The University of Massachusetts - Boston

Date: May 23 2007
Major: Anthropology (This Major's Salary over time)
UMASS Boston is a COMMUTER school, therefore you won't find the idelized "college experience" that a lot of people on this website seem to be pursuing; which I actually got at my school before UMASS Boston (FAU) and realized it only led me to waste time and money!

The Anthropology Department at Umass Boston is EXCELLENT! This major I would recommend most definitely; Professors Silliman, Fazell,Den Ouden,Sieber,Worley and Pasto are my favorites and come mostly with PH.D's from Ivy League Institutions. I feel that I am leaving UMB prepared and most excinting to me is that fact that I am almost DEBT-FREE since UMB is not only public, but also VERY affordable. Although UMB is not in Boston proper, it is close enough for students to enjoy the AMAZING atmosphere of the city, probably the BEST in the nation. Also, they have satellite locations in places like Newbury Street, in an old High School which is pretty cool.
People here just mind their business, however one can definitely make good friends. The problem for freshman is the fact that the student population here seem to be a bit older, therefore the whole high school social scene doesn't exist here.

On the negative side, there are only few things that come to mind:

PARKING: absolutely horrible…not enough spaces. They are working on it though!

SAFETY: I've never been subject to any attack, neither have I witnessed or heard one; however, there is not enough security around…especially during the evening. The parking lots and empty buildings could be a VERY scary place to be!

RED TAPE: If you are waiting for a loan to be disbursed for example…You're in for a LONG WAIT. Same goes with Test results, like the Writing Proficiency that everybody has to take at one point!

COOL STUFF:

Tons of Seminars and extra-curricular activities! Including 2 Newspapers and a Community Radio.

Study Abroad programs to Europe, Mexico, Jamaica, Belize and many others.

Very…I should say EXTREMELLY ethnically and racially diversed campus (I should notice it as I am a minority and an Anthropologist wanna-be!!!) which is VERY COOL…you really get to meet people from all over the world.

Balanced curriculum…tons of great classes to choose from.

Large enough for variety, but small size classes. For those who are afraid of the conference type of classes (Like in Amherst), then UMB is just a perfect in between!

In conclusion, I must add that with all its downfalls; I am happy that soon I'll be getting my diploma from UMB and will feel that I made a smart investment! After attending FAU, I can say that UMB although not as large or nice looking, is one of the finest public colleges I've seen. People are driven to succeed and take education very seriously. Professors aren't afraid to express their points of view…however, if you are a conservative you may have a hard time adapting here!

If you are looking for the North East-perfect folliage-fraternity filled-large campus college experience; then brake the bank (or your parents') and go to BU, BC, Emerson or Northeastern. If you are looking for a balance between quality and value; then out of the UMASS system, UMB has BY FAR the best offer! Who wants to live in Amherst anyway…