Top 5 Reasons to Attend University of Massachusetts at Amherst

Choosing a college isn’t an easy task. There are many schools in Massachusetts alone, and finding the right fit can seem impossible. But the University of Massachusetts at Amherst is one school that stands out, and here are five reasons why.

1. Outstanding Academics

In 2017, the University of Massachusetts at Amherst ranked 74 out of all the national universities. The school is recognized for having strong academics. In fact, their average incoming student was ranked in the top fifth of their class. The school is now ranked 27th among public colleges in the US News & World Report.

On top of that, class sizes are smaller than most major universities. 50% of the classes have less than 20 students. Surprisingly, only about 18% of the classes had 50 or more students. These smaller classes make it easier for students to succeed.

2. A Beautiful Campus

College isn’t only about the academics. It’s also about the environment. When you’re choosing a college, you should consider the aesthetics of the campus. The grounds at the University of Massachusetts at Amherst are picturesque. There are trees and pathways scattered among beautiful buildings. The Old Chapel is one of the most recognized buildings on the campus. Built in 1884, the chapel makes the campus even more picturesque.

3. The food is amazing

This might sound like a silly reason to attend a school, but it’s not. If you plan to live on campus, think of how many meals you will eat in the cafeteria. A school that gives you good food gives you a better quality of life. God food will fuel your studies and keep you going when you want to close the books. It will keep you happy when you’re homesick. And it will keep you healthy by giving you an alternative to Top Ramen or Spaghetti-Os.

The university of Massachusetts at Amherst has food that rivals many other colleges. Their dining hall has won awards for their cuisine. In 2017, the Princeton Review Ranked their dining hall as number one in the US. And it’s not hard to see why. The school offers a food delivery service, Kosher options, Halal options, and food trucks. For those looking for healthy options, the school is the first in the nation to offer SPE-certified food. The certification ensures that the school serves nutritious and sustainable food.

4. Opportunities Abound

With over 100 major subject areas to choose from, the University of Massachusetts at Amherst gives students plenty of options. For one, they give you an opportunity to design your own major. You can work with an adviser to develop a major that meets your needs. The program is part of something called the Five College Interchange. Nearby colleges (Smith College, Mount Holyoke College, Amherst College and Hampshire College) give UMass Amherst students the opportunity to take their courses. This interchange makes it possible for students to have a wealth of knowledge at their fingertips.

A strong alumni network also creates more opportunities for both students and graduates. Notable graduates of the school include the former CEO of General Electric, the founder of Monster.com, and Animal Planet star Jeff Corwin.

5. The Cost is Reasonable

Let’s be frank. No college is cheap, or even affordable. But the University of Massachusetts at Amherst’s tuition is much lower than many other schools. Massachusetts state residents pay state tuition, which costs about $28,000 a year. Non-residents pay almost double, but residents can get an incredible and affordable education.

The school also offers many different scholarships. They offer a flagship scholarship, a community scholarship, an honors scholarship, and more. There are also aid programs to help students deal with the debt.

Although tuition isn’t everything when you’re choosing a college, it usually does play a part in your decision. Their relatively low tuition makes things a little easier.

What to Look for When Choosing a College

There are other factors to consider when you’re looking at schools. You might want a school with many opportunities to participate in on-campus activities. Maybe you want one with a Division 1 basketball team. Or, perhaps you want to attend a school with multiple internship opportunities.

Talking to current students and alumni is a great way to get a behind-the-scenes look at a school. They can tell you the good, the bad, and the ugly. Tour guides and admission counselors will only want you to see the good, but a current student can give you a complete and honest account.

Although there are a lot of factors to consider, there’s one crucial question. Is that school the right fit? It’s important for you to feel at home. After all, it will be your new home for four years. UMass Amherst might be the right fit for you.

Drinking at University of Massachusetts at Amherst

The university of Massachusetts at Amherst is a great school, but just like every other school, there is alcohol. If you get caught drinking while driving, seek the help of a DUI defense attorney.