Hampshire College

Date: Aug 15 2011
Major: English (This Major's Salary over time)
Wow. I'm honestly shocked by all of the negativity! I have loved Hampshire since I first stepped foot on campus. The first handful of students (both new and returning) I met were incredibly friendly and truly excited to learn. I came from a high school where kids really could care less about their education, and where I could very easily get an A without trying hard at all. But only a few days into my Hampshire life, I knew it would be nothing like high school. And I was right (for the most part).

Academically, Hampshire (and UMass, and Mt. Holyoke, and Smith) challenged me to be a better student, and to work harder every day. There was never a "good enough." I could ALWAYS improve, and my professors made that clear. Sure, anyone could float by all four years if all they cared about was doing "good enough." But if you have the drive and the desire to work to your full potential, then Hampshire is the place to do that! The professors are incredibly helpful and approachable with just about everything. I met with the professor of nearly every class I took because I was able to. They make themselves available to students often, and it's up to you to make their office hours. No one at Hampshire will coddle you. However, if you have even a remote sense of self-motivation and self-direction, then you will thrive. I have also found that nearly all of my professors have had a vast wealth of knowledge and were incredibly well-versed in their subjects. There are a couple exceptions, but that's true with any school.

The social life can be a little difficult at times, but I think there's someone for everyone. I am sub-free (no drugs/alcohol/cigarettes), but not fanatically so. I believe someone commented saying that everyone was either really into drugs or awkwardly sub-free. Well, I'm proof that there is a middle ground. Most of my friend are not sub-free, but they also don't party every night. They go out of their way to make sure I'm comfortable with whatever is going down, and if I want a break, I can just go back to my room. Not that difficult. There are some students who want to believe that they are right and there are no other valid opinions. They, however, are the minority. If you run into one of them, just smile and nod until you can get away. They aren't that hard to avoid. For me, it only took me a few days to find solid friends; ones who were incredibly kind and open-minded and brilliant and supportive. Students like that exist, I promise. And there are more of them than these negative comments seem to suggest.

Altogether, I have adored my time at Hampshire thus far. It has been a positive experience overall, despite the normal bumps and bruises every student goes through anywhere. Do not be scared off by the negative comments! It's true, Hampshire is not for everyone. But if it's for you, then it is fully for you.