on Massachusetts Colleges, College Admissions, and College Life
Massachusetts Colleges and Universities
by Jennifer Merritt
There's more to Massachusetts than the Red Sox and John Kerry. Massachusetts is home to scholastic institutions that range from two-year colleges to Ivy League universities. Specifically, the town of Cambridge houses the world-renowned Harvard University, and Boston serves as a home to many universities that offer an Ivy League-caliber education -- and a city full of culture and excitement to match.
In addition to the numerous universities in Massachusetts, the state's famed locations of Cape Cod, Nantucket, and Martha's Vineyard serve as great places for lush beaches and wetlands, as well as destinations for those who wish to get their feet wet in marine biology. Given that Massachusetts is home to the New England Aquarium and many whale-watching expeditions, you can also find plenty of hotels throughout the area, and therefore plenty of hotel and restaurant management opportunities at Massachusetts universities.
The Democratic Convention was held in Boston last year for a reason, and its not because of allthe political science majors at Massachusetts colleges. The city is home to many state and federal offices, as well as City Hall -- perfect for the budding politician. Boston is also home to the Massachusetts General Hospital, a mecca for those wishing to pursue a medical degree. And, Boston has its very own Financial District, which serves as the banking, insurance, and legal center of the city.
History and English buffs can head to the Berkshires, where they'll find plenty of history and landmarks to keep busy while attending any of the universities in Massachusetts. The Native American tribes Mohawks and Mohegans lived and hunted here before moving West. Plus, many artists and writers such as Nathaniel Hawthorne, Herman Melville, and Edith Wharton flocked to the area to enjoy the mild summers and seclusion surrounded by hills and lakes. This movement spurred the Tanglewood, Jacob's Pillow, and the Berkshire and Williamstown Theatre festivals. This provides an interesting atmosphere for those planning to study theater and the arts.
Politics, finance, history -- isn't there any fun to be had? Head to Kenmore Square in Boston, where you'll find more than your fill of shops, restaurants, and clubs, and many students from Boston University and other Massachusetts colleges.
Cool Events Abound at Universities in Massachusetts
Free and public concert choirs and jazz musicians perform at Massachusetts universities.
Massachusetts colleges and universities host and sponsor annual mathematical competitions.
Students participate in and propose ideas for the Affordable Housing Development Competition.
Homecoming events bring back alums young and old to reminisce and support the athletes of Massachusetts universities.
Students and communities come together to participate in the Race for the Cure Breast Cancer fundraiser.
financial aid for Students at Massachusetts Colleges
State Aid Agency: Board of Higher Education
College Prepaid/Savings Programs: U. Fund U. Plan
Popular Majors at Massachusetts Colleges
Health and Allied Services, Education, Arts: Visual and Performing, Business and Commerce, and Social Sciences and History. Source: College Bound Seniors 2005, The College Board