Umass Amherst vs Emmanuel College Boston?

State Forums
1

<p>Hi, I'm a senior from Massachusetts who has been accepted into Umass Amherst (in-state) and Emmanuel College in Boston. It's winding down to that time to decide for colleges, and I'm stuck between these colleges in terms of internships and opportunities. I'm aware they're polar opposites in almost every way, but they're both good schools in their own right.</p>

<p>I want to be a Biochemistry or Biology major, so I'm taking research opportunities into high consideration.I am not part of the Commonwealth Honors College at Umass Amherst, I do plan to try to join in the spring 2013 semester as a freshman.</p>

<p>Umass Amherst is a research school, granted, but the classes are so large I feel like I won't get the personal relationship most science undergrads need with professors to get more opportunities in their respective fields. Do science students at Umass Amherst, even as freshman, get opportunities to do research, even during the school year? I know at Emmanuel, I have a friend who takes advantage of the numerous hospitals and MIT labs to get involved since the college is in the heart of Boston, literally a two minute walk from renown hospitals such as Children's. I guess I'm just afraid I'll miss out if my classes are only taught by TA's and I won't get to build any professional relationship with a professor or network as much as I could in a smaller school like Emmanuel. </p>

<p>Financially speaking, its another factor I have to consider. Umass Amherst will be cheaper than Emmanuel, by a good 10-15k a year. (I know this from financial aid packages) I have to pay about 12-15k in loans a year with Umass Amherst, while I'm looking at 20-25k a year with Emmanuel. Will being in Boston at Emmanuel and the internships/experience I can gain there be worth that much? I also have to look into graduate school as a high possibility. </p>

<p>I have visited both schools, met with professors, and looked into the research labs/classes. I know by this point I SHOULD know, but it's still making me hesitant about being out in Umass Amherst instead of Boston for a science major...and internships. </p>

<p>If anybody could spare some advice in this decision, it would really be appreciated. Thank you!</p>

2

<p>I would choose Umass Amherst becuase they have a great reputation in their college of natural sciences but if you can get into northeastern they are a coop school which will get you experience in a hospital and get you ahead of the rest</p>

3

<p>I’d go for UMass. You can take classes at the other colleges in the consortium, you know, if you want something smaller. I really do not think Emmanuel is either known for sciences OR worth the additional $$.</p>

4

<p>Another vote for UMass. There are so many opportunities available. Everyone I know has a wonderful experience there. Emmanuel would not be worth that kind of money.</p>

5

<p>When it comes to the sciences, UMass is VERY solid. They have a beautiful new Integrated Sciences building, and right behind it a gigantic biological sciences building that just opened. Add to that a polymer science research building.</p>

6

<p>Another vote for UMass-Amherst. If you leave the Boston area, you’ll find that very few people will be familiar with Emmanuel College. They will at least know that UMass-Amherst is the flagship state university. Also, if you want small classes, you have the chance to take courses at Hampshire, Smith, Mt. Holyoke, of Amherst.</p>

7

<p>You can also get some smaller classes if you’re in the honors college at UMass.</p>