University of California-San Diego

Teachers can be great, but you must go to class to actually learn. I never thought I'd be skipping classes, but it happens and I learned the hard way that this is NOT smart. Discussions with TAs can be incredibly helpful as well. I had a math class where I learned more from the TA than I did from the Professor, so it definitely helps to go to both to become a successful student at UCSD.

UCSD provides excellent professors to optimize learning for its students...for the most part anyway. Like any other school, it has it's off professors, but for the most part, all of my professors have been very enthusiastic and passionate about what they are teaching. Class sizes are very LARGE. My chemistry class for example has over 400 people in it. However, discussions are very helpful and offer a little more intimacy. I would highly encourage you to attend them! Try to get to know your TA, it can help when you have to take quizzes and whatnot and they are on-the-fence on how to grade a particular problem. In addition there are several very helpful, FREE tutoring services such as OASIS (for lower division classes) and others for upper division classes, which is very beneficial. Another thing I've found helpful are the Chem Help Room and Calc Lab, two centers that offer a lot of help for those darn general ed classes, that may be tough for students like myself. There are also plenty of students who know what they are doing trying to tutor for cash if you don't mind paying. I definitely feel like the professors and faculty here want to see me succeed. The students here are crazy smart so there can be a lot of competition, however it is not impossible to get an A in most classes if you put in the effort. Professors like Christina Johnson, who teaches Gen Chem, are absolutely AMAZING and show the deepest concern for their student's success. I particularly recommend taking her if you need to take the Chem 6 series.

Overall, the quality of UCSD's education system is exceptional. By offering a large variety of classes and majors, one will definitely find a specific major with classes oriented for the individual or have the privilege to sample everything that is out there. In addition, the majority of the professors (especially those teaching in upper division courses) are outstanding, taking a keen interest in the success of a student not only in the course but also in the student developing into a complete scholar. Furthermore, class structure and content are usually engaging, which helps a great deal with the learning process. However, there are a few minor issues. If one wishes to participate in additional educational programs such as a class for Emergency Medical Technicians or perhaps have a taste of the military life, this is a campus that offers no such services. But aside from this minute inadequacy, this is undoubtedly a university that will teach the necessary knowledge and skills for success.

I applied for the Phage Genomics Initiative Course offered to only freshman, while I was still a senior. Those of you who are enrolled in this freshman research class should be stoked because it is truly an exciting class to take. It opened my eyes to the much needed research in not only microbiology but other science fields as well. I learned about electron microscopy and about different dna annotating programs. It was truly a once in a life time experience and it further encouraged me to pursue my goal of becoming a researcher.
I pretty much only took math and chem courses my freshman year. I learned a lot not only in lecture, but from the TA office hours and Professor office hours. I also took advantage of the Summer Bridge Program and Academic Transition Program which extended throughout the whole year. Here I took math and chemistry workshops in addition to going to lecture and discussion. There are tutors available even if one is not enrolled in the workshops. These workshops are like extra classes and are two hours long two times a week, so you can see that I was very busy. The truth is one is going to need help some day and if studying with your best friend isn't going to get you anywhere go to OASIS which is located in Center Hall third floor and go early because spaces fill up fast!
I don't want to scare you but in these tough times one must know in advance what field one wants to focus on. I personally don't like wasting time switching majors from one field to an entirely different one where the classes won't overlap or transfer to the new major. That's money and time we're talking about and if you are completely clueless on what you want to major in, go to the Career Services Center as early as possible for tips and help on choosing the right field.

Many of the classes are challenging and I was able to learn alot from chemistry to ethnic studies (which I took this year). Some teachers can seem impersonal, but there is a program called dine with a prof to meet them outside class. Most lectures that I went to I was able to follow along in the required reading and everything came together and made sense.

A beautiful campus that challenges you to do well academically. There is a non-competitive atmosphere and students are willing to help each other do well. The quarter system is extremely fast paced and requires focus and dedication.

UCSD is everything I wanted out of a school -- I love it here! The campus life is definitely present, but decentralized enough that you are free to participate however much you wish to. The location is wonderful and the opportunities are endless -- the perfect place to start your adult life and college academic career!

My first year at this college I took a large variety of interesting classes. The Muir college gives students an especially large amount of freedom in choosing classes to cover general education requirements. All the teachers I have had have been extremely knowledgeable in their subjects. Classes are difficult; however, if you attend class, take notes, and study, it is possible to do very well ( while also maintaining a strong social life).

The campus is huge and nice.
The academic environment is strict, compared to the free campus environment.
The location is pretty great, as it is located in La Jolla, near a beach.

Upon attending the University of California-San Diego, it has become more than an academic institute for me, it is a new home, a place of self-discovery, as well as a foundation to a strong and bright future. UCSD provides a welcoming environment for its students, returning and new, and it pushes you to reach your potential with its inspirational messages and morals around spread throughout the campus amongst its six colleges. The campus's endless resources and eager professors and counselors are a relief to have with me every step of the way, and I am grateful to be part of the UC San Diego experience.