George Mason University

Date: Apr 02 2008
Major: English (This Major's Salary over time)
I have to say, the comments that I have read about this school are amazing to me. It seems that from the negative point of view, everyone is chapped because Mason doesn't have a social life. If you are going to put the school down, let's talk about what's really wrong with the school instead of what's wrong with your perception of the school.

Firstly, Mason is undergoing a lot of construction that is going to take a while. It has been going on for years, it is going on now, and will continue to go on. This is going to better campus for future students (and they will have to put up with more construction too). The construction rarely gets in your way, but it does tarnish an otherwise beautiful campus.

Next, parking. There are garages being built so a lot of that will clear up. My issue with parking is how far it is from where one needs to be. There are plenty of shuttles to off-campus areas, I say we need them from the parking lots to the buildings.

Let's talk about the social life thing for a second. I will admit, the weekends are quiet here. So what! You have a major US city just a car ride away, or if you're scared to drive into DC, take the train. When it comes to social life, it is fine. It isn't a party school because school is for education, not hangovers. Go into the District for gods sake; there may not be a lot going on here, but a lot is happening in Washington (and many other places like Ballston, Alexandria, Crystal City). Explore people! There are more opportunities for enjoyment than drinking.

My last complaint is the people. That's right, the students. I love Northern Virginia. So do many others that have moved here for the time-consuming government jobs. Unfortunately, their kids are neglected and end up dumb and overly confident (cause mom and dad have hella cash). Also unfortunate, they end up at Mason. They fill the classes and talk about irrelevant things to the professors in class. I am so tired of kids that take up valuable class time to confidently blurt out their tilted opinions. Leave professing to the professors, I paid them to do it, not you.

Now that I have the issues on the table, Mason is a great school overall. I transfered here (in state) and loved that the staff was helpful and seemed to care about my problems, especially in the financial aid office. Mason cares about students. Some universities don't and don't go out of their way to please those who attend. Mason does. That is why there is so much construction. They are trying to improve the quality of life here. They have even hired chefs to fix the long broken Ciao Hall menu. Students are provided with free bus fare, free shuttles to the metro, movie theaters… how can that be bad?

The professors are top notch. They are reasonable, flexible, and most importantly, approachable. I have wonderful instructors.

I love the job opportunities here. There are many companies that give mason students priority for jobs if you go to the career center. There are so many great resources here.

DC. Enough said. You can go into the District every night and find something new to do for cheap. There are plenty o things to see and get into if you just spend time looking. There are bars (if that is your thing) and plenty of coffeehouses and bookshops. There are beautiful parks and wonderful monuments and museums. I also find biking around the mall and tidal basin (as well as rock creek) to be enjoyable.

Mason is a window on the world. Don't be a douche-bag, utilize the resources that are offered to you.