My Friend Needs Help Now!!! Williams vs. UMCP

NewTerp
Sun, 26 Apr 2009 13:04:26 +0000

I agree with much of what has been said in response to your question on both this and the UMD thread. Students need to feel that they belong and are comfortable where they attend school but unfortunately your friend has no basis for comparison because she has not visited Williams. Our son had considered UMD his top choice for years. We have family in the area and he has been on the UMD campus several times. We are OOS and he visited the UMD campus twice this spring only to realize it was not the place for him. UMD likes to describe itself as a “public ivy” which now seems laughable to us. We were completely unimpressed by both the student body and the staff (There were a couple of exceptions). Compared to his other choices UMD seemed the weakest academically. The students and faculty at the other schools where he was accepted were head and shoulders above UMD’s. Then again, the undergrad experience is what you make of it and UMD offers a lot of choices. BTW, it might make it easier to get into the field and from what I’ve heard UMD’s program is strong, but you don’t need a journalism degree to go into journalism.
Although your friend feels that she might be more comfortable at UMD, the financial burden she will incur is something she must seriously take into account. With the money she is saving by going to Williams, she can travel home more frequently!
Students need to remember that there is no ONE right or perfect school. Williams will offer enormous opportunities to her but she should go in with the mindset that she wants to be there. MY RECOMMENDATION WOULD BE FOR HER TO DO WHATEVER IT TAKES TO VISIT WILLIAMS. She should also call the school, alumni, other students and discuss her concerns. If I had the same dilemma, I would send in the deposit to both schools and visit Williams before deciding. It would be money well spent if it means making the right decision.