University of Maryland, Baltimore County (UMBC)

The University of Maryland, Baltimore County, is a fitting choice for students who "want some research opportunities, but may also want more personal attention from professor. At this top-tier public research university, the STEM programs get a significant amount of the glory-the science labs are "gorgeous, state-of-the-art facilities," and many students "come out of school working for Boeing and the NSA" or, in the case of one scientist, developing the Moderna COVID-19 vaccine. But UMBC has strengths outside of science. As one student says, "I have had superb instruction in modern languages...including fantastic German translation and modern French literature courses." In fact, UMBC "has greatly expanded its support to the fine arts"-one can earn a Bachelor of Fine Arts in Acting and Studio Art, and one student describes a "really close-knit Arts department that feels like a second family." Overall, the feeling toward the faculty is very positive, and students feel that "professors are able to gain a better and closer professor-student relationship than those at large academic institutions." One student remarks, "They helped me see my true potential as a student, and also helped me find my passions," and another insists, "They really make the school shine."

The abundance of "cultures and backgrounds are celebrated," as is evidenced by the dozens of student-run cultural organizations and the echoed sentiment: "That's what makes UMBC so unique: the students are diverse and are not restricted by their appearances, personalities, religions, cultures, identities, etc. whatsoever." One student finds that the freedom to be oneself lays the foundation to thrive: "I feel as though it's a safe space and judgment-free zone. I've never been in an environment where people are themselves out loud the way they are at UMBC."

Life at UMBC is never dull, and the "small and cozy" campus feels like a connected community: "Most people gather with their friends in the library to study together, then... grab food together in [the] Commons." It takes no time to get from the pond outside the library to the "highly impressive" lab facilities: "Anything is within a 10-15 [minute] walk. It's quite convenient," especially since there are "ample opportunities for students to engage on campus." For instance, students enjoy competition with tournaments of paintball or ping-pong, as well as putting their mental acuity to the test: "We do also have a thriving intellectual sports scene including chess, mock trial, and ethics bowl." Clubs range from cultural to sports to career-building: "My favorite one is the video game development club, as it combines my interests of programming and video games into an opportunity to showcase my work in a way that could lead to a future career." Students also delight in events hosted by the University, "like Homecoming...[where it is] so much fun to watch the Bonfire, attend the Carnival and even see the puppy parade!"

Thanks to UMBC's amazing Career Center, undergrads here are able to enter the job market with confidence. Starting from freshman year, the office works to empower students and help them plot their career goals. Undergrads can take advantage of a plethora of recruiting and networking events held on campus each year. More specifically, students have the opportunity to meet with representatives from companies/organizations like the Central Intelligence Agency, The Hershey Company, Lockheed Martin and the Nielsen Company (among others). And they can help ensure those meetings go well by attending one of the Career Center's many interviewing workshops or resume (and cover letter) writing seminars.