The University of California - Irvine

Date: Aug 01 2005
Major: Biology (This Major's Salary over time)
The main thing I liked about UCI was that it was manageable in all facets. The campus isn't monstrous in size but it isn't small either. It is really easy to navigate because of its' circular design. I know this seems like a small point but learning to adjust to a campus during your freshman year is very important and being in a place that isn't too intimidating is vital

These opinions are coming from a biology major who is going to medical school now. My experiences are biased toward the sciences.

The Good:

1. I was a biology major, as were a lot of other people my freshman year. Because it is a resarch university there are a lot of research opportunities on campus or the medical center which is 10 miles away in the city of Orange.

2. There are a lot of pretty good professors because they are attracted to UCI for various reasons. All of your professors will be accomplished researchers. Most like to teach but there are a few who really don't like it, but that's the case at any university.

3. The students are generally friendly and there are a lot of clubs, IM sports, and other activities to get involved with fairly easily.

4. The tuition is really cheap if you are instate. I think it's less then 7,000 a year for a school ranked in the top 50 schools nationwide. UCI is a really young school (40 years old) and is slowly making a better name for itself as time passes. In such a short time it has made considerable gains in terms of prestige.

5. Irvine is a really safe place. I would be out at like 3am at times, and never felt in danger at all. Just a calm safe city which can be important for many people.

6. The school is only 5 minutes from the beach. Also, the weather is fantastic all year around.

7. The ARC. It is the school gym and is really really nice. One of the best gyms I've seen ever, and this includes those fancy fitness clubs.

The bad:

1. If you are pre-med, expect some major competition especially if you are a biology major. The first year biology courses are essentially weed out courses. My first biology class ever at UCI, had 4 different lectures, each filled to the max with almost 400 students. By the time senior year rolled around the number of biology majors was considerably less.

2. If you want to get around you need a car. Grocery stores and stuff like that are within walking distance though.

3. If you are pre-med, the schools biology counseling office isn't the greatest in terms of helping you out or providing guidance. You'll have to scramble on your own.

4. A lot of your classes during the first 3 years will be in auditoriums with 300 students. I tend to like bigger classes but it can be tough to get to know your professors. But if you go to office hours and make yourself known, it shouldn't be a problem.

5. School spirit is lacking. I'm guilty of this. No football team since we have too small of a student population. Our basketball team is below average. I think we are good in volleyball and water polo but who really cares about those sports. Also, the school is a bit of a commuter school, so the campus is pretty quiet on the weekends.

6. I felt our biology curriculum was a bit too intense. I have heard first hand that the biology major in UCI is much more intense then the one at UCLA or UCSD. I haven't been to those schools but this is jsut what I have heard.

Overall: A solid school in which you will get a good education. UCI is up and coming in terms of reputation and is a good choice for any student.