<p>I admire the program at St John, quite interesting, I’d want to talk to current and former students before going in such an esoteric direction. You really ended up without many choices. I like the first post by TK21769.</p>
<p>Can I please tell you that ’ weary’ means tired, and I don’t think you mean you are tired of these programs. Perhaps you are ‘leery’ and if you are you shouldn’t attend without doing your homework with regard to visiting, talking to current students and finding some alum to talk to.</p>
<p>If you got into an honors program at UMCP, then you will have a strong peer group to interact with. That’s important. And opportunities for research as an undergrad isn’t to be overlooked for anyone aspiring to grad school. The undergrad doesn’t need to be related but the experience is valuable.</p>
<p>The massive cost difference makes it a nobrainer to me. Do you buy a luxury product just cause you can, with no regard to other use for those funds? Those funds will be very useful later if you find that you want to get a Master’s degree or a professional degree. Even if you did get into a funded PhD program, you will have to live very poorly for many years and extra cash will help a lot. Remember, that you should expect your experiences and interests to mature and change your outlook over the next 3 years, so you might have differing aspirations come Sr year. Good luck.</p>