Cluster or no?

Colleges and Universities A-Z University of California - Los Angeles
1

<p>The time left before orientation is winding down and I was just wondering what the overall consensus was regarding freshman clusters. On one side, there fulfill nearly 16 units, the writing II requirement, seminar requirement, and honors credit. However, many say that they are difficult. </p>

<p>I am curious as to whether I should take one of these clusters or fulfill the writing II, GEs, seminar, honors, and regular courses on my own and space them throughout the 3 quarters. </p>

<p>Thanks for any advice.</p>

2

<p>the overall consensus is that they have their perks, but they are a bit more difficult. you're not going to get a straight answer one way or the other. its up to you to decide whether you want to take it or not. we dont know if you can "handle it", and we're not gonna be the ones taking it so dont rely on other people decide your schedule for you. you've read opinions both ways on here, so you can make an informed decision.</p>

<p>for what its worth, you can always drop it if you dont like it or if you find its too hard.</p>

3

<p>if you're interested in the cluster topics, then i'd say try it first and then make a decision to stay or not. </p>

<p>if you only want to take a cluster to get rid of requirements, you're most likely going to find it difficult or unenjoyable.</p>

4

<p>^^ very true. i took the 60's cluster to get rid of requirements, and i didnt like it much. some parts were interesting (hippies, counter-culture, activism to an extent), but it covers so many disciplines, and a lot of those i had no interest in (like art music and politics).</p>

<p>might be a real good idea to dig up this past year's course websites for the clusters to get a more comprehensive description/outline (try to find the syllabus) as to what the course covers instead of the little blurb on the main cluster website.</p>

<p>again, the final decision is yours. i dont think even the orientation counselors will tell you one way or the other.</p>

5

<p>Really? I've heard people with councelors who told them not to take them.</p>

<p>dragon, do it if you have an interest in the topic.</p>

6

<p>Orientation counselors are just regular ucla undergrad students who are recruited and told to memorize a script along with a book of university rules. Their opinion on clusters are from their own experience or hearsays from others, and are no more significant than anyone else who actually took the cluster or heard about the clusters from other people. Some will recommend it, others won't based on what they've gone through or heard</p>