What are the pros and cons of attending the University of Maryland, Baltimore County for my major?

I'm trying to figure out if the University of Maryland, Baltimore County has strong programs for the major I'm interested in. Would love to hear about any experiences or insights, especially about class sizes and campus life!

Sure, let's break it down as it relates to your major, class sizes, and campus life.

Let's start with your major. It's important to note that UMBC is well-regarded for certain majors, especially those linked to STEM fields. They have strong programs in Computer Science, Engineering, and Biological Sciences. Thus, if your major falls within the vicinity of these disciplines, you'll be exposed to an excellent curriculum with committed faculty, practical training, and research opportunities.

When it comes to class sizes, UMBC features relatively smaller class sizes compared to larger, public universities. The student-to-faculty ratio is about 18:1. This indicates that you could expect a more personalized learning environment, where professors can afford to give individual attention to students. Yet, it's worth noting that lower-division, general education classes may still be quite large due to the number of students required to take them.

As for campus life, UMBC has a unique blend of academic and social experiences. On one hand, UMBC is a commuter school, with many students living off-campus. This can make the campus feel a bit quiet on weekends. On the other hand, there's a tightly-knit community among the residents, and there are numerous clubs, organizations, sports, and events that take place throughout the year which can provide great ways to get involved and meet new people.

A notable con could be location. While the university is near Baltimore, its location in Catonsville means it's not directly in the city. If you're interested in a bustling urban college experience, UMBC might not meet those expectations.

All in all, the answer to this question largely depends on what you're looking for. Hopefully, you found this overview helpful in better understanding what UMBC might have in store for your college experience.