The University of Massachusetts - Lowell

Date: Apr 25 2005
Major: Electrical Engineering (This Major's Salary over time)
I'm still 50/50 on this school. Engineering is this school's forte (particularly plastics), it's CS, biotechnology and sound recording programs are also rather respected in the area. The school's within walking distance of a minor league ballpark and one New England's biggest music venue. The newly-constructed rec center is very nice and loaded with quality exercise equipment.

And contrary to many of the opinions on this board, Lowell's not the crime-ridden slum everyone suggests. It may have been in th doldrums years ago, but it's a city that's on the up-and-up. The downtown area is currently undergoing an urban renewal program with many of the old mills being renovated and is home to a thriving art scene.

However, the school's got a few downsides to it. Parking is absolutely atrocious, especially at North Campus where you might have to stlk for half an hour to find a spot. There's really no social scene so if you're looking for parties, look elsewhere. Budget cuts have really hurt, aside from a few buildings (Coburn, Smith, Eames, West Campus - pretty much off-limits for engineering students anyhow) campus appearance is rather bland. There's really a lack of class participation in most classes I've had and I've found most gen ed classes aren't intellectually stimulating or challenging at all. There's a real language barrier problem with many prof's and TA's which can really happen someone's ability to learn.

Overall, if you're gungho about engineering and tempted by the tuition discount, this school's decent - I know a few UML students who went on to grad school at MIT, Michigan, Worcester Polytech, RPI and some other elite engineering schools (I transferred after 4 semesters to Penn State). But for my money, both UMass Amherst and UMass Dartmouth are better alternatives for prospective engineering majors. If money's not an issue, go to Northeastern - considering it's superior engineering rep and learning environment, it's rather easy to get in!