UMass Boston
PROSPECTIVE STUDENTS:
Sophia DB
Anthropology
Took 2 gap years and traveled to Thailand, now lives in the Back Bay.
THE REVIEW:
First Impressions: Location - 1
Although UMass Boston is somewhat difficult to reach from the T, the directions given on the website and at the station made it very easy. The driver of the shuttle bus was also very helpful. Once arriving at the campus center we were confused and did not know where to find the admissions office.
We did find it strange that once we got to the office, the receptionist told us we had time to go get coffee but did not tell where and all of the cafes were closed. Also, give us literature at the appropriate time.
Lobby Appearance - 9
The lobby was a great ultra-modern headquarters for admissions. It fit in well with the decor of the brand new campus center. The reception area was well designed and the lobby was calming and zen, much Sophia’s experience in Thailand during her gap year.
Tour Guide: Jill, Birthplace not mentioned, but she must have been from Boston, Anthropology Major, Junior, transferred Fun Fact:
Personality - 10
Jill was a spitfire! She was casual and down to earth. She was friendly to people we encountered while on the tour and did a great job of dealing with some of the more difficult members of the tour (highlighted in our “favorite tour member” section). She was your classic UMass Boston student. Jill was clearly passionate about her school.
Appearance - 9
Jill was wearing a UMass Boston Admissions polo, skinny jeans and flats. It was a casual, yet professional outfit, completely appropriate for a tour guide at the school. Jill incorporated her personal style into the outfit but wearing her polo slightly oversized with cute earrings. Also, props on the spunky haircut!
On the hotness scale Jill receives a 8.
Ability to answer questions - 10
Jill knew the answers to all of the questions asked during the tour. She also did an amazing job of fielding the ridiculous questions from the #leastfavoritetourmembers.
Ability to relate - 6
Jill did a good job relating to us as perspective students. It did seem strange that Jill did not attempt to connect with Sophia who was also pursuing a degree in Anthropology. We would have thought she would have been a little more excited to talk to her about their shared interests and Sophia’s travels.
Tour: Informative (1) vs Entertainment (10) - 2
We definitely got a lot of information from this tour (and a crippling amount of information from the info session that took place beforehand). While Jill was an effective tour guide who showed a lot of interest in her school, she was not particularly entertaining. It was professional and generic, which can be expected from such a large school.
Quality/Quantity of free stuff - 6
We took a free pen and received a folder full of information.
Quality of literature provided -
The literature provided was very informative, to the point, and aesthetically pleasing. We also appreciated the folder to carry it in.
Length of tour (1=too short, 10=too long) - 7
We found the tour to be somewhat long, but UMass Boston has a very large campus. The visit was made entirely too long by the info session that took place beforehand. We also found the information to be repetitive between the two.
Quality of tour content - 8
We got to see pretty much everything at the school. We felt that we learned a lot about student life and ways to get involved with campus activities. We did not get a feel for academics, which is understandable at a school with with so many programs.
Miscellaneous: Was there Dr. Pepper? 10
Was there a sitcom TV set in the library? 0
Font choice/use? 6- effective but boringFavorite Least favorite tour member? Angry, Confused Father and Diploma Toting Son
-Why are you yelling sir?
-Why are you carrying your diploma around?
-Why are you answering your phone during the tour?
-Why do you need to see the pool so badly?
-Why are you answering your phone again?
Meal Plan Breakdown:
They don’t have a meal plan since it is a commuter campus. You can load money onto your “SoGo” card. You can spend in the dining halls and cafes. You can also use cash money. (Similar systems include: Emerson’s EC Cash, Fenway Cash at Wenworth, and Northeastern’s Husky Dollars).
Info session powerpoint presentation.
Diploma toting son
Common areas in the main campus center building.
Hallway in the current science building
Standard size classroom
OVERALL UMASS BOSTON EXPERIENCE - 7
If you want to know actual information about possibly attending UMass Boston, head over to StudentAdvisor.com to find out if this is the right school for you.
