I have met amazing students. The talent here stretches all over the board from I can't believe you got in... to You also got into Cal Tech? Why didn't you go there instead? Because of my major, Biomedical Engineering, I don't associate with the party all day! crowd very much but they do exist. Students that get down and study for insanely easy placement tests also exist. Its populous here and very diverse. There was an assumption at my high school that Davis was the UC anyone can get into. DO NOT assume it will be easy here. The courses are tough especially with engineering, math, and computer majors setting the curve. It is a research school so that comes with tons of internships (Genentech, etc), research with professors, study abroad opportunities, etc. For such a big place there are tons of opportunities to connect with professors: office hours, sandwich shops, honors programs, internships, CLUBS, etc. If you choose to live outside of a cave there are also many ways to connections for future job endeavors.
Do you enjoy the experience at your school?
I live in Tercero Wall Hall which is right next to a farm of very handsome cows. There are 9 new buildings this fall (2011) and they're still constructing new ones opening in the next year or two. These residence halls are fantastic. They come more furnished than other schools AND my favorite part, the three person rooms are overly roomy! They are also about $2000 less a year than a typical 2 person room which means $2000 extra to save. Davis is known for their Dining Commons. On top of the great healthy food in the DC, there is also a farmer's market twice a week. There aren't many fast food places close by except for Carl's Jr. but there are tons of small business restaurants. THEY TAKE CARE OF YOU HERE. There's a tipsy taxi and and an escort service (I know, it's a bad name) to walk you if you're scared of going home alone in the dark. They spend 6 hrs taking about safety and sexual harassment and health during freshman orientation. It's difficult sitting that long but for a school to do something like that and to give you so many resources in case you're ever in trouble, it shows that they REALLY REALLY care. Last but not least, BEST GYM EVERRRR and its free!!
Do you feel you’re getting value for the money you’re spending on college?
I was able to get a lot of financial aid, almost a full scholarship for the 2011-2012 year. Especially if your family's income is low-middle class to low, Davis does it's best to keep you from spending $10,000 out of pocket which means no emptying savings or taking private bank loans. They have the Blue and Gold Opportunity Plan which provided me with and extra $5,000. Look it up. It's amazing. The other private school I wanted to attend asked me to take $10,000 out of various federal loans and and an additional $25,000. Davis offers the same great opportunities plus some since it's bigger at a cheaper school. I definitely feel grateful I had the option of picking this one instead. The financial package is slightly overestimated so if you have all your aid completely covered, usually at the end there's still $2000-5000 left for spending on sweatshirts, athletics, summer courses, etc. Usually students will save this up to pay back their loans or they'll live extravagantly and spend it all throughout the year.
Do you have any tips for prospective students?
Read other reviews because they said it all.
Which types of students will excel at your college?
Students that come here should expect to be part of a very tight college town. The sport games are very spirited. People sleep in the grass in the quad every day. It's welcoming. It will be surprisingly easy to make friends here because everyone is so diverse. There bound to be a handful of people with your shared interest. After freshman year you are expected to live on your own outside of Davis's help. I love this because it encourages self sufficiency.
I have met amazing students. The talent here stretches all over the board from I can't believe you got in... to You also got into Cal Tech? Why didn't you go there instead? Because of my major, Biomedical Engineering, I don't associate with the party all day! crowd very much but they do exist. Students that get down and study for insanely easy placement tests also exist. Its populous here and very diverse. There was an assumption at my high school that Davis was the UC anyone can get into. DO NOT assume it will be easy here. The courses are tough especially with engineering, math, and computer majors setting the curve. It is a research school so that comes with tons of internships (Genentech, etc), research with professors, study abroad opportunities, etc. For such a big place there are tons of opportunities to connect with professors: office hours, sandwich shops, honors programs, internships, CLUBS, etc. If you choose to live outside of a cave there are also many ways to connections for future job endeavors.
I live in Tercero Wall Hall which is right next to a farm of very handsome cows. There are 9 new buildings this fall (2011) and they're still constructing new ones opening in the next year or two. These residence halls are fantastic. They come more furnished than other schools AND my favorite part, the three person rooms are overly roomy! They are also about $2000 less a year than a typical 2 person room which means $2000 extra to save. Davis is known for their Dining Commons. On top of the great healthy food in the DC, there is also a farmer's market twice a week. There aren't many fast food places close by except for Carl's Jr. but there are tons of small business restaurants. THEY TAKE CARE OF YOU HERE. There's a tipsy taxi and and an escort service (I know, it's a bad name) to walk you if you're scared of going home alone in the dark. They spend 6 hrs taking about safety and sexual harassment and health during freshman orientation. It's difficult sitting that long but for a school to do something like that and to give you so many resources in case you're ever in trouble, it shows that they REALLY REALLY care. Last but not least, BEST GYM EVERRRR and its free!!
I was able to get a lot of financial aid, almost a full scholarship for the 2011-2012 year. Especially if your family's income is low-middle class to low, Davis does it's best to keep you from spending $10,000 out of pocket which means no emptying savings or taking private bank loans. They have the Blue and Gold Opportunity Plan which provided me with and extra $5,000. Look it up. It's amazing. The other private school I wanted to attend asked me to take $10,000 out of various federal loans and and an additional $25,000. Davis offers the same great opportunities plus some since it's bigger at a cheaper school. I definitely feel grateful I had the option of picking this one instead. The financial package is slightly overestimated so if you have all your aid completely covered, usually at the end there's still $2000-5000 left for spending on sweatshirts, athletics, summer courses, etc. Usually students will save this up to pay back their loans or they'll live extravagantly and spend it all throughout the year.
Read other reviews because they said it all.
Students that come here should expect to be part of a very tight college town. The sport games are very spirited. People sleep in the grass in the quad every day. It's welcoming. It will be surprisingly easy to make friends here because everyone is so diverse. There bound to be a handful of people with your shared interest. After freshman year you are expected to live on your own outside of Davis's help. I love this because it encourages self sufficiency.