University of Massachusetts-Amherst Top Questions

One of the best things about this school is also among its greatest flaws, and that is the size. While the size can mean there are a lot of options and resources, UMass is so vast that it's easy to get lost, and it's also very easy to get caught up in the many bureacracies when you're trying to get something done. You are also competing with over 20,000 other people for financial aid and class space, which increases the likelihood that you won't get the aid you need or the class you want.

The worst part of my school is that the students lose focus. I am someone who is extremely ambitious, and students seem to rush to get classwork done so they can go out on the weekends. I wish there were more people that would want to sit down and have philosophical discussions instead of going out drinking.

My school has garnered a reputation as a major party school, which it is not, but that doesn't stop the student body and their guests from trying to assimilate scenes of utter chaos in order to sate our misguided moniker. In short: we try too hard to live up to expectations that shouldn't even be considered acceptable, nevermind respectable.

UMass Amherst is by no means perfect but overall it is very good. However, the school tends to have a political bias to liberalism. Even mildly conservative views will be discriminated. As a student be prepared to see clubs condoning socialism but never speak a word of support for the second ammendment. Although many professors will surprise you and will approach political views openly, the overall vibe is liberal.

I wish there was more emphasis on the liberal arts; all recent building projects/amenities have gone into the research sciences and business, despite the fact that the liberal arts here (I've been in French, History, English, and Anthropology) are really excellent.

UMass Amherst is a large school, so it can be easy a student to fall through the cracks if he/she doesn't stay on top of not only academics but administrative affairs. As an off-campus transfer student I have interacted with UMass only remotely, and it can be difficult to find necessary information through their webpages. However, their staff is fairly prompt in their correspondence when assistance is needed.

I dont really consider anything about Umass Amherst "the worst" because everything the campus offers is very good, but if I did have one complaint it would be that the student-professor relationship can feel more like a boss to worker relationship, although I understand that due to the fact there are so many students that its almost impossible to have this, I feel like it could help in the overall learning experience and understanding of the material taught.

Some of the classes are far too big containing over 200 students. Class selection can be a real pain because classes fill up sp quickly

Partying.

The worst thing about the school is the distance from home.

I consider the segregation of the diversity of the campus is the worst thing at the University of Massachusetts-Amherst. There is so much diversity on campus but everyone mostly stick around their own race. Also the food is not that great. Most people praise the food at the school but I personally believe the food is not as great as people say it is.

The one downside about going to school in Amherst is that you are not in a city environment which means that if you do not own a car or know someone that does then it can be difficult to get what you need since busses are not always on time or reliable. Growing up in New York you do not need a car to get around because public transportation is always running, however, this is not the case in Amherst. I wish I would have brought a car to campus. Freshman are allowed to bring cars but get parking early!

Because the campus is so large, I have found at times the administrative paper work tends to get lost. I have had health forms there one day and not another. Also, received warning that my tuition not paid, but in fact my records show paid in full.

It is such a large school that it is difficult to establish yourself upon arrival and find your circle of friends. You may feel lost or out of place among such a massive group of undergraduates as opposed to studying at a private university which offers a smaller and more intimate community.

The worst thing about UMass Amherst is the "Thirsty Thursdays" where students in the dorm building talk loudly, drink, and sometimes smoke. Although there are plenty of on-campus study areas that are quiet, it can be difficult to study in the dorm room while partying is going on.

The cold weather.

Some of the buildings are in need of repair

A lot of students do not care about about their academics like they should.

One of the problems at UMass is simply the reputation as it is has been seen as a party school for many years. Although it is true that many parties do occur on campus, there are also many other opportunities to have fun without social pressure. There needs to be a realization of applicants that any college is a party school and at each school there are opportunities to avoid compromising personal beliefs. Choosing the right college is a difficult task for anyone, but choosing simply based on reputation is not the best way to choose.

I feel like the worst thing is some services such as parking and financial aid do not care as much as other services like dining when it comes to pleasing students.

The only problem with that I have with UMass is that it is overcrowded and some of the buildings are a little worse for wear.

The overcrowdedness of the school becomes overwhelming, and unless you stick yourself out and look for what you need, you can become lost.

Many students can be very immature and it is very easy to get caught in negativity.

The on-campus residents party too much. The University Health Services has seen an astronomical rate of students this year due to complications in their drinking alcohol.

My current school, the Boston Conservatory, has a wonderful Master of Music Education degree program. The downside is that the program is geared toward students who do not have a Bachelor's Degree in music education. As someone who has already earned a Bachelor of Music Education degree, I find that I often have more experience than the other students in my graduate level courses. I believe that if there were an option to take courses at different levels based each student's music education experience, all students would get the greatest education for themselves.

The worst thing about my school is catching the bus on time.

The worst thing is the large lecture class sizes

I would like to see more opportunities for the classes to meet outside of school. It would be nice to have the nursing department sponser more volunteer activities, and get-togethers.

The minorities

too much greek life, its big, not enough diversity

The worst thing about UMass, like any other State institution today, is an increasing lack of funding.

The worst thing about the school is probably the fees. If you lose keys, are late with books, lose your UCard, or something of value than you will probably have to pay for it. Probably the worst fee is when you sign up for housing and then decide against moving. The housing department will charge you $150 dollars.

There are so many students that sometimes it takes a while to get the help you really need, although as long as you are persistant, you will get quality help in the end, it just takes a lot of effort and time. You absolutely need to take advantage of everything on campus because no one will be urging you to do so, and there is a wealth of information out there as long as you go for it.

The weather. Since campus is so big and there are a lot of hills, when it is snowy/icy/or raining it is sometimes difficult to get to class.

The school is large and sometimes it is hard to find out about extra curricular activities, even though there are a vast amount on campus. You really have to look to find clubs to join.

The worst thing about the school is the on campus housing. There are nice dorm rooms. I personally have been happy with my living situation but I know a lot of people who did not receive their preferred dorm assignment. This was due to a high influx of new-coming students such as Freshman and Transfer students. Everyone does get housing, just not always what he or she may desire.

You have to want to do well in order to do well. No one is going to hold your hand, and sometimes advisors do not know what they are talking about. Know your stuff, because if you don't, you can get lost in the sauce.

The administration does not care about their students!

The amount of red tape and bureaucracy that is attached to almost everything.

Some buildings need updating. It's also so large that it's a long walk to some buildings.

math department it sucks the professors generally dont care and its really difficult to pass tests , lack of focus on getting students involved outside and lack of school support for the outing club and ski and board club the school needs paid advisors,

water is kind of dirty so showering is uncomfortable

Sometimes it is loud when all you want is quiet.

The worst thing about my school is that you really need to take initiative to succeed; no one is going to chase you down and push you. If you want to have friends, have a social life, get a job, do research, get guidance, and/or have one-on-one time with professors, you certainly can get them if you just try. However, they won't come to you. You can find the right group of friends and the right activities for you, but you need to be outgoing and a go-getter because this is a big university.

It's reputation.

The advisors are terrible, and are not actually any help at all, and most of the time, they are just trying to get you out as fast as possible.

The excessive amount of cops. They are EVERYWHERE! You will get pulled over if you make the most minor mistake while driving.

The wireless internet access is spotty in places that it shouldn't be.

The worst thing is the school's reputation as a party school. With that reputation the prestige of the school goes down and UMass is a great school with many great programs and engaged, intelligent professors. To have all that tarnished because we have the reputation of rioting and throwing parties is unfair and unfortunate.

Felt like a police school. This is mainly due to the school population being part of the towns population leading to a more then needed amount of police on campus.