<p>I agree with @terpmom7 - great stats! :)</p>
<p>Also, you mentioned a possible interest in finance as a major, which falls under the Smith School of Business. I know it’s very good and very competitive to get into Smith (you’ll be fine)…if you have questions about all that Smith has to offer, terpmom7 is a good resource for that. </p>
<p>Note that econ falls under a different deparment, which is not a LEP (limited enrollment program)<a href=“http://www.lep.umd.edu/”>http://www.lep.umd.edu/</a>. </p>
<p>While comp sci is an outstanding program, it is not a LEP at this point. All the engineering programs are LEP, but comp sci is part of the CMNS (Computer, Math, Natural Science) department. So, if you are not sure which direction you want to go, I personally would recommend applying to Smith (business school) as an incoming freshman since that is the only LEP you are looking at. It is competitive as an incoming freshman, but even more so as an internal transfer (admitted student looking to change majors is referred to as an internal transfer). </p>
<p>The really cool thing about Maryland is not just a beautiful campus with a great location (proximity to the heart of the nation), but they have really unique programs. If you chose finance or comp sci, you would be eligible to apply to the QUEST honors program. It’s a 3 year program that you apply for during your freshman year. It takes business, engineering and CMNS students and teams them up to tackle problem solving for businesses. The capstone of the program is that teams are matched (senior year) with big businesses/corporations. They are given actual problems that business is having, and are challenged to find a solution. It’s kind of like an internship. Not only do students make good connections, but many are given job offers based on their participation in this program. <a href=“http://www.rhsmith.umd.edu/programs/undergraduate-programs/academics/fellows-special-programs/quest”>http://www.rhsmith.umd.edu/programs/undergraduate-programs/academics/fellows-special-programs/quest</a></p>
<p>If you have any interest in entrepreneurship, there is a program called Hinman CEO’s that is open to all majors to apply, but is competitive to get into. Kevin Plank, founder of UnderArmour, and Anthony Casalena, founder of SquareSpace, are just a few of the alum of this program. <a href=“http://www.hinmanceos.umd.edu/”>http://www.hinmanceos.umd.edu/</a></p>
<p>Yes, I’m a huge fan of Maryland - full disclosure: not only a mom of a current engineering student, but also an alum. You will find that Maryland has a lot of school spirit/pride, even with us old folk.</p>