<p>It has a national chess team. If you’re a chess player, it’s the place to be. I agree with most of lukewarm and negative stuff about UMBC, having visited there with D. Our impression was: sterile, somewhat isolated (but close to stuff) and somewhat boring. This may be unfair. I also agree with those that say Towson is more desireable in general, despite the numbers. UMBC claims to be Maryland’s Honors college. Well, that’s actually St. Mary’s. Having said that, I’m sure that you could get a good education there.</p>