How is the Chem Dept at UMass?

<p>Can someone tell me how the Chemistry Dept at UMass Amherst stacks up with other major tier 1 universities? I've heard it is very good but would like to hear from those who are near graduation or who have graduated with a Chem major at UMass. My son loves Chemistry. He did extremely well in his Chem AP test and his SAT II Chem. He is also applying to about 8 other east coast universities with top rankings. At this time, he would like to apply to med school or perhaps get a doctorate in Chemistry so we are looking for challenge and good reputation.</p>

<p>It is a good program though I know nothing about it. As a Carnegie Research I University, they should have strong faculty and research reputation. Otherwise, especially for sciences, undergrad institution shouldn’t matter so much because graduate schools care about GPA achieved and research experience and for chemists, graduate institution is really what counts.</p>