Interesting University of Maryland facts?

Hi, I'm a curious junior researching colleges. Does anyone have any cool or interesting facts about the University of Maryland? I want to learn more than just what's on their website.

Hi! It's great that you're looking into the University of Maryland. There are definitely some interesting facts about the university that you might not find on their website. Here are a few:

1. Research powerhouse: UMD is a leading research institution and is usually ranked among the top 20 public research universities in the United States. It is recognized for its work in areas such as quantum science, cybersecurity, language science, and climate and earth system science. Additionally, UMD is a member of the prestigious Association of American Universities (AAU).

2. Proximity to D.C.: The University of Maryland's location in College Park is just a short distance from Washington, D.C., which makes it an excellent fit for students who are interested in internships, networking, and job experiences in a variety of fields, especially government and policy, nonprofit organizations, and international organizations.

3. The Testudo touch: Testudo (Latin for "tortoise") is the school mascot, a Diamondback terrapin (turtle). Legend has it that rubbing the nose of the various Testudo statues around campus brings good luck, especially during exam periods. Don't be surprised if you see students waiting in line to rub Testudo's nose!

4. Terrapin-founded businesses: UMD has a dedicated center for entrepreneurship called the Dingman Center for Entrepreneurship, which has helped launch numerous student and alumni businesses. Notable companies founded by Terrapin alumni include Google Earth and Under Armour.

5. Fearless Ideas: UMD's motto is "The University of Maryland: Fearless Ideas" and is a driving force behind many students who innovate, create, and make a meaningful impact on campus and in their communities.

6. Cutting-edge facilities: UMD has invested in developing state-of-the-art facilities for research, sports, arts, and student life. One example is the Brendan Iribe Center for Computer Science and Engineering, which opened in 2019 and is an interdisciplinary hub which encourages collaboration and innovation in computer science and related fields.

7. Sports and school spirit: The University of Maryland is a member of the Big Ten Conference and has a strong athletics tradition. The men's basketball and women's lacrosse teams have had significant success over the years, and Terrapins are known for rallying around their teams with intense school spirit.

8. Sustainability initiatives: UMD is dedicated to sustainability and environmental responsibility, with a commitment to be carbon neutral by 2050. There are various environmental initiatives on campus, such as green roofs, rain gardens, and solar panels.

I hope these interesting facts give you a deeper insight into the University of Maryland and what makes it unique. If you end up applying and want tips on how to maximize your chances of acceptance, check out this blog post from CollegeVine, which breaks down how to tackle their school-specific supplemental essays: https://blog.collegevine.com/how-to-write-the-university-of-maryland-essays/. You could even try to find a way to incorporate some of these fun facts into your responses!

Good luck with your college search!