D.5 @ VCU vs D1 at UMD

[O2ShootTheJ]

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Okay guys, so I'm not in this dilemma yet, and may not be, but want to get some insight so if it does happen I will know what I want to do.

I have currently been offered and accepted a D.5 spot at VCU. I am also on the waitlist at UMD. If I make it off the waitlist, what do you all think is better for me to do?

• Virginia Resident
• 5 years @ VCU vs 4 at UMD
• Cost of OOS vs 5 years in state
• Re-applying to AF HPSP next year (didn't have LOA by deadline)

So all things considered, I'm really not sure what the best course of action for myself is. I hope to be able to get a 3 year HPSP (UMD) or 3/4 (VCU) scholarship and only have to take out loans for the first year, but I want to plan for not getting a scholarship as well.

UMD OOS 2 years and In-state 2 years would come out to roughly $320,000 ish?

I'm not sure on cost of D5 tuition but I would estimate 4 years in-state at VCU around $240,000 ish + D.5 costs

I really liked both schools, and if money were not an issue would probably lean more towards UMD. Dr. Healy told me that if I were to be accepted by UMD to definitely go there instead of the D.5 but i'm not sure if getting one year ahead is really worth it.

Also, since my parents have been gracious enough to pay for my undergrad, I have about $40-50k in assets (cars, motorcycles, etc) that I would more than likely sell to decrease my loan if I went to UMD (won't need a car in baltimore anyways). Depending on the loans needed for D.5 at VCU I may try to hold on to my car and motorcycle.

Sorry for the lengthy post, just really not sure what is the best route for me and want to be ready to answer if the time comes. Thanks in advance for everyones input!

 

[periopocket]

D.5 is likely going to cost you at least 40k, therefore the difference in cost btwn. The two would be less than 50k (estimating). Therefore, I would personally think it would be a better decision to pursue UMD this year. Why take on an extra year of stress over an extra year of salary? It would not make sense to me personally. UCSF seems to have a better grip on the statistical analysis of the situation, so hopefully he will chime in! GL

 

[telemonster]

It would be a safer option to take the guaranteed seat at UMD if it were to open up. I'm sure you are very smart an this wouldn't be an issue, but if something happened and you didn't get into VCU after the D.5 program due to grades then you would have to go through the entire process again. If you take the UMD seat (assuming it opens) you will have a sure thing.

This is just my opinion, I'm not much of a risk-taker.

 

[kcumb12]

I would attend UDM for sure.

 

[O2ShootTheJ]

D.5 is likely going to cost you at least 40k, therefore the difference in cost btwn. The two would be less than 50k (estimating). Therefore, I would personally think it would be a better decision to pursue UMD this year. Why take on an extra year of stress over an extra year of salary? It would not make sense to me personally. UCSF seems to have a better grip on the statistical analysis of the situation, so hopefully he will chime in! GL

Do you think D.5 will be that expensive? It's 2 classes per semester. That is the real wild card in the whole thing at the moment. I also forgot to include I can get very cheap housing in Richmond through a professor I know who rents his townhouse

It would be a safer option to take the guaranteed seat at UMD if it were to open up. I'm sure you are very smart an this wouldn't be an issue, but if something happened and you didn't get into VCU after the D.5 program due to grades then you would have to go through the entire process again. If you take the UMD seat (assuming it opens) you will have a sure thing.

This is just my opinion, I'm not much of a risk-taker.

Yea I was also a little concerned on the guaranteed vs no guarantee thing and I think it'd be a bit of relief to know i'm still not trying to get in at MD

I would attend UDM for sure.

Detroid Mercy or Maryland?

 

[Masticator109]

O2ShootTheJ,

I am also in Virginia and interested in VCU, what were you're stats for getting offered the D5 program? I've talked with Dr. Healy as well for advising about applying this coming cycle, but we didn't talk about the D5 program. I also sent a PM if you would rather respond there. Good luck with UMD if you decide that way.

Edit: Saw your PM. Thanks for such a fast response!

 

[O2ShootTheJ]

Okay so based on a excel doc I just found:

4 years at UMD (2 OOS, 2 IS): ~$313,000

4 years at VCU: ~$214,000 + D.5 costs

 

[cleary21191]

Okay so based on a excel doc I just found:

4 years at UMD (2 OOS, 2 IS): ~$313,000

4 years at VCU: ~$214,000 + D.5 costs

Keep in mind that you'll be able to start working sooner from UMD. UMD's waitlist definitely moved up today as a friend of mine just got accepted. Could mean some good news in the future?

 

[O2ShootTheJ]

Keep in mind that you'll be able to start working sooner from UMD. UMD's waitlist definitely moved up today as a friend of mine just got accepted. Could mean some good news in the future?

off of the waitlist? didn't know that they were moving already! It's stressful not having any idea how big their waitlist is.

At this point I'm really leaning towards UMD. The whole debt looming over my head thing just scares me though. I've always been the type that if I can't pay for something with cash I didn't buy it.

 

[cleary21191]

off of the waitlist? didn't know that they were moving already! It's stressful not having any idea how big their waitlist is.

At this point I'm really leaning towards UMD. The whole debt looming over my head thing just scares me though. I've always been the type that if I can't pay for something with cash I didn't buy it.

Yep, he got off the waitlist. He said he was placed on it a couple of weeks ago. Honestly, 300K is debt is not as bad as it could be. With schools breaking upwards 350 to 400k, I'll take the 300K any day. You'll get a top notch education too!

Obviously VCU would be the choice under normal circumstances, but the extra year is killer in my opinion.

 

[dentalicious010]

I heard UMB waitlist does not move much usually. Good luck.

 

[Bis-GMA111]

first off, the AF hpsp is extremely competitive. there were 16 spots this year. my buddy with a 23 and 3.6 didn't get it. i'm not even sure if he got waitlisted for it.

with regards to the d5 vs waitlist at UMD. the difference in cost isn't much, so i'd say go with UMD if you can. if you still decide to apply for the AF, the chances of getting a 3 year scholarship are even slimmer. they give 3 years to people who were waitlisted for the 4 year. heck it's even tough if you want an army 3 year.

in any case, if you don't get into UMD, ride out the d5 program and do well in it.

 

[O2ShootTheJ]

first off, the AF hpsp is extremely competitive. there were 16 spots this year. my buddy with a 23 and 3.6 didn't get it. i'm not even sure if he got waitlisted for it.

with regards to the d5 vs waitlist at UMD. the difference in cost isn't much, so i'd say go with UMD if you can. if you still decide to apply for the AF, the chances of getting a 3 year scholarship are even slimmer. they give 3 years to people who were waitlisted for the 4 year. heck it's even tough if you want an army 3 year.

in any case, if you don't get into UMD, ride out the d5 program and do well in it.

Where do you get your information from? I was told there are usually around 10 4 year slots and 60-70 3 year slots? Not saying I'm right but just curious where you heard this?

But yea ill definitely be attending UMD if I get accepted

 

[Bis-GMA111]

Research on the military forums, talking to my friend who applied, and 3 diff recruiters in my area.