UMBC or Temple University? HELP!

Colleges and Universities A-Z University of Maryland - Baltimore County
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<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>

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<p>UMBC is a very academic campus; however, there are things to do. I suggest checking out UMBC’s website and some of the facebook sites (like UMBC seb, events, etc.). Lots of kids do go home on weekends, but not everyone. There are lots of free events (movie nites, improv shows); lots of club sports; it is easy to meet people and find people to hang out with or study with. Yes…there is no football team; however, their are athletic events you can support. They also do great bus trips which are very inexpensive. Their STEM program is amazing. In your reserach check out UMBC’s Shriver Center…great personal help in obtaining internships and research program. One thing we noticed about UMBC right away…everyone was polite and helpful. In the RAC (the gym area) lockers are provided…but kids just were putting their backpacks and stuff down anywhere and apparantly theft isn’t a problem. The campus is very safe. Kids actually turn in lost phones, laptops, student cards, etc. We didn’t go to Temple, but did visit some of the schools close by…didn’t like the crime/neighborhoods/transportation options. UMBC dorms are actually better than most…and can’t stress enough about how important having housing is. Another thing we found was that even freshman year…signing up for classes was easy with very little waitlist issues. Good luck</p>