If you can apply as in state(IS), that is without question the better option. There are two advantages to doing so:
- The very obvious HUGE financial difference (the reduced financial strain on the family will make everybody happier (less tension all around) and that may create possibilities for funding of a few extra/other things like study abroad, a nicer computer, etc). However, understand that establishing residency in Maryland for tuition purposes is not a cake walk. You would need to actually attend high school in Maryland, not just have mail sent to an address. So, if you are in Cali now, you need to consider if you want to leave your current high school and start someplace else being the new kid in school just for your senior year.
Here is the pertinent info: (full pdf of rules available via this page http://www.registrar.umd.edu/resreclass.html)
In-state Status
To qualify for in-state tuition, a student must demonstrate that, for at least twelve (12) consecutive months immediately prior to and including the last date available to register for courses in the semester/term for which the student seeks in-state tuition status, the student had the continuous intent to:
- Make Maryland his or her permanent home; and
- Abandon his or her former home state; and
- Reside in Maryland indefinitely; and
- Reside in Maryland primarily for a purpose other than that of attending an educational institution in Maryland.
Satisfying all of the requirements in Section II (and Section III, when applicable) of this policy demonstrates continuous intent and qualifies a student for in-state tuition. Students not entitled to in-state status under this policy shall be assigned out-of-state status for admission and tuition purposes.
- As long as you apply by the Nov 1 priority, you will have a better chance of getting in as IS because, as a public, state university, they are mandated to take a certain percent of Maryland residents. Typically, this results in a larger range of stats they will admit (meaning "easier") for IS applicants. With a CR of 1230 you would be borderline as an OOS applicant but more comfortable as IS applicant. Since there is a smaller percent of OOS students they can enroll, the competition for the limited number of spots is higher, so they can be more "selective" for OOS applicant stats.
However, if you are currently in California, and you don’t want to move to Maryland for your senior year, don’t lose hope. The fact that the OOS residence is California is actually an advantage for admission (similar to “a hook”) since the distance makes you appealing with respect to geographic diversity. So, while you are at the low end of being “in range” for standardized test scores, you are still “in range” and have geographic diversity going for you (along with your good gpa, too!!!).
Whatever you decide, just make sure to apply by November 1, and pay attention to essays and short answers.