<p>I can’t tell you how many times over the last 3 years I’ve been asked why D1 chose Maryland (somewhere in the millions, I’m thinking!). The strength of its programs and opportunities on campus, its location, and its proximity to NASA, as well as DC in general, and all the other co-op/internship opportunities were really what was behind her decision. Since she is pursuing the science aspect of it, she started undergrad knowing that she’d be going to grad school. With the work/internships/research opportunities she has had, as well as the associated contacts she has made (and of course that pesky detail of her GPA), she is in position to be competitive at any grad school in the US. Not a bad mix.</p>
<p>When asked why D2 chose UMD, the “real” first answer is because her sister is there :), but its opportunities for internships (Environmental Science/Policy and Spanish), its proximity to a big city, and the opportunities that a large campus offers, are only some of the other answers to that question.</p>
<p>Good luck!</p>