University of Maryland Thread

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Just because they've updated an award letter doesn't mean they've put the information up. You might also check with the year. Since you are coming in, you will be looking for aid in the year 2009-2010. Generally, Financial aid isn't determined until sometime during summer. I wouldn't worry about it at all. You will have more than enough time (even during the summer) to get it sorted out.

Hope that helps!


Thanks! That does help. Next time I get that email, I won't get too excited! Even after talking to financial aid, I was thinking they sent that email in error. For what it's worth, they said they are trying to get the pharmacy packages decided by April 17 or 20th, but that it could take longer. Also, if anyone sees any additional forms/information requested by financial aid in SURFS, those have to be in before your loans can be disbursed. You can get an award letter before you do them, but she recommended getting them in now so they don't delay things later.

Well, fingers crossed that our award letters are complete before June when I need to find a new place to live. I'd like to see my financial aid package before I commit to a monthly rent. 😳
 
I interviewed late January, I was waitlisted in March. I was in Vegas on Monday when I received my e-mail of ACCEPTANCE to Shady Grove to be part of Maryland's Class of 2013!!! :clap::soexcited: Is anyone from SoCal like myself?
 
congrats! I'm from socal too, and i'll be at the baltimore campus
 
I interviewed late January, I was waitlisted in March. I was in Vegas on Monday when I received my e-mail of ACCEPTANCE to Shady Grove to be part of Maryland's Class of 2013!!! :clap::soexcited: Is anyone from SoCal like myself?

Do you mind disclosing which number you were on the waitlist?
 
Do you mind disclosing which number you were on the waitlist?

I was in the top 2 😉 Guess I just missed the cut because I know three people from my school who interviewed and were accepted.
 
Is anyone else having trouble with SURFS? I tried to register but I kept getting an error message after I set a password according to their requirements, no matter how many times I tried changing the password. And now, I can't even get into SURFS at all. :scared:
 
Did you get an email about SURFS? Because I have received NADA since my pre-req email. I know I'll need to send proof of citizenship (I wasn't born here) but I'm still waiting on contact from the financial aid office.
 
I was actually on the phone with Ms. Sharp yesterday and she told me that she is in the process of e-mailing student ID#'s that will give you access to that application. You should be getting yours soon!
 
Hey everyone!

My March 2 interview was canceled due to inclement weather, but I had student and faculty interviews that following week. Found out the following Friday that I was ACCEPTED!

My deposit just got cashed... Baltimore Campus Class of 2013 😀 😀

Congrats to everyone!
 
Hey All,
I'm an incoming student and I was wondering what are some good and not-so-pricey places to live. If any of you could tell me where you guys live, I would really appreciate it. I am really hoping to get a a studio or a one-bedroom apartment that is less than a mile away from campus and that is closer to the inner-harbor section. Unfortunately, I am all the way from California and I will not be able to check out anything until June, so I would prefer some feedback from any current students or any other incomers that live in Baltimore. I thank you!

CLASS OF 2013!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
 
Hey

Maybe stupid ? but is there a required/ expected dress code everyday during class?

Thanks👍
 
Hey All,
I'm an incoming student and I was wondering what are some good and not-so-pricey places to live. If any of you could tell me where you guys live, I would really appreciate it. I am really hoping to get a a studio or a one-bedroom apartment that is less than a mile away from campus and that is closer to the inner-harbor section. Unfortunately, I am all the way from California and I will not be able to check out anything until June, so I would prefer some feedback from any current students or any other incomers that live in Baltimore. I thank you!

CLASS OF 2013!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

Have you tried looking at the posts on our class page in facebook. Some people have made some posts that may be helpful to you.
 
Hey

Maybe stupid ? but is there a required/ expected dress code everyday during class?

Thanks👍

You only have to be professional attire (business pants, shirts, tie for guys) during labs and presentations. All the other days for school you can wear jeans. PJs and hats (and a few other side things which will be told to you during orientation) are not allowed in order to facilitate a professional environment 🙂

But no worries! You will be introduced to everything and all your questions will be answered by the time orientation is over!
 
Hello, congrats to all that have been accepted!

Is it just me or is their 'ask-a-question' section on their admissions web page nonfunctional. Whenever I try sending them a question, I get an e-mail saying the message was not sent through due to an error. Any help would be appreciated. I plan on applying this summer. Thanks!
 
I was pulled off the waitlist today and got accepted into the Shady Grove campus. I had a couple of questions I was hoping someone could answer.

First, I had accepted some Stafford loans at the other school that I was accepted to because I did not know if or when I would get pulled off the waitlist for UMB. Now that I am going to UMB, do I have to somehow return or decline those loans or can I use it at Maryland?

In addition, I had completed my FAFSA before the deadline but did not receive admission until today. Does that count as being done before the deadline and make financial aid available to me?

Lastly, I've heard that the students at SG are a close-knit group. However, I don't understand how that happens if SG students learn from home. Are there weekly events or labs or other activities that they go to and meet each other? Or do they meet and get to know each other by going to the Baltimore campus and joining organizations there?

Thank you very much in advance!
 
Hey Utterdevotion!!!!!!! Answer my posts about the waitlist!!!! Ur good at answering these types of questions!!!!! We all want to bcome umd alum like you!!!!


For current maryland pharm students!! In previous years, especially last year does anyone know what waitlist numbers gets taken off!!! What months do pple get taken off the waitlist!!! The wait is making me anxious!! I believe they have 1 - 80 people on the waitlist!!! Did #20 get taken off last year!!! Especially into the baltimore campus!!! does the baltimore campus usually open up later on!!! Currently the baltimore campus is Full!!! so thats y people are waiting!!! Just wanna know

I was number 19 on the waiting list if that would help you be less anxious and use less exclamation points. :laugh: 👍 Good luck!
 
Hey Utterdevotion!!!!!!! Answer my posts about the waitlist!!!! Ur good at answering these types of questions!!!!! We all want to bcome umd alum like you!!!!


For current maryland pharm students!! In previous years, especially last year does anyone know what waitlist numbers gets taken off!!! What months do pple get taken off the waitlist!!! The wait is making me anxious!! I believe they have 1 - 80 people on the waitlist!!! Did #20 get taken off last year!!! Especially into the baltimore campus!!! does the baltimore campus usually open up later on!!! Currently the baltimore campus is Full!!! so thats y people are waiting!!! Just wanna know

Just to let you know, there's a separate waiting list for students who want to attend only the Baltimore campus. When a spot opens up for the Baltimore campus, they ask the students on the Baltimore only list first then if all those students decline they start by asking the students on the main list. I'm not sure if any one has dropped out of the Baltimore campus yet but there's still a chance that it'll happen.
 
I was pulled off the waitlist today and got accepted into the Shady Grove campus. I had a couple of questions I was hoping someone could answer.

First, I had accepted some Stafford loans at the other school that I was accepted to because I did not know if or when I would get pulled off the waitlist for UMB. Now that I am going to UMB, do I have to somehow return or decline those loans or can I use it at Maryland?

In addition, I had completed my FAFSA before the deadline but did not receive admission until today. Does that count as being done before the deadline and make financial aid available to me?

Lastly, I've heard that the students at SG are a close-knit group. However, I don't understand how that happens if SG students learn from home. Are there weekly events or labs or other activities that they go to and meet each other? Or do they meet and get to know each other by going to the Baltimore campus and joining organizations there?

Thank you very much in advance!

Financial Aid should still be available to you. About the Stafford loans, you should talk to the Financial Aid Office about that.

As for Shady Grove... we have labs, case studies, and exams. Different amounts each week. Sure we could study at home but what fun is that. There's often a group of people studying in the library or we'll go out to breakfast after an exam and yea... the occasional bowling and karaoke =). It's easier for us to know each other and hang out because we're a smaller group of people. If you want to know Baltimore people, join organizations to meet them. Get involved! It's fun! (Shameless plug for DSPA, the organization based at Shady Grove!)
 
I just got my financial info yesterday and I am glad that they took the courtesy to apply for GradPlus loans for myself as well. However, I won;t be taking the full amount as it would total over 50K (yikes!!!) in borrowing for just one year. One question I want to know is if they give out any financial aid to students in terms of reductions in tuition.
 
Hello, congrats to all that have been accepted!

Is it just me or is their 'ask-a-question' section on their admissions web page nonfunctional. Whenever I try sending them a question, I get an e-mail saying the message was not sent through due to an error. Any help would be appreciated. I plan on applying this summer. Thanks!

I should suggest calling the admissions office? 🙂
 
I just got my financial info yesterday and I am glad that they took the courtesy to apply for GradPlus loans for myself as well. However, I won;t be taking the full amount as it would total over 50K (yikes!!!) in borrowing for just one year. One question I want to know is if they give out any financial aid to students in terms of reductions in tuition.

Not sure what you mean by reduction in tuition....

There are grants and scholarships given. They are done after everyone has gotten their loan awards. They are mainly through our student affairs office. Some are through applications, some are given randomly, some are given if you really need the money and you ask and plea and beg 😛

If you're in state, there are in-state scholarships that are given through the State of Maryland that may take affect at any time (I got a scholarship in the middle of my fall semester once)
 
Hey Utterdevotion!!!!!!! Answer my posts about the waitlist!!!! Ur good at answering these types of questions!!!!! We all want to bcome umd alum like you!!!!


For current maryland pharm students!! In previous years, especially last year does anyone know what waitlist numbers gets taken off!!! What months do pple get taken off the waitlist!!! The wait is making me anxious!! I believe they have 1 - 80 people on the waitlist!!! Did #20 get taken off last year!!! Especially into the baltimore campus!!! does the baltimore campus usually open up later on!!! Currently the baltimore campus is Full!!! so thats y people are waiting!!! Just wanna know

I have not replied to you because I don't have an answer for you. Just because last year we had MANY people off the waitlist, cannot guarantee and cannot be compared to this year. The individuals are different and the circumstances are different every year. Waitlist as you know, depends on if any accepted student decides to decline their acceptance, so there is no way I can really tell. So far, there has not been any trends in terms of whether SG or Baltimore fills first (so it again, depends on the class and those applying that year) - plus both campuses are now on waitlist status so that doesn't matter.

PS... the !!!!! is a bit excessive -_-
 
Thanks Utter devotion! Ur the best! I Hope to meet you when I get in! Lol the !!!!!!!!!! is quite excessive! I know that! So I wud use it a little less! I know no one can predict the waitlist! but I was counting on you as so a social person and also use ur intelligence to predict what the outcome would be! because with the waitlis, there is always a trend from year to year! Even though the individuals are different! If you compare them from year to year, they still behave the same way!! pharmacy school s know this thats why they keep the same number of people from the waitlist year to year!!

I pretty sure many people would come off the waitlist this year! So I just needed someone like you to confirm it! Cus you seem intelligent and you seem to knw about stuff like this. But anyway, Thanks for your input!! Another reason I felt anxious was actually becos I didnt want to pay the deposit at another school! It was like a $1000, I could potentially lose!!
Thanks

Actually, because we have just started SG, and we have changed the pre-req requirements these last few years there has been changes in what the trends used to be...as I said earlier. I do hope that you get in, but do not be so confident based on what our "trends" were 3 years ago. Things are VERY different right now.
 
Not sure what you mean by reduction in tuition....

There are grants and scholarships given. They are done after everyone has gotten their loan awards. They are mainly through our student affairs office. Some are through applications, some are given randomly, some are given if you really need the money and you ask and plea and beg 😛

If you're in state, there are in-state scholarships that are given through the State of Maryland that may take affect at any time (I got a scholarship in the middle of my fall semester once)


How do you find out about the scholarships and grants the school offers. Also, do they notify you if you receive one or do I have to contact the student affairs office.
 
How do you find out about the scholarships and grants the school offers. Also, do they notify you if you receive one or do I have to contact the student affairs office.

Scholarships that involve applications are usually sent out via our listservs from the student affairs office - and are usually during the school year (so it will unfortunately not to apply to you right now). They don't occur very often (usually in the Spring for the following school year) so you're not missing out on much!

The rest as I said before are kind of random, so if you get one, it will show up on your Financial Aid in SURFS. When your financial aid changes, it sends you an email saying that there was a change. So you can then go in and accept it.

Our school is pretty good about the money issue. If you are worried about not having enough money, please bring it up to Dr. Morgan and the financial aid person during orientation (don't worry, that is not too late! many people do it that way) and they will work something out for you. You may also ask Dr. Morgan for work-study and she can work something out with our Financial Aid office. (As you can see Dr. Morgan is our mommy!)
 
Housing Status Campus Housing
Expected Enrollment Status Full-Time
Cost of Attendance Component Amount
Books and Supplies $2,473.00
Clinical Fees $45.00
Commuting Expense $1,200.00
Computer Fees $2,200.00
Fees $1,402.00
Hospitalization Insurance $2,055.00
Room and Board $13,680.00
Transportation $2,000.00
Tuition $28,867.00
Vaccines $46.00
Total: $53,968.00

Cumulative Loan Information as of
01-APR-2009 Loan Type Amount
Subsidized $3,749.00
Unsubsidized $23,501.00
Perkins $1,200.00

Financial Aid Award Fund Status
Fall 2009 Spring 2010 Total
PH/Federal Stafford $4,250.00 $4,250.00 $8,500.00
Loan

PH/Federal Stafford $6,000.00 $6,000.00 $12,000.00
Unsub Loan

PH/Grad Plus Loan $16,734.00 $16,734.00 $33,468.00

Total $26,984.00 $26,984.00 $53,968.00


Ok...I need some real advice. This is a copy of my award info for next year and I am wondering how much I really need to take out. I do not out the full 54K as that is a **** load of dough for just your first year. I figure I need at least to get the $28,867 for the tuition amount. The I would need another 11K to get to cover my housing needs and the parking fee at $55 a month (from what I hear from students as the going rate). But then there is the issue with all these other items. What the hell is Hospitalization insurance? If that is health insurance then I already have some as my parents cover me. It states book and supplies as $2,473.00 but I have heard from students at my interview that they barely buy any books. Plus, that amount seems high for any school. I could factor out the commuting expense as that appears to be the figure of the monthly the cost of transportation by MTA plus additional costs. But I have a car so it wouldn't matter. Likewise, I could also knock off the transportation cost. The fee for the computers is also huge. Is that even obligatory or is that a figure for a laptop that you might buy if you don;t have one?

I plan to take out an additional amount above the required amounts for school and loving to help me pay off 8K of debt of which I currently pay about $120+ in interest each month so that I could actually study on my free time and not rush it after work (which I plan to do sparingly). Any advice or comments from anyone would be greatly appreciated. I want to take out as little as possible to cover all the essentials plus that debt load to help ease life ahead.
 
Housing Status Campus Housing
Expected Enrollment Status Full-Time
Cost of Attendance Component Amount
Books and Supplies $2,473.00
Clinical Fees $45.00
Commuting Expense $1,200.00
Computer Fees $2,200.00
Fees $1,402.00
Hospitalization Insurance $2,055.00
Room and Board $13,680.00
Transportation $2,000.00
Tuition $28,867.00
Vaccines $46.00
Total: $53,968.00

Cumulative Loan Information as of
01-APR-2009 Loan Type Amount
Subsidized $3,749.00
Unsubsidized $23,501.00
Perkins $1,200.00

Financial Aid Award Fund Status
Fall 2009 Spring 2010 Total
PH/Federal Stafford $4,250.00 $4,250.00 $8,500.00
Loan

PH/Federal Stafford $6,000.00 $6,000.00 $12,000.00
Unsub Loan

PH/Grad Plus Loan $16,734.00 $16,734.00 $33,468.00

Total $26,984.00 $26,984.00 $53,968.00


Ok...I need some real advice. This is a copy of my award info for next year and I am wondering how much I really need to take out. I do not out the full 54K as that is a **** load of dough for just your first year. I figure I need at least to get the $28,867 for the tuition amount. The I would need another 11K to get to cover my housing needs and the parking fee at $55 a month (from what I hear from students as the going rate). But then there is the issue with all these other items. What the hell is Hospitalization insurance? If that is health insurance then I already have some as my parents cover me. It states book and supplies as $2,473.00 but I have heard from students at my interview that they barely buy any books. Plus, that amount seems high for any school. I could factor out the commuting expense as that appears to be the figure of the monthly the cost of transportation by MTA plus additional costs. But I have a car so it wouldn't matter. Likewise, I could also knock off the transportation cost. The fee for the computers is also huge. Is that even obligatory or is that a figure for a laptop that you might buy if you don;t have one?

I plan to take out an additional amount above the required amounts for school and loving to help me pay off 8K of debt of which I currently pay about $120+ in interest each month so that I could actually study on my free time and not rush it after work (which I plan to do sparingly). Any advice or comments from anyone would be greatly appreciated. I want to take out as little as possible to cover all the essentials plus that debt load to help ease life ahead.

oh dear that's a load of questions! haha

Keep in mind that not only do you need essentials, but you need money for other things too! First year is one of those years that you should hang out with people as much as possible, and go to as many conferences and meetings (since its one of the less busier years!). Take that into account when you decide how much money to take. On average, students go to 1-3 conferences per year (such as APhA Annual, APhA midyear, etc). Pharmacy is way to busy to be worrying about how you're going to pay for your next meal, so make sure you take out a good buffer so you can live comfortably.

Hospital insurance: If you are covered by your parents, you will need to submit a form to exempt yourself from having to pay the insurance fee (usually default so if you don't turn it in in time, they will charge you). The exemption form is called "health insurance waiver" at http://www.umaryland.edu/health/. Don't feel overwhelmed, I completely assure you that there is a lot of flexibility in turning in your things because you're a first year. Everything WILL be explained at orientation!

Though many students (including myself) did not buy any books our first year, I did end up using the 1st year PDA book for pharmacology the following year. I would take out some money, in case you are the type that does like to read from a book to understand the material. Plus, you never know what your study style will be like when you get here. My study style and the way I take notes are drastically different from my undergrad years.

MTA services are available, but you will most likely still have to drive to buy groceries. So keep in mind your gas cost (and oil changes! man those are annoying)

There are laptop requirements. This will also be explained at orientation. But I will give it to you anyway...
http://www2.pharmacy.umaryland.edu/administration/cns/computer/laptops.html
Those are the laptop requirements. If your laptop fits those requirements, you do not need to buy a new computer. But a MAJORITY of students buy the school laptop. Let me tell you a few reasons why:
- They are supported through our computer services department so if you have a problem with your comp, they can help you fix it (or at least tell you what you need to do)
-your laptop through the school is CHEAP for its cost. It includes a 4 year warranty and a lifetime subscription for antivirus. Comes with everything set up for you including microsoft office (and one-note which is my program of choice for taking notes)
- your computer never has trouble logging into the school internet. Other people's antivirus sometimes gives them trouble even though it is a "supported antivirus"
It is still early to purchase a school laptop. Everything for that usually comes out in June around Welcome Day.

Um I have a final in an hour so I'm going to stop procrastinating.... I'm sure this post will already stir up a lot more questions so I'm going to stop it here!!
 
Thanks for the response to the Cost of Living breakdown Utterdevotion. Do you happen to know what the Computer Fees ($2200) are for? Is that for computer maintenance or is it used towards purchasing a computer? Thanks again !
 
Thanks for the response to the Cost of Living breakdown Utterdevotion. Do you happen to know what the Computer Fees ($2200) are for? Is that for computer maintenance or is it used towards purchasing a computer? Thanks again !

Um I want to say that its towards getting a computer.
 
Is it August yet?? hhehe 😀

Man-o-Man I am just so anxious to get there..first, I have to graduate in 2 weeks, but my mind is set to Maryland!!!

Im going to the welcome day! Is everyone else? Most hotels were booked up that weekend so Im staying by the Airport!

When are people moving up there (if you are out of state)?
 
I have a question about visitors parking overnight around UMB. If anyone can help me out, I'd really appreciate it.

My parents are planning to fly over from CA with me to help me move in. They want to rent a car, but we're unsure of where to park that car for the few days they will be in Baltimore. Are there any garages nearby the school or the light rail to park overnight? Thanks!
 
I have a question about visitors parking overnight around UMB. If anyone can help me out, I'd really appreciate it.

My parents are planning to fly over from CA with me to help me move in. They want to rent a car, but we're unsure of where to park that car for the few days they will be in Baltimore. Are there any garages nearby the school or the light rail to park overnight? Thanks!

I would suggest the Baltimore Grand Garage located at the intersection of Paca and Fayette. I've had friends that visit me for a week and they parked there; its safer and much cheaper than other garages around the area.

Here is a map that shows where it is:
http://www.umgcc.org/gethere/

Let me know if you have any problems!
 
I have a couple of questions I was hoping some current UMB could answer:

First, I am part of the Shady Grove campus and I was talking to someone on Facebook about finding an apartment and he wanted to live near Baltimore and drive to Shady Grove whenever we had labs or tests, in which we had to go to campus for. I was wondering how far away is the Baltimore campus from the SG campus and if anyone has done this before? I didn't think of this before but it sounds appealing to me because I would like to join some organizations once I start school and it would be easier if I were closer to the Baltimore campus.

In addition, I would be most appreciative if any of the current students let me know how many days a week I would have to go into the SG campus for labs/exams, etc?

Thank you very much in advance!
 
I have a couple of questions I was hoping some current UMB could answer:

First, I am part of the Shady Grove campus and I was talking to someone on Facebook about finding an apartment and he wanted to live near Baltimore and drive to Shady Grove whenever we had labs or tests, in which we had to go to campus for. I was wondering how far away is the Baltimore campus from the SG campus and if anyone has done this before? I didn't think of this before but it sounds appealing to me because I would like to join some organizations once I start school and it would be easier if I were closer to the Baltimore campus.

In addition, I would be most appreciative if any of the current students let me know how many days a week I would have to go into the SG campus for labs/exams, etc?

Thank you very much in advance!

SG campus is about 1/2 hour to 45 minute drive from Baltimore to SG (plus or minus some depending on where you live). I personally like that idea a lot because it will be easier to join organizations and be active on both campuses. My house is actually by SG so I drive home a lot, and find the drive rather short because I got used to it. Others find a 45 minute drive kind of crazy. There are commuters that live down by SG and actually commute up to Baltimore daily! So it's definitely do-able. You do have to account for the fact that you will have to pay car expenses (extra gas, more mileage), and depending on where you live in Baltimore, the rent may be more expensive.

There is a new curriculum for your class, so I'm not sure how many times you will need to be on campus. If I see any of the students that are part of the curriculum committee I'll ask them and get back to you. If not, you could call the school and see if they can let you know (or wait until Welcome Day if you're going to that).
 
I have a couple of questions I was hoping some current UMB could answer:

First, I am part of the Shady Grove campus and I was talking to someone on Facebook about finding an apartment and he wanted to live near Baltimore and drive to Shady Grove whenever we had labs or tests, in which we had to go to campus for. I was wondering how far away is the Baltimore campus from the SG campus and if anyone has done this before? I didn't think of this before but it sounds appealing to me because I would like to join some organizations once I start school and it would be easier if I were closer to the Baltimore campus.

In addition, I would be most appreciative if any of the current students let me know how many days a week I would have to go into the SG campus for labs/exams, etc?

Thank you very much in advance!

To answer your question about the # of times you'd have to go to SG campus, you'll definitely have lab once a week. There usually are one to two exams per week, and when there isn't, there's usually some group work assignment or project or workshop that you have to attend. I would anticipate going down to Shady Grove campus about 2-4 times a week. While it's not a big deal during the day, you will more than likely hit rush hour on your way home. The bigger problem is 7:30 a.m. exams. You'll probably be awake at 5 a.m. getting ready to go to your exam. Add the fact that sometimes weather is unreliable, and it can sometimes be a little hairy (if it's raining hard). I admire your interest in joining organizations and encourage you to do so. However, do keep in mind that all the professional organizations do make their meetings synchronous with the shady grove campus (aside from the professional fraternities), so you can still be very involved if you end up choosing to live closer to Shady Grove. My recommendation would be to live in Columbia, so that you can get to Baltimore in 20 minutes or so, and (when necessary), go to Shady Grove campus and get there in about 25 -30. You would require a car for that, however. I do know a Shady Grove student who lives in Shady Grove and she is absolutely amazing. She's very active and is a leader in multiple organizations. So don't let the distance stop you =)

Hope you will be going to June Welcome Day! If so, I will see you there =)
 
Housing Status Campus Housing
Expected Enrollment Status Full-Time
Cost of Attendance Component Amount
Books and Supplies $2,473.00
Clinical Fees $45.00
Commuting Expense $1,200.00
Computer Fees $2,200.00
Fees $1,402.00
Hospitalization Insurance $2,055.00
Room and Board $13,680.00
Transportation $2,000.00
Tuition $28,867.00
Vaccines $46.00
Total: $53,968.00

Cumulative Loan Information as of
01-APR-2009 Loan Type Amount
Subsidized $3,749.00
Unsubsidized $23,501.00
Perkins $1,200.00

Financial Aid Award Fund Status
Fall 2009 Spring 2010 Total
PH/Federal Stafford $4,250.00 $4,250.00 $8,500.00
Loan

PH/Federal Stafford $6,000.00 $6,000.00 $12,000.00
Unsub Loan

PH/Grad Plus Loan $16,734.00 $16,734.00 $33,468.00

Total $26,984.00 $26,984.00 $53,968.00


Ok...I need some real advice. This is a copy of my award info for next year and I am wondering how much I really need to take out. I do not out the full 54K as that is a **** load of dough for just your first year. I figure I need at least to get the $28,867 for the tuition amount. The I would need another 11K to get to cover my housing needs and the parking fee at $55 a month (from what I hear from students as the going rate). But then there is the issue with all these other items. What the hell is Hospitalization insurance? If that is health insurance then I already have some as my parents cover me. It states book and supplies as $2,473.00 but I have heard from students at my interview that they barely buy any books. Plus, that amount seems high for any school. I could factor out the commuting expense as that appears to be the figure of the monthly the cost of transportation by MTA plus additional costs. But I have a car so it wouldn't matter. Likewise, I could also knock off the transportation cost. The fee for the computers is also huge. Is that even obligatory or is that a figure for a laptop that you might buy if you don;t have one?

I plan to take out an additional amount above the required amounts for school and loving to help me pay off 8K of debt of which I currently pay about $120+ in interest each month so that I could actually study on my free time and not rush it after work (which I plan to do sparingly). Any advice or comments from anyone would be greatly appreciated. I want to take out as little as possible to cover all the essentials plus that debt load to help ease life ahead.


Another thing you may be forgetting is transportation to and from conferences. If you are planning to attend professional conferences (and everyone encourages you to do so), you may want to take out a little more to make sure you can attend those conferences. Also, you may end up with a rotation somewhere that requires you to travel a little further than walking or MTA distance (convenience factor). If you are planning to not live in university housing, you can definitely shave off quite a bit on the housing. (If you live in Fayette...not possible since it's 12-month lease). Books and supplies is a rough estimate, but as your curriculum is changing this year, you will more than likely find yourself needing the books to keep up (the new curriculum integrates a lot more information). I wouldn't discount the book costs quite yet. You can save the computer fees and insurance as you said if you already have a pretty good laptop and your parents' insurance. I don't know if you are planning to stay in Maryland over the summer, but if you are (and you aren't working full time, but maybe pursuing a lower-paying internship), you may want to take some money just in case to cover summer costs; remember that the estimated cost of living only covers the 9 months of school.

Hope that provides some more information.
 
I am Canadian student, thinking to apply to UOM sometime in the near future. My concern is that for their international applicants, there is a requirement that they need to do at least 1 semester studies in US. I am not sure if that applies to canadian students too?
 
I have a couple of questions I was hoping some current UMB could answer:

First, I am part of the Shady Grove campus and I was talking to someone on Facebook about finding an apartment and he wanted to live near Baltimore and drive to Shady Grove whenever we had labs or tests, in which we had to go to campus for. I was wondering how far away is the Baltimore campus from the SG campus and if anyone has done this before? I didn't think of this before but it sounds appealing to me because I would like to join some organizations once I start school and it would be easier if I were closer to the Baltimore campus.

In addition, I would be most appreciative if any of the current students let me know how many days a week I would have to go into the SG campus for labs/exams, etc?

Thank you very much in advance!


It can get rather annoying to drive, but i would say about 1/4 of our class does commute from baltimore ish area, but many live with parents to save money. If you dont have a place yet, i would highly recommend being closer to the Rockville area. If joining organizations are your concern, they make everything easy for SG students to join. We have synchronous meetings and they encourage both campuses to participate. Also, for the fraternities you may have to go to baltimore but everyone usually carpools together from SG. We also have 1 organization based at SG and are starting another next semester. Since there are fewer students we tend to hang out after class/between classes and have become a close group. Most of the students that are "always" around are the ones that live in rockville. The other students only come down if there is an exam. Also, taking on leadership roles will let you make relationships with baltimore students, not just SG students (like class officers) we ARE one unified class even though we are in 2 places. Class president of 2012 is actually from SG! (Prob the same girl binghamkid was talking about 🙂 )

message me if you have any questions!

Sorry, i dont know anything about international students- best thing would be to call the office!
 
Thank you very much Utterdevotion, binghamkid, and magenta1! You all have been immensely helpful and insightful. I truly appreciate your help. =]

Now to find a roommate and a place to live haha. :laugh:
 
I was number 19 on the waiting list if that would help you be less anxious and use less exclamation points. :laugh: 👍 Good luck!
Can i ask which way you got the acceptance call? by mail, email, or phone?? I'm now #1 in the waitlist and more than looking forward to getting one soon!!! 🙂
 
Can i ask which way you got the acceptance call? by mail, email, or phone?? I'm now #1 in the waitlist and more than looking forward to getting one soon!!! 🙂


You are on waitlist
 
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Can i ask which way you got the acceptance call? by mail, email, or phone?? I'm now #1 in the waitlist and more than looking forward to getting one soon!!! 🙂

You get the acceptance through e-mail.
 
Hello everyone! I was just wondering if anyone has been pulled off the Baltimore waitlist? I called yesterday and my status is still the same.
 
Hello everyone! I was just wondering if anyone has been pulled off the Baltimore waitlist? I called yesterday and my status is still the same.

Are you on the Baltimore waitlist? I check two weeks ago and Patrice said there hasn't been any change yet. But she did tell me that there will probably be turnover during the summer so don't lose hope!
 
You are #1 on what waitlist!!!!!!!!!!! They have two waitlist!!!!!!!!!! They have those waiting on the baltimore campus!!!!!!!!!!!!! Some were offered admissions to the shady grove when space opened up but turned it down to get on the waitlist baltimore!!!!!!!!!! These are pple that were already offered admissions but want to get into baltimore campus!!!!!!!!!

Haha... calm down,,! :laugh:
I guess I'm on the main list since I picked SG as my preference.
I heard I'm #1 in the waitlist from the school last May 7th, but haven't heard any news yet.

I wonder if I can fill my FAFSA application now that I'm going to UMD's SOP even if I'm not in yet. Any idea?
 
Haha... calm down,,! :laugh:
I guess I'm on the main list since I picked SG as my preference.
I heard I'm #1 in the waitlist from the school last May 7th, but haven't heard any news yet.

I wonder if I can fill my FAFSA application now that I'm going to UMD's SOP even if I'm not in yet. Any idea?

I sent my FAFSA application in even though I'm on the waitlist. Juliana Brammer told me it was fine.
 
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