<p>I'm going to umbc before school starts, since I live 20 minutes away from college park. I just want to know what you think about both of these schools in terms of school spirit, reputation, academics, and surrounding area.</p>
<p>Your responses are appreciated.</p>
<p>P.S. I want to major in Bio or Biochem ... If that helps.</p>
<p>As a student currently attending UMBC (first year) , I can basically break down what it’s like here.</p>
<p>Due to a lack of a football team&no fraternity houses, there is really little school spirit. There are events that happened on campus, but with the exception of a few major ones (like Quadmania), the turn out is generally pretty low because of the lack of desire for kids to participate in them. Even homecoming week sucked this year…</p>
<p>UMBC has a decent reputation, as the #1 up and coming school in the US. Nevertheless, it’s sort of viewed as a nerd school, and a lesser version of UMD in my opinion. </p>
<p>The academics here are very good, I can say that much. I have not heard one complaint about a poor class. UMBC is especially good for STEM majors (like you), because they have very good programs in those fields. </p>
<p>The surrounding area is really suburban, the campus is about 10 minutes away from the Inner Harbor by car. Nothing to do immediately off campus though.</p>
<p>UMCP however (and this is based off of common knowledge, friends that go there, and me having been there quite a few times). UMCP (as any state school), is spirited for sure. I was there for their homecoming this past weekend and the entire dining hall was red white and yellow that morning. Pretty sweet. Good reputation, the kids study hard and party hard. Academics are also good (UMD has a good ranking nationally as well). Surrounding area is a little sketchy though. They have some what of a college town with restuarants and little stores but I heard you don’t want to be there at night alone!</p>