<p>Course Load: mostly regents level courses, one AP course
4 years Eng, 4 years So. St., 4 years science, 4 years math, 4 years foreign language</p>
<p>Notable Extracurriculars:
Co-leader of girl scout troop
Member of Invisible Children
Member of Westchester Land Trust
Receptionist at Gym since 2007
Babysit 4 hours week </p>
<p>You’re in, easily, unless the current financial crisis increases the demand for state college education so much that they’ll become far more picky.</p>
<p>UMass is a low-end school that takes practically anyone (I know because I go here). The liberal arts programs here are completely worthless, and Engineering is practically the only strong department (It’s still weak nationally, but it at least has some substance to it). Some other departments, like Chemistry, are decent. The School of Management has a decent reputation, which tends to count for a lot. Unfortunately, the only employable major in the School of Management is Accounting, and there’s nothing spectacular about our Accounting program.</p>
<p>In terms of academics, you don’t want to go here unless you want to be an Engineering major or a Chem major planning to go into Med school afterward. Going here for any other major is only valid if you really really need a cheap diploma.</p>
<p>That’s my two cents. Sorry if it’s too blunt, but I’ve been around the bend here.</p>
<p>could you explain your statement that “the liberal arts programs are completely worthless”? I’m applying to UMass as my safety this year, and plan on majoring in the liberal arts, so would like to know if my experience there would suck, and why. </p>
<p>Thanks! </p>
<p>p.s. bluntness is all good–I want the truth.</p>
<p>Clollin… From a slightly different perspective, I would not worry too much about the “reputation” of UMass or how you think various majors rate. I am a CPA and an Attorney, having graduated from colleges/law school about 30 years ago. In my dealings, very few people “in the real world” care at all where you went to college. Many, many kids from large state universities succeed way beyond some kids who go to top tier / ivy league schools. My S just started college ( Emory Univ - which was his top choice ). But he would probably be just as happy had he gone to one of his other choices, e.g. UVa, UMd, Boston U, George Wash U, etc… Each person sets their own course, has their own motivation, makes their own contacts, etc… But one thing I can tell you for certain - - nothing turns off employers, co-workers, clients, etc…more than to hear someone complain or put down their own college. I apologize for pontificating a bit… I do wish you the best with all your endeavors. Marc</p>
<p>Clollin, I’m sorry you feel that way, especially since my sone is considering UMass. Can you explain why? Are the classes just too easy? </p>
<p>MBJ,
I’m an older academic and have taught at schools with great reputations and schools without. Certainly there are good teachers and students everywhere if you look, but I do think that at the schools with good reputations, it’s very easy to find good students and teachers, and at the schools without, it’s harder.<br>
I do agree with you though about charting one’s own course. It’s amazing to look at the top colleges and see where their professors started out; many started out at large state schools.</p>
<p>enfall - a guy by the name of Jack Welch did not do too bad for himself after graduating from UMass-Amherst years ago. As you no doubt no, he went on to become CEO,etc… of General Electric. Too many kids ( and parents ) get caught up in the status of schools I think. That is likely to change for many folks due to economic conditions, both real and feared. I would look to see a signficant shift in many kids from private to state schools at least for the next few years.</p>
<p>Clollin, something isn’t working out for you there but comments like this only deflate the value of your degree. This is a very good school and is what you make of it. Please visit their alumni website and you will see numerous successful graduates. </p>
<p>One persons negative opinion from a school of thousands should be taken with a grain of salt. The facts about this university speak louder than these negative words. </p>
<p>MBJ is correct. I am also a CPA, and a graduate of this University. I had to work hard, was challenged and found myself very well prepared for the workplace where I worked alongside graduates of many other schools including Ivies. None were better prepared than I was and in many cases I had the edge since I was used to having to take the initiative and think on my feet. MBJ is right, nobody in the real world cared where we went to school. Employers and clients cared more about how well we could perform and we certainly had the chance to prove it. </p>
<p>Yes, my perspective is coming from the SOM but I had many friends in other majors who had no problem getting a job. Graduate school was not a problem either. The University is actually very well respected and even more so today than when I attended.</p>
<p>Actually, UMass does not accept ‘practically anyone’. It has a 60% admit rate so 40% of the people who apply do not get in. That makes it fairly competitive for a state school. Also, it is far from a ‘low end’ school. It makes many national lists for its academic programs and has many successful graduates. Clollin is obviously disgruntled for whatever reason, and it’s too bad he’s chosen this forum to express his negative attitudes. Please don’t judge UMass or its students by one person’s post - it’s a great school with a lot to offer for a very affordable price and the majority of us are proud to have the opportunity to go here and make the most of it.</p>
<p>Im glad you feel that way huesped…My D is seriously considering Umass she just got her acceptance yesterday and she is concerned she read some negative stuff on another site, I told her that you cant go by what a few unhappy people said…I dont know much about the school personally but based on what I do know I think it seems like a great place to get an education…We will be visiting there and are looking forward to seeing more of what they have to offer…trying to keep an open mind here</p>
<p>i strongly disagree with the statement that UMass is a ‘lower-end’ school. my brother graduated for Kelley School of Business then later recieved his MBA from Indiana University. He is quite successful at his job in NYC; making over 6 figures and he’s only 27. He was recently promoted to senior analyst, needless to say he’s pretty well on his feet financially at such a young age. It is what you make of it, i wouldn’t listen to anyones opinion of what a ‘good school’ is. college is about preparing you for the real world no matter what school you go to. it’s what you make of it.</p>
<p>Alex55…I concur fully. I am a CPA and an Attorney. My son was contemplating various colleges last year… decided upon Emory, but would have been just as happy at others, e.g. UVa., William and Mary, UMd, etc… In all my years practicing, I can’t recall anyone asking about where I went to college…Just not really that important once you graduate ( except possibly for grad school ). Make your own kind of music. Enjoy the holidays. Marc</p>