The University of Massachusetts - Amherst

Date: May 29 2005
Major: Political Science (This Major's Salary over time)
UMass definitely isn't for anyone who wants their hand held through four years of college-I think this is largely the reason for negative reviews. You're definitely in charge of seeking out whatever forms/advising/etc. you need. However, this is worthwhile in the long run in that such is life-you have to learn how to take responsibility for yourself somewhere down the line.

As a political science major, I LOVE the faculty. My advisor is amazing-incredibly accessible, and an expert in political theory who genuinely cares about the students he advises and teaches.

Aside from the faculty/courses in my department, my favorite part of UMass is its diversity-you will encounter alllll sorts of people. "Diverse" appropriately describes the variety of student organizations as well-anything you can imagine, we've got it. Similarly, you'll find any major you could want, including a "build-your-own-major" option.

While I tend to think of the sheer size of the University as a plus, I can see how it could intimidate some people. Find your own niche, get involved in a musical ensemble, sport, or any number of student organization and you'll easily form a solid group of friends-before you know it you'll be running into people you know all the time.