University of Maryland-College Park Top Questions

I think we are stereotyped as a proud student body, and this stereotype is very accurate. Most if not all UMD students are Proud to Be a Terp!

The University of Maryland is a hard school to stereotype because it is honestly as diverse as it hopes to appear. To mention a few of the generalizations though, people sometimes think there are a lot of Asian and Jewish students at UMD. This is true to a certain extent, there are many of these students at UMD but it must be appreciated that there are a lot of most every kind of student as well. Maryland is a huge school and thus there is a group or niche for everyone. Maryland also has a very prevalent Greek community which can sometimes get a bad rep as loud, rowdy, and exclusive. Of course there will be some students like that, as there will be anywhere, but UMD actually has one of the leading Greek communities as far as Greek life being more than glorified drinking clubs. The bottom line is that UMD is a big school with many diverse students and groups that provide something for literally everyone.

Maryland is thought to be a "party" school, but in my opinion, there is something for everyone and your undergraduate experience is what you make of it. Maryland has numerous nationally-ranked academic programs.

Stereotypes do not follow the University of Maryland, however, depending on what you are looking for in a school, one might place their own stereotypes on UMD students. Maryland was ranked as the #19 party school by the Princeton Review, so one may place the stereotype of "party-ers" on students. Then again, Maryland has 50 top 20 programs, and the average GPA for acceptance is 4.0, so one may put the "Geeky" stereotype. As far as Greek life stereotypes, it may seem as though everyone is in a fraternity or sorority, but only 13{4a082faed443b016e84c6ea63012b481c58f64867aa2dc62fff66e22ad7dff6c} of the 36,000 student body are in Greek Life. The truth is, you cannot place stereotypes, because we are not a stereotypical school. Everyone is different, but with the 36,000 undergrads attending the school, everyone is bound to find their place.

The stereotype of students at the University of Maryland seems to be that they are lazy students. The University of Maryland has been on top ten lists of some major publications for its students' "lacking work ethic" and "party school personalities". While I do notice many students at College Park who exhibit these traits, that is by no means the identity of the majority of our campus personality. Students who attend this institution are intelligent, hard-working, and progressive men and women. While there are exceptions to the rule, the University of Maryland's student population is much smarter and hard working than the media give them credit for, especially in the science, business, and journalism departments.

I think the great part about the University of Maryland is that there is not one central stereotype about the students who go here. Sure, there are the jocks, and frat kids, but there are also the serious students and the creative students. Our school is so big that all of these stereotypical children can coexist. I would say that UMD would be considered a party school but most people here know how to balance responsibilities with having a good time.

The stereotypes are that many people come from the suburbs and are rich. It is also believed that many people wear northface jackets and uggs all of the time. There is also the belief that many people do not study and wait until the last minute to get work done and that the Universit of Maryland is an "easy school". These stereotypes are not true; there are people on scholarships for their academics and people from diverse backgrounds come to this University. People wear a variety of clothing and there are many people who chose to express themselves this way, wearing shorts when it's cold or simply wearing a jacket they think is cool. Finally, Maryland is definitely not an easy school. The classes are challenging and the professors try their hardest to impart thier knowledge on thier students. Students constantly go to the library to study and durring the spring and early fall months, many students can be seen studying outside.

The stereotype of students at my school, which is true, is that everyone is a terp with amazing school spirit. While walking on campus there is never a day where someone doesn't have on Maryland paraphernalia. Whether it's a hat, bookbag, sweatshirt, sweatpants or a t-shirt, you can always find someone wearing Maryland gear. Also Greek life seems to be a BIG deal at UMD. And I think it is to a certain extent. Girls are proud to wear there letters on their bags or coffee mugs. The clamor and fun doesn't only surround Greek life, which is a common misconception. There are an abundance of organizations and clubs on campus, not just Greek life.

The University of Maryland is a hard school to stereotype because it is honestly as diverse as it hopes to appear. To mention a few of the generalizations though, people sometimes think there are a lot of Asian and Jewish students at UMD. This is true to a certain extent, there are many of these students at UMD but it must be appreciated that there are a lot of most every kind of student as well. Maryland is a huge school and thus there is a group or niche for everyone. Maryland also has a very prevalent Greek community which can sometimes get a bad rep as loud, rowdy, and exclusive. Of course there will be some students like that, as there will be anywhere, but UMD actually has one of the leading Greek communities as far as moving past "animal house" type traditions and turning Greek Life into a whole lot more than glorified drinking clubs. The bottom line is that UMD is a big school with many diverse students and groups that provide something for literally everyone.

Maryland has a reputation to be a party school. There definitely are people who party a lot -- bars and buses are packed on weekends, and there's always people wondering around the frat houses. However, Maryland is very diverse. If partying isn't your thing, you can definitely find other people to have fun with. Maryland students also have a reputation to have a lot of school pride. This is definitely accurate. It is one of the reasons I love Maryland so much. People that go here are proud to go here. This also shows through heavily at sporting events (for better or for worse).

Frat kids and stoners

A common stereotype of students at my school is that most students are in fraternities or sororities and only care about partying. While Greek life is a huge part of the College Park community, it is not the only thing that students care about. There are many students not involved in Greek life that are involved in other great clubs or organizations, both professional and academic.

The University of Maryland is known to be a party school with a great variety of fraternities and sororities. Maryland students are known to study hard during times of final exams (long hours in McKeldin library) but they sure do know how to party once Friday night arrives. Route 1 is the central destination for night life in College Park. With the plethora of restaurants and a few bars along with the many frat houses and off-campus apartments (i.e. "Knox Boxes"), UMD students find themselves studying hard and partying harder! From personal experience, I believe these stereotypes are true.

At the University of Maryland, College Park, most students are stereotyped as nerds. I would say that the stereotype fits for the most part. However, who says that being a nerd is a bad thing? Here at the University of Maryland, we have a wide variety of nerds. First, we have the frat and sorority nerds. These nerds are one of a kind nerds. You will tend to find these nerds wearing "jersey clothing"; big watches and yoga pants are all the rage. Second, we have the nerd jocks. These nerds know how to keep up on the court and in the classroom. You will tend to spot these individuals walking around campus sporting a backpack with their number on it, because they want you to know who they are. Lastly, we have the true nerds. These nerds are one of a kind. They stay in the library like it's their job. From morning till nighttime, you will find these nerds amongst other fellow nerds drawing out math equations on dry erase boards.

As a big state school wither over 30,000 students, there's really no stereotypical UMD students. There's a big mix of everything, but some stereotypes you'll find most common are the Fratstar, the Sorostitute, and the Druggie.

A stereotype is basically a widely held but fixed and oversimplified image/idea of a particular type of person. Here at Maryland (UMD) there are over 24,000 undergraduate students! You may be wondering, "Is it even possible to stereotype over 24k people?!" Well, IT IS! First and foremost, as a student at UMD every single individual falls under the same stereotype: a terp! From the time that a student receives their letter of acceptance to UMD they are considered to be a terp, and they automatically become a part of something bigger than themselves. With this in mind, there are certain stereotypes amongst the College Park population. -Greek life is HUGE at UMD; when walking around campus on a typical weekday you will see both guys and girls repping their sorority or fraternity's greek letters on sweatshirts, bags, hats, etc. These organizations have, in many ways, formed their own social circle where the different groups plan events and party together. If you're a part of greek life you're immediately stereotyped as a "sorority girl" or "frat boy" (frat star). Those who are not involved often have a negative view of these students, but in reality they're a lot of fun and just the same as non-greek members! (This negative stereotype isn't true!) -Athletes are grouped together as the second most common stereotype. They all wear Maryland swag provided to them by their teams, the majority attend UMD on sports scholarships, and they seem to be their own "elite" social group. (You will find that this stereotype is totally accurate.) -Maryland students are also stereotyped as being extremely school-spirited, but having terrible sportsmanship (and this is totally true, as one would see in the Student seating section at any home football game!!). -Other common stereotypes include nerds, super-smart Asians/Indians, and pot smokers/serious drug users. In general, I believe these stereotypes are very representative of the UMD student population but remember, stereotypes are simply that...just stereotypes!

A stereotype is basically a widely held but fixed and oversimplified image/idea of a particular type of person. Here at Maryland (UMD) there are over 24,000 undergraduate students! You may be wondering, "Is it even possible to stereotype over 24k people?!" Well, IT IS! First and foremost, as a student at UMD every single individual falls under the same stereotype: a terp! From the time that a student receives their letter of acceptance to UMD they are considered to be a terp, and they automatically become a part of something bigger than themselves. With this in mind, there are certain stereotypes amongst the College Park population. -Greek life is HUGE at UMD; when walking around campus on a typical weekday you will see both guys and girls repping their sorority or fraternity's greek letters on sweatshirts, bags, hats, etc. These organizations have, in many ways, formed their own social circle where the different groups plan events and party together. If you're a part of greek life you're immediately stereotyped as a "sorority girl" or "frat boy" (frat star). Those who are not involved often have a negative view of these students, but in reality they're a lot of fun and just the same as non-greek members! (This negative stereotype isn't true!) -Athletes are grouped together as the second most common stereotype. They all wear Maryland swag provided to them by their teams, the majority attend UMD on sports scholarships, and they seem to be their own "elite" social group. (You will find that this stereotype is totally accurate.) -Maryland students are also stereotyped as being extremely school-spirited, but having terrible sportsmanship (and this is totally true, as one would see in the Student seating section at any home football game!!). -Other common stereotypes include nerds, super-smart Asians/Indians, and pot smokers/serious drug users. In general, I believe these stereotypes are very representative of the UMD student population but remember, stereotypes are simply that...just stereotypes!

Before I started my first semester at UMCP, I'd often hear it be described as a "Party School". This brought to my mind images of wild college students. However, I have found UMCP students to be well balanced. Students are seen working hard during the week, and partying during the weekend. They party hard, study hard.

There is a stereotype that University of Maryland is a big party school and that everyone is really involved in Greek life. I've found that the school is big enough that you truly can create your own lifestyle. Some weekends, I'll go out to parties with friends, but on other weekends, I'll go into DC or have movie nights with friends. Not everyone goes to parties every night, and not everyone is involved in Greek life. In fact, only 13{4a082faed443b016e84c6ea63012b481c58f64867aa2dc62fff66e22ad7dff6c} of students on our campus of about 27,000 undergraduates participate in Greek life. What I love about University of Maryland is that there is something -- if you want to party, you'll find plenty of opportunities, but if you're not into that kind of scene, there's plenty of other options to pursue as well.

What makes the University of Maryland-College Park such an incredible school is the diversity among the staff and students. I can't say that any stereotype can accurately describe our student body. We have it all. Geeks, Jocks, Frat stars, potheads, heavy drinkers, community service junkies, intellectuals, smooth-talkers, and many more. Attracted by the University's soaring rankings, interactive living-and-learning programs, and the low cost of attendance, the University of Maryland - CP student body has created over 275 student groups - based on a vast array of interests (sports, community service, religion/spirituality, military, pre-professional societies. There's even a cooking club!). With about 12{4a082faed443b016e84c6ea63012b481c58f64867aa2dc62fff66e22ad7dff6c} of our student body involved in fraternities/sororities, there is a very active Greek life here. The diversity of our body ensures that you will find your niche while also gaining exposure to a plethora of new viewpoints.

The University of Maryland at College Park does not represent just a single stereotype. Diversity is incredibly dominant on campus and all stereotypes are represented. However, the locations and organizations of certain communities do play a role in grouping similar types of people. The Engineering School is located on the Northeast side of campus. The majority of engineering programs and communities are located nearby to provide for greater accessibility. This creates a "geek" bubble on this part of campus. The Business School, on the other hand, is located on the South side of campus. Most of the business students reside in the Commons Apartments along with the Hinman CEO students. People on this side of campus are often seen walking around in suits; thus creating another stereotype. Fraternity life can be either nonexistent or extremely prevalent. People who do not want to associate with fraternities will rarely see them around. However, people who do want to be involved can do so easily. Fraternity row is located just off campus. This location groups together all the frat kids so that association with the rest of campus is minimal. These stereotypes are just a few of the many that exist. Locations of certain programs on campus organize similar populations together for a greater sense of common interest and community.

The University of Maryland at College Park does not represent just a single stereotype. Diversity is incredibly dominant on campus and all stereotypes are represented. However, the locations and organizations of certain communities do play a role in grouping similar types of people. The Engineering School is located on the Northeast side of campus. The majority of engineering programs and communities are located nearby to provide for greater accessibility. This creates a "geek" bubble on this part of campus. The Business School, on the other hand, is located on the South side of campus. Most of the business students reside in the Commons Apartments along with the Hinman CEO students. People on this side of campus are often seen walking around in suits; thus creating another stereotype. Fraternity life can be either nonexistent or extremely prevalent. People who do not want to associate with fraternities will rarely see them around. However, people who do want to be involved can do so easily. Fraternity row is located just off campus. This location groups together all the frat kids so that association with the rest of campus is minimal. These stereotypes are just a few of the many that exist. Locations of certain programs on campus organize similar populations together for a greater sense of common interest and community.

One of the stereotypes you may find at Maryland is the sports fanatic! Maryland students are proud to be Terps in their red, black and gold emblazoned t-shirts, whether it's at a football, soccer, field hockey, or basketball game. Students rush to get the team sports posters at the beginning of each season, and heckling is one of the most fun parts about being a student spectator--it makes you feel like part of the game! On the other hand, one of my favorite things about Maryland is that students come in all types! There are the outdoor recreation fanatics at the climbing wall, and then the loyal members of the marching band, with a thriving Greek community and the cooperative housing folks hosting their potlucks every Sunday. No matter what you're looking for, Maryland has it.

We're all here. Jocks, frat boys, nerds, stoners on stoners on stoners. This place is huge and you can always find what you're looking for. One thing I find scarce here is people with a global mindset. Students here dont seem to care much for global matters, foreign affairs, travel, culture and the like. This is not to stereotype, you will absolutely find exceptions. Ethnically also, groups tend to be homogenous. For the most part, students that aren't white hang out in circles of their own background. Remember this is a choice, and though I come from an international background I choose my friends based on their personality, not what their moms cook. If you enjoy having that sense of community and the culture of your background, Maryland is a great place to connect with it. There are large student groups dedicated to all sorts of races, religions and cultures. Good stuff.

There is a major population of Jewish students at the University of Maryland. In fact our school is rated top 4 as the most desirable public university for Jewish students. 50{4a082faed443b016e84c6ea63012b481c58f64867aa2dc62fff66e22ad7dff6c} of Greek life is Jewish and 25{4a082faed443b016e84c6ea63012b481c58f64867aa2dc62fff66e22ad7dff6c} of students in general Jewish. It is common for people to refer to Jewish female students as "JAPPY" (jewish american princess) because they are perceived as being quite affluent. These stereotypes are accurate because even those who fit the stereotype agree. These statistics were provided to me because I am a tour guide at this university.

The University of Maryland is a hard school to stereotype because it is honestly as diverse as it hopes to appear. To mention a few of the generalizations though, people sometimes think there are a lot of Asian and Jewish students at UMD. This is true to a certain extent, there are many of these students at UMD but it must be appreciated that there are a lot of most every kind of student as well. Maryland is a huge school and thus there is a group or niche for everyone. Maryland also has a fairly prevalent Greek community which can sometimes get a bad rep as loud, rowdy, and exclusive. This is sometimes the case, but many of my friends are in Greek life and it is never a problem. The bottom line is that UMD is a big school with many diverse students and groups.

really big into our sports teams, greek life and partying, but we're good in academics as well

UMD students are perceived as being members of Fraternities or Sororities. This is a pretty accurate stereotype since Maryland is very big on Greek Life. For example, two huge events held every Fall and Spring semester are Rush week and Greek week. UMD has a wide range of Greek organizations ranging from the 'Divine 9', multicultural, service, and academic Sororities/Fraternities who sponsor various events and activities throughout the year.

Although stereotypes are often wrong, there is still some truth in it. Maybe football players were hit one time too many in the head, and maybe they do all want to be business majors. But let's face it there are other student in the business school and although I can't speak for all of them, there are some really smart football players. One of my friends who is a football player is a pre-vet student, and let me tell you it is just as hard as pre-med (it's the same requirements after all) and he is doing just fine :-)

The stereotype of students at the University of Maryland is that everyone drinks heavily and parties often. Though this is a big state school and there is a quite diverse population of students, I would say that the stereotype does, in fact, apply to a majority of people.

Honestly, before coming to the University of Maryland, I didn't know much about any stereotypes of students here. I knew that it was supposed to be a 'good school', but what does that really mean? Well it turns out that it means that the classes are hard and that even the biggest partiers, stoners, and frat boys, care about their grades! This isn't a bad thing at all though. As I found out shortly after starting my undergrad careers, even though Maryland is NOT and Ivy League school, it is looked at by most grad schools (including vet and med schools) as having classes as hard as Ivy Leaguers. This means that even though you might have gotten a B in Organic Chemistry and Physics, a student from another school who got an A in both of those still might be less appealing for a selection committee. All in all, for the party crowd there is always something to do, every night of the week. However, I have not met one single person here who does not care about their grades and I would by no means call Maryland a 'party school.' If I had to label UMD it would be "Great Academic School with a Social Life to Match!"