University of Massachusetts-Amherst Top Questions

I feel that I am retaking the same classes from before college, except with more sophisticated terminology. I am wasting valuable time on redundant and irrelevant knowledge instead of using that time on taking more classes that directly relate to my major in Architectural-Design. If I plan on designing buildings for the rest of my life, why then am I supposed to understand Shakespearean language and memorize equations if I do not know how to apply them in real life? Personally, college students should not be forced to take 45 credit hours of gen-eds.

Dealing with the administration is really frustrating. Maybe because it’s such a big school, but I feel like no departments talk to each other and the distribution of finances doesn’t seem very logical to me. My advice for incoming students would be that as long as you’re somewhat aggressive in sending out emails and getting questions answered, you’ll be okay. No one is going to hold your hand though.

large population o students, requests can get lost

I would have to say the most frustrating thing at UMASS was the cold winters and the distance between some of the classes. Coming from New England it was easy to adapt, but others found it more difficult.

Sometimes the administration does not do everything they can to help a student in need. Also, there have been times where I had to communicate with some UMass office staff and theyb had been less than pleasant, on a consistant basis. It is understandable, financial aid workers do not deal with the nicest people all day, which might put them in an off mood, but if I am trying to be friendly and cordial, at least humor me with a smile.

In my graduate program most classes have prerequisites. This does not effect most students in my program as a majority go back to school part time, so they have the flexibility to take one or two classes a semester. However, when faced with taking three or four as I am as a full-time student, I have had to ask for teacher permission to take courses. Compounding this problem, several courses are only offered during specific semesters. My graduation date has been effected by this.

As much as Umass being a large campus was a great thing for me, it could be frustrating as well. My lectures were so large and full of students, it was hard to get the professor's individual attention and support. Alumni career service support isn't the best either, as I found looking for a job after college very difficult (not to mention our tough current economy) but I received a lack of assistance from our career service center. Their job database wasn't very strong for my major, Communication.

The infastructure is not very well built and it's difficult to get around. I also have to get used to the mass amount of departments there are at the school. Unfortunately because of this, things get done at a very slow pace because everyone has to talk to everyone. If they were all under one umbrella of a larger department it would be easier.

Financial Aid can be very difficult. It is very important to stay on top of them if you require thier services. They deal with many students issues a day, so the process can be slow.

The most frustrating thig about my school is just the cold. I really love my school and where I am. It really is changing into a better person. I have so much fun and I learn so much. I couldn't ask for a better school for myself.