The University of Connecticut

Date: Jul 24 2008
Major: Computer Science (This Major's Salary over time)
I transferred to UConn from BC two years ago, largely because I wanted to be part of a campus environment. I was very pleasantly surprised to discover how strong the computer science program is at UConn and also how cyber-sophisticated the whole university is. Not only have they put a ton of money into the campus computer infrastructure, but they actual know how to use it. The joy and freedom of having access to everything available at your fingertips is really powerful. My friends from other colleges, who are also computer science majors, that have visited me from time to time, are amazed how organized our online data is and how well integrated all the departments and administrative databases are. Also, my non-computer savvy friends like the convenience of having their laptops serviced at the tech center when they have a problem.

Like I said, the computer science program here is top notch. Its a perfect combinations of theoretical, application, future science and industry career focused. The teachers are also great. They are not just academic junkies operating outside of the real world. They have good combination of theory and application, and they can teach. The program here blows away everything I experienced at BC.

The academics here are at UConn are challenging so I cant imagine where people find the time to party and get drunk all the time. Id say its more like we work are *ss off and party with the same intensity when we can. There is so much activity happening on campus it may be hard for some to stay disciplined enough to not let the social scene take over their academic load.

I love the spirit and atmosphere of the fall sports, football and soccer always draw big crowds and usually make it deep into their NCAA tournaments. The womens soccer team also draws hugh crowds but I havent followed their games. With the winter comes basketball and both the women and mens teams are fantastic events. There is nothing like it. Its insane. My girlfriend likes the UConn rep theater so we go to their shows during the year. They have a strong drama/theater department at UConn and they put on some really good shows. They have like 3 theaters, Katter, Studio and Jorgenson, that all have different types of shows. After a show we sometimes walk downtown to the Tequila Cove, or over to the new town village they are building. There is no way you can do everything at UConn, youd never have time to study or sleep, but most likely you wouldnt anyway. There is something for everyones taste and interest, it all depends what you are into. Like every campus, you will find those that are socially immature and do nothing but stay in their room and drink and complain about how bad the school is. Every school has their fair share of these dregs. Next year will be my last year and while Im looking forward to graduating and moving on, I will miss this school and the times Ive had.

Be aware that if you apply to UConn your grades and test scores may not be good enough to get in. Its getting harder to get accepted because the school is getting more top applications each year so its becoming much more selective. Unless you are an elite athlete and get through admissions that way, you will find it a more difficult to get accepted.