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Hampshire College

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Date: Nov 30 2005
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It's been a couple of years since I wrote that (embarassment) very long review tucked far below under "Editor", and like Mr. "Rabble Rouser" (hello) I too received emails from people wanting to know more (and a few thanking me for "telling it like it is"). Now that I'm a little bit older (and reflecting on whether what I wrote will someday earn me a visit from a hit man working for the Admissions Office)…I still stand by those comments. Nor am I one kook wailing away in the mist, just as those who had a great time are not alone either.

As Nietsczhe so famously said, what does not kill you makes you stronger. I'd never trade the friendships I made for anything, and there are some professors and staff members who permanently affected my view of the world, who I am forever grateful to. Hampshire also prepared many of us to be entrepreneurs and "get out on our own," to be independent, although often it was from a negative method. (eg kids being dissatisfied with things and starting new projects to remedy problems. That's a very Hampshire thing.)

But, honestly? Should you be doing "graduate school" when you're 18 or 20? Supposedly they have made changes to the first year curriculum to get kids a more well-rounded start, but still - even if you are a hotshot scholar and "mature for your age," it's that aspect of Hampshire - not the politics, or the cliques - that will give you the most heartburn. Graduate school, remember, is an inherently political place, where your relationship with your advisor is paramount, and you must specialize and find a unique niche for yourself. You do a grad degree after you've gained lots of generalist knowledge. No matter how bright you are, at 18 it's not likely that you've gotten that already.

Yes, it's completely possible to get a solid liberal arts education at Hampshire, IF you attend the other schools or get your degree in Hampshire's best school, Natural Science. But what often happens is that, and I am quoting a friend,

I learned a lot, but it did not really prepare me at all for getting a job, or going into my field.
Don't believe me? Check out the alumni magazine and see how many alumni end up either starting their own business, going into a completely different field, or going into their parents' field. So it's really a much better place for non-traditional age students, students transferring from community college, or very, very motivated students on a clear-cut timeline. (Though the latter can do independent studies at a school with a better reputation.) That said, I have some friends (especially those with NS degrees) who got a great education and developed a deep bond with their advisors.

"Entitlement" was mentioned, when someone was critiquing other reviews (although we're asked not to do so), in a negative context. Let's be honest here. There is a consumer mentality attached to college today, and if that is not fair considering these institutions' lofty educational goals, consider how much more it costs to go to college, and how much crushing debt it means for the average middle class family. Schools have brought this "consumerism" onto themselves by seeking top dollar from families.

That said…For someone to spend four years of their life, and feel that they are "entitled" to have the kind of education that would prepare them for the working world, or give them the experience to start a vocation or business…That's not unreasonable! You can spend as much attending Hampshire as you would spend to buy your first house. Think about that. For that much money, you ought to be sure you are getting value. Hell, you ought to enjoy yourself! Even if Hampshire only cost a single dollar, but hours and months and years of your life, you are STILL "entitled" to get back what you put into it. That doesn't mean a student isn't responsible for what they get out of a school. It does mean that your efforts and time should be respected, and responded to.

If you are going to Hampshire to "find yourself", and money is no object, you'll have a different expectation of what you're "entitled to", than if you are seeking an top-notch, challenging education. This same type of experiential, alternative education is available at a number of schools, but Hampshire is by far one of the most expensive schools in the country. It's not very well known outside of New England and the Middle Atlantic, so don't count on the name opening doors. If you are a young person whose family is working class or middle class, think hard about what you'll get out of the experience, and whether you are committed to the entire experience during, and after (when those loans come due). College is one of those momentous decisions like picking a spouse or career… Those kids who pick Hampshire to "find themselves" and then fall out again, they deserve better for themselves.

If you fall in love with the place, have a clear plan of study, and you have strong support structures, it might be a wonderful place. Just know what you're getting into, and have an exit strategy if it doesn't work out.

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