<p>Hi everyone, I'm new here. I've decided to join UCSD thanks to its offer. But I've been feeling a little bit disappointed that I don't seem to have a chance learning in a private college. Since I am a high school student outside America, the college cost of a public school is as high as a private one for me.(And I have been told for so long that the education of private colleges in US is absolutely unique and special) The reason why I was interested in private colleges is that in each class there might not be so many students and maybe it helps to get myself involved more. I am so glad that I got accepted by UCSD, but I am not sure if I can do a great job being a member in a large class. Can anyone give me any suggestions about the atmosphere of having classes with like 2 to 3 hundred students, and how to learn better in class? THANKS A MILLION!</p>
<p>You involvement is going to be primarily outside of class. It’s not like you just go to lecture and then all learning starts and ends there. There are professor’s office hours, discussion sections, TA discussion sections, review sessions, help rooms, tutoring, and other things. You can even invite a professor out to lunch. I did last year and plan on doing it again this year. That being said though, there are always opportunities to ask questions in class. I’ve noticed that professors tend to tell the class that they aren’t asking enough questions. And try taking a seat in the front row. Sometimes you’ll totally forget that there are a large number of people behind you.</p>
<p>You skipped out on the #1 way to do this.</p>
<p>Professors are first and foremost researchers. If you want to develop a rapport with them, do well in their class and ask/apply to be a research assistant (199).</p>
<p>Thank you! I am sure I’ll learn more if I try to get involved the way you suggested~</p>
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<li><p>consider TA for them! Professors are always keen on improving their classes. Most take TA feedback really well and others will encourage you to brainstorm better ways to run the class (especially teaching labs). </p></li>
<li><p>a caveat on front-row sitting: behave yourself. professors can see you more easily, but can also be annoyed by you more easily. if you want to text or sleep or talk to your neighbor, do it in the back row. and when office hours roll around, they’ll remember.</p></li>
</ul>
<p>I’ve never been concerned with huge class sizes. Most of your classmates are content to let the entire quarter pass by without interacting with the professor or TA once.</p>
<p>Thanks for your advice!~~</p>
<p>@astrina</p>
<p>Ha ha. I feel like most people who might fall asleep in class generally don’t sit the front row anyway. Strangely enough though, I have seen a person in the front row sleeping. They were sitting directly in front of the professor and he didn’t even notice. But really though, I don’t know why people go to class if they’re just going to sleep.</p>
<p>We don’t ALWAYS plan on sleeping … some professors are just particularly good at putting us to sleep. 
</p>
<p>My worst was when my physics 2D professor offered to give extra lectures on various topics he found “interesting.” My bf and I decided to go (half out of curiosity, half out of pity since we knew nobody would show up) and I passed out after ten minutes. Six students and the professor, CSB 005. THAT was embarrassing.</p>