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The University of Massachusetts - Amherst

How this student rated the school
Educational QualityA+ Faculty AccessibilityA+
Useful SchoolworkA- Excess CompetitionA-
Academic SuccessA Creativity/ InnovationB+
Individual ValueB- University Resource UseB
Campus Aesthetics/ BeautyA- FriendlinessA
Campus MaintenanceA- Social LifeA
Surrounding CityA- Extra CurricularsA
SafetyB
Describes the student body as:
Friendly, Approachable

Describes the faculty as:
Friendly, Helpful

Female
SAT2090
Quite Bright
Lowest Rating
Individual Value
B-
Highest Rating
Educational Quality
A+
She rated most things higher than other students did.
Date: Jun 21 2008
Major: Neuroscience/Cognitive Science (This Major's Salary over time)
If you want to have your hand held for four years, DO NOT come to UMass Amherst. From what I have observed, the main reason for negative reviews of UMass is that people are not prepared to stand up for what they need in order to get a good education in such a large and diverse university. This school is not for everyone. What I mean by my above statements is that, for example, in a class of 450 students, if you're stuggling grade-wise, your professor won't give a crap or do anything to help you unless you take the initiative. I know in smaller, private schools there is a greater support system and that support system will come to you; at UMass this is not the case. You need to be the one to go to your professors' office hours, introduce yourself, ask for help… etc. A lot of people just entering college lack the motivation to go figure out what they need to succeed on their own and ask for it. This review is not meant to be offensive and there's nothing wrong with a person who doesn't do well at a large university; it's just that these reviews are to help prospective students and I'm telling it like it is.

Yes, there are kids who are drunk/stoned every night they're at UMass, but there's also plenty of kids who are studious, intellectually curious, intersting and kind people. It's just that at UMass there's such a diversity of people and it's your choice who to spend time with. If you've been at UMass and have never had an intellectually stimulating conversation with someone, you need to try harder. Believe me, I'm a shy person and it was hard for me at first to approach new people but ultimately doing so made me a more confident person.

Someone once told me that classes at state schools were less challenging and taught be less distinguished faculty. That was a lie. If you get to UMass and don't feel challenged, take some of their honors classes. My honors chemistry class was very challenging. The professor had lectured at Harvard (so much for less distinguished faculty) and I had to put in a ton of extra work to get a good grade. This professors also worked with me for several hours outside of class when I asked for extra help. He put in the extra effort if I was willing to do the same.

Don't think that the studious kids never go out and party because they do. If I wanted to stay in and watch a movie on the weekend, I had friends that did that. If I wanted to go to a party, I had friends that liked to do that too. Overall, I felt that everyone was very accepting of one another's lifestyle choices and I didn't feel a lot of pressure to party more than I wanted to. At UMass, you're around a ton a different people, there's musical performances and comedy show, and you're right near Northampton where there's always something to see and cool restaurants to go to.

Overall, I felt that my first year at UMass was awesome. I got a good education, made great friends, and there was a ton to do. This summer, I ended up getting an intership at a hospital through UMass. Although I had to search out these opportunities, I'm glad that I did so because it made me a more confident person. I could have gone to other, private schools, but I'm glad I came here because I'm getting more out of the experience than if opportunities had just been handed to me.

Responses
questionHi
I'm a senior in high school right now, and hoping to go here because of their pre-vet major. I know it's going to be a huge challenge for me, so the things about not getting help worries me a bit. My question is if you DO take the initiative and seek help either through tutoring or talking to your teacher, is there good help available? Or is it the kind of place that even if you try, you're going to be on your own?
Thanks!
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