Lesley University Reviews
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Riva from New Gloucester, ME
01/07/2010Reviewer is A current student here.
7 out of 7 people found this review useful. 1 of 15
Categories Comments Great for these types of students Lesley is not a party school, however those who do choose to party often visit Harvard next door and MIT about a half hour away. I recommend it for students who like the arts, or being around creative people, and those who are interested in a little bit of everything. Those who like a community environment will thrive here.
Tips for prospective students Visit, visit, visit! For any college, there is no way of knowing it is right for you unless you visit and see what it's really like. Student reviews and web sites and secondary information is great, but without seeing it for yourself there is really no way to know if its right for you. I have seen so many of my high school graduates transfer and be miserable because they did not visit first, and it was not like the pictures in brochures. Also, this school does play Humans V Zombies (it's a campus wide game of continuous tag) so bring your Nerf guns!
Bang for the buck If your grades are good, you can get a pretty decent scholarship (up to $15,000), which helps tremendously, with additional grants depending on financial need. Work studies are often awarded, however they dry up fast. There is plenty of places to apply off campus less than 20 minutes of walking, but once October hits you will likely have to wait 'till spring unless you want to take the T to work.
Am enjoying being here Every vacation I counted down the days to go back. There is always something to do, the professors care, and even the food service staff give you a smile, talk with you, and make you feel like home. You have to get yourself involved however- there are flyers and emails, but sometimes word of mouth is the only way to find out what's really going on.
Am learning a lot Within a semester, I was already prepared with a new arsenal of ideas and knowledge. Compared to what I've learned here, I learned nothing in high school. The staff, services, resources, and most of all other students are all there to help you learn and grow. It is still challenging, but you have the opportunity to grow, not just academically, but socially and globally. It takes ten minutes to Harvard Square which is full of opportunities and places to explore, and if that's not enough, it's less than a half an hour on the T to get to any type of place you can image. Lesley gives you the comforts of the small, yet urban environment, in a school that you know most people at minimum by face, while still having the city of Boston at your fingertips.
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Sarah from Plainfield, NH
10/07/2009Reviewer is A current student here.
4 out of 5 people found this review useful. 2 of 15
Categories Comments Great for these types of students I can only speak for AIB, but if you're truly passionate about becoming a better artist, AIB is the place for you. Ideally, an AIB student should love being in the city (or big town as my advisor calls it) and love working on their art.
Tips for prospective students *You receive as much as you give. If you slack off and don't try doing your work, it will show. *Be open minded. The teachers might say things that will annoy you or otherwise rub you the wrong way, but you'd be surprised to know that even if you don't agree with them, their advice will still benefit you in the end. *Be sure to check out the free activities that Lesley has, including the free movie showings Saturday night! They're a great way to relax after a stressful week at school and best of all, you don't have to pay. *Beware of the shuttle that goes from Lesley to AIB and vice versa. It has not been unheard of for students to be late for their classes because of it.
Bang for the buck Expect to pay a LOT of money for AIB. I was fortunate enough to get a decent scholarship package, but I have a friend who was a senior last year who is over $100,000 in debt because of his loans--and he said this was common amongst all his friends! If you get a better scholarship package at a different school, take it. That said, you get what you pay for. AIB is up to date on its technology in the labs and the teachers know what they're talking about.
Am enjoying being here Boston is a great city, and Lesley has a great campus. Lesley is about ten minutes away from Harvard Square, which is fun to explore. Boston is also very walkable, and an interesting place to explore with friends. Some times my friends and I just wander along the Charles River when it's sunny out. If you want a good place to start exploring, I say follow the Freedom Trail. Another favorite place of mine is around Boston Harbor.
Am learning a lot I am actually a student at the Art Institute of Boston, but since AIB doesn't have its own tab on Cappex I'm leaving a review under Lesley since we are affiliated with them. My schedule is often very busy. My Lesley classes, that is to say my general education credits, are about an hour each two times a week while my AIB classes, my art/main classes, are three hours a day usually two times a week. It's a long day, but you really do learn a lot once you get past your Freshman year. The staff at both Lesley and AIB are helpful and I've been told if you're having trouble learning the tutoring center is good as well.
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Catherine from Spencer, MA
06/08/2011Reviewer is A current student here.
1 out of 1 people found this review useful. 3 of 15
Categories Comments Great for these types of students Students looking for: A smaller school feel The expansiveness of a city to explore A good education in the social sciences or teaching a small teacher to student ration and small classes (I had 30 at the most in my classes, and that is as a freshman!) looking for a strong community looking for an artsier, different student population
Tips for prospective students It is a small school and there are a lot more females than males at the school, but keep in mind that there is always the rest of Boston to explore.
Bang for the buck It is on the expensive side, but I find it to be totally worth it, because I absolutely love it here.
Am enjoying being here We are literally surrounded by Harvard, so it is a very beutiful place to be. Boston and Cambridge have a lot to offer and there is always a new place to explore. the campus quad is very beautiful, many people sit out on the grass when the weather is nice. Dorms are quite nice if you're not a freshman, since a lot of the housing is Victorian houses. Freshman dorms are typical style dorms. It is a small school, which I love because I can always find a friend to sit with in the dining hall at any given time.
Am learning a lot I love my classes. I have taken classes in psychology, philosophy, dance, history, and sociology all in my first year. There is a good selection of very interesting classes, thought it is obviously not at expansive as you would get a larger school. If you like humanities, social sciences, or teaching , this is a very good choice. our science and math programs are starting to develop and there are some great opportunities in those areas as well.
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Miles from Storrs Mansfield, CT
06/20/2011Reviewer is Researching this school. Reviewer has been to campus.
1 out of 1 people found this review useful. 4 of 15
Categories Comments Great for these types of students Women
Bang for the buck At upwards of forty grand without any merit scholarships, this is just way too rich for me. I was completely underwhelmed by their library, and their dorms aren't worth the price tag.
Will enjoy being here Most of the perks would be from living in Boston near the other Universities. It doesn't seem incredibly exciting, but I'd be willing to check this place out again.
Will learn a lot The academic programs do look really good. If I could afford, it I might consider going here.
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Jillian from Old Tappan, NJ
04/25/2012Reviewer is A current student here.
1 out of 1 people found this review useful. 5 of 15
Categories Comments Campus Safety 24 hour security is on site, however there is no check-in for guests.
Greek Life This is no Greek Life at this school.
Clubs and Activities There is an extremely diverse pool of clubs and activities!
What to do for fun The school is just a T ride into Boston. There is also much to do in Cambridge.
Food and Dining There is also a wide variety of food. Food is also from local farmers. However many students find the food unsatisfactory.
Dorm Life There is a variety of residence halls that are traditional dorms as well as individual houses throughout a three block radius in Cambridge.
Academic Rigor Some classes are much harder than others. The rigor of classes depends of the professor.
Tips for prospective students Make sure you are OK with coming to a small school.
In three sentences As a Holistic Psychology major I believe that I am at the best college. Many of the professors are practicing in the field that they teach, adding real-life experiences to course work. The
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A.E from Acton, MA
01/03/2012Reviewer is A current student here.
6 of 15
Categories Comments Great for these types of students Open minded, artistic, encouraging
Tips for prospective students Make sure while you are looking at this school to keep in mind that it is not like a ordinary college. It is small with around 1800 undergraduates. If you like a sense of community and diversity then Lesley is the perfect school for you. It also offers great programs for secondary education, expressive arts therapy, psychology and counseling. There is a small group of people I know studying business management and science but those aren't the biggest majors on campus. Unfortunately, the food here isn't THAT good, but what can you expect from a college that is more focused on your journey of education?
Bang for the buck Lesley University is quite expensive and I really did not know that until I actually got there. My parents are currently struggling to pay my tuition of 15k a semester but I believe with the help of financial aid and a possible scholarship, my education can be fulfilled.
Am enjoying being here The sense of community and guidance is uplifting
Am learning a lot This past semester I have enjoyed my studies of psychology and counseling. I learned more than I did in high school and I cannot wait to take my knowledge to the next level of my education.
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T. from MA
01/18/2012Reviewer is A current student here.
7 of 15
Categories Comments In three sentences Great school. Great working environment, and everyone is helpful.
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Samantha from Cambridge, MA
02/06/2012Reviewer is A current student here.
8 of 15
Categories Comments Campus Safety public safety is awesome! they are open 24/7, and always willing to help.
Greek Life none
Clubs and Activities there are tons! for everyone person, and interest.
Bang for the buck while i love it here, it can be a little costy, and people tend to cap they're aid and might still need a little more.
What to do for fun clubs, activities, travel the 10 minute walk to harvard square, or the 2 train stop ride to boston (maybe 15 minutes).
Food and Dining it tends to be a hit or miss. personally, i enjoy all of the dining options on campus (there are 5), but some people tend to get tired of them.
Dorm Life i love my dorm situation. all of the dorms are pretty nice, and there are plenty of different options of housing.
Academic Rigor its about the classes you take. if you don't feel challenged enough, take harder classes. there are a variety of levels of classes, and the rigor of the classes varies as well.
Tips for prospective students be open to getting involved on campus. there is so much to do here, so be sure not to miss out on anything.
In three sentences this is an awesome school. since my first day i have felt welcomed, excited and challenged. it is a great place to be for so many different types of people.
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Gordon from Cambridge, MA
02/27/2012Reviewer is A current student here.
9 of 15
Categories Comments Campus Safety security is always around.
Greek Life umm. hanging in charlies for far too long.
Clubs and Activities lesley ski club is the best club, then the ultamite frizbee club. theres some good ones tho.
Great for these types of students lazy, wants to go to college to have fun, wants to be a teacher/ art therapy major.
Share any unusual traditions or locations on campus the roof of white hall is awesome.
Bang for the buck not worth the amount of money without bangin scholarships.
What to do for fun chill in cambridge, watch movies in the marran theatre, and the ski trips are my absolute favorite thing about lesley.
Food and Dining food on campus gets old very fast.
Dorm Life dorms are fun, got old after 2 years, but fun
Academic Rigor classes are pretty easy, but if you want to learn you can.
Tips for prospective students get a goodass scholarship, do not come here if you don't, this school will put you hundreds of thousands in the hole, this school's price has been compared to harvard's price for tuition..
In three sentences lesley can be extremely unorganized, but it is a fun school environment with good teachers and a handful of cool students and cute girls. know what you're planning on doing with you're life when you come here, because lesley is very overpriced, especially for those that don't even know what they want to do with their education after college.
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Margaret from North Kingstown, RI
04/15/2012Reviewer is A current student here.
10 of 15
Categories Comments Campus Safety In Cambridge but definitely safe enough to be out alone at night. I never lock my dorm room.
Greek Life None
Great for these types of students Artsy, alternative, environmentally friendly,
Share any unusual traditions or locations on campus The quad is small and personal, like a home and most of the buildings around it are connected through underground tunnels.
Bang for the buck Some of the fees seem unnecessary, especially when you don't know where they are going to. But overall, Lesley is pretty great compared to other schools.
What to do for fun HUGE variety of clubs and other groups. On the weekends there are always events and if not, the whole city of Boston is at your fingertips. A lot of places let you in for free with a student I.D.
Food and Dining Food is incredible compared to many colleges. The desserts are to die for and everything is home cooked and local.
Dorm Life Dorms are beautiful. Most are great houses turned into quarters for students. Great special housing options. There can be a party scene but if your not interested, there are many alternative options.
Academic Rigor Just enough of a challenge.
Tips for prospective students The administration for the college has many issues, but the overall Lesley community is really great if you can get involved. Some of the professors are incredible. Take a class with Cristin Ashmankas if possible!
In three sentences Lesley is a small enough school to feel at home, but has a large enough reach to feel like apart of a larger world. This very environmentally conscious school helps each student grow exponentially as a student through a huge variety of opportunities and self-designed programs
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Victoria from Boston, MA
06/07/2012Reviewer is A current student here.
11 of 15
Categories Comments Campus Safety Public Safety is open twenty four hours a day. The Harvard police, Somerville Police, and the Cambridge Police are also close by patrolling the area.
Greek Life None.
Clubs and Activities Lesley has over fourty different clubs students can choose from. If there is not a club that suites you, you are allowed to create your own club.
Great for these types of students Those who are willing to take advantage of the opportunities set forth in front of them, those who like to sit back relax and allow their creative juices to begin to flow as well as those who just like to lend a helping hand from time to time but prefer not to be the center of attention.
Bang for the buck It is a bit costly. If you choose to take advantage of all it's resources than you definitely get your money's worth but if you don't it will seem like your spending a lot for a little.
What to do for fun Campus Activities Board also known as CAB always has a ton of things going on each week. Whether it is a themed bingo or a band coming to entertain the student body, CAB makes sure to conjure up fun activities for the students to take advantage of. Other than on campus activities many students find it fun to explore the city of Boston taking advantage of all that the city offers them.
Food and Dining The food is good. There are five different dining areas you can choose from. One located at the Art Institute of Boston. One located on Lesley's Brattle Campus. One located in Porter where the majority of classes are held and two located on Lesley's Doble campus.
Academic Rigor The professors are wonderful to work with and strive to do all they can to help you succeed. They make sure to map out the grading policy during the first few days of class so there are no misunderstandings when it comes to final grades. Even in my most difficult classes, letting the professor know my weak areas in the class allowed them to help me improved them by the last class.
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Hannah from Seattle, WA
07/04/2012Reviewer is A current student here.
12 of 15
Categories Comments What to do for fun Lesley is in the heart of Cambridge and across the river from downtown Boston so in my opinion it is in the perfect location to never be bored. There are clubs (some 18+), restaurants, bars, stores, parks etc.! I wouldnâ??t say the Lesley nightlife itself is fantastic but throughout your classes you will no doubt find people who want to venture into Boston and enjoy the city surrounding you.
Food and Dining I am never impressed with the food and dining at any school I go to. Lesley is no different. I am actually a vegetarian and I always have options but like any college food I get sick of the options Iâ??m offered. By the end of the year I found myself eating cereal for dinnerâ?¦that being said, if I wasnâ??t a vegetarian I would have a lot more options and in general people are sick of the food but they are still finding things they like. There is no student grocery store so you canâ??t stock up your fridge with groceries every week but there is a grill so you can get chips and different types of drinks (including coconut milk) and fill your fridge with that. The only good I see that comes from this is that it may prevent the freshman-15!
Dorm Life There are two residential campuses at Lesley. Both are located within a 10-minute walk from Harvard square and the T-Stop (for those who donâ??t know the T-stop in Boston is virtually a subway and the best way to get around the city). No matter which dorms you live in they are all incredible spacious and will be much larger than your average State-School dorm. You have your choice as to which dorm you live in each year, generally the older you become the better chance you will get your preferred dorm but generally â??Residential Lifeâ?? is pretty reasonable. There are your typical dorms, there are quads, there are suites, there are old Victorian houses converted to dorms throughout the neighborhood and there are dorms that look like they belong in â??Harry Potter. For being a smaller school I have always been impressed with the dorms at Lesley. Depending as to which dorm you live in and who your RA is depends as to how quite you will need to be. In general I have found Lesley dorm life to be pretty casual and people do drink in their rooms and listen to loud music (it is a wet campus so once you turn 21 anything goes and there are a lot of upperclassman who live on campus!)
Academic Rigor I am constantly challenged in my classes. The fact that Lesley is a smaller school is very important because it means there are smaller class sizes. This year for example, I had a Spanish class with a mere 6 students. On average there were about 20 students in my classes and the professors really take advantage of that and make the classes discussion based. Something that Lesley really prides itself for is that there are no lecture hall type courses. From first-hand experience, this is true!
Tips for prospective students When applying to Lesley University you need to be genuine and tell your admission counselor who you 'really are'. The school is really big on community service and being involved on campus. Something to note, is that many people do not realize that Lesley University is in face Lesley College and AIB (Art Institute of Boston). This really sets the University apart from others because Lesley College students are able to have a minor at AIB and AIB students are able to minor at Lesley. With that in mind, the dorms and many of your classes no matter which school you are majoring at are intertwined.
In three sentences Lesley University is located in the heart of Cambridge, MA. If you are looking for small class sizes (averaging about 20 students), professors who truly care about you and the perfect location Lesley is for you! The University is spread over 4 different campuses one being AIB (Art Institute of Boston) which is located in the heart of Boston!
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Rachel from Cambridge, MA
07/29/2012Reviewer is A current student here.
13 of 15
Categories Comments Campus Safety Security is available at all three campuses. They are extremely friendly and helpful at all hours of the day.
Greek Life No greek life.
Clubs and Activities Everyone participating in any club is extremely passionate and dedicated. The people you meet in any of the clubs on campus will become your lifelong friends, that's pretty much guaranteed.
Great for these types of students Anyone interested in holistic psychology, education, and art therapy!
Bang for the buck As expensive as the tuition is, I don't think I would learn as much as I already have at any other school. The field experience is phenomenal! Students are able to learn in a classroom with peers but are also able to experience the material firsthand in the real world.
What to do for fun City life! Boston is a T ride away! Harvard square is also a ten minute walk away from campus where you can find anything you need or want. You could even walk through the beautiful Harvard Law campus on your way into the square.
Food and Dining Lesley is not particularly known for it's gourmet food, however, the food is edible and there is a very wide variety especially for any vegans and vegetarians.
Dorm Life Lesley supplies students with the typical dorm life. There is what can be considered the crappy dorms and the awesome dorms. I personally don't think it matters where you live on this campus as long as you are living with and are surrounded by people you love, which is easy to come by here. Lesley also offers housing suited to a student's needs. For example, if a student is really big on holistic lifestyles, there is a house just for you. All buildings are handicap accessible as well.
Academic Rigor Academics are very important here. Lesley recognizes the hard work students put in everyday, which is one of the best features of the school.
Tips for prospective students If you're looking for a small school, but not too small where everyone knows everybody's business, this is the school for you. The education program is beyond excellent and the students are just as great.
In three sentences Lesley University is my home away from home. I am able to be creative, be excited about learning and completing my work assignments, and stepping outside of my comfort zone. I couldn't have picked a better school.
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Beatriz from Somerville, MA
08/08/2012Reviewer is A current student here.
14 of 15
Categories Comments Campus Safety We're a really tiny school and I can imagine not that much happens, but Public Safety is open 24/7 and will escort you to your room at night if you'd like. They've always been nice to me and are located on both campuses with dorms (Main and Brattle campus).
Great for these types of students Great for very artsy people (AIB) or students really focused on their psych/education major. Also, if you love the city but also like the quiet, Cambridge is the place to be.
What to do for fun Most stuff to do is at other colleges around. MIT and Harvard have the best parties. There's a ton of stuff you can do in Cambridge and Boston if you're not a partier.
Food and Dining I actually really like the dining halls and food on campus, they're not that bad. Also, the dining workers are pretty nice and love input on the food.
Dorm Life Housing selection is terrible, it's over priced and a lot of the dorms are really ugly, despite our housing being in a very nice and expensive part of Cambridge. People are typically chill, but there are some who are loud and obnoxious. Typical at any school.
Academic Rigor I'm in the education program and it can be pretty difficult. I don't know much about other programs.
Tips for prospective students Don't expect there to be crazy campus life all the time. Although Lesley does try to put on a lot of events for students, not a lot is happening on campus at any given time. Make sure you check our the clubs though, they can be pretty fun if you join some.
In three sentences Lesley is a very laid back and accepting school. Some programs are way more rigorous than others. We're pretty small so you tend to see a lot of the same people.
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jennifer from dobbs ferry, NY
12/20/2012Reviewer is A current student here.
15 of 15
Categories Comments What to do for fun Plenty of things to do in Boston, the school also runs a lot of programs for the students.
Tips for prospective students Come visit the school before you decide, the campus is nice but it is spread out.
In three sentences Its a great school for students with education majors. These students are given many opportunities to teach before they graduate. Most of the faculty is very helpful.
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