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.
Do you enjoy the experience at your school?
The campus and the weather is beautiful. Everything is within walking distance, which I absolutely love. It is quite difficult to get parking permit, but the only time I regret this (and not having the car to park with it) is when it comes time to visit home. It takes a 2 hour bus ride just to get to the train station. The public transit in LA is not amazing, but it works if you want to go to the mall, or the beach.
Because the school is so big there is something for everyone. There are plenty of partyers if that's your thing, and if it's not there are plenty of other fun people (like me!).
Also the food is quite good for being dorm food. Though I haven't had much other dorm food to compare it to I can say without a doubt that our food tastes better than UCSB's. There's also a good amount of variety, and there are always hamburgers, hot dogs, pizza, and fries if you're a picky eater. The turkey burgers in particular are divine.
Do you feel you’re getting value for the money you’re spending on college?
The education you receive is definitely worth the price, especially if you're a California resident. However housing is a tad pricey.
The dorm rooms are tiny, of course, but there is free air conditioning and heating (if your building has it). There is also free cable, and internet in every room (most buildings have wireless). There is also free maintenance, all you have to do is to request it. In the plazas (the rooms with a attached, private bathrooms) a maid comes once a week to clean the bathroom.
Do you have any tips for prospective students?
Go to class -- except maybe not discussions. But definitely give your discussions a few tries before you stop attending (and definitely attend if attendance is mandatory). I had one TA who gave us huge (HUGE) homework hints which actually annoyed me, because I kind of thought the homework was... I can't believe I'm saying this... fun. But it would have been helpful if I had been struggling.
Give professors a chance. I had one professor who didn't seem like the greatest teacher at first, but as soon I got used to his teaching style I realized that he is actually an amazing, nice, and funny teacher. He's become on of my favorite teachers, and his classes ( I took two) one of the deciding factors in determining my major.
Choose your meal plan wisely. Are you going to eat out a lot? Are you going to go home? Are you really going to get up and go to the dining hall before 9 for breakfast if you don't have class? If you do have class? (note: there are to-go places open until about 11 for breakfast ) Somehow, there are people who end up with more than 20 meals swipes left at the end of the quarter-- I don't know about you, but my parents would not pleased.
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.
The campus and the weather is beautiful. Everything is within walking distance, which I absolutely love. It is quite difficult to get parking permit, but the only time I regret this (and not having the car to park with it) is when it comes time to visit home. It takes a 2 hour bus ride just to get to the train station. The public transit in LA is not amazing, but it works if you want to go to the mall, or the beach. Because the school is so big there is something for everyone. There are plenty of partyers if that's your thing, and if it's not there are plenty of other fun people (like me!). Also the food is quite good for being dorm food. Though I haven't had much other dorm food to compare it to I can say without a doubt that our food tastes better than UCSB's. There's also a good amount of variety, and there are always hamburgers, hot dogs, pizza, and fries if you're a picky eater. The turkey burgers in particular are divine.
The education you receive is definitely worth the price, especially if you're a California resident. However housing is a tad pricey. The dorm rooms are tiny, of course, but there is free air conditioning and heating (if your building has it). There is also free cable, and internet in every room (most buildings have wireless). There is also free maintenance, all you have to do is to request it. In the plazas (the rooms with a attached, private bathrooms) a maid comes once a week to clean the bathroom.
Go to class -- except maybe not discussions. But definitely give your discussions a few tries before you stop attending (and definitely attend if attendance is mandatory). I had one TA who gave us huge (HUGE) homework hints which actually annoyed me, because I kind of thought the homework was... I can't believe I'm saying this... fun. But it would have been helpful if I had been struggling. Give professors a chance. I had one professor who didn't seem like the greatest teacher at first, but as soon I got used to his teaching style I realized that he is actually an amazing, nice, and funny teacher. He's become on of my favorite teachers, and his classes ( I took two) one of the deciding factors in determining my major. Choose your meal plan wisely. Are you going to eat out a lot? Are you going to go home? Are you really going to get up and go to the dining hall before 9 for breakfast if you don't have class? If you do have class? (note: there are to-go places open until about 11 for breakfast ) Somehow, there are people who end up with more than 20 meals swipes left at the end of the quarter-- I don't know about you, but my parents would not pleased.