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...
Do you enjoy the experience at your school?
The balance between academics and student life is what makes UCLA so beloved to its students and alumni. It is partially a factor of the type of student that is drawn here – the kind of student who cares equally about succeeding in school and having a really, really good time while doing it. The school’s location in the heart of Los Angeles gives students the opportunity to do literally anything they can imagine – from spending the day surfing at Venice Beach to going to concerts on the Sunset Strip – but UCLA is, ultimately, pretty self-contained. While most students leave Westwood on occasion, there is almost everything you could ever need within walking distance of campus. Social life for first- and second-years focuses on the frat houses, which offer parties most Thursday, Friday and Saturday nights. They’re exactly what you’d expect from frat parties – loud music, lots of people and lots of not-so-innocent fun. Older students enjoy the variety of nightlife that Westwood has to offer, as well as the famous bars and nightclubs that the greater Los Angeles area has to offer.
While nightlife is a big part of life at UCLA, the beauty of such a large school is that there is always something going on which involves literally any interest you can imagine. From club Quidditch practice to playing volleyball at the gorgeous recreation center to watching world-class plays and performances (often for free!), there is literally something for everyone. Many students take advantage of the Southern California weather and the school’s gorgeous campus to work, play and nap on any of the school’s many lawns. While the coursework is definitely challenging, I’m not exaggerating when I say that many of my fellow students refer to UCLA as one big, counselor-free summer camp.
Do you feel you’re getting value for the money you’re spending on college?
Public schools across the country are feeling the pressure from ever-decreasing state and national education budgets, and UCLA is no exception. Tuition rates are rising, despite the best efforts of the student association. Out-of-state costs are nearing those of private schools, while in-state tuition is still a really good bargain. For a school as renowned as UCLA, however, the increased cost is still worth the experiences you get at this school and the prestige you acquire once you graduate. There are still a variety of free services offered to students – from academic assistance to a world-class gym to a truly awesome recreation center with three pools, a sand volleyball court, a garden, and gigantic lawns strewn with lounge chairs.
UCLA also does a pretty good job of offering students chances to make their education as cost-efficient as possible. There’s a great variety in dorms and meal plans, but even the cheapest option - living in a residence hall (as I currently do) – is bearable, and honestly an unforgettable collegiate experience. There’s also plenty of employment opportunities on campus, particularly if you have work-study eligibility. All in all, UCLA is still one of the nation’s greatest public universities, and it offers a top-tier education without (quite) the top-tier price.
Do you have any tips for prospective students?
Succeeding at UCLA is all about balance. There are so many activities and things going on 24/7 that you have to really focus on being organized and getting done everything you need to. This means finding time to study, explore the incredible variety of activities UCLA has to offer, and enjoy the once-in-a-lifetime social opportunities college affords. Classes are tough, and it’s important to realize that it’s not like high school – it’s ok to get a B. Almost everyone does. With this in mind, it’s important to not get too overwhelmed with school. Don’t forget to take time to relax and have fun. Get outside and enjoy that California sunshine. And last but certainly not least, DO NOT PROCRASTINATE. If you slack off for a week on the quarter system, you will literally never catch up.
Which types of students will excel at your college?
Self-motivated, outgoing students who appreciate a balance between academic excellence and serious fun.
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...
The balance between academics and student life is what makes UCLA so beloved to its students and alumni. It is partially a factor of the type of student that is drawn here – the kind of student who cares equally about succeeding in school and having a really, really good time while doing it. The school’s location in the heart of Los Angeles gives students the opportunity to do literally anything they can imagine – from spending the day surfing at Venice Beach to going to concerts on the Sunset Strip – but UCLA is, ultimately, pretty self-contained. While most students leave Westwood on occasion, there is almost everything you could ever need within walking distance of campus. Social life for first- and second-years focuses on the frat houses, which offer parties most Thursday, Friday and Saturday nights. They’re exactly what you’d expect from frat parties – loud music, lots of people and lots of not-so-innocent fun. Older students enjoy the variety of nightlife that Westwood has to offer, as well as the famous bars and nightclubs that the greater Los Angeles area has to offer. While nightlife is a big part of life at UCLA, the beauty of such a large school is that there is always something going on which involves literally any interest you can imagine. From club Quidditch practice to playing volleyball at the gorgeous recreation center to watching world-class plays and performances (often for free!), there is literally something for everyone. Many students take advantage of the Southern California weather and the school’s gorgeous campus to work, play and nap on any of the school’s many lawns. While the coursework is definitely challenging, I’m not exaggerating when I say that many of my fellow students refer to UCLA as one big, counselor-free summer camp.
Public schools across the country are feeling the pressure from ever-decreasing state and national education budgets, and UCLA is no exception. Tuition rates are rising, despite the best efforts of the student association. Out-of-state costs are nearing those of private schools, while in-state tuition is still a really good bargain. For a school as renowned as UCLA, however, the increased cost is still worth the experiences you get at this school and the prestige you acquire once you graduate. There are still a variety of free services offered to students – from academic assistance to a world-class gym to a truly awesome recreation center with three pools, a sand volleyball court, a garden, and gigantic lawns strewn with lounge chairs. UCLA also does a pretty good job of offering students chances to make their education as cost-efficient as possible. There’s a great variety in dorms and meal plans, but even the cheapest option - living in a residence hall (as I currently do) – is bearable, and honestly an unforgettable collegiate experience. There’s also plenty of employment opportunities on campus, particularly if you have work-study eligibility. All in all, UCLA is still one of the nation’s greatest public universities, and it offers a top-tier education without (quite) the top-tier price.
Succeeding at UCLA is all about balance. There are so many activities and things going on 24/7 that you have to really focus on being organized and getting done everything you need to. This means finding time to study, explore the incredible variety of activities UCLA has to offer, and enjoy the once-in-a-lifetime social opportunities college affords. Classes are tough, and it’s important to realize that it’s not like high school – it’s ok to get a B. Almost everyone does. With this in mind, it’s important to not get too overwhelmed with school. Don’t forget to take time to relax and have fun. Get outside and enjoy that California sunshine. And last but certainly not least, DO NOT PROCRASTINATE. If you slack off for a week on the quarter system, you will literally never catch up.
Self-motivated, outgoing students who appreciate a balance between academic excellence and serious fun.