<p>I want to know what's so great abotu UMASS? How are the dorms like, tried searchign for info but didn't find any? How are the people there? What's the social scene like? What are the better departments? Is it well known and respectable in terms of getting a job after graduation? Any info would be higly appreciated.</p>
<p>It's the large flagship university. It can be big and impersonsal. But if you are from MA, chances are a bunch of your high school classmates will be here. You can make lots of friends if you make the effort. You can study or party as much as you want. Nobody will watch over you. It's too big for that. You'll get out of it what you put into it. So have fun, but make sure you keep up with your studies too.</p>
<p>a lot of people (not all) from in-state go there because state schools are cheaper than private colleges for the most part. it's is a big party school from what ive heard. i visited there last year and it's humungous so you're sure to find a group of friends. in MA, umass wouldnt be considered prestigious, but then again, we're home to MIT, harvard and other "more respectable" universities/colleges (BC, BU, northeastern) in the city. however, no matter where you go, your ability to get jobs depends on how hard you work. you could work really hard and might be able to graduate at the top of your class while it may be more difficult at another school.</p>
<p>Can't speak to the student experience at UMass, but can share info about good programs. Overall reputation is more important for liberal arts colleges. Just as important are department rankings, especially for students planning to go on to graduate school. UMass is routinely listed as #1 or #2 nationally for linguistics. One of top two in the Northeast for hospitality and tourism management. Business Week magazine did a student satisfaction survery and UMass just placed #1 nationally for its business program. Computer Science is on several national top 10 lists. Chemistry/Chemical Engineering/Polymer Science also one of the best in the nation. Exercise Science just ranked #6 in the nation. Given the snob factor for private colleges, folks often overlook department repuations and they are just as important. There are some really good ones at UMass.</p>