University of California-Los Angeles

The amount of knowledge you will gain during your first year at UCLA will be more valuable than any previous experiences. First, there is the academic aspect. Essentially, the material being taught in college is the same for any school, so self-motivation is a must. Being surrounded by other students who work hard all the time, you can't help but study hard as well and strive to learn and soak up as much knowledge as possible. On top of that, each of the professors add their own flair to their lectures, providing a different and memorable experience to each course. In addition, each course is so unique, the variation in courses offered will keep you interested and never bored. You will also learn a lot of life lessons at UCLA. You will learn a lot about different people, about what passion, dedication, persistence, and hard work truly mean. Most importantly, you'll learn a lot about yourself. The moment you step onto the campus, you'll feel the potential you have inside and instantly gain this I-Can-Do-Anything attitude.

All of the professors that I have had, so far, have been knowledgeable about their subject and the majority of them can also teach. I have only had two professors from whom I learned very little, and I believe that my inability to learn anything from the second was mostly the fault of the first's.
The TA's are somewhat less stellar, however, I would say about 50% of them were actually quite good. (note: Most large lower division classes are taught by a professor, therefore once or twice a week there is a discussion where a TA teaches and takes questions from a much smaller class). On the whole, regardless of the quality of TA I've found discussions quite useless, however if the TA prepares a lecture they can be helpful.

I am learning so much at UCLA and it is all thanks to their wide range of studies. I came to UCLA because I didn't know what I wanted to study specifically and I figured going to a school that had so many options would be best. Over the past two years I have found it really is. I have had very good experiences with Professors and TAs who really do care about their students and their performance and mastery of material that in turn inspires my academic endeavors. Also there are many different resources for outside internships, volunteer opportunities, and work experiences that are extremely crucial post-graduation.

For once in my life, I have learned to be more independent. Although I am not going to remember everything professors say, I always have something in the back of my head that allows me to keep those words of wisdom. Also, being from South Central, I was always used to a certain type of group. Once going to UCLA, I learned that there is so many things that I don't know about other cultures that I should discover.

Here at UCLA, each quarter only lasts 11 weeks (10 weeks of instruction and 1 week of finals). In these short quarters, it feels like information is being constantly crammed into your head by three or four different professors. Most of the time, it isn't enough just to attend lecture; it takes a lot of studying throughout the week to make sure that you understand the lecture materials. You really need to make sure you have a good grasp of the concepts because professors really like to check that you do via midterms and finals that make you rack your brain. While difficult, these examinations really help you gauge where you are in the class and how much more time you should be spending reviewing that material.

Most importantly, I am learning how to study and how to be a student at a bustling research university, not just facts about organic chemistry or equations and steps to solve differential equations.

UCLA offers a great balance between being a challenging school and not being impossible. The classes are tough, and the quarter system makes it absolutely essential to stay on top of things. Classes last only ten weeks, so a missed lecture or a skipped homework assignment put you very far behind. That being said, the quarter system also has its perks, as it lets you take a wider variety of classes and get through the boring pre-reqs to your (much more exciting) upper-division classes that much sooner.

UCLA offers a great balance between being a challenging school and not being impossible. The classes are tough, and the quarter system makes it absolutely essential to stay on top of things. Classes last only ten weeks, so a missed lecture or a skipped homework assignment put you very far behind. That being said, the quarter system also has its perks, as it lets you take a wider variety of classes and get through the boring pre-reqs to your (much more exciting) upper-division classes that much sooner.
The basic, general education classes that nearly everyone take are a little rough - they often have upwards of 300 students in a lecture, and the extremely competitive ones set curves very high. Weekly discussion sections with TA's, however, let you go over the material in a group of about 20 and discuss any questions you have. By attending these sections and pursuing the wide range of academic services – there is free tutoring in nearly any subject, as well as a writing center – you can succeed in even the more difficult classes.
The teachers at UCLA are usually pretty great, and often at the forefront of the research in their field (the advantages of going to a big research university!) They are usually very approachable, and many go out of their way to hold extra office hours before big tests. The downside of UCLA’s size is that students have to be very self-motivated. While some teachers give credit for homework, attendance is hardly ever take in lecture...

First of all, UCLA is in one of the most amazing cities by far! Los Angeles has so much to offer within its grasps and if you think Los Angeles is boring then that is your fault. I would give UCLA a 9 out of 10 just because it is so diverse and everyone is so accepting in the Bruin Family.

I have learned the most interesting facts of my entire academic education. College has opened up new interests for me and has made learning more interesting and more enjoyable. Not only am I learning new exciting information, I am able to remember what I have learned.

I can definitely say that being at UCLA for about a quarter and one half has literally changed me, and my study habits. This school is competitive and tough, in no light manner. At the same time, if you work hard, the rewards are tremendous, and that's what people are here for (or they should be) above everything else; to learn. Everything is really fast-paced like another student said, you have 10 weeks to learn all the material! There;s no time to slack off, feel lazy, because before you realize it you can fall behind, and once you fall behind it's VERY hard to get back on track (trust me, I should know!)
However, classes are great! You have classes with professors who thoroughly know their material, they do not just read a teaching manual and memorize it,they actually do research,experiments,etc. on these things! First-hand accounts! I had this really cool physics teacher who did all sorts of wacky experiments in front of us,and his passion for physics really motivated me. Apply! It's totally worth it :)

The quarter system is fast but it is nice not wasting time in school. Be prepared to work hard for ten weeks and the adjustment is easy. Classes are mostly manageable. Professors are always willing to help you.