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What Students Say
Likes
- The best thing about my college is Diversity and Inclusion, no racism at all.
- The professors are helping and provide guidance whenever you need them.
- There are options for online classes, so some of the lectures are online which helps in the last 2 semesters, when we are looking for full-time positions,
Dislikes
- No direct Recruitment from industries, although we have career fairs.
- Some of the master's programs lack the quality and reputation expected of students.
- Do not expect any funding like scholarships directly from the college, although there are GA positions but only in some programs, which is only partial tuition remission.
Course Curriculum
- The course is pretty easy and doable It is more theoretical. The batch usually has 20-25 people and if you have multiple professors for the same subject, you can choose one.
- The most positive is it was easy and doable if you are not from a technical background and professors have good knowledge. The negative aspect is no practical training in the job market.
Admission Experience
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I was admitted to George Mason University, and
SUNY Buffalo, University. Fortunately, I did not receive any rejections. However, I feel I missed out on applying to a few other colleges that I was interested in like (Indiana University, particularly for this program is very famous) because I was late in submitting my applications. This delay might have affected my chances of exploring more opportunities. -
I chose this college because of the tuition fees (more affordable comparatively to the other I got admitted to), Visa approval rates were very high. The first college from where I got my admit letter, and since I was already late I didn't want to delay the visa application process. I think the process is pretty simple, I applied by myself, but more than that the university admission office is very helpful at every step. They provide you with detailed guidance about visa interviews and traveling Immigration, online orientations, college tours, and resources. For my program, the only requirements are IELTS a band of around 7(6.5 minimum in each), and a GPA of more than 2.8.
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I applied for January 2023 for which I started my application at the beginning of August, The Cost of attendance, cost of living, Visa approval rate, and reputation of the university were the key deciding factors. They took 1 month, Initial evaluation and admit letter took 15 days then you have to submit financial letters and all to get I20 which takes 7-10 business days.
Class Schedule
- One class a day, you have to take at least 3 classes per semester, and they usually are on different days and times.
- 80% of enrolled students are Indians.
Faculty
- Each batch has 20-25 students, and you can choose your professor if there’s more than one teaching the same subject.
- The professors are knowledgeable and share practical insights in their teaching. They don’t help with finding part-time or full-time jobs, but an academic advisor is available to guide and support you.
- I admire Dr. Erin Van Dyke, she is my program director, she is always available to help students and is very friendly.
Campus Life
- UMBC has two campuses, and the other one is called Shady Grove.
- The main campus has a large library and a great gym called the RAC (Recreation Activity Center) with facilities for tennis, swimming, and basketball. Most sports matches are held at the Chesapeake Arena.
- We also have RIH(retriever integrated health), which provides medical services and mental health counseling.
Part Time Jobs
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Overall in my department, only 4-5 people got the TA position and only 2-3 people got an RA position. The RA position depends on the funding of the programs and particular professors so it varies. But for the Computer science program, our college has a lot of funding and almost every 3rd person in the program gets the TA part-time. The maximum hours allowed on campus are 20 hrs during the semester and 40 hrs during the break. The pay rate is approximately 1600$ biweekly for full-time(20 hrs) and 800$ part-time (10hrs). On-campus part-time is pretty easy.
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The pay rate of on campus jobs are typically 15$ an hr, The part time employment on campus is pretty easy. The most of the college students they apply through Handshake and look for on campus jobs in their particular university.
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The process is pretty simple , first we apply and then we usually get an answer in 15 days then they schedule interview and then they select the candidate. I took help from the career center to tailor my first resume, because they have a total different resume format here. And the other way is directly approaching the main supervisor and asking for openings.
Placement
- I would say 40% got a job directly after graduation, rest are still looking for opportunities, It depends on the amount of application you are applying online.
- The average salary is approximately 50-60k$.
- The students usually apply through LinkedIn and other job portals and some apply through networking. The Morgan Stanley, Lockheed Martin and other local companies.
Accommodation
- I live off-campus, as most graduate students do because it’s more affordable and a great way to connect with other graduates.
- My monthly rent is around $400-450. There are plenty of housing options, but the better ones are farther from campus. Nearby housing often has issues with pests and rodents. And also it's difficult to find accommodation nearby.
- There are some Indian groups on Facebook called EKTA for housing updates at UMBC. And also WhatsApp group but it is available only after admission.
Exams
- My application process needed an IELTS score band of around 7, at least two Letters of Recommendation (LORs), a Statement of Purpose (SOP), a resume, and transcripts from all the institutes that I have attended so far.
- Later on, you need to submit the transcript in person, which is sealed and signed by the university. It didn’t require an interview and the process was pretty straightforward and easy.
Fees
- I am paying around $14500 every semester, the total would be around $14500 for 3 semesters and $5700 for last semester. So around $49500, I have around $600 for monthly expenses depending on if you are living single or sharing.
- It includes the grocery and everything. So around 400-450$ for rent and rest for grocery. I pay 100$ for transportation to my college which is included in the fees, other than that I don't pay much and the college is within walking distance.
Scholarship
- No, My program doesn't offer scholarships but there are 4-5 teaching assistant positions in the program but it is highly competitive.
- You get an in-state tuition fee which is around 7800$ and a stipend of around 1200$ biweekly (15 days).
- Other programs have full tuition remission as TA and GAs like computer science and other research assistant positions are also available.
