Hi! I am currently a high school senior who is deciding between the University of Georgia and the University of Maryland.
I was accepted into UGA as an International Relations major, which is what I ideally want to study. I was also awarded a scholarship, so that is also factored into my decision. The benefits of UGA is that it is far away from home, close to a major city (Atlanta), has a highly ranked School of Public and International Affairs, has a ton a school spirit, is located in a nice town, and seems to have a lot of resources for pre-law students. The negatives of UGA mainly centers around the student population, which is mainly in-state and not very diverse (which is very important to me). Also, I’m not sure exactly how liberal the students at UGA are, which is a concern for me as someone who identifies as liberal.
I was accepted into UMD as a Public Policy major, which is less appealing to me than International Relations, but still a major I could see myself studying. If I attend UMD, I would ideally like to double major in Public Policy and History as a way to at least get some background into historical international development. At UMD I was placed into the College Park Scholars program, and while I do not yet know what program I am specifically in, I was very excited to receive this invitation, and I think it could definitely help guide me through my college experience. The benefits of UMD is that it has a more diverse and liberal student population, a larger campus, is extremely close to D.C. (which would be helpful as a Public Policy major), and like UGA, has a ton of school spirit and resources for pre-law students. The negatives of UMD is that it has a larger undergraduate population than UGA, is closer to home, and I wouldn’t be studying International Relations.
I believe that UGA offers me a better academic experience, however UMD offers me a better social environment. I’m not entirely sure what factor is more important than the other, and I am extremely confused as to how to go about this issue.
If cost is not a factor I am more inclined to put academics as a deciding factor. Your main focus should be to learn. That being said you do want to be happy as well. UGA is a large university and has a diverse population. There will be other liberal minded students. Maybe liberal thinking will not be the majority (I don’t know this for a fact) but I do know you won’t be the only liberal student on campus.
My D who attends UGA says IR at UGA is a cult, a good thing if you are an IR major - you will find many like-minded students. There are many liberal, socially aware students and orgs and they are easy to find. I wouldn’t let the large in-state number deter you.
Remember that college age people tend to lean left more than the general adult population.
But also note that liberal versus conservative views are not necessarily uniform across all issues. Maryland may be generally left leaning, but perhaps not so much on racial issues (or actual practices), if the high level of racial segregation in Baltimore (40% of the state population) is any indication.
@happymomof1 Both of these schools are out of state for me. UGA would cost a little bit less than UMD, but I would have to fly there if I did attend the school.
Sounds like UGA is both your favorite choice academically and in terms of campus environment, as well as the best value. Note that UGA has a good ‘semester in Washington’ and IR majors have further opportunities for major-relevant study abroad.
You say UGA is close to Atlanta, but it’s about an hour and a half drive. If you don’t have a car, it’s not very convenient at all. However, Maryland is a quick Metro ride to DC.
You should attend admitted students days for both schools and ask questions about career and internship opportunities at both, especially as it relates to College Park Scholars. You never stated the exact financial package differences, so that is important.
You still have some work to do on your discovery stage of what each school and each program offers. I wouldn’t be so quick as to decide based on a CC thread.
I just want to add that Athens, GA is one of my all time favorite college towns. It definitely doesn’t have a conservative vibe at all. I think UGA is big enough that you’ll find all kinds of people.