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.
Do you enjoy the experience at your school?
UCSD is a particular place where one gets what one wants. In other words if you want to join a sorority or fraternity then you can, and with it all the good stuff that you want, if you know what I mean. If you want to live a calm, relaxed life, then you can as well. One makes college what one wants. There are organizations that will appeal to everyone and the more one is involved the happier one lives. The social climate is quite peaceful; for some it's boring, but for others it is perfect. When one wants to study without having to be interrupted then one has no problem in doing so. We have to find where all the commotion is. I personally love to dance, and close by there is Tango Del Rey for 18 and over. I went for the Folklorico Social and fell in love with it. For those who appreciate ethnic music and dance, this is the place to go and it is only about 10 minuates away from campus. And I restate that you just have to look for it. But the good thing is that if you want to have fun, there is no problem looking for it. And when you want to study and focus, there is no problem either. It's that simple.
Do you feel you’re getting value for the money you’re spending on college?
Yes, the financial issue is getting tougher each year and this year I find myself getting a larger loan than the one I did last year. I predict that for the years to come those loans will get larger. To save money I did take my social sciences classes at a community college this summer. I am nearly finished with my general education classes and am looking forward to taking courses for my major this next fall. I am big on money saving and always find ways to do things economically but nonetheless I value my education very highly. Of course college is expensive but UCSD is the best choice for me because of my interests in career choices and because of the vast amount of educational opportunities offered. Yes, I worry about how much money I'll owe once I graduate but one must look for scholarships, grants, and other forms of aid. Though I must say I've been blessed with the amount I've received both this year and last. If you got in already don't give up this grand opportunity, trust me, you will not regret accepting.
Do you have any tips for prospective students?
Ok so first things first, check out all the colleges! Before picking your top 3 do your research. You don't want to be taking classes that don't really interest you or those you think won't interest you. I'm in Muir College and I picked it for its Environmental Theme, thus my major Environmental Systems, Chemistry. I like that it is also the college closest to the beach and with the most beautiful view of the ocean. I like the intimacy and comfort that it brings and the convenience of the main gym next door. But in terms of the general education classes, they are the most flexible so if you want to double major or major and minor then there should be no problem, in my opinion. Choose the right college for the right focus. ERC focuses on international studies and like studies, Revelle focuses on science for the most part, if you want to be an engineer choose Warren.
Now for other things, bring a bicycle, or if you skate, bring a skateboard. The campus is pretty large and unless you want to speed walk like I had to do the entire winter quarter, bring some mode of transportation.
Bring a little refrigerator if you are living in the residential areas. The apartments already have a fridge, but the residential dorms do not. If you are going to be living in a triple a mini refrigerator is essential. It'll make your life easier; it made my life a lot easier.
Go to class! There is not point in skipping class, what else are you going to do! Unless it's SunGod then you have no excuse. Or if you have an 8 am class and it's already spring quarter, then maybe I'll cut you some slack. But seriously go to lecture and office hours and discussion. You might have a question to ask and it is very important to get it answered so you won't fall behind.
Which types of students will excel at your college?
People who are truly committed to growing as leaders, learning as much as possible, and being involved through the countless organizations. People say that UCSD is boring and anti social, but folks, the truth is the total opposite. First quarter I admit that I was pretty lonely with nothing much to do, but I got involved in organizations and in my phage course and things changed a lot. Like I mentioned before I love to dance so I joined the Folklorico club. I also wanted to do a sport so I joined Women's Crew. UCSD is a great place for meeting those who share so so much in common with you while having tons of fun at the same time. I'd say UCSD truly defines what the ultimate college experience should be, one just has to open the doors.
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.
UCSD is a particular place where one gets what one wants. In other words if you want to join a sorority or fraternity then you can, and with it all the good stuff that you want, if you know what I mean. If you want to live a calm, relaxed life, then you can as well. One makes college what one wants. There are organizations that will appeal to everyone and the more one is involved the happier one lives. The social climate is quite peaceful; for some it's boring, but for others it is perfect. When one wants to study without having to be interrupted then one has no problem in doing so. We have to find where all the commotion is. I personally love to dance, and close by there is Tango Del Rey for 18 and over. I went for the Folklorico Social and fell in love with it. For those who appreciate ethnic music and dance, this is the place to go and it is only about 10 minuates away from campus. And I restate that you just have to look for it. But the good thing is that if you want to have fun, there is no problem looking for it. And when you want to study and focus, there is no problem either. It's that simple.
Yes, the financial issue is getting tougher each year and this year I find myself getting a larger loan than the one I did last year. I predict that for the years to come those loans will get larger. To save money I did take my social sciences classes at a community college this summer. I am nearly finished with my general education classes and am looking forward to taking courses for my major this next fall. I am big on money saving and always find ways to do things economically but nonetheless I value my education very highly. Of course college is expensive but UCSD is the best choice for me because of my interests in career choices and because of the vast amount of educational opportunities offered. Yes, I worry about how much money I'll owe once I graduate but one must look for scholarships, grants, and other forms of aid. Though I must say I've been blessed with the amount I've received both this year and last. If you got in already don't give up this grand opportunity, trust me, you will not regret accepting.
Ok so first things first, check out all the colleges! Before picking your top 3 do your research. You don't want to be taking classes that don't really interest you or those you think won't interest you. I'm in Muir College and I picked it for its Environmental Theme, thus my major Environmental Systems, Chemistry. I like that it is also the college closest to the beach and with the most beautiful view of the ocean. I like the intimacy and comfort that it brings and the convenience of the main gym next door. But in terms of the general education classes, they are the most flexible so if you want to double major or major and minor then there should be no problem, in my opinion. Choose the right college for the right focus. ERC focuses on international studies and like studies, Revelle focuses on science for the most part, if you want to be an engineer choose Warren. Now for other things, bring a bicycle, or if you skate, bring a skateboard. The campus is pretty large and unless you want to speed walk like I had to do the entire winter quarter, bring some mode of transportation. Bring a little refrigerator if you are living in the residential areas. The apartments already have a fridge, but the residential dorms do not. If you are going to be living in a triple a mini refrigerator is essential. It'll make your life easier; it made my life a lot easier. Go to class! There is not point in skipping class, what else are you going to do! Unless it's SunGod then you have no excuse. Or if you have an 8 am class and it's already spring quarter, then maybe I'll cut you some slack. But seriously go to lecture and office hours and discussion. You might have a question to ask and it is very important to get it answered so you won't fall behind.
People who are truly committed to growing as leaders, learning as much as possible, and being involved through the countless organizations. People say that UCSD is boring and anti social, but folks, the truth is the total opposite. First quarter I admit that I was pretty lonely with nothing much to do, but I got involved in organizations and in my phage course and things changed a lot. Like I mentioned before I love to dance so I joined the Folklorico club. I also wanted to do a sport so I joined Women's Crew. UCSD is a great place for meeting those who share so so much in common with you while having tons of fun at the same time. I'd say UCSD truly defines what the ultimate college experience should be, one just has to open the doors.