Studying in the U.S. – How satisfied are you with your graduate program?

This week, The Chicago School (TCS) is conducting a Student Satisfaction Survey. TCS usually conducts this survey at the end of every semester. This survey aims to collect students’ opinion and feedback (U.S. students and international students) about the performance of all the faculty members across all the departments. Click here to see the previous survey result: http://www.thechicagoschool.edu/resources/content/1/8/6/6/documents/research_bulletin_april07_prelim_findings_student_sat_academic_survey.pdf.

Although I have had a positive experience at the school and with my faculty members so far, I know that there are some international students who have expressed concerned about the sensitivity of the faculty or professors towards international students. Additionally, I know that some of my classmates have expressed dissatisfaction about the Applied Behavior Analysis program, as it does not correspond with their expectations regarding the program. I am glad that the Office of International Research administers this survey so that students have a chance to express their concerns. The results of this survey are mostly made available online for students to view. It can also be helpful in providing prospective students with a more balanced outlook of student satisfaction than simply talking with one or two current students at an institution.

Often, on the basis of one negative experience many continuing students develop a strong attitude against the course or a particular faculty and may inadvertently share this impression with other peers further spreading the anxiety amongst other students; this may impact the decision of perspective students in choosing the program or the university. I think that relying completely on one or two student’s opinion may be highly subjective and detrimental. In such a quandary, I would suggest one must also refer to the “student satisfaction survey results” or “Performance Survey”, usually posted on university/college website under the column – “about faculty”. To my knowledge most of the universities in the U.S. often conducts periodic surveys and facilitate the objective information about the faculty and department services on their website especially for perspective students.

In the process of choosing an appropriate university or a program, one may also contact the department head or concerned professor to gain first-hand information about the course and the scope for international students; especially when you are selecting a course that is new for you and your background and exposure in that particular course is limited, for e.g. Very few students may have precise knowledge about applied Behavior analysis science, so may select on the basis of some or the other students’ opinion, and later may end up not liking the course or switching the field. However, I am not suggesting disregarding the continuing students’ opinion completely. I chose TCS and ABA program by relying on the combinations of information from website, professors of the program, and few continuing students.

Overall, I am satisfied with my program requirements. Although I may not be impressed by the entire curriculum in my program, I am learning significant things that are required for shaping my knowledge in the field of behavioral science.