Is uc irvine as cut throat as people make it seem?

Colleges and Universities A-Z University of California - Irvine
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<p>Maybe it's just me, but from what I've heard, it seems as if people in Irvine are trying to get their own. I just got accepted into SB and I and I'm having trouble choosing between the schools. I'm premed and I know that UCI has a bomb program in life sciences. But people say that there's a lot of Asians (I'm indian) and they get really competetive. Is it true that 60% of the people there are bio majors? Is it true that they sometimes would sabotage your lab just so theirs gets a better grade? And the amount of internships and research opportunities in Irvine are low due to the high volume of students taking them up?</p>

<p>I stayed one night at UCR, with my cousin, and I thought there were slightly more asians than any other race, but isn't that at any UC? And when they say a lot of "asians" do they also mean indians? </p>

<p>thanks and good luck to those who are still waiting</p>

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<p>It is true that there are a lot of bio-majors (and I guess premeds) but I don’t know the exact number. The competition is pretty tough but personally, I haven’t seen any sabotage happening in the lab. People I’ve worked with in the lab are generally helpful. We help each other find out where to get equipment, how to use it, and things like that. Like if I finish a lab early I will take a few extra minutes to help clean up (cause it gets really annoying if you stay over the time and the TA rushes you to clean up). I’m not doing research so I can’t give info on that. I don’t believe race is a big factor in terms of competition. Being Asian is not going to automatically give someone an advantage. </p>

<p>To be honest, I also heard these rumors before going in as a bio major and they were scary. There’s a lot of lazy people though who slack off and help the curve a bit. You just have to study harder than those people and you won’t have to worry about failing. From where I come from, people from Indian families are considered Asian American. It might be different where you come from though. You should probably take a look at SB and UCI first before choosing. Location is probably more important. If you aren’t happy with the place then you’ll probably do poorly. Anyway, congratulations on getting into SB and UCI. I hope you have fun next year no matter where you go.</p>

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<p>thanks for the advice oceanpartier</p>

<p>I will definitely look at both campuses, but I just wanted to be sure that most of the rumors were false. </p>

<p>How about the the amount of people that listen to hip hop/ rap/ rnb, is there a lot of people that I could relate to in that part of music?</p>

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<p>Vizy93: Just to clarify, I believe you are Asian also xD But I understand what you are trying to say. My sister, who attends UCI, tells me there are actually a lot of Indian people there (but she is in Engineering, I cannot speak for Bio).</p>

<p>Anyways, yes, I heard that the Bio program is competitive there. I would not be surprised if there were a few RARE students that are horrible enough to try to sabotage others, but I doubt you would run into them. And if you do, you will probably be able to bring it up with officials and get it straightened out.</p>

<p>As for your question about music taste, that’s kind of an odd question xD But I am more than sure there will be people who listen to that music. It’s popular (it’s not like you’re asking how many people listen to Italian opera). So yeah, no worries.</p>

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<p>Here’s my take on UCI vs. UCSB - I’ve heard that the students at UCI take studying seriously, there’s not as much partying (which is a good thing, if you’re a serious student). UCSB has lots of smart people, but it’s more of a social, party environment…I think you’ll see more surfer-boarder types. As far as Asians, all of the UC’s have a high percentage, some more than others. But the percentage rate is at least 50% or more at every UC.</p>

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<p>Uhm… no. Asians only make up 22% of the student body at UCSB, while UCI is about 50% Asian. I’m not saying that’s a bad thing, but I’m pointing out your mistake.</p>

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<p>I don’t think a single one of these rumors is true. </p>

<p>Students, even in more competitive majors, are usually really nice. And research and internships are actually quite easy to get at UCI- it’s actually the only UC that has an on campus program dedicated exclusively to undergrad research-and there are a ton of companies right across the street that come to campus to hire interns.</p>

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<p>I know a few bio grads from UCI that have been very successful. I also know many more who are not very successful at all. What it really comes down to is your work ethic and interpersonal skills (i.e. work hard, party hard, make great connections, have a good time in undergrad). </p>

<p>As for people “trying to get their own” will happen anywhere you go and whatever industry you end up in. I will say, however, academic dishonesty is taken very seriously at UCI at the undergraduate level. If you are caught trying to steal or sabotage someone’s work at the graduate level, good luck attempting to ever publish in academia again let alone being allowed to stay in the program.</p>

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<p>As for cut-throat people at UCI, that’s not too true, I mean, most of the people here are like, UCLA and UCB rejects at which point they’re not as elitist and they’re actually more chill, based on what I’ve seen as well as what professors who’ve taught at both schools told me. Everyone is really nice and yeah, even on like, lab practicals and stuff, we do try to help each other if possible even if the curve makes all the difference. </p>

<p>In terms of Asians, yeah, there’s a lot and yeah, most non-Asian people do get assimilated and introduced to the culture, it’s pretty hilarious actually. There really aren’t that many Indians, but yeah, most are Chinese. And yes, there are hoardes of biology majors, most of which don’t even fit into the major itself at which point it’s really not that bad as a lot of them tend to switch out and it gets better as time goes on. And finally, with research programs, there’s a lot of opportunities available and a lot of people do start later on like in their 2nd and 3rd year so it doesn’t seem that competitive at a lower level. By what I’ve seen, most people who were looking for research or internships got them and it’s just some initiative to go and email professors individually and actually do work to learn about them. If you really really do want to do research, pick the UROP hall, which is a research opportunities hall where everyone else is also somewhat interested to do research and you do have guest speakers and assistance to start research if that’s what you’re really into. But yeah, that’s what I’ve taken as a 1st year there for now, and hope you got what you needed.</p>

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<p>Thanks for everyone’s reply, I’m still deciding I guess. </p>

<p>On the low down, (even though they claim not too) will the “party school” rep of UCSB hurt my med school chances? Are all these asians like those really smart asians where they take up the top 15% of the class and get the As? I tried a quick google search, but does UCI (and UCSB) report how many of their med school applicants get accepted?</p>

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<p>SB is a party school yes, but that doesn’t mean you have to be partying all the time lol. There are definitely hard workers there who are med school competitive. They do send people to med school who deserve it. Just read this:</p>

<p><a href=“http://talk.collegeconfidential.com/university-california-general/1089713-my-uc-experience-bio-major-pre-health.html[/url]”>http://talk.collegeconfidential.com/university-california-general/1089713-my-uc-experience-bio-major-pre-health.html&lt;/a&gt;&lt;/p&gt;

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<p>I bookmarked that thread as soon as it was posted lol. </p>

<p>Thanks for the advice oceanpartier. One last question. I might make a later thread to get mroe answers but…The master plan is med school. I realize that college classes are graded differently then in high school, i.e. the top x% of each class gets the A. Do you think it would be easier to be at the top, or near it, in UCSB rather than UCI? Thanks</p>

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<p>I can’t speak for UCSB since I don’t go there, but at UCI, it’s relatively difficult but not impossible to be at the top. The curve is around 15% (17% actually I think). It sounds like so little but when you’re in a class of like 300-400, its a pretty generous portion of A’s. I’m a chronic procrastinator so its all about going to lectures and getting the stuff down once then cramming it all back in the week before finals (lol). Going to lectures is the important part though. Even if you don’t feel like you’re learning much (sometimes you might get a class that is super boring), the mere act of taking notes is important work. Using this “technique” I have managed to earn A’s in both bio courses so far and one chem course. To put this in perspective, I was never an AP bio student in HS (not even in honors) and got a B in bio. I got a B- in AP Chem. It’s all about adapting and the curve is actually quite generous. As long as you put in some effort, you never have to worry about failing. Honestly, if you’re even if you suck at chem/bio or something, you can get an A. As I mentioned before, just make sure you’re not as lazy as some people going into college are (surprisingly).</p>

<p>However, you can’t expect all college classes to be the same. For example, I did poorly in math because math requires constant practice (NOTE: I am horrible at math so maybe this won’t apply to you). The curve in math isn’t as helpful. Also, writing is not curved. If your professor is feeling mean, he might give your whole class B’s and maybe A’s to a few pets. My only advice is to scour RateMyProfessor before picking classes (there might be a certain…stigma(?) against doing this? idunno) and making sure you get someone you would enjoy. People make a big deal out of the writing themes too but honestly, its not that important. I got a theme I thought I hated and loved my writing class :stuck_out_tongue: The teacher was awesome and actually made the theme interesting. Met a lot of cool people. </p>

<p>I’ve never thought of myself as a top student. Actually, in high school I never was. However, at UCI, you get offered so many opportunities that can help you be at the top. The TA’s are sometimes really amazing. They dedicate so much of their time to do things to help you succeed (worksheets, practice tests, extra office hours, ect). It amazes me how little people take advantage of this. In HS, I was a person who’s really shy and I wouldn’t usually ask for help if I didn’t think I needed it. However, now it all changes because if you don’t get help right away, you’ll fall behind in days -__- So the TAs’ and Professors’ office hours are helpful, although there can be more waiting for a Professor’s office hours. Go to review sessions for bio classes. Even if you think you have all the studying down just go. Its extra review that really helps you organize an immense amount of info at the very least. There’s also LARC, which is a tutoring service that’s actually really cheap. I’ve only heard good things about them and plan to take a session next quarter. There’s free department tutoring too but I personally haven’t found it that helpful (they’re the same people who do the review sessions). So anyway, lots of assistance at UCI that people just don’t take advantage of. Then they wonder how they ever went from being top of their HS class to having to retake a bio course in the summer. LOL. I am not naturally smart or gifted, not even being modest, but I know how to keep myself from flunking. </p>

<p>About med school, I know it’s going to be hard to get in. I’ve been told by the counselors (btw I highly recommend taking Bio 2A if you’re premed) that only the top of the top from UCI get accepted into ANY med schools (not just their dream schools or w.e). I’m not going to go into any of that cheesy “just believe in yourself stuff” because its stupid lol. The competition is tough so just deal with it (wow I think I’m speaking to myself too in a sense lol). To be honest, I know that med school is the goal but at the same time I understand that this is tough. Healthcare is where the jobs are at but for me, it doesn’t necessarily mean med school. I will try my hardest to get in but if I don’t, I’m still HERE lol. There will be something for me to do in life and perhaps I haven’t found out what that is yet. So you are on the right track for doing all this pre-med planning (wish I had a firmer grasp of this concept this time last year) but you need to understand that its not going to be definite. I haven’t even survived O-chem and the rest of the weed-out courses yet so I’m uncertain. Just focus on the goal as much as you can and I guess, it starts with freshman year :)</p>

<p>Anyway a summary of general advice would be to:</p>

<p>*look up professors on RateMyProfessor (personal opinion)
*always attend lecture (and discussions whenever possible)
*go to review sessions (a must in my book but leave immediately if it sucks like some lol)
*go to office hours
*develop good study habits/don’t be lazy
*just know you don’t have to be the smartest to be on top of the curve</p>

<p>I’m only a freshman myself so there’s a lot to learn on this end too (and my advice is only worth so much because of that). I’m actually quite worried all the time about little things–the next test, registration, making friends, doing EC’s (which so far I have been failing at). However, in the long run I feel quite safe :stuck_out_tongue: I’m going to school, doing SOMETHING at least (getting a B.S). Whether you go to UCI or UCSB, I think the challenges will be pretty similar. You’re taking all the right steps, asking all the questions you need answers to. My only regret is not being as inquisitive before going into college. I hope you will be more prepared because of all this. Just know that out there somewhere, not-so-stellar students (such as myself) are sitting at the high end of the curve because it’s not that hard to get there. Avoid being lazy, do the required work (which isn’t that much to be honest compared to HS), take advantage of all the help, and you’ll be fine.</p>

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<p>someone give that post a medal!</p>

<p>I’ve spoken to a lot of people and after reading your (and other people’s) posts on here, I think Irvine might be good for me. I just don’t want to mess up college like I messed up HS you know? I have so many regrets about HS, I just don’t be in the same position 4 yrs from now. Thanks for that Ocean, see you next yr lol</p>

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<p>Just remember it will get harder mainly due to the fact that, your moving from a small lake to a big ocean. </p>

<p>In the sense only the best students in your high school and other high school made it to college and now you must compete with them for your grade.</p>

<p>I don’t think it will make much difference which UC you go for Pre-med. Since the competition at the top will always be cutthroat</p>

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<p>thanks peterr86, i’m pretty sure about Irvine, just gotta visit, make sure it’s not a barren wasteland, and then submit the SIR.</p>

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<p>Hi,</p>

<p>Just wanted to say that in the upper div classes, it can be very intense. I’m a 3rd year engineer–but I don’t think bio is any different. I do suggest doing a Google search for Cal Newport’s Study Hacks Blog. It has LOADS of very insightful information about effective study habits. </p>

<p>Your success will depend on your study habits and discipline–as was mentioned previously. </p>

<p>The campus itself is beautiful–although, I never really had the time to sit and enjoy the park in the middle of campus, hahah. </p>

<p>Good Luck! </p>

<p>I really love UCI, I just wish I had more time to meet people! (I blame engineering!)</p>

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<p>I’m like 99.99% going lol. Thanks Brando, and would you, or anyone be able to confirm what exactly “gender neutral” housing is? Basically I want to be able to open the door to my room and see people of the opposite sex walking right outside. That’s what co-ed is right? This “suite” thing confuses me. Maybe because I’ve only so far visited UCR and there dorms, as I remember, were all one huge builing with each level being separated into “halls”. The halls were on the other side of the stair case and each hall had a door to open to enter, and that’s where you see all the dorm rooms.</p>

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<p>Incase you were interested, here’s the stats for students admitted into medical school from UCI last year:</p>

<p><a href=“Undergraduate Cabinet - School of Biological Sciences”>Undergraduate Cabinet - School of Biological Sciences;

<p>36% acceptance rate. That may seem phenomenal considering its med school…but only 295 students applied. There doesn’t seem to be that many people who actually become qualified to apply. I mean, you’d probably have to have a solid GPA and MCAT score to even stand a chance. It’s pretty daunting, these stats, but I guess we just have to take it step by step :)</p>

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<p>thanks oceanpartier, yea I came across that link when i was doing my research on the schools. I submitted my SIR an hour or so ago, i visited the school yesterday. I went there expecting a lot of asians, and it wasn’t as many as i thought it would be, just goes to show it’s better to see it than hear it. Also, everyone keeps telling me that girls there are not the best, and they made it seem like there were ■■■■■■ walking around. WTH? It’s not that bad, some girls were (excuse me) hot! I’m down with this school. I think I’m gonna pick ME because I would like to walk out of my room and see chicks.</p>