Hi I’m currently trying to decide between UMass Amherst and Marist College for a degree in communications. I am stuck between the two and can’t make a decision for the life of me.
Marist College is in a way better location for internships and they have a great program for communications. I want my focus to be PR and UMass has no real program for that while Marist has a great one with lots of opportunities.
Seems like an easy choice, but my heart lies with UMass. I love the feel of the bigger school and the possible opportunities it could bring me. I also like the campus and everything about the school except for the fact that there is no real program for my major. I would have to try and double major in communications and marketing to get the training I want.
I guess the real debate is whether I should go with my heart or not. Keep in mind cost is not a factor and any advice would be helpful!
Go with your heart, being happy with where you are is huge and will impact you 1) staying for 4 years and 2) doing well. Doing well is more important than your major.
When I was deciding between schools, it came down to UMass and Marist for me as well. I wanted to go to a school where sports were a huge thing. I wanted to tailgate and sit in the student sections at games, I wanted all the excitement. Since UMass was such a big school, I knew that I would have that excitement. But with a big school comes lecture halls and professors that don’t know your name, and that scared me. I wanted to feel comfortable raising my hand in class and asking questions, and I knew I wouldn’t do that infront of 70 other students. That was really the deal breaker for me, and I decided on Marist. I’m a sophomore at Marist now, and it was the right decision for me. I have around 20 students in each of my classes, and I know all of my professors really well. Marist really helps you in succeeding here; professors have hours set aside every week to meet with students, they have free math tutoring, and a writing center where professors help you edit your papers before turning them in. Our football games aren’t nearly as exciting as UMass’, but they’re still fun to go to. I’ve learned that you’re going to have fun wherever you go, so go to the school where you think you will strive the most.
@MsTalksAlot Thank you so much that was great advice, unfortunately it was a couple months too late haha! I ended up getting accepted to Boston University and I am currently a freshman there now. I loved Marist and I think if I had not gotten into BU a few days after this was posted, I would have ended up there. Amazing campus, really great teachers, and what seemed like a really nice student body. Hope you enjoy your last few years of college!