is UMD or Penn State Better For Law?
For Pre-Law and Law School Preparation, UMD is the better choice over Penn State.
Why UMD is Better for Pre-Law?
✔ Proximity to Washington, D.C. – UMD is located just outside the nation’s capital, offering internships at law firms, courts, government agencies, and lobbying firms.
✔ Stronger Political Science & Public Policy Programs – UMD’s Government & Politics (GVPT) and Public Policy programs are among the best in the country for students interested in law.
✔ Better Law School Placement – UMD has stronger connections to top law schools like Georgetown, George Washington, and the University of Maryland Carey School of Law.
✔ Top-Tier Pre-Law Advising – UMD provides LSAT prep, law school application workshops, and mock trial programs to help students succeed.
Best Pre-Law Majors at UMD:
- Government & Politics (GVPT) – Strongest for law school preparation.
- Public Policy – Great for those interested in government and lawmaking.
- Criminology & Criminal Justice – Best for criminal law and law enforcement careers.
Penn State for Pre-Law?
✔ Penn State also has a solid Pre-Law program, but its location is a disadvantage compared to UMD.
✔ Good Political Science Program, but fewer direct law-related opportunities.
✔ Penn State’s Dickinson Law School (in Carlisle, PA) is well-respected, but UMD has stronger connections to elite law schools.
Law School Acceptance & Career Outcomes
✔ UMD students have higher placement rates at top-tier law schools due to stronger connections with D.C. legal institutions.
✔ Penn State grads tend to go to regional law schools, while UMD grads have access to national law schools (Georgetown, GW, NYU, etc.).
Verdict: Which is Better for Law?
✔ UMD is the better choice for Pre-Law due to its location, law school connections, and stronger political science programs.
✔ Penn State is good but lacks the same level of access to law firms, courts, and legal internships.
Comprehensive Report on the University of Maryland, College Park (UMD)
The University of Maryland, College Park (UMD) is a leading public research university known for its strong academic programs, research output, and government connections.
As the flagship campus of the University System of Maryland, UMD consistently ranks among the top public universities in the United States.
History and Prestige
Founded in 1856 as the Maryland Agricultural College. It later became a land-grant institution and evolved into a comprehensive research university. Over the decades, it has expanded in both size and reputation, becoming a member of the prestigious Association of American Universities (AAU) and a top-tier public institution.
The university has a strong reputation for research, especially in science, technology, engineering, and mathematics (STEM) fields. It receives significant funding from agencies such as NASA, the National Science Foundation (NSF), and the Department of Defense.
Reputation and Academic Excellence
A NASA technician shown mounting an experiment in Lewis’ 25 x 80 foot space environment tank. Furthermore, this giant tank, in the University of Maryland Electric Propulsion Laboratory, similates altitudes as high as 300 miles.
Moreover, consistently ranked among the top 60 universities in the country and within the top 20 public universities. Thus, well-regarded for its programs in:
- Engineering (A. James Clark School of Engineering) – Recognized for aerospace, electrical, and mechanical engineering.
- Business (Robert H. Smith School of Business) – Strong in finance, information systems, and supply chain management.
- Computer Science & Cybersecurity – Home to one of the top computer science programs in the U.S. and close ties with government agencies like the NSA.
View of the new Physical Sciences Complex at the University of Maryland College Park.
- Journalism (Philip Merrill College of Journalism) – One of the best in the country, with access to Washington, D.C., media outlets.
- Public Policy (School of Public Policy) – Ideal for students interested in government and international affairs.
What Makes UMD Special?
- Proximity to Washington, D.C. – Offers unparalleled access to internships and job opportunities with government agencies, think tanks, and media organizations.
- Strong Research Infrastructure – A Carnegie R1 research university with extensive partnerships with NASA, NIH, and the Department of Homeland Security.
- Diverse and Active Student Life – More than 800 student organizations, a vibrant Greek life, and top-tier athletic programs.
- Innovation and Entrepreneurship – The university fosters startups through the Dingman Center for Entrepreneurship and the Discovery District.
- Athletics and School Spirit – As part of the Big Ten Conference, UMD has competitive sports programs, especially in basketball and lacrosse.
Campus Vibe and Word on the Street
UMD has a lively and dynamic campus atmosphere. Students describe the campus as large and well-equipped, with a mix of modern and traditional architecture. The student body is diverse, with a mix of in-state and out-of-state students. Some highlights include:
- Active student life – From political activism to cultural groups, there is something for everyone.
- School spirit – Students take pride in Maryland Terrapins athletics, especially basketball and football.
The Institute for Bioscience and Biotechnology Research (IBBR) near Gaithersburg, Md., a collaboration of the University of Maryland and NIST.
- Opportunities for networking – In addition, due to its location, students often land internships in D.C. early in their college careers.
- Concerns – Some students mention large class sizes in lower-division courses and the lack of a traditional college-town feel in the surrounding area.
Key Data for Prospective Students
| Category | Details |
|---|---|
| Location | College Park, Maryland |
| Founded | 1856 |
| Type | Public Research University |
| Enrollment | ~41,000 students (undergraduate & graduate) |
| Acceptance Rate | ~45% |
| Tuition (In-State) | ~$11,000 per year |
| Tuition (Out-of-State) | ~$39,000 per year |
| Average SAT Score | 1330-1510 |
| Average ACT Score | 30-34 |
| Student-Faculty Ratio | 18:1 |
| Campus Size | 1,335 acres |
| Athletic Conference | Big Ten Conference |
| Research Funding | Over $1 billion annually |
| Notable Alumni | Sergey Brin (Google), Jim Henson (Muppets), Kevin Plank (Under Armour), Connie Chung (Journalist) |
Final Verdict
In conclusion, UMD is an excellent choice for students seeking a well-rounded education at a research-intensive university. Additionally, especially strong for students interested in STEM, business, journalism, and public policy. The university’s location near Washington, D.C., provides significant professional opportunities. Lastly, while the campus can feel large and bureaucratic, the wealth of resources and opportunities outweigh these concerns.
Colleges Ranking Index by Rebellion Research
