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.
Do you enjoy the experience at your school?
Absolutely, UCSD is, by far, a place to be enjoyed. The integrated six-college system in this rather large campus caters to both students wanting the large campus experience or a small-town college feel. Regardless, the six-college system (especially for incoming freshman) creates a sense of community helping to create a very positive atmosphere where students learn, work, or even pass around the Frisbee. Moreover, the campus infrastructure and location offers the convenience of providing everything a student needs at a high level of quality -- work, food, or a good wave at the beach before a Friday-night get party -- right at one’s fingertips. UCSD is, then, the perfect place to be, right? Not quite. You see, there are a few problems one would encounter here, especially if one is looking for school spirit. With the absence of a football team and an incredible drive for academic excellence from a majority of the students (which isn’t a bad thing at all), UCSD pride does suffer a bit. However, that isn’t to say there is no spirit at all as evident in the number of events held by the athletics department as well as student organizations to promote school spirit. Overall, then, UCSD is a great place to be.
Do you feel you’re getting value for the money you’re spending on college?
As for quality of education as well as housing, the university offers it at a very reasonable price. In fact, nearly all of the mandatory fees paid towards to university are reasonable with much of it coming back to benefit the student in the forms of organizations, additional programming, and rock concerts. For instance, gym membership and access to all other recreational facilities are guaranteed to the student at prices that are quite reasonable as compared to other campuses. In addition, after the student activity fee referendum ran by the ASUCSD passed last year, entering students will not see another fee increase for four years. The only place that students will have difficulty in handling financially is dining. This is partly because Housing and Dining is not under the direct jurisdiction of the campus but is rather an affiliated business operating within UCSD. In terms of business, then, there is a certain amount of profiteering is expected. The most troubling thing is the allocation of two meals a day (or eleven dollars) and the separate food items contributing towards a full meal costing sixteen dollars in total. The result is many students not being able to eat a full meal (that is, an entrée, drink, and a dessert) and running out of dining dollars early; the dining halls do not operate buffet style. Moreover, certain dining halls such as Plaza Café in Revelle College frequently run out of items towards the end of the academic year and occasionally have slight issues with hygiene such as having fruit flies in the salad bar. However, that is not to say that there is not quality food on campus. Most other dining halls offer quality food and, even for Plaza Café, the issue of insanitation is only an occasional problem.
Do you have any tips for prospective students?
The most important thing is to communicate with your counselor and ensure all of the transcripts, financial aid applications, and other sorts of paperwork are submitted before the deadline to avoid future headaches. In addition, those interested in impacted areas of study (e.g. the entire biology department) should prepare to submit an additional application for the consideration of matriculation into their intended major. Those who are still undecided, no worries -- you will have plenty of time (until spring quarter of the second year) to declare you intended major. Also, visit the campus to get a feel of what it’s like to study at the university. Once accepted, be sure to get involved with the campus and the community through on or off-campus organizations the experience is very rewarding both in terms of service to the community and personal fulfillment or future career preparation. In addition, since UCSD operates on the quarter system, classes move incredibly fast. Before you know it, you will be taking your first midterm. A particularly useful strategy is to push hard during the first couple of weeks and then ease off afterwards; and, go to the library! The result is a high level of academic achievement in the beginning that will give you the momentum you need to finish off the quarter strong. Above all, remember that even though you are in a competitive university with even more competitive peers competing for highly competitive degrees in order to matriculate into competitive careers or graduate schools, take a break once in a while and grab coffee, run out to the cliffs and watch the sunset, or just have some pain old fun. If these years are truly our best, then it’s equally important to enjoy ourselves and make the most of our college experience.
Which types of students will excel at your college?
As I’ve mentioned earlier, UCSD is a large research university. Although exceptionally good at catering to all sorts of students, students with a particular interest in research, the sciences, or Humanities will find that this university is especially outstanding in those areas -- the reason being that UCSD is such a powerful, powerful university in the sciences and arts. In addition, students pursuing graduate or professional degrees will also enjoy the large number of opportunities for involvement with their particular field of interest as well as the numerous faculty members that are available to aid with the process.
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.
Absolutely, UCSD is, by far, a place to be enjoyed. The integrated six-college system in this rather large campus caters to both students wanting the large campus experience or a small-town college feel. Regardless, the six-college system (especially for incoming freshman) creates a sense of community helping to create a very positive atmosphere where students learn, work, or even pass around the Frisbee. Moreover, the campus infrastructure and location offers the convenience of providing everything a student needs at a high level of quality -- work, food, or a good wave at the beach before a Friday-night get party -- right at one’s fingertips. UCSD is, then, the perfect place to be, right? Not quite. You see, there are a few problems one would encounter here, especially if one is looking for school spirit. With the absence of a football team and an incredible drive for academic excellence from a majority of the students (which isn’t a bad thing at all), UCSD pride does suffer a bit. However, that isn’t to say there is no spirit at all as evident in the number of events held by the athletics department as well as student organizations to promote school spirit. Overall, then, UCSD is a great place to be.
As for quality of education as well as housing, the university offers it at a very reasonable price. In fact, nearly all of the mandatory fees paid towards to university are reasonable with much of it coming back to benefit the student in the forms of organizations, additional programming, and rock concerts. For instance, gym membership and access to all other recreational facilities are guaranteed to the student at prices that are quite reasonable as compared to other campuses. In addition, after the student activity fee referendum ran by the ASUCSD passed last year, entering students will not see another fee increase for four years. The only place that students will have difficulty in handling financially is dining. This is partly because Housing and Dining is not under the direct jurisdiction of the campus but is rather an affiliated business operating within UCSD. In terms of business, then, there is a certain amount of profiteering is expected. The most troubling thing is the allocation of two meals a day (or eleven dollars) and the separate food items contributing towards a full meal costing sixteen dollars in total. The result is many students not being able to eat a full meal (that is, an entrée, drink, and a dessert) and running out of dining dollars early; the dining halls do not operate buffet style. Moreover, certain dining halls such as Plaza Café in Revelle College frequently run out of items towards the end of the academic year and occasionally have slight issues with hygiene such as having fruit flies in the salad bar. However, that is not to say that there is not quality food on campus. Most other dining halls offer quality food and, even for Plaza Café, the issue of insanitation is only an occasional problem.
The most important thing is to communicate with your counselor and ensure all of the transcripts, financial aid applications, and other sorts of paperwork are submitted before the deadline to avoid future headaches. In addition, those interested in impacted areas of study (e.g. the entire biology department) should prepare to submit an additional application for the consideration of matriculation into their intended major. Those who are still undecided, no worries -- you will have plenty of time (until spring quarter of the second year) to declare you intended major. Also, visit the campus to get a feel of what it’s like to study at the university. Once accepted, be sure to get involved with the campus and the community through on or off-campus organizations the experience is very rewarding both in terms of service to the community and personal fulfillment or future career preparation. In addition, since UCSD operates on the quarter system, classes move incredibly fast. Before you know it, you will be taking your first midterm. A particularly useful strategy is to push hard during the first couple of weeks and then ease off afterwards; and, go to the library! The result is a high level of academic achievement in the beginning that will give you the momentum you need to finish off the quarter strong. Above all, remember that even though you are in a competitive university with even more competitive peers competing for highly competitive degrees in order to matriculate into competitive careers or graduate schools, take a break once in a while and grab coffee, run out to the cliffs and watch the sunset, or just have some pain old fun. If these years are truly our best, then it’s equally important to enjoy ourselves and make the most of our college experience.
As I’ve mentioned earlier, UCSD is a large research university. Although exceptionally good at catering to all sorts of students, students with a particular interest in research, the sciences, or Humanities will find that this university is especially outstanding in those areas -- the reason being that UCSD is such a powerful, powerful university in the sciences and arts. In addition, students pursuing graduate or professional degrees will also enjoy the large number of opportunities for involvement with their particular field of interest as well as the numerous faculty members that are available to aid with the process.