Undergraduate Schools: Researching UMD & VT for Grad School

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Discussion Overview

The discussion centers around the experiences and opinions regarding undergraduate schools, specifically the University of Maryland College Park (UMD) and Virginia Tech (VT), in the context of preparing for graduate school. Participants share their insights on the quality of programs, research opportunities, and personal experiences.

Discussion Character

  • Exploratory, Conceptual clarification

Main Points Raised

  • One participant expresses a preference for UMD due to its proximity, affordability, and strong math and physics programs, while also considering VT.
  • Another participant shares positive experiences from family members who attended UMD, indicating a favorable reputation.
  • A current UMD senior highlights the strength of the physics and astronomy department, mentioning good research opportunities and teaching quality, while also noting some curriculum complaints.
  • The same senior mentions other local institutions like UMBC, UVA, and Johns Hopkins, suggesting they have solid programs, but lacks information on Virginia Tech.
  • Some participants reiterate their connections to UMD through family experiences.

Areas of Agreement / Disagreement

Participants generally agree on the positive aspects of UMD, but there is no consensus on Virginia Tech, as specific experiences or opinions about it are lacking.

Contextual Notes

Some limitations include the lack of detailed comparisons between UMD and VT, and the absence of firsthand accounts regarding Virginia Tech's programs.

Who May Find This Useful

Prospective undergraduate students considering schools in the Maryland and Virginia area, particularly those interested in physics and mathematics programs.

Fisicks
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I will be applying for undergraduate schools in a couple of weeks, and i only have 1 or 2 definite schools that i want to go to. Mainly University of Maryland College Park (-close to my house -cheaper then most state universities -solid math and physics programs -research opportunities) but i also have Virginia Tech in mind.

So what I'm asking for basically is if anyone has had a good experience at a school around my area which those qualifications while also keeping attending grad school in mind.

Many thanks to anyone that lends advice.
 
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UMD is a pretty good school, a lot of my cousins went there (and a couple were math/physics major) and they have positive comments about the school overall.

In fact it's going to be one of my choices for my undergrad :-p
 
I am currently a senior at UMD in physics and astronomy. Maryland has a very good department. There are many opportunities for research, and the professors generally seem to enjoy teaching. I do have a couple complaints about the physics curriculum, but there are easy ways around them. I love it at Maryland.

Unfortunately, I only applied to College Park, so I can not tell you much about other schools in the area. I know UMBC has a solid program, and a focus of their department is biophysics. UVA has a rather large program as well, I believe. There is Johns Hopkins right up in Baltimore which I believe has a solid reputation. And I don't know anything about Virginia Tech.
 
thanks, glad to hear UMD is decent.
 
oh yeah my cousins went to UMD college park, just in case you're wondering
 

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