UIUC has always been my dream school. I got waitlisted as a CE major.
I am intended to go to UMD this fall as a CS major. I know UMD has a reputable CS program, but I was just curious if it is even worth it to try to apply as a transfer to UIUC CS 2 years later.. is it even possible because its a competitive major? (im just coping with the waitlist… I really saw myself at UIUC.) What are the pros/ cons? Should Ijust stay at UMD and plan for grad school/jobs/internships? Any advice appreciated.
You can certainly put in an app when the time comes, but the acceptance rate for CS transfers is in the single digits, with priority given to transfer students coming from Illinois community colleges.
Here are the requirements:
UMD is a great school and has a very good CS program and outcomes. Good luck!
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My first reaction is that UMD has a excellent computer science program. You can do very well with a bachelor’s degree in CS from UMD. The difference between UIUC and UMD in terms of career opportunities is essentially zero.
My second reaction is that internships are going to be way more important than any miniscule difference between UMD and UIUC. Transferring will make it more difficult to get internships.
Given this, I think that you should plan to work hard at UMD, spend four years there, and graduate with a great degree and hopefully also with some internship experience.
In computer science you do not need to get a master’s degree. However, UIUC does offer a good master’s degree program in CS if you want to go that route.
I would say a big YES to this plan. A master’s degree is however optional, not needed, and if done is frequently done after first getting a bit of work experience.
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I’m reading this with interest. My son got into both UIUC and UMD and I was thinking he should consider UIUC but he loves UMD more. (My son is an aero/astro major.) Also, I’m from Urbana and I don’t think it’s a “dump” (!) @tsbna44
and I actually think the campuses look kind of similar.
UMD seems like a college where people are incredibly happy and find their niches.
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That everyone visits where they go - is a huge bonus. Everyone sees schools differently.
I don’t think there is a material difference between UMD and UIUC for CS. Both are great options.
And more importantly I think it is a terrible idea to start college with the intent of transferring. This mindset will make it difficult for you to create meaningful friendships, get involved in ECs, develop relationships with professors, etc.
If you want to throw in an application nobody here can or should stop you – but don’t count on it working out. My advice would be to embrace UMD as your dream school and move forward with a positive attitude.
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Yes, after seeing everyone’s responses, I think staying at UMD would be best option. I willl focus on getting internships / jobs and creating connections with people to elevate my profile instead of diverting my attention to transferring. Will see if grad school is an option after a few years at UMD 
. Thanks!
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