Maryland over Wisconsin: Crazy?

Roscoe
Mon, 19 Mar 2007 14:12:44 +0000

Barring a last-minute miracle from a big-reach school, Son’s choice will come down to U. of Wisconsin (Madison) and U. of Maryland (College Park), both of which have accepted him.

The young man in question is white, Jewish but not religious, from the NYC suburbs. Wants to study Business although that is not graven in stone. Applied to these two (and others) because he wants the big-school scene, without sacrificing academic quality.

He’s leaning strongly toward Wisc. My question: To the extent he seeks my input, is it crazy to recommend Maryland despite Wisc’s edge in reputation and ranking? (The out-of-state cost is virtually the same for both, btw.)

My reasons for leaning to M are as follows:

-M has accepted him into their business school; W will require an internal application for business school during the soph year and there is no guarantee he’ll get in;

-more palatable weather;

-Amtrak travel makes life much easier than air travel;

-the reputation/ranking difference is much narrower when you focus on the business program;

-while W has plenty of New York-area kids, M has an absolute mob of them, thus making Son less of a fish out of water; and

-the excitement of D.C. just a subway ride away.

Any thoughts appreciated.