<p>I've gotten into Towson and UMBC (among the ones I applied to), and am trying to decide between the two. Although UMBC does have a better academic rep than Towson does, I hear everywhere that aside from academics,UMBC doesn't have that much to offer. By that I mean activities, parties, etc.</p>
<p>Of course, academics are important, but is the social scene THAT bad at UMBC? If so, what do kids do to compromise?</p>
<p>I don’t have any first-hand experience at UMBC but I think they’re shaking that reputation. My roommate’s brother went to UMBC and he’s a pretty fun, social guy and hasn’t complained about the school.</p>
<p>If you can, go to campus and ask students. It’s a bit nerve-wracking but it’s always best to hear it from the horses’ mouths. Congrats on getting in to both schools btw!</p>
<p>My daughter is a freshman at UMBC. She did not want to attend a college with a big athletics program, a party scene with drinking and drugs, fraternities and sororities, etc. She is very happy with her choice. She said that at least 50% of the freshman go home every weekend, which is a bit disappointing. She stays on campus and finds things to do, but if you are looking for your typical college social scene, it may be not be the right fit for you.</p>