StudentsReview :: The University of Massachusetts - Amherst - Extra Detail about the Comment
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The University of Massachusetts - Amherst

How this student rated the school
Educational QualityD+ Faculty AccessibilityF
Useful SchoolworkA- Excess CompetitionD-
Academic SuccessC+ Creativity/ InnovationB-
Individual ValueD University Resource UseA
Campus Aesthetics/ BeautyB FriendlinessD+
Campus MaintenanceA+ Social LifeB-
Surrounding CityD Extra CurricularsC
SafetyC-
Describes the student body as:
Snooty

Describes the faculty as:

Female
ACT:29
id='quarter' class='snapshot' style='color: #970016; line-height:80px';float:left;
SAT2200
Quite Bright
Lowest Rating
Faculty Accessibility
F
Highest Rating
Campus Maintenance
A+
She cares more about Faculty Accessibility than the average student.
Date: Jan 12 2013
Major: Biology (This Major's Salary over time)
I'm currently a freshman here, and I'm looking to transfer now. I REALLY wanted to like it here, but I absolutely hate the culture and the school itself. I'm also in the Honors College.

First off, most people are here because they didn't get in somewhere else they liked. Some out of state students are different, but honestly most people don't want to be here.

The social scene is weird, to say the least. There are a few main residential areas, which split the school up (not necessarily in a good way). The stereotypes about each area are VERY true (OHill - nerds, Southwest, trashy/ party all the time, Central - all smoke weed, very hipster-y, Northeast - Asians/ engineers). I hate to say it, but it's very true. I thought it would be a little different, but I think each area is almost like a small school in itself, so everyone becomes a lot alike. Which makes the social scene VERY boring. If you fit into one of those stereotypes (or are willing to) you'll be a little better off socially. I don't fit in at all. The Southwest (/UMass) uniform is uggs, Victoria's Secret PINK yoga pants, and a north face fleece. The guys always wear their pants too low and honestly just gross me out. It's hard to make new friends here, both because it's so big that you never run into people again, and because a lot of people hang with friends from home.

As a somewhat preppy girl from a nice town, It's hard to find people like me. Diversity is great, but you need to have some people like you to make friends with.

As for academics, I cannot say enough good things about my experience with the honors college. My classes were small, I learned A LOT, and I loved my professors. HOWEVER, my experiences with the non-honors classes (and you cannot sign up for all honors classes) were terrible. I had some good professors, but my math professor was TERRIBLE. Even the good ones I had NO way to contact. Everything was through TA's, they wouldn't even respond to important emails. If you asked questions after class some of them were rude and not helpful. It's easy to get lost here, you are VERY much a number (your student ID, in fact…I have never once been asked my name). I am very independent and easily navigated through school. I've always been a top student, but it's hard to navigate UMass.

The clubs, etc. are hard to join (I honestly don't even know how to go about doing it). The parties are disgusting (unless you're super trashy..which I don't necessarily mean in a bad way…I just don't know how else to describe it).

I'm having a pretty good year this year, but I don't think I could last 4 years. The cops have also shut down most of the party scene, and all the guys are gross anyway. I have met some VERY nice people, and I'm glad I came here this year (I've learned a lot, most of it not academic) but I'm looking to transfer for next year.

It's a shame, the school could be really great and be a wonderful experience if the administration tried to make campus seem a little smaller. Although there's also not much of a work ethic here either, so that's annoying. Slacking off is encouraged, and people think you're weird if you work really hard.

So, if you're okay with being a number and putting in A LOT of effort into finding your way, AND you're in love with PINK, too much makeup, hooking up with gross guys, or are a super nerd or hipster, UMass is for you. It's just definitely not for me.

         
Responses
responseI have never read such an ignorant review on a school. I would definitely disagree with you when you say that the clubs are hard to join. UMass holds countless activities fairs and organizes many on campus recreational activities. While you go out of your way to stereotype Southwest as trashy, you failed to disclose which area you live in. Perhaps the reason you feel like you don't fit in is because your clearly shy , judgmental, and unapproachable. I bet you would have had a better outlook if you tried to enjoy it, or maybe switched to a new dorm in a new area. The point of college is to meet new people, explore new things, and branch out. Also, your review is hypocritical. Don't say you cant say enough good things about your classes, and then say you didn't learn anything at all, one paragraph later. Don't complain about cops shutting down parties after you call them "disgusting". Im sorry you have had such a poor freshman experience, however this comment: "So, if you're okay with being a number and putting in A LOT of effort into finding your way, AND you're in love with PINK, too much makeup, hooking up with gross guys, or are a super nerd or hipster, UMass is for you. It's just definitely not for me " is completely inappropriate. Im a sophomore now, and I had a really rough experience myself freshman year. I had a hard time connecting with the people around me on my floor, so i decided to join a RAP, a residential, academic program. Instead of running away from my problem, like you, I decided to take control of my time here at UMass. Now I love it here. I can see now that the beauty of UMass is that there is something here for everyone. But as for you, don't complain about stereotypes when you are the person fueling them.
commentI would be interested in knowing if the Honors College has Raps as well. Since she was comfortable with the honors classes, then perhaps the RAPS would be the best option. Everyone in the same RAP is supposed to share a class.
The Honors students in the incoming class of '17 now have ther own brand new dorm. Upperclass students can live there as well. I think that should help out in a situation like this. She should give it another year a live in the new dorms.
responseI really couldn't agree with you more. I feel the exact same way and I am glad I am not the only one.
commentIt sounds to me like your negative experience was heavily influenced by your poor and uppity attitude. Get over yourself and stop pidgeonholing people, you may get a pleasant surprise.
responseI hope you did transfer. You should like a stuck up and snooty person.
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