<p>Hi,
I'm considering going to Umass Amherst but am worried about the size as it's the largest school I applied to.
Is there a lot of competition to get time with advisors or professors? Is it hard to get the classes you want before it fills up? Is there a long wait to get tutoring or other kinds of academic support? Or are there enough tutors, advisors, etc. so that this isn't an issue?</p>
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My S works in the LRC (Learning Resource Center) as a tutor for a number of classes.</p>
<p>He spends a lot of time doing his schoolwork while he is working because not that many kids take advantage of the LRC, even though it is free.</p>
<p>I don’t think he ever had trouble meeting with his advisor, although for him it was generally once a semester to get his schedule approved.</p>
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I’m sure it depends on the specific advisor/professor, but most professors I’ve had very openly told the class that they are willing to help outside of class during their office hours. But you aren’t limited to just going during office hours - if you cannot meet with someone during their office hours for whatever reason, you can definitely email them or ask after class for an alternative time to meet up. I’ve noticed a lot of professors in their offices with the door open even though it’s nowhere near their scheduled office hours. Office hours are just so you know they will definitely be there to help you during that specific block of time.</p>
<p>As for advisors, it usually gets busier around class scheduling time, and a lot seem to request that you sign up for a specific time slot during that part of the semester. It’s not really competitive though, especially since they’re supposed to consult all of their students for class selections. Some advisors are OK with you just emailing your general plan to them, so that can free up some of their face-to-face time.</p>
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I haven’t gone to many tutors, so I can’t speak on the wait time, but I know that besides the general tutors offered in the library, some classes will have scheduled study groups or review sessions outside of class. Of course you don’t have to go if you don’t want to, but it can help if you’re confused about something. These usually have the professor or at least one of their TAs available to answer questions.</p>
UMass has the advantage of being a large research university yet it can feel small by getting involved in special interest groups based on your major, etc. A great balance!