UMBC or Temple University? HELP!

<p>Okay, so I've narrowed my two university picks to the University of Maryland - Baltimore County and Temple University. </p>

<p>I live in Maryland, so going to UMBC will be very cheap for me which makes it an ideal school. Also it has amazing programs in science (i'm majoring in biology to become a Physician Assistant), so that also makes it a good pick. I'm also very in love with the campus and it's stats are very impressive to me. The only thing I don't really like about the school is the rumored "lack of social life" and that the school doesn't have much spirit (or so I've heard.........). I also really hate the dorms lol. But they have guaranteed housing for freshman, which I like a lot.</p>

<p>Temple is an option for me because they are giving me over $16,000 in grants and have offered me a great number of scholarships... though the school will still be more expensive for me attend than UMBC. I also really like the dorms and the great sense of spirit they have there. The campus puts me off a bit though, because I heard it can be a bit dangerous, but I also heard that the Police force there works well to keep the campus as safe as possible. Also, Temple doesn't have guaranteed housing.. and people have already started booking their dorms (people who have submitted their deposits).</p>

<p>I know that UMBC has a better biology program, but I want to go to a school where I can have a well-rounded experience... both in having fun and being academically successful.
Please help me! I need answers as soon as possible! Thanks in advance</p>

<p>My older son goes to Temple because it has a strong actuarial science program. Umcp and umbc only have a more general mathematics program which does not provide as much professional development and job recruitments for his field. Temple also offered him very generous scholarships. If you haven’t visited Temple, it is located in the inner city and it looks rough. However, the campus itself is very safe and well guarded. My son lived in the dorm for the first two years and moved to a new apartment building right next to the campus this year so that he can have his own room. Temple will open a very nice new dorm (Morgan Hall) this Fall. I believe students can stay in dorm for all four years. There are on campus private apartment for students too. Good thing about Temple is you can get onto the subway by the campus and hit Philadelphia downtown in 10 minutes. As there are several universities in Phili and surrounding suburbs, you have plenty of chances to connect with students and activities in other schools. My son was accepted to both umbc and umcp and several other strong schools. We are also Maryland residents. He was offered decent scholarships ($5000 for in state tuitions). </p>

<p>I personally love umbc, more than umcp! It is a great school with a rigorous academic reputation. We know several friends going there and they are doing great. As you would know, the biology program at umbc is great and a lot of its students continue to pursue grad or professional schools. The students are focused, not a lot of weekday or weekend parties. It is close enough to DC and Baltimore so there should be plenty to do. </p>

<p>We did struggle to choose. Visited UMbc twice and Temple three times before deciding to pick Temple. My son is happy there and is comfortable to go to different places in Philip with friends. There is a round the clock Shuttle bus to take you around the campus free. My younger son is graduating hs this year and is under very similar situations. He gets great scholarships from Temple and because of his major in actuarial science, he will be going to Temple! </p>

<p>Make another visit to both schools and decide for yourself. Best wishes.</p>