University or Maryland or University of Vermont? college conflicted?

What makes you think that the academics are lacking at UVM? What does your dad have to say about it? Honestly, I cannot say enough good things about UVM. The campus is amazing, Burlington is a cool town, the dorms are *really* nice, and my two best friends who go there say they really like their classes and professors (they are environmental science and animal studies majors, respectively). I don't attend UVM, but I have visited many many times and have even sat in on some classes. Are you thinking that the quality of the education is lower just because that it's Vermont? I certainly hope not. Not all of us are hicks or hippies.

I didn't go to either of those schools, but from what I've heard, UVM is better than Maryland academically. I've worked with grads from both schools and the UVM grads were much better. It might depend on the major (I'm in engineering). I would definitely not recommend you choose your college based solely on reputation. You'll get more out of and have a better time at a school you feel comfortable with. It sounds like you're leaning toward UVM and looking for a reason to go there. Trust your instincts. If you like UVM better, go there. Have you visited both campuses? That's a great way to get a feel for a school. Good luck!

I definitely prefer the style of Vermont better. DC is a big city... you can alway go to Maryland for a Ph.D. afterwards. At that large a research institution, often B.S students are taught by TAs.