The University of Maryland has 39 Living Learning Programs (LLPs), residential communities where students live together and connect over shared interests and academic goals. These create their own kind of residential college at a large state university. A couple of years ago, I attended a memorial service for a University of Maryland student who had tragically died of cancer shortly after graduation. I was so impressed to meet half a dozen of his LLP fellow students and a couple of faculty who had driven 8 hours to attend the service. I think that this speaks to the quality of the relationships which were built here.
I have a GD and GS who went to Rice recently and had wonderful experiences there with some great percs. Wash U was the second choice for one of them, so I understand that this is a difficult choice. I also have a GS who was accepted at Maryland out of state during regular decision, so there are real people who are accepted in that round, BUT he did not get into the school he wanted.