UMass Amherst vs Mount Holyoke for Computer Science (I need urgent help)

College Search & Selection
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Hello everyone! I am an international student who got accepted to UMass Amherst (Exploratory track in the college of information and computer sciences) and Mount Holyoke College. I am having a hard time choosing between these two colleges. I would really appreciate if someone help me by answering my questions.

  1. How hard it is to get into CS department of UMass Amherst from CICS Exploratory Track? I know that I have to take some course and have to get an expected score to apply for cs department. If I get the expected grade but not better than other applicant will I be able to get in or not? I am really confused about whether I will be able to get into cs department or not with the expected grade.

  2. Where I will be able to make better connection for finding internships and jobs? (Particularly in CS field). As someone who wants to work in big companies as a software engineer this is really important for me to know.

  3. As a liberal arts college how good is Mount Holyoke CS department is compared to UMass Amherst?

  4. How hard it is to cross register to other colleges (five college consortium) from UMass Amherst? Is it easier to cross register from mount holyoke or UMass?

  5. What is the averege class size of CS department in UMass ? Is it too big?

It would be also helpful if you suggest me why I should choose UMass or Mount Holyoke? Constructive criticism about these colleges will also help me to make a proper decision. I have to give an answer within May 1. I know I am asking these questions in last moment but I would be really grateful if you help me anyway making a decision. I am going to pay a huge money on my education. That’s why I don’t want to regret my decision in any way. Thank you very much in advance.

P.S : As an international student I have to pay much more in UMass than Mount Holyoke. But for me and my family the most important thing is where I will be able to get a better education that will help me build up my career. They are willing to pay as long as the education is great.

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So different.

Mt. Holyoke is a beautiful school and much smaller but really inviting campus.

Very academic imho.

It’s all women and has a different vibe. Very safe but a bit off the beaten path. It’s really nice. Women are very smart and accomplished.

Massachusetts is medium large size state university that is a mixture of architecture of a traditional campus and less attractive buildings from the 60s and 70s. They’ve built a lot of new and wonderful facilities as well. It’s a diverse and energetic place. Right next to a very fun and cute college town.

Academically, it’s one of the best CS programs and it’s AI work is considered in the top 5 or so. It’s incredibly difficult to gain direct admittance to the cs school. It’s really hard. Exploratory track if you do really well is designed to get you into the major. If you have the ability to be selected for your admission you have the tools to be very successful. It’s not a guarantee.

Overall it’s like it’s own little city next to a small college town. It has great dining options and you will find lots of opportunities to make friends and have fun too.

As far as rankings for whatever that’s worth, it’s listed around #64 out of the 1900 or so universities in the country #24th best public university out of 650 or so. That doesn’t mean much really. In CS it is a very respected institution and top shelf.

If you want purely an academic decision based on CS only. Massachusetts.

If you would like a smaller and more personalized experience. Mt. Holyoke.

If you changed your mind and wanted to move out of CS.

Mt. Holyoke would be my choice for any liberal arts area of study.

If you wanted to try engineering, math, agricultural science or business school the choice would be Massachusetts.

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Getting into the CS major at UMass: https://www.cics.umass.edu/ugrad-education/major-change-cs

UMass class schedule (shows class capacity and enrollment): https://www.spire.umass.edu/psp/heproda/EMPLOYEE/SA/c/COMMUNITY_ACCESS.CLASS_SEARCH.GBL?FolderPath=PORTAL_ROOT_OBJECT.CO_EMPLOYEE_SELF_SERVICE.HC_CLASS_SEARCH_GBL&IsFolder=false&IgnoreParamTempl=FolderPath,IsFolder