By Mackenzie Prince
Just nine miles from the University of Maryland’s campus is the nation’s beloved capital: Washington, D.C.
In recent years, UMD’s acceptance rate has continued to decrease while the number of yearly applications has grown. Along with the rigorous academics and highly-spirited athletics, the perks of the school’s proximity to the capital city may also be contributing to UMD’s popularity.
According to UMD Admissions, prospective applicants typically consider the school’s proximity to Washington when making their decisions.
“Many students cite our location as an influencing factor for both applying and enrolling at UMD,” UMD Admissions wrote. “Our students are able to take advantage of research and internship opportunities in the nation’s capital and other locations in our metropolitan area.”
The admissions office also noted that they encourage students to pursue the various opportunities the school’s location offers.
“We encourage students to take advantage of the location of the university in every way possible, from academic enrichment experiences to exploring the Smithsonian museums,” UMD Admissions wrote. “We also include information about our distance from D.C. in our information sessions, high school visit presentations, as well as our communication plans to prospective students.”
The university works to provide students with the perks of being near the city through various class field trips, promoting internship opportunities and networking advantages.
However, while students often take note of these advantages, some just enjoy the city for its lively atmosphere and variety of fun activities.
Evie Wiseman, an out-of-state freshman criminal justice major, considered the nine-mile difference a big factor when selecting UMD.
“D.C. has always been one of my favorite cities,” Wiseman said. “Honestly, I wanted to go to school there, but none of them appealed to me.”
Wiseman explained that UMD was the perfect mix between a university in the city and a traditional college campus, which ultimately guided her decision to commit to UMD.
For other students, UMD is the perfect option for obtaining the “typical college experience” while having the opportunity to explore.
Madeline Namias, an out-of-state freshman psychology major, believes that UMD’s location outside the city is exactly what she was looking for.
“I wanted a big school with spirit, but I still wanted to experience the positives of the bustling city,” Namias said. “I wanted to be near the action but not in it.”
A student’s proximity to Washington is what they make of it, whether to obtain an internship with The Washington Post or see their favorite artist in concert at The Anthem.
“Washington, D.C., is like no other, in my opinion,” Namias said. “It’s wonderful to have it so close and in such of an easy reach.”
Featured Image: The College Park Metro Station, located at 4931 Calvert Rd on Sept. 29, 2024. Photo by MacKenzie Prince.