The University of Maryland Baltimore County

Alumnus Male -- Class 2000

I went to UMBC from 2000-2003 and lived on campus all 3 years. I majored in Psychology and was in the Early Childhood Education Program. When I graduated I had a degree in Psych and certification in Early Childhood. I was happy with both programs. My Psych professors and adviser knew I was going into teaching and allowed me to focus my Psychology research more on Educational Psychology, which was extremely beneficial to my educational experience. The group of classmates in the early childhood program took classes together for 2 years and I loved having that consistency and time to build trusting relationships with both my peers and my professors. The education department worked hard to make sure placements were based upon our interests. For example, I was interested in Montessori education so they worked to put me into an internship in a Montessori kindergarten classroom. I know that helping to form the program about what I wanted to do once I graduated helped me to find my own voice as an educator. I have no complaints about the education I received at UMBC and would recommend it to anyone.

My first two years, there was little to do on campus on the weekends, but when the University Commons were built, I found more going on on the weekends. I also found that if you wanted to find parties and social groups you could, you just had to look for them. At other universities finding the parties was easier (based upon what my friends told me) but as a more laid-back person I was fine not having parties all over the dorms. I enjoyed being able to sit in the common area of the dorms on the weekend with a couple of friends without being bombarded with drunks roaming the halls. I have to say, once I found my footing at the school I had a great experience. I joined the club volleyball team and helped head the Japanese-American student group. If you are a serious student, who enjoys a more laid-back social scene UMBC is the perfect place!

3rd Year Female -- Class 2003

Collaboration/Competitive: A, Surrounding City: C