University of Maryland-College Park Review

Overall 5.00 of 5 (by 1 user)

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bkovacs
Annandale, VA

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More fun than classes

a lifelong learner, curious, thrifty

Pros

fun for the whole family, low cost, interesting exhibits, free treats

Cons

lots of walking, only once a year

APR

2008

Every year, the University of Maryland at College Park turns itself inside out in what has become known as Maryland Day. On this day, which was April 26 this year, the university hosts a mammoth open house and has a big party for anyone who wants to attend. They're clever, these university people -- they are actually trolling for new student prospects to attend the school but disguise it as a big party. It's unlikely that I will attend the University of Maryland because I live a little too far away in Virginia, but I sure do enjoy the party.

Maryland Day is for all ages from toddler on up, but you can tell that it's really targeted at kids from 8 to 12. Virtually all the departments at the university have some activity that anyone can enjoy and they've put a lot of thought into them. Students and faculty are out in full smiles, encouraging everyone to join in. And there is so much to do.

This past Saturday, we toured the insect petting zoo (ever touch a tarrantula?), played a guitar built by students, watched as kids ran across the top of a pool of dissolved corn starch, listened to Rachmananoff play the piano live (sort of), and enjoyed dance, music and even an exhibition football game. In previous years, we enjoyed being closed into the university's wind tunnel in a 30 mph breeze and controlling experimental robots used in NASA research. It is absolutely a hoot.

If you should go to next year's Maryland Day, you should know that there is plenty of reasonably priced food to buy and lots of activities for younger kids. Your youngsters can talk to students and faculty from every department and everywhere you turn there is music, demonstrations and technology on display. There's plenty of free parking, too. Best of all, there was free ice cream and cupcakes this year. In fact, there were 50,000 cupcakes baked by students and arranged to look like a giant Maryland state flag. (Marylanders are inordinately proud of their colorful state flag.)

The upshot is that I am completely convinced that the University of Maryland is an excellent college with superb facilities. I would not hesitate to attend classes there or send my kids (if I had any). You have to see the eye-popping facilities to believe them... I mean, two electron microscopes? A mammoth boyancy tank? The football stadium? Free cupcakes? Wow!

I have gone to Maryland Day at least three times and always enjoy myself immensely. This year was no exception, helped by glorious weather. If you live within a couple hours' drive of the University of Maryland at College Park, I strongly recommend that you plan to attend a future Maryland Day. Be sure to bring the kids and you'll all have a great -- and low-cost -- time.

Last edited on May 01, 2008