The University of Michigan - Dearborn

Date: Jun 16 2004
Major: Computer Science (This Major's Salary over time)
I've graduated with BS degree and now applying for Master's. I thought for a moment about going to Ann Arbor, or any other university for that matter, but then I live with my partner now, and it's a comfortable situation and I don't want to move anywhere. Besides, UM-D is close by, so I've decided to stay with UM-D. UM-D, by the way has the same CIS graduate program as Ann Arbor does. Or at least that's what CIS faculty says. From what I saw, I have doubts, but that's what they've said. For CIS, UM-D seems better than Ann Arbor.

K, to the review:

I've had a positive experience. Classes are small. Usually 20-30 students per class. Max I've had is about 60, which was 2-3 of my classes.

Professors are great ! I've had one or possibly two out of many, who I didn't like.

Personal attention given is fantastic ! Do your share though—go and ask the instructor to help, and they will ! Some may sit with you for an hour explaining the material or offering their opinions. And of course you can always come back, or sometimes just pop in.

One drawback is that this is a commuter campus. There are no dorms. That means that most of the people come to class, and leave after the class, and you don't see them on campus otherwise. There may be less socializing options and less socializing in general available, compared to dorm campuses.

However, there is certain student culture with groups, clubs, fraternities, etc. It's not like it doesn't exist.

There are people who hang out in the University Center building, which is good. There may be less people than in Ann Arbor, but the student body is still diverse enough.

One problem also is getting people to participate (or sometimes to just show up) for low-traffic clubs. Have you ever been to a club meeting of 1 person ? I was. hehe.. Major clubs, however do get a fair turnout and don't have this problem.

Summary: this school is academically strong, with material that will challenge you, with enough support to keep you on top. While socially it's at a disadvantage compared to dorm campuses, it's not like social atmosphere is nonexistant. There are enough activities to keep you afloat, you may just have to work harder if you want to socialize. Ya, that means no drunken parties, no barfing afterwards, and no roommates to steal your stuff. (I don't know about drunken parties. But I suppose if you look for them, you may find them, i.e. in a club rented by a frat, or at a frat brother's house party advertized by a frat.)