these other schools (vs Tulane, which I know well). I can weigh the budget piece on my own.
Hopefully someone can comment on my questions specifically.
At UMD, it is my understanding formal rush is in spring and FC is only fall semester.
Some informal Greek dinners could conflict with FC in the fall.
Some reforms are underway bc of problems last March 2024
UMD Student Government Association supports anti- hazing efforts, fall 2024
“ This university in March placed a cease and desist order on all 37 Interfraternity Council and Panhellenic Association fraternities and sororities. The order came after reports of activities that posed threats to community members’ “safety and well-being,” The Diamondback previously reported.
A university investigation found that several fraternities reportedly engaged in physical abuse and hazing, The Diamondback previously reported.
The SGA is striving to work closer with the sorority and fraternity life department to help alleviate hazing concerns, SGA president Reese Artero said.”
There is no Dance minor. Dance is in different School(TDPS) from the School that has many of the social science majors (BSOS).
Based on what students I know from UMD have said, I believe there’s been a rule in effect for over a decade at least that you can’t rush until you’ve earned at least 12 credits (and met some GPA requirement). So, you can’t rush in freshman fall anyway. I think the rule exists to encourage students to explore other socializing options instead of just defaulting to Greek life.
There’s a huge sports scene with football and basketball (especially the women’s team, which is very good). So lots of school spirit, and again, the students I’ve known have really enjoyed their time there.
p.s. I think that for a very social person who wants to join Greek life and make tons of personal/network connections for a future in law school, Tulane might be the winner - particularly if you are intending to settle in the South (but not only). And I say this even though your other choice of UMD is my own child’s likely favorite (but he’s a very different person).
You don’t mention it in your original post and I don’t know what the situation is at UMD or UD but you’re aware that Tulane has a 3 year on-campus requirement? The only real “out” to this requirement is if you do a semester abroad Fall of Junior year and when you come back for Spring you don’t go to a dorm.
Sentiments on campus are mixed about the requirement, some love the convenience of being guaranteed housing for 3 years - others hate that they don’t have the opportunity to get an apartment for their 3rd/4th years.
I have a UD graduate, Villanova was her first choice but it was unaffordable. A month or so into her freshman year she told me she was so glad she didn’t go to Villanova. Very happy students, beautiful campus, strong Greek life (my daughter was in honors, moved off campus sophomore year with 5 honors friends, they all ended up in different sororities). Nice Main Street with shops, restaurants, bars. On campus housing is not guaranteed after freshman year, but it’s rare for students not to get housing if they want it.
I wouldn’t say I prefer it, I just know it better because I’ve visited and assumed I would go if I got in. I didn’t expect to get in to UMD, and will visit both Delaware and Maryland in April to get a sense of those campuses, but was hoping to do some research and gather a lot of information leading up to those visits