Here, all of the professors are extremely helpful. They have office hours for students who need extra help or advice, and they give constructive criticism on tests and essays. I have a few large lecture classes which I thought would be boring and impersonal, but the way in which the teachers teach makes the material easy to both learn and understand. In addition, the science classes that I am taking all overlap some of the information, so it is like what you learn is being supported. Also, the labs for the science classes are awesome! Yes, they are three hours each, but the labs you do are really fun and you can get a lot out of them, such as learning how to use expensive lab equipment. Also, the TAs for the labs tend to teach as well, so your knowledge gets strengthened there as well. Basically, you can learn however much you want to learn.
Do you enjoy the experience at your school?
I come from a little town of 6,000 people, so I thought that I would hate it here where there are over 36,000 people on campus everyday. However, it isn't at all how I thought it would be. You get to know the people who you sit with in your classes and you also get to know your teachers and your TAs. As the semester goes on, the campus doesn't seem all that big any more, especially because it isn't as if everyone is in one place all at once.
Also, the dorms, especially the freshman dorms, are great. I'm in a RAP, or a Residential Academic Program, where I take classes with the people on my floor, which is great because if one person has a problem or question about a class, someone on the floor will know the answer. Dormmates are also great people to study for exams with because everyone is on the same page and everyone can contribute a little extra to the study sessions.
Do you feel you’re getting value for the money you’re spending on college?
One of the main reasons I came here was because of their veterinary program-UMass is one of the only schools in this area that actually has a pre-vet program/major. Even as a freshman I'm getting hands on experience already, such as taking vitals, looking for parasites, taking ultrasounds, and drawing blood. Also, working here will give me a huge step up on other students applying to vet schools, because while most people have experience with small animals (cats, dogs, etc.), UMass is giving me experience with large animals (cows, alpacas, horses, goats). In addition, everyone in this program is very helpful and gives a lot of advice, especially when it comes to looking for internships.
Also, there are a lot of great groups here to join that aren't available at smaller schools, like Goat Group, Ski and Board Club, Rock Climbing, Outdoor Club, and others. And there are brand new, multi-million dollar buildings that are beautiful and just amazing, such as the new gym (top of the art facility, with an indoor track and three levels of machinery), and the new science building (with lots of new computers and resource centers!). It's just amazing.
Do you have any tips for prospective students?
For any prospective students, try to get to know someone on campus whom you can shadow. It will allow you to see the campus from a student's perspective and get a taste for what the classes are like. Also, go on a tour of the campus- you will get to see various dorm rooms and also educational buildings. It looks big, but once you are campus, it will take you less than a week to find your way around. Also- DON'T BE AFRAID TO ASK! A lot of people get lost the first week, and upperclassmen really are nice and are willing to point you in the right direction.
Which types of students will excel at your college?
I believe that this school is great for every student. It's great for students who want to blend in, because of its size, and it's also great for students who want to stand out- all you have to do is participate a few times in class and you will definitely grab your teacher's attention. The science program here is the only one that I am familiar with and it is amazing. Between the new science building and all of the older ones, there are many different courses available and always places where you can go for help. Also- any one who wants to be a vet or do anything with animals should definitely look into this school. Yes, its a state school, but the veterinary and animal science programs are amazing and you will get hands on experience right away.
Here, all of the professors are extremely helpful. They have office hours for students who need extra help or advice, and they give constructive criticism on tests and essays. I have a few large lecture classes which I thought would be boring and impersonal, but the way in which the teachers teach makes the material easy to both learn and understand. In addition, the science classes that I am taking all overlap some of the information, so it is like what you learn is being supported. Also, the labs for the science classes are awesome! Yes, they are three hours each, but the labs you do are really fun and you can get a lot out of them, such as learning how to use expensive lab equipment. Also, the TAs for the labs tend to teach as well, so your knowledge gets strengthened there as well. Basically, you can learn however much you want to learn.
I come from a little town of 6,000 people, so I thought that I would hate it here where there are over 36,000 people on campus everyday. However, it isn't at all how I thought it would be. You get to know the people who you sit with in your classes and you also get to know your teachers and your TAs. As the semester goes on, the campus doesn't seem all that big any more, especially because it isn't as if everyone is in one place all at once. Also, the dorms, especially the freshman dorms, are great. I'm in a RAP, or a Residential Academic Program, where I take classes with the people on my floor, which is great because if one person has a problem or question about a class, someone on the floor will know the answer. Dormmates are also great people to study for exams with because everyone is on the same page and everyone can contribute a little extra to the study sessions.
One of the main reasons I came here was because of their veterinary program-UMass is one of the only schools in this area that actually has a pre-vet program/major. Even as a freshman I'm getting hands on experience already, such as taking vitals, looking for parasites, taking ultrasounds, and drawing blood. Also, working here will give me a huge step up on other students applying to vet schools, because while most people have experience with small animals (cats, dogs, etc.), UMass is giving me experience with large animals (cows, alpacas, horses, goats). In addition, everyone in this program is very helpful and gives a lot of advice, especially when it comes to looking for internships. Also, there are a lot of great groups here to join that aren't available at smaller schools, like Goat Group, Ski and Board Club, Rock Climbing, Outdoor Club, and others. And there are brand new, multi-million dollar buildings that are beautiful and just amazing, such as the new gym (top of the art facility, with an indoor track and three levels of machinery), and the new science building (with lots of new computers and resource centers!). It's just amazing.
For any prospective students, try to get to know someone on campus whom you can shadow. It will allow you to see the campus from a student's perspective and get a taste for what the classes are like. Also, go on a tour of the campus- you will get to see various dorm rooms and also educational buildings. It looks big, but once you are campus, it will take you less than a week to find your way around. Also- DON'T BE AFRAID TO ASK! A lot of people get lost the first week, and upperclassmen really are nice and are willing to point you in the right direction.
I believe that this school is great for every student. It's great for students who want to blend in, because of its size, and it's also great for students who want to stand out- all you have to do is participate a few times in class and you will definitely grab your teacher's attention. The science program here is the only one that I am familiar with and it is amazing. Between the new science building and all of the older ones, there are many different courses available and always places where you can go for help. Also- any one who wants to be a vet or do anything with animals should definitely look into this school. Yes, its a state school, but the veterinary and animal science programs are amazing and you will get hands on experience right away.