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Visiting UCLA
On Monday, April 13, 2009 my family drove down to southern California to visit three prospective colleges for me: UCLA, Claremont McKenna, and UC San Diego. I must admit that any preconceived notions about these colleges were quickly altered or disproven. However, I only interviewed a couple sources at each campus. I would not be surprised if a majority, or even large minority, of students differed in opinion of the university.
The first campus we visited was UCLA. Of the three colleges we ended up visiting, UCLA had the best campus. I am a fan of the classical architecture of the Greeks and Romans. My favorite campuses, The Ivy League schools, have an aura of grandeur about them. UCLA emulated the architecture of a different era– the Spanish renaissance. A couple buildings appeared influenced by gothic architecture; a few in the newer medical facilities were a bit more modern in design. Most grandiose buildings, including the library, were built of rusty brick. Many students sat on the sprawling green lawns. According to a student, the campus is never hit by smog or smoldering heat because of its proximity to the coast. The UCLA campus truly reminded me of eminent institutions back East. The campus and weather was probably my favorite aspect of UCLA.
In terms of academics, UCLA has a highly competitive and rigorous program. For the first two years, most students are simply placed in huge lecture halls with 200–400 students. Students rarely speak with professors; instead, they are assigned to TAs for weekly group meetings. Most classes progress on a 10 week schedule (the school year is divided into quarters), with a midterm or two followed by a final exam. Homework is virtually worth null. The campus is divided into two sections: the North (humanities) and South (math and science) areas. I’m unfamiliar with the academic workload Junior and Senior years.
Of the schools I visited, UCLA felt the most alive and vibrant. Walking down corridors and paths, student advocates and club members could be easily spotted. I gained the sense that students at UCLA are extremely involved with various clubs and student organizations. A student source at the school recommended focusing on academics for the first few quarters, then branch out to extracurricular activities and other involvements once you become acquainted with the workload. I definitely enjoyed being on campus at UCLA quite a bit. Just off campus is a vibrant social scene in the Village as well. Only a couple bus stops from the beach, UCLA is ideally located at the center of ambition and opportunity.
My only complaints of UCLA are of the size — both the student population and in the classroom. I have heard that students often feel like a number. Rarely, in freshman or sophomore year, will you receive personal attention from professors. Class sizes are abominably large, and thought of simply being tended to by a TA is not comforting. The mere size of the campus and student population is a bit overwhelming. However, with many of the UCs, students say, “It’s what you make of it”.
- Photo by Genemoo / Used with Permission
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I have dropped by UCLA twice myself and I love the campus. My uncle attended UCLA for a portion of his college years and speaks favorably of his time spent there. One of our classmates’ older sibling is there (Evan Stackpole’s sister) and also says it is a great experience. Emma(?) is a premed student and I’ve heard they have a great medical program. So…for any of those students interested in the medical field (like me!), UCLA is smiling down on you!
It is a great campus. One of my favorites on the west coast. Emma Stackpole actually was my tour guide (not official) when I went down there. She showed my family the campus for a couple hours.
I did like the campus and Westwood Village, but as you mentioned in your article, the size was a major concern. According to a mechanical engineering student I visited there, his classes were very difficult and most of the actual learning happened in his discussion sections led by TAs. Another engineering student I know dropped out of the engineering program and transferred because it was too difficult and he didn’t have much support or advising within such a large institution. Also, it usually takes 4 years + an additional quarter to graduate from the normal university because it is difficult to get all of your required classes. I expect it would be even more difficult for an engineering student, with a larger number of required credits, to graduate in four years (it may even take a full five).
That said, it is truly a beautiful area and the size of the institution is a bonus in other areas. For example, the extracurricular opportunities at UCLA are endless. And their athletics program is superb (although inferior to USC, of course. Fight on! haha). Also, their food is great
As you said, at any large university, it is very possible to have a great experience. You just have to be a little more proactive about it.
Thanks for the insight, Drew. Would you mind writing an article about USC or any other colleges you’ve visited?
Sure, no problem. I could write reviews on Berkeley and USC, and maybe even Cal Poly. I need to get my Pro/Con lists back from Georg Ristock first though haha
Nice. That would be greatly appreciated. I will bug Georg about that hah.