I am a UCI student - ask me anything you want - im bored

<p>outono, is 1180 the new SAt SCORE?</p>

<p>Nooo - 1180 SAT score from the old test (out of 1600). I dont miss those crappy analogies, you guys are lucky with your essay.</p>

<p>Kaii: During high school, my extracurriculars were nil. I pretty much did nothing at school (no clubs, no student govt). However, outside of school I was in numerous bands, played sports, and worked a lot. </p>

<p>I think after I was rejected from so many schools, it sorta hit me that I needed to shape up - I transformed my academic self in college. Its weird to see how many people change once they hit college - its usually for the better though.</p>

<p>As for my minor - Im currently minoring in Italian Language, but next year (at NYU) ill most likely be double majoring in it.</p>

<p>do you have a lot of school pride in UCI?</p>

<p>At first, I hated UCI and criticized EVERYTHING about it. But as time progressed, I began to appreciate what it had to offer. You have to remember, all of the kids who are rejected from UCB, UCLA, and UCSD usually go to UCI. This means that kids that are typically good enough to be at the top UCs will come to UCI and bring their academic talent. The only reason others dont have pride in the school is largely due to the fact that UCI was their last resort. If UCI just stepped it up and stopped letting in people that didnt deserve to go there, then it would be higher than 10th best public school - probably 7th or 8th. </p>

<p>I think that within 10 years, UCI will really step it up. The OC is becoming a huge entertainment area and tons of kids all over the place want to be apart of the "culture" there (which is ridiculous, but whatever floats their boat). On top of that, UCI is said to have the largest amount of land available for development. Apparently, UCI is trying to get a law school built but I cant confirm that. This could lead to a huge influx of the latest and greatest talent (professors always want new facilities). </p>

<p>Anyway, just my sentiments.</p>

<p>Hey Outono Noite</p>

<p>I have to hand it to you; you've been very informative to the people so far. I'm basically one of those kids who are going to UCI due to a last resort. I really wanted to go to UCD, but the engineering major I chose made me miss admissions by a bit. I'm feeling a lot better about it though. </p>

<p>I'm sure I'll learn to enjoy UCI a lot, but I want to ask you some opinionated questions. I'm not into the whole "UC in the OC" scene. I enjoy the North Californian atmosphere a lot. I was wondering, since you are transferring, will a student who loves a more calm area with cold winters (I like the cold too) be able to adapt and enjoy UCI? I'm not really a party type of guy, and I'm not allured by the OC lifestyle. But I never actually lived in it. Do you think I'll end up transferring to another college? Or do you think I will really enjoy my stay (staying on campus) at UCI?</p>

<p>As much as I want to move on with my life, I have this psychological screen that just blurrs my vision. I'm trying to wipe it clear as hard as I can... If you can give me an opinion I would be very thankful.</p>

<p>Hey Jason,</p>

<p>Although UCI will be different from what you know and what you want, I think it will not be hard to adapt (although there are a few exceptions to certain people). In terms of liking the school, I am sure you will undoubtedly find something great in it just as I did. You see, although this is a last resort school, you end up developing a lot of pride in it (mostly because you try to stick up for it at first, but then see how great it actually is). </p>

<p>In terms of the weather, ya - its going to be different, but I know youll be fine. Its not really all that different from NorCal - little less rainy and a bit warmer.</p>

<p>If parties arent your thing (same for me), then just find a club and become active in it. Thats pretty much what I did and it worked out just fine - its usually the easiest way to make friends.</p>

<p>Irvine is a VERY calm area - in fact, a lot of people call Irvine boring because its so calm so ya, thatll be fine for you.</p>

<p>The winters will be warmer than normal <em>I hate it</em> but ya know, its just weather - it shouldnt turn you away from liking a school.</p>

<p>When I went into UCI, I had the same psychological screen you have. I could not convince myself to like the school no matter how hard I tried. But what I realized was the more I tried to hate it, the worse the time I had. Take my word for it - the more you think you dont belong, the more itll seem true. You have to go into UCI (and any school) with the attitude that its going to rock because if you dont youll just make yourself miserable. Before you know it, 2 years will go by and youll say "Well **** I just lost two of the so-called greatest years of my life" and it all was over nothing. </p>

<p>The engineering major at UCI is hella tough, but its awesome. Sure, its not up to the top 10 schools, but its more than a good start. I wouldnt even worry about your schooling - everyone I know in engineering loves it.</p>

<p>As for transferring - if you really want to leave then youll leave, but I know so many people that said they wanted to leave, but when the time came they couldnt convince themselves to go through with it because of their new friends, lifestyles, major, etc...</p>

<p>I cant stress enough how much I can relate to your position. The only reason im doing this is because I know what its like going into college and not having any information on how it all works whatsoever - this is my way of giving back.</p>

<p>When it all comes down to it, even if you dont necessarily fit in with the OC crowd at UCI, there will always be people like you and there are always places to go that are more your interest. If youre an indie guy check out The LaB in Costa Mesa.</p>

<p>Like I said - go into it thinking its going to be cool. Either way, youre in college - make the most of it - youre going to have fun no matter what happens. If you need anything else just lemme know on this thing - sorry for the poorly written letter its 2 AM and im delirious.</p>

<p>Hey Outono Noite</p>

<p>Thanks a lot for the response. It's a little comforting to know you had a similar sitaution. I'll try my hardest to fit in. I've recently bought a shirt, and I really (and I mean really) want to major in electrical engineering. </p>

<p>If it's pretty calm at UCI, I'll definitely feel relaxed and enjoy it. Thanks for the great news. The two first years of college life is what I've waited for for the last 17 years of my life. I was so sure I was going to make it into UCD (I qualified for every other major but engineering and I put both choices as engineering) and enjoy a college life at an awesome setting (winters=cold, fall=beautiful at UCD). In addition I'll basically leave a huge group of brothers I have. A bunch of them will be staying north or going to UCD. These guys are seriously my brothers... I'm going to miss them.</p>

<p>Anyway, I really really appreciate your feedback. I know I can trust your words. After 17 years of living, I've learned to trust people a lot more because they have the experience I lack (if you don't believe so, go shoot yourself =]). Experience can't be substituted through research or anything. I will take your word and keep trying to enjoy myself. </p>

<p>Once again, thanks a lot.</p>

<p>Hows the political science department/major/whatever?</p>

<p>How are you doing at UCI? Your stats from high school are fairly average. Is UCI super competitive?</p>

<p>Outono Noite, can i take community college classes in the summer between fall and spring to clear my GEs while enrolled in UCI for 4 years? would it be remotely benificial to only take courses pertaining to my major at UCI and clear my GEs at cc's? will this be possible or a problem?</p>

<p>TacoBell: I have only taken one Poli Sci class at UCI and thoroughly enjoyed it. I dont really know how the major compares to other schools, but from what I hear from my friends, everyone says thats its challenging, informative, and fun.</p>

<p>Integra: My stats at UCI are GPA: 3.78 with a major in Econ and minor in Italian Language. Im currently a sophomore but junior standing (due to the number of my units completed). I am about the top 3% of my class - or thats what the stats roughly project - ive been accepted to UCLA, UC Berkeley, UCSD, NYU, and Boston Univeristy as a transfer student for the coming year. Ummm I think thats it - oh, I was President of the Undergraduate Business Association and I interned for the Make a Wish Foundation in Los Angeles.</p>

<p>UCI can be very competitive in certain majors such as Bio and Engineering, but for everything else, its pretty laid back and everyone just does their thing. Internships are the most competitive at UCI - you have to be good to get the good ones. Youd be surprised at the dynamics of the school demographic - some kids will kill for grades while others could care less. It all just depends on your major.</p>

<p>Crimsonpham: GEs at UCI are a major pain in the ass. They take forever to finish and usually clog up your entire freshman year. JCs are a GREAT way to get some of them taken care of early. Use this website:</p>

<p><a href="http://www.assist.org%5B/url%5D"&gt;www.assist.org&lt;/a> </p>

<ul>
<li>this website will tell you exactly what classes will transfer from a JC to a UC school (and only UC schools). Make sure you consult this because not all JC classes will count at a UC - your guidance counselor can help you out with this.<br></li>
</ul>

<p>I took very few GEs my first year and its worked out fine. Just remember you have to complete 3 quarters of physical science, 3 quarters of english, some math, some language (if you hadnt taken 3 years in high school), etc...</p>

<p>Check the UCI website for info on your requirements - they may be different from my year.</p>

<p>Outono, I have a question... I'm currently a senior in high school taking an art class (Ceramics I) at JC and by looking at that website, I found out that it is UC transferable. I'm kind of worried cause I'm getting a B in the class and I'm afraid it'll screw my college gpa over once the grade is transfered over.. Do you think I have a choice of transfering the grade or not? Is it something I should be worried about?</p>

<p>All JC credits transferrable to a UC do not take the grade with it. So, if you get a C at the JC, all UC will know is that its a passing grade and that youll get the credit for it. Thats how I was told it works - I would verify that but I am about 98% sure that the grade will not affect your UC GPA.</p>

<p>Outono have you ever been to NYC in the winter? Because im sure its a very drastic change than Cali. I think im in a complete opposite situation than you, im from North NJ and going to UCI in the fall, not used to warm winters. Anyway when u goto NYC, theres going to be alot more mix of people. And there can be some wierdos in the subway, but you'll get used to it ;p. N if u have any questions bout NYC in gen feel free to ask. My sis goes to art school right next to NYU and I live about 45mins from manhattan and visit pretty often.</p>

<p>Hey DLO - ha, ya, ive never been to NYC but ive been all over the East Coast so I have an idea of what its like. I love the cold winters over there - all I did this winter was chase storms for snowboarding!</p>

<p>If I have any questions, Ill be sure to hit you up. Thanks!</p>

<p>ah, when people want the bext ski/snowboarding they go up to Vermont, like a 3-4 hour drive and goto Killington & Sugarbush. But around NY it isn't bad at all, best I would recommend is Belleaire (2hours ?) tons of trails, Mountain Creek (in NJ) they have a half pipe and a terrain park, but moutain isn't that high in elevation.</p>

<p>Outono, how is the computer engineering at uci?
i got accepted to both uci and UW-madison as a transfer and i am having hard time deciding which one to go.</p>

<p>i am oos for both schools but my parents are cal residents...... so i guess i can become california resident next year if i come to irvine.....</p>

<p>Well, regardless of the major, id say California would def. provide a lot more of a social life and preferable weather (at least to most people). However, UW-Madison is supposedly an awesome school all around so I dunno.</p>

<p>As for the major - I hear its pretty good, but I dont know any details about it. From what I can recall, it was placed in the top 40 for US News and World Report, but I could be wrong. In all honesty, UCI provides a lot of opportunities in your field including competitions and what not. Although im not a comp engineering major, I wanted to compete in DEFCON (google it) by constructing the Nations largest WiFi satellite - but I scrapped my plans after nobody wanted to help me work on it. You can even get funding for stuff like that through UCI with their UROP program - its basically a program that will pay you and provide resources to contruct things/research things. Its a great way for you to make money and add something incredible to your resume - it really sets you apart. Plus, you need an advisor from the professional staff - this is a great way to network with the professors and get great letters of rec later on.</p>

<p>All in all, id go with UCI - I think youll have a better time.</p>

<p>Do you think that it's cheaper to dorm or apartment at UCI?</p>

<p>Dorming is def. cheaper - Irvine is crazy expensive unless you want to share an apartment with 5 people +. Either way, when you dorm, youll meet a ton more people and youll be able to be more involved in campus life - youll also get free internet, etc...</p>

<p>Just dorm.</p>