7 Best Mfa Programs In Worcester, MA (2022 Updated)

I'll preface this review by saying I am a parent of a student nearing completion of 2 years at Assumption. The campus and facilities are well kept, safe, clean and relatively modern. Like any institution, the staff is a mixed bag. We've had several instances of communications going unanswered, requiring follow up before a response is given or otherwise not rising to the level of what you'd wish for, when committing your child and a high level of financial support to any business. I'll also say that in the time of covid, things are more complicated for all businesses and families, not just Assumption. That said, when circumstances are difficult, authentic character is revealed. After returning to campus for a 'hybrid' semester, the kids who chose to try and have a semblance of normal college life, have been gravely disappointed. The protocols are strictly enforced, and most people (including me) understand they are a necessary fact of life today. Abiding by social distancing, masks, twice weekly testing and other processes must be embraced and I have no qualms with that stance. That said, Assumption has a policy disallowing all resident students from leaving campus, except in the most narrow of circumstances. Even doctor visits have been challenging for students and have required parental intervention before being approved. The mental health of many are suffering due to this policy. All the while, staff, administrators, vendors, security and all commuting students are allowed to come and go at will on a daily basis. The school professed in a recent letter that "commuting students have not led to an increase in virus transmission". If that is true, why then aren't the remainder of the students allowed to follow those same policies as long as they abide by standard protocols? As we have all experienced, human interaction and cautious freedom of movement are all part of a human being's wellness. Our child and many others, are being made to suffer by the university's, inflexible, extreme policy. If that policy were uniformly enforced for everyone attending Assumption, it might be easier to accept. Seeing hundreds of people come and go on a daily basis, while others are literally suffering in silence is devastating as a parent and as a human being with empathy. The school and its president are not available and open to communicate on this subject either. A recent post I submitted to the Facebook group, written respectfully and thoughtfully was disallowed. A recent Zoom call was held to address student concerns and the administrators kept attendees muted, disallowed cameras and didn't provide the ability to interact and genuinely communicate two ways. College is supposed to teach kids how to think for themselves, form opinions and demonstrate their independence. It's part of the educational package, which is not purely an exercise in passing tests. Assumption continually follows a pattern of carefully controlled communications instead of embracing a diversity of thought. I am a working professional and have been impacted by covid same as everyone in the world. My company has changed its policies and the situation is ever evolving. That said, I am not aware of any other walk of life, where coming/going is all but disallowed. Even prisoners are allowed familial visits, with safety protocols followed. If a student had a toothache, nobody would prevent him/her from seeking relief, but for anyone suffering depression, anxiety and mental anguish in part because they cannot simply blow off steam by meeting their parents for breakfast is told to 'stay resilient'. Shameful and draconian.Jonathan Jacobs

I drove an hour to watch the football game today. The email sent to the opposing team (us) said "All guests must be fully vaccinated, over the age of 12 years old, etc…. I am sure I was not and won't be the last person to misunderstand that statement as being "Anyone 12 and over has to be vaccinated" and not understood as "Children under 12 are not allowed". While written properly, this was extremely deceiving compared to the rules posted on your site (which I decided to search after the fact) that says CLEARLY no one under 12 will be allowed on campus. My 3 year old who is not even PERMITTED to be vaccinated and who was thoroughly looking forward to coming to the game was in tears when we had to turn around and go back home. My family has gone to almost all of the football games this season in various states and not once has there been such strict, unreasonable rules about an OUTDOOR event. Experience PART ONE. Experience PART TWO- When I pulled on to the campus, the security guard asked if I had a guest pass. I said No. He said, "OK then, pull up the hill and you'll see the main parking." I proceeded to do so. Less than 5-10 minutes after I pulled in, my father in-law pulled in and was asked the same question. Do you have a guest pass? He answered No. The exact same answer as I. Help me understand why he was told he couldn't proceed through the gate but I, who answered with the same exact answer, was allowed to pass? First of all, neither one of us should have been allowed to pass because we, again, had not been required to "register" to attend a game AT ANY OTHER SCHOOL this season. But secondly, I am a 35 year old Caucasian female and he is an older black male. You must understand that the rules that applied to him and didn't apply to me looks really, REALLY bad on behalf of your school. ALMOST DONE… These rules stated on your site which as I said I searched after the fact say, "In addition to being fully vaccinated, guests must follow current Assumption University health protocols, including the current mask wearing policy. Lastly, at this time tailgating of any sort is not allowed on campus." Since your guard so kindly allowed me to pass the gate without a guest pass, I was able to go onto the campus and see a designated parking lot FULL of Assumption tailgaters, NOT social distanced and NOT wearing masks. So basically what I understood from this is AGAIN the rules that apply to the visiting team did not apply to the Home team. And to close… "all guests must register to come to campus five days prior to arrival.." Five days prior… Is it realistic to think that the friends AND family of the visiting teams would even THINK that they'd have to go "REGISTER" to attend the next game only two days after their last game after watching games ALL season without any issue?? I can only hope and pray that you look into all of the above and not just disregard the happenings surrounding my TERRIBLE experience today at your school. Thank you! And congratulations on your Team win. I hope it was the encouragement of your home team fans that really gave your team the push. Your great efforts to keep out visiting spectators worked. Oh and I forgot to add, my father in-law and our family friend who was with him are Military Veterans so to hear on the virtual viewing of the game that you all were celebrating "Military Appreciation Day" really put the cherry on top.Bonnie Senecal

The service at Taylor's dining hall is horrible and so is the quality of food. It doesn't even deserve 1 star. In my many experiences visiting my sister and eating here, they always close early and never have any food for those who have allergies. I'm allergic to gluten and the only option I have are carrots and hamburgers, in which most of the time I can't eat with having to go up 700 time to ask for more. I paid $12 to eat at an all you can eat buffet and I get to eat not even enough to count as a snack. If you try to ask for more the first time they will say no and then if you even want to have a small conversation while eating the first helping, they will be closed and take away all the food. Also the events for the family weekends and everything suck and are a waste of money. You have more chances of having fun if you just stay home and sleep.MacKenzie

Our family has had a very less than favorable experience with WPI. Certainly there are many positives and for most people this will probably be the case but in our case the negatives vastly outweigh the benefits. The quality of education is very good however grueling, with blatant disregard for mental health and stability. The end result and overall education received definitely exceeds that of many educational institutions. The students however have a very egotistical and elitist attitude both regards to those of non technical professions as well as other educational institutions at large. If you choose to not participate in this mentality you're definitely someone ostracized and looked down upon yourself. There is also a blatant disregard for the law and practices of their own policies with regard to protection to students rights. When your legal rights or your rights according to their own policies is infringed upon and enforcing them or protecting them would somehow negatively impact the school or their faculty every attempt to skirt or disregard them is attempted. I have seen in multiple circumstances this occurred to a negative end result for the actual student. Typically the only way around this is to have enough money to pay in fight the school to make it not worth their while. Those without the ability to do so face consequences that are oftentimes life-altering and the school pays no heed to this. You essentially sign yourself up for completely independent arbitration by going here and they take full advantage of this should it be necessary to protect their own reputation or revenue stream. The rate at which their development has progressed and expansion of administrative positions is also a sign of their lack of frugality and the breadth of their profit margin as opposed to consideration for the cost of the student or their family. The school could be much better it's the overall experience was improved upon by focusing on customer service, student experience, and not the kind from simply more development but through resources and protections that allow you as a customer to receive what you're paying for.Joseph

High quality education and the project-based curriculum really adds to your resume and provides much opportunity to study abroad. I chose a project site at NASA's Johnson Space Center for my MQP. How many undergrads get the chance to work at NASA? Not many. I had friends who went to project sites in Italy, Thailand, etc. I have also attended the University of Florida and Clemson University (for 2 graduate degrees) and would rate WPI on par with UF as fantastic experiences, and above Clemson. There are certainly trade-offs between large and small universities, with larger universities typically able to offer many more opportunities (greater course selection, greater selection of minors/concentrations/certificate programs to enhance your degree, sports, clubs, study-abroads, career fairs with heavy-hitting employers) and WPI makes up for its diminutive size with a strong emphasis on enhancing student life and opportunities that you won't find elsewhere like their project sites around the globe. Part of the reason WPI costs what it does is because of the value added to the student experience. Clemson, in contrast, offers what you would expect for its size- noticeably less than both WPI and UF. If a student simply wants to take classes and graduate doing the bare minimum, WPI would be wasted on them. But if you really want to make the most of your 4 years of undergrad, WPI offers a lot.Stacey Dolan

WPI the approach to instruction is to be close to the material so that students can apply it in real life applications. The student body was thoughtful and thankfully the hype associated with higher education and technical areas of mastery was not found. People are straightforward and honest here. I did not continue after freshman year because I had a low thyroid condition and really was not prepared to speed through the concepts presented to me at the time. My energy level has increased now. I have not given up on myself, however, I intend to learn at my own pace. I appreciate the friendships I was able to make here and being treated fairly and objectively. I was more suited for some world travel and personal discovery exploration rather than starting at WPI so soon after high school. Too many options for one lifetime. I was glad I went here.Kelly Moy

Financial Aid office is extremely unhelpful and ruined my overall experience of this school. They’re always trying to siphon more money away from you instead of actually helping you. Absolutely terrible, avoid this school at all costs.Jenn Lynn

WSU is a fantastic place. It has so much to offer. The campus is well maintained. It's perfectly located within the city. Walking distance to many restaurants and shops. Perfect choice for students next step after high school!Lisa Marie Berthel

Professors are extremely phony and do NOT care about your mental health. Was told by a professor my self harm scars were unprofessional and to hide them.jillian burns

Located on Worcester it’s a big spread out complex with multiple buildings. A bit confusing to navigate their way for newcomers. That’s understandable since it’s a huge complex. Well maintained hospital. Doctors nurses and the staff are helpful and professional. Though it could be a little more neater especially the elevators leading to the building that had the CCU. It is dusty and looks like nobody cleans it. Apart from couple of things here and there overall it is a pretty good place.Sarada

If i could rate 0 i would my mother got open heart surgery 5 days ago and got sent home but today she had symptoms of a heart attack and was told by her surgeon to go to the ER because she was going to be sent to a room when we arrived we sat there for 9 hours while she had swollen legs slurred speech and still we have 40 people ahead of us because her case is not high priority. Ive seen only 2 people get called since 3pm when we arrived and this is insanityAna Rodriguez

My father who has dementia was brought into the ER on Sunday 08/08/21. His nurse Jesse was very attentive, kind and informative. Benjamin and Louisa were exceptional. They cared for my father, talking and entertaining him. I would also like to mention the folks that work out in the lobby, the receptionist and security. They were organized, patient and caring. Thank youCarolyn Logan

This is a fantastic art museum with a wide array of well organized paintings, sculptures, relics, and special exhibits. We went specifically for the Higgins collection of medieval arms and armor. I also enjoyed the collection from the National Portrait Gallery. Staff and docents were friendly, and the scavenger hunt for my 9yo son was fun. With the holidays, they also had decorated trees, a guest train layout, and various activities from ice carving to hands-on armor tryouts. The proximity to parks and historical sites makes WAM and Worcester overall a great day trip. Visited on
Weekend

Wait time
No wait

Reservation recommended
Not sure

Price for adult entry
FreeChris Rakoczy

A gorgeous art museum found in the second largest city in Massachusetts. While most tourists may gravitate to the museums in Boston, this one should not be overlooked. Their permanent collection consists of art and items from around the globe and include the Higgins Armory Collection after that museum closed several years ago. The rotating galleries always feature a new, fascinating collection. I'm fortunate enough to have seen the Jewels of the Nile exhibit and was blown away by the presentation. Truly a must visit for art lovers! Visited on
Weekend

Wait time
No wait

Reservation recommended
Yes

Price for adult entry
$16–20happylioneatsprey

This place is an awesome gem!! This is my first time visiting Worcester and I had to stop by! I’d highly recommend it for anyone even remotely interested! They have a huge variety of art; from ancient to a small selection of Modern art. There is everything from Greco to Warhol here. The staff was lovely and welcoming. The seating in some of the galleries is unique and a work of art themselves. There is a small cafe area and lots of accessible bathrooms. It was a joy to visit and I hope to be back soon!!Taylor Mitchum

Great school. Great academic choices. Good programs. Caring administration. Nice campus. Good food at lunch! What more can you ask for (WA Parent)AK Gary

I used to go to this schooL BACK IN 2010 I remember Ms. SANONGE(HOWEVER U SPELL HER NAME) was the worse vice principal ever! When i was growing UP SHE used to yell at me for every small little things AND MISTAKES. SHE Told me I was never gonna graduate NOT EVEN FINISH HIGHSCHOOL AND GO TO. COLLEGE (JOKES ON HER I DID I MADE IT ) when I injured my leg she told me to walk without crutches that I'm FINE AND IM JUST ACTING IT THEN SAID YOU GOT BE KIDDING ME AND LAUGHED (because I decided to listen to her I ended up fractionING my leg badly because I didn't let it heal thanks to her .. I was bullied by classmates I told the teachers many time but nothing gets done! The classmates just continued so I took it ON MY OWN matter I Stood up for myself and when I did I got in TROUBLE! IN LEGIT TROUBLE! I MISSED ALOT OF DAYS OF SCHOOL BECAUSE OF THE CONSTANT BULLYING AND DEPRESSION FROM ALL THE KIDS CALLING ME FAT UGLY they kept WISHING I WAS DEAD AND SICK FROM ALL OF IT. ..ENDED UP GOING ON THIS STUPID SATURDAY SCHOOL IN ORDER TO GRADUATE BECAUSE I MISSED DAYS BECAUSE WHY I GOT BULLIED SO HARD THAT I COULDNT EVEN DEFEND OR STAND UP FOR MYSELF BECAUSE ILL BE EITHER SUSPENDED, ON THE URGE OF CRIPPLING DEPRESSION ONTOP OF THAT MY LEG WAS STILL HEALING . BUT NOPE TO MS. SANONGE I GET YELLED AT NO COUNSELORS TO EVEN HELP ME WITH MY DEPRESSION TAKES AWAY MY GOTCHA FEST PRIVELAGES CAUSE I MISS 2 DAYS! AFTER I WENT TO THAT ONE day FELT LIKE PRISON SATURDAY SCHOOL ( we were 8 hours in the cafeteria we were watched when going to bathroom , our only free time was only 15 minutes ..our lunch time was 15 minutes we couldn't walk or even get up from the cafeteria and the table we could only sit. We had two bathroom Breaks only 5- to 10 minutes long. We had to do stacks of assignments that our teachers have assigned to us , the teachers are given a list that shows who's going to one day Saturday school so they can give us a bunch of work. Worse part yet you couldn't even draw or talk … because If you did you will not graduate. The best part.. no teachers to help you that day. ) BUT SHE NEVER THOUGHT IF THERE WAS A REASON TRY TALKING TO HER ALL SHE DID WAS YELL AT ME AND TOLD ME I DONT CARE!… NOTE I WAS A STUDENT WITH GOOD GRADES THERE AND HERE I AM IN A ROOM WITH DELINQUENTS THAT WERE BULLYING ME !!! What's even worse we were put in a classroom that was close to the outside so we can hear and see everyone having fun. SHE WALKED INTO THE ROOM in AND ONLY STAYED a few minutes saying that she ddid nnot want anyone talking and a lecture how if we had behaved the whole school year we would of been out there having fun with the others but because of our actions we have to pay the consequences then she had the audacity to look at me and said or miss alot of school days after I gave you a chance letting you choose to go to Shat one aSaturday school right ?( says my name) iinfrontof VERYONE!!!! ) … I REMEMBER I WAS SO SICK I TOLD MY TEACHER IF I CAN GO TO THE NURSe she said Not right now SO I ASK HER CAN I Go TO THE BATHROOM? SHE ALLOWED ME TO GO TO THE BATHROOM WHEN I made it TO The downstairs bathroom check point. I REMEMBER CHECKING IN TO THE BATHROOM I THREW UP ON THE TEACHER THAT WAS ON SHIFT. MS. SANONGE WAS CALLED AND SHE LOOKED AT ME AND SAID SERIOUSLY WHAT IS IT NOW ? DONT EVEN YOUR NOT GOING HOME ! LUCKILY THE TEACHER ON SHIFT TOLD HER WHAT HAPPENED AND DEFENDED ME THANKS TO HIM AND THANKS to the EVIDENCE OF VOMIT ON THE FLOOR, TABLE, AND CHAIR SHE JUST GAVE ME A TONE DIDNT EVEN LOOK AT ME SHE WAS MAD AND JUST SAID JUST GO TO THE NURSE OFFICE NOW!… THE OTHER TIME I WAS TRYING TO HELP OUT the cafeteria lady SO I MOVED THE TABLE Ms Sanonge came around and YELLED AT me FOR MOVING THE TABLE AND SHE SAID TO ME. " STOP STOP MOVING THE TABLE! ARE YOU DUMB or BLIND DID YOU NOT SEE THE PAPER ON THE WALL OH MY GOD! SHE MADE MY MIDDLESCHOOL YEARS A LIVING HELL .. BECAUSE OF HER SHE GAVE ME PTSD SHE GAVE ME TRAUMA I HOPE SHES NOT WORKING THERE ANYMORE WHO KNOWS HOW MANY STUDENTS SHE WRECK HAVOC ONMy Dingloo

This school is utterly and indescribably awful, mostly for the reasons that Guidance makes false accusations, this school has also had expirence in the water filled asbestos, the teachers are sexists, you may find some good teachers such as Mr. Inoti and Mr. Cawley, this school is filled trouble makers and would not recommend taking your kids here because they will most likely be in a bad environment for kids, and I’m 14 myself and is going to this school so I should know, they also don’t allow hoodies for no apparent reason and is strict on this rule. The lunch is atrociously awful, they try to make the lunches healthier by using cheaper ingredients.. ever heard of Whole Wheat Pizza? I haven’t, there is also a Day care in the back of the school. That just goes to show on how ratchet the school is if they have students with children. Would not take my child here for many reasons, the teachers make fun of the students when they should be trying to help them, I get made fun of by my teachers for my ethnicity and academically. I hate this school, I think they should just close the middle school and just combine the highschool together to make Burncoat Highschool a better and bigger school.murilo s

If your coming from Gates Lane just beware that you will get mixed up with special ed, just like i was while i was there.John Stevenns