Landmark College

Date: May 07 2013
Major: Preparatory (This Major's Salary over time)
Like making any major decision, it pays to carefully consider where you invest your money and time. For the time and money I spent going to Landmark, I feel now that I could have gained far more value investing it into another college or pursuit.

What honestly helped me do well in academics and deal with my ADHD was not Landmark's strategies, but taking the initiative to create my own and do my own research. It helped me to make the effort to branch out and learn from others. I found that Landmark did not prepare me adequately for my studies. Many of their philosophies, such as attend every class, did not hold up in my current college environment. I learned by adapting to my current environment and creating a social network/support structure. Being connected with others is key.

I found the general student culture to be eerie at times and having a negative vibe. I did not feel like many students respected themselves, and they often had defeatist attitudes. Of course, there were a few bright, warm, and respectable people. It is just that I found this to be the exception rather than the norm.

I often felt bored at Landmark and—for a school the prides itself on being innovative—it tends to use regular teaching methods more often than not. I found this disappointing. There also was little-to-no opportunity for students that found the class material too easy. if you came from a strong academic background, be warned!

Students with learning differences do not necessarily need specially-trained staff: good teaching is good learning. I have seen a similar quality of teachers at my current school, UMass Amherst, that are as understanding if not more so than my teachers at Landmark. At any school, there are good and bad teachers.

What I wish I learned while at Landmark was how to be more social. At such a small school with not much around over the weekend, this can be difficult. At a larger school with a lively town, there are many more opportunities for meeting new people. In retrospect, I would easily trade the 4.0 I got at Landmark and have right now for a 3.0 and a year of meeting/hanging out with freshman in Amherst. Social skills and networking are crucial for success in life, and I think Landmark was a poor environment for me to learn both those skills in.

Think carefully before you make your decision about going to Landmark. Consider many other alternatives—they are out there! There are many other kind, knowledgable, and understanding people that are willing to help. You just need to find them and get to know them.