UMass Amherst vs. UNH?

College Search & Selection
1

Hi, I’m a senior in high school and I just finished hearing back from all my colleges. I’m pretty disappointed right now since I was rejected from my top choices, NYU and BU. The two that I was accepted into (out of 8) were my safeties. Although some part of me is still hoping there is some way I could apply to another university, I know it’s too late for most. Also, I’m going to major in Linguistics, if it matters for this.

Now, I haven’t visited either of the universities. I know, it’s stupid that I didn’t, but I never had anyone who could take me. My dad lives far away and my mom always has work. I tried going with friends but they always had to cancel for some reason. I might try and visit before I have to make my decision on May 1.

What could you guys tell me about these two (or at least one) of the universities? I’ve heard some things about them.

For UMass Amherst: My friend has a friend who is currently at UMass Amherst and she says it’s quite a party school, and she wasn’t enjoying it at first but has kind of adjusted by now. I’m not a party person at all, I prefer hanging out with just a few close friends. I know it’s a pretty big school, and I’ve heard that UMass has a good linguistics program, is this true?

For UNH, I’ve heard good things about it and I know a few people who went and really liked it, but I don’t know if their linguistics program is as good. I’ve also heard that it’s not as diverse, and for me diversity is pretty important and I also don’t want to be the only non-Caucasian person around (I’m Filipino).

I really wanted to be in a city (and I really still do) but I didn’t find a lot of universities in the city that I liked AND had linguistics (aside from the ones that I applied to but didn’t get accepted into) so that is a turn-off for me for both universities. Even though UMass is like a city in itself, it’s not really in a city. Same with UNH. But the thing about UNH is that it’s closer to home. Even now, I’m already starting to feel homesick just thinking about it, and I don’t know how I’ll do it if I go to UMass which is far away from home AND isn’t in a city. While UNH is closer and I might know some people since a lot of people from my high school end up going there, the program might not be as good as at UMass.

What do you think? I know it’s really my choice, but I need some advice.

And some general questions for the two universities:

What are dorms like? They both have communal bathrooms don’t they?
How big are classes, generally?
What is there to do for students on days off?
Is it ever possible to try out living on-campus and then apply for off-campus housing (like with parents) later in the semester/year?
How does transferring work? Right now, I’m planning on doing two years at one of these universities and then applying as a transfer student to BU or NYU.

2

I also forgot to add that I’m most likely going to request a deferral for one year. Some people were saying to try and apply again next year since I’m taking a gap year, but how would that work? Getting recommendations and transcripts and all? And what if I still don’t get into my top choices, then would I shamefully go back to the university that offered me the admission that I denied?

3

I am a half-Filipino mom and have seen both of these schools. I have loved them both for my kids. My son is a freshman right now at UMASS Amherst and I looked at UNH for my current junior son. Congrats for getting into these schools. Don’t worry that these were your safeties, college is so competitive and your main objective is to get a great education in Linguistics and then a job in four years. If UMASS has the better program, then go there. We didn’t visit UMASS until my son was accepted, so don’t feel stupid for not visiting. First, both schools have direct service from their campuses to Boston UMASS (Peter Pan) UNH ( the train to North Station), if you live in that area. We do. About UMASS - there is diversity and you can party or just hangout with your close friends in the dorm. My son is more on the quiet side and has enjoyed both parts of the social scene. I know you said you wanted a city but Amherst was voted one of the top college towns in America. You can choose to live in the city when you get out of school. There is a free bus system between the five colleges, so you can go to parties there or take classes at the UMASS Amherst price. Their food is outstanding and was voted number 2 by Princeton Review for food. They even have a dedicated Asian food cafeteria which is fabulous and the other cafeterias serve many different cultural foods. Parents and any family members can eat for free when they visit you. The freshman dorms at both schools do have a bathrooms down the hall. I think most schools do. The classes can be big lectures or small classes. There is so much to do on campus and many clubs and groups. Live on campus and for the upper classes, they have new condo like housing. Another very important item to consider is cost. If you are a Massachusetts resident or a New Hampshire resident, you receive the in-state tuition rate. When we went on our admittance tour, the student who spoke, said UMASS was a hidden gem and kids from high school laughed at him for going there. Now as a college senior, he felt he had the last laugh since he doesn’t have student debt and can get an apartment and a car. BU and NYU are some of the most expensive schools in the country at 68K and 72K a year. It is truly something to think about for yours and your families’ financial future going forward. Good luck and I think both schools are wonderful choices. I am so happy my son is at UMASS Amherst and I hope my other son gets in there or UNH. Sorry I did not have as much to add about UNH but the tour we took was great and we loved the campus and the programs offered there.

1 Like
4

  1. Visit if you can. If you can’t, in addition to getting advice on CC, I’d try to get my hands on some of the good college guide books such as Fiske, Insiders Guide, Princeton Review to read up on the schools. These books can probably be found in your HS guidance office or local library or bookstore. Also see if you can find the school newspapers online to get a sense of what is going on at both schools. In addition, look through the school’s websites closely – for example many colleges describe the dorm options in the Residential Life section.

  2. Unsolicited advice – I’d start off at whatever school you choose with the intent of staying for years. If you go in expecting to transfer it becomes very hard to form meaningful friendships, develop relationships with professors, get involved on campus etc. and your experience will be diminished. If at some point you want to throw in a transfer application or two that is your call, but know that merit aid is exceedingly difficult to get as a transfer student so if money is at all an issue a transfer may not work based on finances alone.

  3. Based upon what you wrote, it sounds like the program at UMass might be a better fit (assuming money is not a factor in deciding). But you have two good choices.