After completing my first year at UCSC - and most of my GEs - I feel that I have learned a lot in many different areas of study. The classes offered as general education requirements are both interesting and informative. I have only taken two of my major prerequisites thus far, but both have also exceeded my expectations in the amount I learned from them.
Do you enjoy the experience at your school?
The campus is absolutely beautiful! Some may complain about climbing the hills to classes, but it's well worth it. Where else can you go to class in the middle of a redwood forest, or wake up to a panoramic view of Monterrey Bay. If you end up at UCSC, be sure to visit Pogonip - the state park that is literally next-door to the campus. Not a huge party school, if that's what you're looking for, but weekends aren't boring either. There's plenty to do down town, and of course, at the beach.
Do you feel you’re getting value for the money you’re spending on college?
The professors are amazingly brilliant, and most teach with excellent clarity and enthusiasm. There are a few duds, but you'll find that at any school. Tuition was increased for the 2009-2010 school year, but where in the country hasn't college tuition gone up, with the way the economy is? The only thing that I don't like is that a lot of classes are hard to get into as a first or second year because enrollment times are issued by the number of credits you have. It is disappointing to try to sign up for a class numerous quarters in a row, and still not get in because the class closes before your enrollment time rolls around.
Do you have any tips for prospective students?
Although UCSC isn't a huge sports school, there is a lot of school spirit. Get involved with groups on campus, whether it be intramural sports, clubs, or sororities/fraternities. The school has a great sense of community, so allow yourself to be a part of it as soon as you get there. Oh, and eat at Cowell dining hall - it's the newest and the best!
Which types of students will excel at your college?
This school is great for environmentally aware students, culturally aware students, academically motivated students, undergraduate students (this is primarily a undergraduate university, and thus most of the focus is on preparing its attendees for graduate school and beyond), and students who appreciate the outdoors.
After completing my first year at UCSC - and most of my GEs - I feel that I have learned a lot in many different areas of study. The classes offered as general education requirements are both interesting and informative. I have only taken two of my major prerequisites thus far, but both have also exceeded my expectations in the amount I learned from them.
The campus is absolutely beautiful! Some may complain about climbing the hills to classes, but it's well worth it. Where else can you go to class in the middle of a redwood forest, or wake up to a panoramic view of Monterrey Bay. If you end up at UCSC, be sure to visit Pogonip - the state park that is literally next-door to the campus. Not a huge party school, if that's what you're looking for, but weekends aren't boring either. There's plenty to do down town, and of course, at the beach.
The professors are amazingly brilliant, and most teach with excellent clarity and enthusiasm. There are a few duds, but you'll find that at any school. Tuition was increased for the 2009-2010 school year, but where in the country hasn't college tuition gone up, with the way the economy is? The only thing that I don't like is that a lot of classes are hard to get into as a first or second year because enrollment times are issued by the number of credits you have. It is disappointing to try to sign up for a class numerous quarters in a row, and still not get in because the class closes before your enrollment time rolls around.
Although UCSC isn't a huge sports school, there is a lot of school spirit. Get involved with groups on campus, whether it be intramural sports, clubs, or sororities/fraternities. The school has a great sense of community, so allow yourself to be a part of it as soon as you get there. Oh, and eat at Cowell dining hall - it's the newest and the best!
This school is great for environmentally aware students, culturally aware students, academically motivated students, undergraduate students (this is primarily a undergraduate university, and thus most of the focus is on preparing its attendees for graduate school and beyond), and students who appreciate the outdoors.