Any Questions for a Current UCLA Student(s)?

<p>To planet2o:
Do you mean if a lot of undergraduate psychology students get published? It’s more than likely, especially if they want to head to Graduate School. The Psychology department here actually has an annual conference where their undergraduates presented their research findings, that’s big points on your CV/resume! I’m preparing to hopefully present next year! Usually, at least for myself, it’s with the help of a faculty. Because, realistically speaking, anyone can do their own research, but are they going to get praise for it if no one knows who they are?..lol. Some faculty want students to help them with their own research and I’m doing that, but some won’t add you to their credits list and some will. If you have a good idea that corresponds with a faculty already researched subject, definitely get in contact with them (hopefully after you have some kind of experience). Researchers LOVE talking about their research! It might take sometime, but they will respond to your email. For example, this is how I got started, I was researching a pretty well known professor/researcher from my department and I sent them an email asking questions about their publications. After about two weeks, they emailed me back and went on and on about it. She actually asked me to come in to her office if I wanted to discuss more! Don’t be afraid to contact them, THEY LOVE THAT KIND OF STUFF. </p>

<p>No problem! I’m here to help! As transfer students, I feel that our time is (obviously) limited and that is why I feel that someone should tell incoming transfers ahead of time these opportunities! Because no one told me of these great opportunities, I missed out, but thankfully, I’m slowly getting back on the track I wanted to be! If you have any more questions, let me know!</p>

<p>I had a quick question regarding summer classes whenever you have a moment. I listed on my application that I would be taking Math 61 at UCLA Extension (since the local CCs don’t offer it for summer) this summer which would leave only Econ 11 left for my lower-division courses (Math/Econ major). I saw that Econ 11 is offered during the summer and I’m tempted to take it but I noticed the summer courses are quite expensive with very limited financial aid offered. Are there any benefits to taking this course and finishing all my lower-division coursework prior to entry in Fall 2011 or should I just stick with Math 61 and wait for the fall? Thanks in advance.</p>

<p>To victor555: Hello! You’re welcome, I’m here to assist incoming transfers in any way I can! </p>

<p>Wow! Engineering! Good luck, haha! The grading scale is usually A+, A, A-, etc. but some professors just hand out A’s, B’s, etc. Actually, it’s the TAs who do all the work, they just sign off. I know for Psychology 100A (which is a tough course, with a huge amount of students taking it) there’s curves, and one would think that be beneficial but sometimes (most times) it ends up working against you. Keep that in mind too!</p>

<p>From what I have seen, the scale is something like:</p>

<p>100-98=A+
96-94=A
93-90=A-
89-87=B+…and so on!</p>

<p>Good luck to you in the fall!!!</p>

<p>To belkster: I know it is VERY expensive for summer session, but if you can afford it, I would definitely go for it. I’m taking a couple of Psychology courses during the summer, and because not a lot of people want to go during summer/financial/etc. the classes tend to be smaller…meaning you have a more “personalized” learning experience, also…opportunities to get closer to your professor!!! If you could, I would definitely go for it! Good luck!</p>

<p>Hi RheeL3,</p>

<p>One last question if you don’t mind:
Are you familiar with the newly established “Human Biology & Society” major? I’m also contemplating on transitioning into that major on orientation day but am unaware of the major prereqs, further details regarding the B.S. major program, & which UCLA department to consult to make the change. I am fascinated with the sciences & the medical field & love the fact the this major provides a lighter load on the science/math courses rather than undertaking the heavy duty courses with a life science major @ UCLA.</p>

<p>I’d really appreciate it if you could give me any good details on the major and who I can contact to receive more information & request the major change</p>

<p>Thank you once again for creating this thread. It really means a lot & I appreciate it immensely that you’re taking the time out to answer our questions</p>

<p>To mrD390: Yes, I have heard of the new Human Biology&Society major being offered now during Fall 2011 because some of my PIs in my department work with/in The Center of Society and Genetics. As far as I know, there is no “official” coursework that has been released to the UCLA press, but I do know someone you could get in contact with that might be able to tell you more about the program and such! He is the SAO (Student Affairs Officer) for The Center of Society and Genetics and is named Richard Moushegian and his email is: <a href=“mailto:rmousheg@socgen.ucla.edu”>rmousheg@socgen.ucla.edu</a> I can also give you his office number, but I’m sure, like most staff, they’ll respond faster to emails, and it’s better that way. Simply ask your concerns, tell him your a transfer student, etc. Hope this helps!</p>

<p>Thanks! Wow that is a pretty demanding grading scale. Gotta get ready for the challenge ahead :)</p>

<p>Thanks again RheeL3!
I’m going to email him right away.
All the best with your future endeavors & thank you once again for graciously answering our UCLA questions</p>

<p>How hard is it to get a position in research without any past experiences? I haven’t worked a day in my life and therefore have nothing going for me in terms of a resume. Will that greatly hinder me from getting a job, internship, or research position in a research facility?</p>

<p>Also, are these positions really cut throat competitive to get?</p>

<p>do tv’s and furniture come with the dorms already or are we responsible for buying a fridge hahaha??? seriously though</p>

<p>Also when looking at the total cost, is that including summer session?</p>

<p>Last question, is there an on campus parking structure for students and do you know how much parking permits are?</p>

<p>what have you heard about the College Summer Institute for freshmen? did you attend it? do you know if the courseload is managable and if the program is worth it? any other info would be nice, thanks!</p>

<p>Sorry for posting again, I wasn’t able to edit my post. In general, are psych classes really hard to get since the major is so impacted? I assume 100A and 100B are since they are the most general requirements but what about the elective and core courses?</p>

<p>Are students allowed to take a class on the side at a CC in the LA area? I’m considering going to med school but haven’t done any of the science prereqs yet (very behind on that, I know)… and the idea of doing all of them at UCLA is a little scary.</p>

<p>Also, I got admitted to the Pre-Psych major. Will I have to spend two whole quarters doing the Psych100A&B classes before I can actually declare the major?</p>

<p>Thanks</p>

<p>isnt 100a psych in UCLA similar to stats in community college?</p>

<p>^
(Hell) No.</p>

<p>To jaynami: That might be a bit difficult. If you’re taking summer classes then I definitely recommend getting some sort of experience. During Fall take the lab class SPR (I think that’s what it is, check out the URC website I posted before) 99 class-that will get you going, but I definitely think that to be able to get a research position you need to bring something to the table. Volunteer somewhere! </p>

<p>It isn’t difficult really, but like I said, you do have to bring something to the table. Basically the researcher/department asks: what has this student already done that will be beneficial for us? </p>

<p>Also to answer your other question, yep. That’s another downfall to being a Psychology major. Also because of our horrible Orientation dates, they are all after everyone gets enrolled in their fall courses, you get left with waitlisting and having to pick classes out of your department. And even after you pass 100A&B, its still difficult because everyone in those courses moves along with you, thus still making it difficult to get into classes…it’s a never ending cycle, so just get used to it!</p>

<p>To jg2290: Some of the dorms do. In DeNeve you get a television, and you have the option of keeping it or not. I don’t think they do it anywhere else! You have to rent a fridge or bring your own. Apart from that, the dorms provide beds and desks, that’s all. They’re small, so I doubt you can fit much in them anyways. There is no separate parking for students, there’s a bunch of lots, but I have no clue on the actual rates, I just heard you have to pay a lot…haha and they are difficult to get! Check out the Parking&Transportation site!</p>

<p>Lastly, of course those fees do NOT cover summer session(s). Don’t we wish? How do think UCLA gets income? They literally try to squeeze every penny out of you, you’ll see in the Fall. </p>

<p>Hope this helped!</p>

<p>To veritas987: Unfortunately, no. I’m a transfer student as the people on this forum are too…lol. Check out the website! I do think that summer programs are a great way to get you ready for the fall and the whole adjustment stage. Good luck! </p>

<p>To socharmed 2002: During the school year: Fall, Winter, Spring, you may not enroll in any other school. The exception to this rule comes during summer where you may take courses somewhere else and also at UCLA if you choose to. So unless you’re taking summer session, I definitely recommend taking this summer to start on those classes at CC-good luck! Also, yes that’s true (in response to your second question) because A is a pre-req for B, you have to spend Fall and Winter on them. Although tempting, I don’t recommend anyone taking these courses over summer. Six weeks compared to ten is…tough, especially if you’re adjusted yet.</p>

<p>sorry about that. ill ask here then.</p>

<p>so im still waiting on berkeley, but if i get denied it’s between la and davis.</p>

<p>at davis i can switch to psych, but at ucla i can’t so i’m trying to see if it would totally screw me up.</p>

<p>if i go to ucla as a women’s studies major and a psych minor on average just your best estimate how many extra classes outside of the major/minor courses would i need to take in order to go to psych grad school</p>

<p>^
Unfortunately, there is no Psychology minor but I have met people who have different majors and went to Graduate School for Psychology. They ende up taking 100A&B during summer and then were able to enroll in their other classes. It would be tough because of the unit cap/your actual major requirements but people have pulled it off. </p>

<p>Good luck with Cal!</p>

<p>In general, how is it adjusting to the academic rigor? Any advice as I brace myself to actually start working hard in school? </p>

<p>How easy is it to get involved and find “your people”? Do you recommend transfer dorms?</p>