Clark University

Date: Sep 28 2005
Major: Communications (This Major's Salary over time)
Lots of people complain about Clark. I think it's in the water. While I have had some negative experiences, and I know others who have, I think those types of experiences are endemic to college in general and exist on a case by case basis anyway (beaurocracy, self-absorbed profs, poor advising). So, instead of emphasizing those, I'll mention the positives, along with some advice (of course). First, if you were one of those people in high school who really didn't quite fit into any one social group, you'll probably like Clark. People there tend to be a little unusual, sometimes to the point of extremism. There's a handful of fanatical activists, along with fanatical musicians, artists, potheads, academics, etc. I'd rather that over fanatical mainstreamists any day (and there's a majority of people there who are interesting and inquisitive, but not fanatical anything). I've seen students do amazing work and find great opportunities. For instance, 2 out of 6 (nationally!) Compton Fellowships ($40,000 1-year fellowship for peace studies) awarded in 2002 went to friends of mine at Clark. On the other hand, those were go-getters; if you're lazy, you'll do all right but those opportunities won't fall in your lap. Recommendation: take as many small seminars as you can. All of my favorite classes (and all of my current professor/friends) were/taught seminars. On to Worcester: definitely get a car if you can. Once you have wheels and a little bit of curiosity, there's a lot in Central Mass. Worcester is great for: diners, any time of day or night; ethnic food; small but accessible local music scene; stART on the street!; museums—check out the plumbing museum and higgins armory, and the WAM for the more traditional; very strange places and people; fascinating history. Ok, so it's not Boston. But if you want the Boston party or shopping scene, don't even bother going to Clark. I got really sick of hearing people whine that Worcester/Clark was boring. I never got bored. Clark parties are fun if you like off-the wall dancing and music, interesting conversation, and surprising people. They are not fun if you like booty-shaking, looking for a hook-up, music-blasting, roofie-laden keggers. Yes, that's what UMass is for. We don't want you. Academically, it was touch and go. I had a couple of dud classes, and some really mind-blowing ones. And some in-between. I could've applied myself better, and wish I had. I could've gone there for eight years and had six majors, with all the interesting courses listed (I settled for three majors—"communications" is the closest I could find in this system's list). The Career Services office stinks if you want anything beyond a run of the mill business or biotech career; I had great success when I went out and created my own internship—I highly recommend taking the initiative to do that (I pretty much picked the place in the area that I most wanted to work at and asked if I could intern). Study abroad is good: do it. Consortium is a hassle; most people said it was more trouble than the other schools' classes were worth. Do 5th year free if you can—that's what got me my first job. Get out into the city—of course you won't appreciate it if you don't know it. Clark definitely does not have something for everyone—a lot of people would not do well there. But if you are the right fit, then it's a great, one of a kind experience, and that should be the case for every school. Any school that says just anyone would be happy there is BSing you. Visit to get the real deal. Oh, and if you decide you want to do arts or film studies for a career, you'd be better off transferring. But Geography, International Studies, Education (with 5th year) and I've heard the sciences (although I don't know) are great. OH, and it's in the 'hood, so be smart and don't walk around off campus in your Abercrombie on your expensive cell phone late at night, or someone who wants your too-obvious money might ask you for it. Just be aware that there are lots of other people in the world you don't nearly have the privilege you do, and don't really like that very much.