University of California - Los Angeles
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Professors at UCLA are, to say the least, qualified. Many of them hold graduate degrees from prestigious American universities, conduct ground-breaking research, and publish famed books and articles. Due to their class sizes and demanding research schedules, professors don't necessarily beg students to forge relationships. However, almost all hold regular office hours and are happy to reach out once students take the first step. Teaching assistants (TAs), while used widely, are much more sporadic. Some are highly knowledgeable, while others simply do not care about the material, often times making for unfair grading systems. A beacon of hope is that the deeper a student descends into a major, the more attentive professors become, and there are fewer TAs used in the upper-division classes.

Professors and TAs aside, most students agree that the workload at UCLA is manageable as long as procrastination remains the enemy. The quarter system breaks the year into three speedy 10-week chunks, so it's critical to attend lectures and complete work on time. One thing Bruins don't rave about is the course registration process. In a class network barraged by budget cuts, sections fill up quickly, and students' first-choice schedules rarely become realities. However, counselors are present and eager to help students navigate the treacherous course maze, and almost all students are able to fulfill the necessary requirements, even if it means taking that dreaded history seminar. 

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Academics at University of California - Los Angeles

Pauleygee

Biological Sciences '15

3.8

B+

Curriculum

There are many classes that need to be passed, at least as a science major, but they are manageable. The work load is pretty large, but since UCLA is on quarter system, ten weeks pass by in a flash, and that is why classes need to hurry with the material.

Apr 10, 2012

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Academics at University of California - Los Angeles

lizetteaag

Psychology '10

4.6

A

Psychology

The psychology major is the biggest undergraduate major at UCLA thus classes are typically huge in size, with most having at least 300 students. If you don't take the initiative to get to know your professors, such as going to office hours, it's very easy to become just another number. However, if you do take that extra step, professors are generally very helpful and welcoming. There are also plenty of opportunities for research within the psychology department. You have professors and graduate students who are more than happy to receive the free labor. All in all the student body is huge but fortunately if you take advantage of it, you have one of the best psychology research institutions at your fingertips.

Apr 06, 2012

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Academics at University of California - Los Angeles

lisashue

Bioengineering and Biomedical Engineering '14

4.2

A-

Academics at UCLA

Overall, the lower division professors are a bit meh. The classes are large and obviously, pretty competitive. Upper division professors are a lot better though and they give you more attention, and they really do care about you succeeding. Workload is definitely different from high school - you got to stay on top of your stuff.

Mar 30, 2012

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