The University of Colorado - Denver

Date: May 14 2008
Major: Business - Management and Administration (This Major's Salary over time)
Just like any university, this one has it's pros and cons.

I started off my first semester at the University of Colorado-Boulder. I didn't really like it there that much for a large amount of reasons, but I still think it's a very good school socially and academically for somebody else.

When I went to UCD this past spring semester, I noticed a lot of different things. First of all, there was a clear discrepancy in the quality of academics vs Boulder. I remember at Boulder hours upon hours of studying, but this semseter I barely put in any work and am gonna get a 3.4-4.0. If you were in all the AP and Honors classes in High school, then don't come here for an academic challenge.

Socially, I find the people here to be a lot more approachable. I remember at Boulder how I would try to start a conversation with somebody in class only to be snooted down on. Here though, everyone is friendly, no one is overly pompous. The overall social life though here is pretty weak. For the traditional college kids, they go to class during the day then immediately come home (many students here live at home, being a commuter campus.) There are student dorms, which are very expensive but if you do want the college experience of living on your own, those would be your best bets. A lot of the students aren't actually looking for the college experience as much as a degree, they just go to school, go to work and sleep. many people's friends are at other campuses, CU, DU, CSU, UNC, etc. It is possible to make friends here and have a clique, it just takes a great deal of effort. The surrounding city is amazing though, Denver is an amazing place to hang out. If you do live down here and make a solid group of friends, you will be very happy.

One of the main things I've noticed is that there are a lot of transfer students or students intending to transfer. I've never actually heard of anyone starting at UCD and graduating from UCD in 4 years. One of my friends could graduate next year if he wanted to, but instead he's still trying to get into Stanford and would have to start it all over again. I too, fall into this category, having transferred from Boulder to here and wanting to go someplace else. Graduating within 4 years is a rarity, but if you really need to accomplish that, then plan your courses out very well.