StudentsReview :: The University of Maryland University College - Extra Detail about the Comment
-or-
Search for Schools by Region
 

or within distance of city

Similar Schools
George Washington University -- District of Columbia, DC
Boston College -- Chestnut Hill, MA
Boston University -- Boston, MA


  Who's got the Best?

Perceptual Rankings:
You Make 'Em.
We Post 'Em.
You Vote 'Em Up.
You Vote 'Em Down.
Aww yeah.


The University of Maryland University College

How this student rated the school
Educational QualityC+ Faculty AccessibilityB-
Useful SchoolworkD Excess CompetitionB
Academic SuccessD Creativity/ InnovationC
Individual ValueD- University Resource UseD
Campus Aesthetics/ BeautyC FriendlinessC
Campus MaintenanceC Social LifeF
Surrounding CityA Extra CurricularsF
SafetyB
Describes the student body as:
Closeminded

Describes the faculty as:
Helpful

Male
Quite Bright
Lowest Rating
Social Life
F
Highest Rating
Surrounding City
A
He cares more about Social Life than the average student.
Date: May 21 2009
Major: PreLaw and Legal (This Major's Salary over time)
I'm in my late 20's and have recently come to the realization that I need to finish up my degree if I ever want to find a fulfilling career. I choose UMUC because it's one of the only schools in the area that is both flexible to working adults and affordable. It's also in the University of Maryland System, so even though its open enrollment there is a level of trust that I didn't have with the "for-profit" schools that market towards non-traditional students like myself.

I must admit that after the first semester I came very close to transferring. There is no sense of community or belonging within the school. UMUC is the ugly stepchild within the UMD system, and the administration isn't very helpful. Plus, most of my classes were filled with subpar students who belong on the community college level… but after sticking it out through my second semester I'm starting to figure things out.

You have to be proactive in seeking help from advisors and counselors. There are just too many students spread out across the world to expect individual attention. But if you go and seek assistance, you can get it.

I've also noticed that many of the weaker students seem to get weeded out once you get to the upper level courses. I suppose this is a by product of open enrollment education; those who aren't serious or capable will either drop out or fail out. I'd say a good 50-60% of the new students never finish their degree; some of that is the fault of the school, but in most cases those students were not ready for the type of work college requires.

I've taken classes both on-line and on-campus. I've found the level of on-campus instruction to be very good—every professor I've had teaches somewhere within the UMD System. The on-line instruction has tended to be, "hit or miss," depending on the professor; Some are committed to teaching and some are in it for a pay check. If you can tolerate the busy work and stay self motivated, getting an 'A' or 'B' in online classes is pretty easy.

The bottom line is that, yes, UMUC has a lot of warts and blemishes… but… if you're committed to making it work, you can get certainly walk away with a quality education and a positive experience. You just have to remember to be proactive and understand this is a non-traditional school.

Ask a Question or add a response!
Compare UMUCSave UMUC