The University of Maryland - College Park

Date: Jun 17 2008
Major: Psychology (This Major's Salary over time)
Well, I was a transfer student from a small college. I went to MD because of: (a.) cheap in-state tuition, (b.) closeness to my extended family, (c.) diversity in programs, (d.) few of my good friends go here.

Racism: Immediately, I experienced immense racism—you would have thought it was 1940. From the Terp-Bus, to the classrooms, there was nothing, but pure racism. The majority didnt accept what they didnt understand. I didnt fit in with my fellow minorities and I also didnt fit in with the majority because theyve never seen individualized minorities before and realized that they cant use the TV as a social guide to another race. Most of the older professors were extremely racist, but the younger ones were cool.

Social Setting: There is no social scene for transfer students. If one doesnt begin living on campus their Freshman year, there is no hope for you. You will not make friends because nobody cares to know you. Also, even though it helps to join a club/organization, the hours are obscene because most people live on/near campus. So, how about going to Photography club from 9pm-11pm? Right. The students mainly consist of drunks, fraternity/sorority goers, jocks, and rich kids that judge people with real personalities and real character”they may be book-smart, but are not socially smart, nor street-smart. Going here is like attending high school in the Valley of California: “Like, OMG! Totally! Like, Like, Like. OMG. Like! No joke; no lie, thats all you hear. It only seems that emotionally intelligent students know better and actually have a real brain. Others, dont have a personality outside of the stereotypical TV screen. The boys always wear sweatpants and gym shorts, while the girls wear leggings and t-shirts. If you are a conservative who doesnt drink every night of the weekDO NOT COME HERE. They shun you for not drinking or supporting the football games”thats all they do. However, there are a lot of hot, sexy people here. If open enough, youre bound to get a hookup or two. BUT you must fit in, or youll be lonely and depressed.

Classes/Prof.: Really good classes, but watch out for graduate teachers and TAs”they dont care about you. Theyre just there for their grade. My Math teacher taught two classes at the same time. She got there 40min. late and left 15.min early. When the normal professors were done with two classes, she was done with four! There a million different classes to take, but you have to fight for them. MONEY MUST BE IN ON TIME; OR, YOU WILL NOT GET TO REGISTER! Mostly, the rich kids get the classes they need. The professors with real careers are great. This school is a PowerPoint/go read the book institution. Nobody can really teach from their heads. So, you have to basically teach yourself with the online student guides.

Administration: UNHELFPFUL! The Financial Aid office is the best office because they are actually nice and will help you. If they could give you more, they would. Sweethearts. Other advising and registration staff is awful! They are more concerned with clearing the office than helping students. At UMD, you are a number. They do not care about your issues or your academic background. There is nothing, but Red Tape here and if you want personal attention, social diversity, and class go to another school”a private school.