The University of California - Los Angeles

This school does have its negatives, as most schools do. But overall, most people who do get in and decide to go here make the best of it. Yes it is very competitive, but I personally do not see that as a bad thing. It makes us all better. Some here do make it seem grades are everything but there is definitely a diversity of students who don't just spend all day and night studying to get all As. When they say there are all kinds of people here, there really are. No matter what your personal beliefs are, there is a group for you and people who share those beliefs. This school is preparing us for the real world where no one holds your hand and takes you through life. You have to be proactive if you want to succeed and go out and look for things that interest you. Do not expect to be treated as a baby here where everyone will be concerned with you and do anything they can to help you. It is your life and you are expected to ask for help if you need it or figure it out on your own. If you do need help, there are lots of resources available and great people who are there for you. However, my point is that they treat you like adults. If you cannot handle this then it isn't the school for you which there is nothing wrong with. Most people here also are very openminded and nonjudgemental which can come as a huge relief to some. The campus itself is amazing and the classes are very interesting taught by extremely smart professors. It is a great school but you have to work hard to keep up and it really is a school where you get out what you put in.

1st Year Female -- Class 2017

Collaboration/Competitive: A+, Faculty Accessibility: B

I can understand both positive as well as negative reviews about UCLA. The experience at this school depends largely on what the student makes of it. That said, especially in context of how many students attend UCLA, a lack of support is not uncommon. On the other hand, students who are ambitious and self-starting will find the almost hidden rewards that UCLA does have to offer.

Large class size for many of the lower division classes may make the school seem even less personable; however, one cannot stress enough the importance of getting to know the professors and TAs in order to gain a deeper perspective on the material as well as a sense of connection to the classes. This requires persistence, as some professors simply do not have the time to spare. If you can't get to the professor, work with the TA. Mind you, I was one of those students who spent a significant portion of my time going to office hours and informal study sessions with other students. If you are not able to network, you will find a hard time at UCLA.

In addition, there are underachievers who sleep through classes or don't even bother to show up. They get left behind, and nobody cares. I will admit that as the biggest problem with the school. If you need your hand held through your schooling, don't go here. It will be too hard.

On the good side, the resources at the school are among the best. This includes one of the largest libraries in the entire nation, countless award winning admirable staff, and highly intellectual students.

As far as the campus, I don't think it gets much better in terms of aesthetic appeal for LA. There's no question about this, the campus is amazingly beautiful.As a final note, don't let a few bad experiences ruin your entire educational career. Moreover, do not compare yourself to other students, or you will grow resentful and fall into a trap of competitive spirit. This school is not for the faint of heart. It is a serious and challenging environment that produces excellence.

4th Year Male -- Class 2009

Useful Schoolwork: A+, Individual Value: B+

Professors are experts in the field. If you are a dedicated student and excel in your classes there is opportunity to do research or build connections with these professors.

For the most part curriculum is very well thought out and courses are relevant and taught well.
UCLA has an incredibly diverse student body with some students there to enjoy the college experience and others who are very serious, intent on making their mark in the world or in academia. Also, people come from all different backgrounds.

The negatives are similar that you would find at other large universities. The mentoring and counseling isn't great. You have to seek out any connections or ask for advice if you want it.

The workload is much higher than h.s. and it takes a certain amount of discipline to excel. This is especially true in the sciences and engineering. This can be difficult at times with all the distractions of college life.

Socially UCLA can be a bit overwhelming with so many different people from different backgrounds. It helps if you join some sort of organization with people of similar interest as the school is so large you probably won't get to know people from your classes until you get to the junior or senior level.

4th Year Male -- Class 1993

Useful Schoolwork: A, Individual Value: D