<p>Any UCLA’rs out there?</p>
<p>I am surprised that I am the only one who gave his/her college experience a C so far. It is good to read about people’s experiences. Keep them coming, folks.</p>
<p>Hey JamesGold your in luck. I go to UCLA.</p>
<p>UCLA (In my opinion one of the greatest universities in the world)</p>
<p>Academic Fit: A
Many of you on this forum may underestimate the quality of education here at UCLA since it is a public university but I have learned that this is untrue. Like all universities some professors are outstanding while others are just okay. As a freshman, I’ve only had three professors and each of them were very knowledgeable in their field. One thing I underestimated was the quality of our student body. Everyone at this school is very intelligent and cares about his or her grades. Comes midterm and final time, everyone would hit the books and study hours on end. I would say at least 95% of the students enrolled in each class attend every lecture. So to keep it short, UCLA is much much more competitive than I had expected but that pushes you to study even harder. I’ve come to realize that what makes a university good is not only the professors but also the student body-the competition (testing curves). Just to keep this in context, I am speaking from the physical science perspective; it may be different for the liberal arts major. Also the lectures are pretty large for the lower division course; just a heads up for any of you who may be interested in attending UCLA. So if you don’t mind large lectures and a fairly competitive academic environment then UCLA is a great choice.</p>
<p>Social Fit: A
Just so you guys know, I’m an out of state student from NY who chose to attend UCLA. I did not know anyone coming into this university but that didn’t matter because I made tons of new friends. The people here are very friendly and welcoming. In regards to parties, there are many frat parties on Thursdays but they don’t really allow guys into them unless you know someone in that frat. Girls are welcomed at almost any frat. People also throw parties in the dorm buildings so if your looking to party you can definitely find some. If you are not into parties, you can always hang out with the people on your floor. Also it’s pretty easy to meet people at UCLA since its such a large school but you have to make an effort yourself by joining clubs and whatnot. The people in your classes most likely won’t be your friends since the lectures are large and you won’t sit next to the same people in every lecture. All in all, I found it very easy to fit into UCLA and its relaxed and laid back environment. So yeah, I’m having a blast here.</p>
<p>Location: A
UCLA is located in Westwood, the better part of LA. Although it’s not much of a college town there’s quite a lot to do. Theres movie premieres like every week and lots of California attraction within bus drive distance from the campus. We’re located like I think ten miles to the beach and yeah the beaches are amazing. We’re located next to Hollywood and Beverly Hills so there’s a good chance you may see celebrities in or around the UCLA Campus. There are also many restaurants in Westwood if you are into food. After a while Westwood does get boring and it is quite difficult to travel around without a car so you have to make friends with people with cars.</p>
<p>Athletics: A+
UCLA athletics is unbeatable. We have the most NCAA championships out of all the universities. Our school spirit is just unrivaled. During any sporting event you will see a sea of blue and gold and students going absolutely nuts cheering on our team. I don’t think I need to say more.</p>
<p>Overall: A+
This school is everything I could imagine, a dream university. UCLA has so much to offer, the students just have to take advantage of them. Just to name a few things I have not mentioned: we have an amazing gym, hundreds of student clubs, and many many research and internship opportunities. The school itself is aesthetically beautiful (at least north campus is) and its just so chill and relaxed. I see many kids spending their day sitting on the grass by Janns Step studying or just looking at the clear blue California sky. Overall UCLA is awesome university. I can’t imagine myself at a different university.</p>
<p>College: Johnson & Wales University - Providence, Sophomore Transfer from Purdue</p>
<p>Academic fit: F
In high school, I always knew JWU was a school for kids who didn’t care about high school at all and had a GPA of 2.0 and below and a really low SAT score. That is why I went to Purdue which is a school I loved since everything about the school attracted me. Finances however had to make me transfer. The students here are quite ■■■■■■■■ and still don’t care about school. They think the professors have to spoon feed them the answers to exams and quizzes. The coursework here compared to Purdue is a joke and is like high school academics again. It’s a well known hospitality management school too and not that many kids are hospitable. </p>
<p>Social fit: F
Basically in a city in the Northeast, with most students from New Jersey. It’s basically quido haven over here. Mainly kids who don’t want to experience diverse or accept people of other diversity. School tries to attract Int’l students but the students don’t exactly accept them, instead they make fun of them in front of them. Quite frustrating when they think your an international student since your Asian. Greek life here is quite different from what I had at Purdue so it’s understandable but the social life here revolves around clubs. Not into clubs also so basically it’s been a bust for me socially. </p>
<p>Location: F
Five hours away from my home so I take the train instead so my parents don’t have to pick me up. Since my social life sucks, I try to go home quite frequently which can be annoying since it’s quite far. It’s in the city also and I’m not a big fan of being in the city, especially with the noise and the amount of people. Just here cause of the financial aid package… </p>
<p>Athletics: F
Being a huge sports fanatic, JWU is a bust once again. They are a DIII school BUT have a D1 team which is for sailing… No football team, the chances of one happening is slim. The basketball team is not even worth watching. Not big on intramural sports. Gyms close at 9PM which is way too early and is a joke. </p>
<p>Overall college life grade: F
Can’t wait to leave. I may actually be transferring since finances at this school ain’t helping me that much. But I hate this school with a passion. </p>
<p>My life at Purdue was just fantastic that I miss my friends there so freaken much. If only money weren’t a problem anymore, I would still be there. </p>
<p>Add anything that you feel necessary to describe your situation at your particular college.</p>
<p>UC Irvine 2nd yr Aerospace Engr
Academic Fit B+
So far the academics have been good. Alll the teachers I’ve had have been extremely knowledgeable in their respective fields. My problem is that they don’t always teach/explain their concepts in lectures very well. There are some easy classes and some harder ones. For the most part the education is good, although it can be hard getting to know the prof and/or ask questions since we’re on quarter system and its a large public uni. I’m an Engr so most/many of my engr/science classes are curved. its fairly easy to get a B but if you want that A- or A it takes a LOT of work. You gotta stay on top of your work–this ain’t UCLA/Cal but if you aren’t on top of your game, the other students will outscore and humiliate you. GPA wise, this quarter was pretty sub-par. IF the prof’s could teach more clearly and explain concepts more easily–this would get an A!</p>
<p>Social Fit B
I started college by going to a pre-frosh summer session. It was a blast and the people I’ve made friends with have been my closest friends by far. Freshman year was awesome–mainly because the people in my dorm were amazing. I honestly couldn’t have been any happier. Second year–ergh…not so great! I’m still living on on-campus apartments which are really nice, resort status, but the apartment is not like a dorm, and at times I feel isolated. Furthermore, my friends and dorm mates are living in other areas so it can get lonely and very quiet at times. Drinking–the school itself is not a hard core party school compared to what I hear from other friends at other schools. Since I’m not living in the dorms anymore, people can now hold parties and drink. My body doesn’t react well to alcohol so I’m not into drinking. Unfortunately, this seems like drinking is the only ‘social’ thing to do, weekends are pretty damn boring here. I find it hard to meet interact with people since I’m no longer in the dorms… =/ </p>
<p>Location B
The city is extremely clean/new. However, if you DON"T have a car, then you won’t find much entertainment. It sucks. Many places close early and aren’t accessible unless you have a ride. The surrounding areas are beautiful and reek with wealth and old white people. I’ve never seen so many Ferarris’ Bently’s and Porches in one area before. Irvine was voted the safest city in America–that’s a plus! </p>
<p>Athletics N/A
We have a DI team, but no one is into sports at our school…not gonna bother rating…Although the student body does want a football team, but due to budget issues and being a public school, there’s no way in hell that will ever happen.</p>
<p>Quality of Men/Women A
I’m just gonna add this in. I would say that the quality of the girls at Irvine are very good looking! =) This is something I have nothing against! LOL </p>
<p>Overall College Experience B
Blah! Honestly, if I did this at the end of freshman year, it would be at least half a grade higher in every single category. I’m not as happy as I was last year and even though there are a lot of pluses, I look at the weaknesses as possiblies for improvment. While not my first choice school I am glad to have given it a chance. Classes are increasing in difficulty and sometimes I feel isolated/alone when you’re going back and forth b/t classes doing homework/studying . Quarter sys is FAST, and my part time job sucks @ss–which are reasons I’m not too happy. I’m gonna try and stay optimistic for 2010~! I want my college experience to be a good one and will suspend my pessimistic views!</p>
<p>@Jimgotkp: That sounds awful. J&W has a similar reputation at my old high school as well. The kids with low GPAs and crappy SATs apply to it as a safety, but no one in their right mind would ever attend such a school, not even these kids. They usually get accepted to the local state university and go there instead. Or, if that doesn’t happen, they enroll at the local community college instead.</p>
<p>I personally am considering transferring as well… but after reading your review of J&W, I suddenly feel blessed to be at BC (even if it means living with my parents and not doing the fun things that college students do.)</p>
<p>@Jimgotkp
I’m sorry you had such an awful experience. Do you think its possible that you can take out loans and continue at Purdue ? Perhaps find another school in-state? My school wasn’t my first choice, but I’m glad that things turned out for the better! Hopefully, you can secure FA/scholarships/loans to transfer to a more suitable school.</p>
<p>XX55XX, sorry to hear that you don’t get to experience the good college life, especially your first year man… I wish you the best of luck with that possible transfer! Haha I think JWU has a terrible rep., unless you want to go there for culinary arts. Even though hospitality management is good here and the faculty is great, it’s better to go to a real school like Mich St, Purdue, Penn St, Florida State, etc. It’s also quite expensive since it’s 40k a year, so not surprised they go to a local CC or local state university. But if you have great stats, then you get a good amount of scholarship money, which is what dragged me here haha What schools are on your mind though?</p>
<p>BrandoIsCool, read your ratings of the girls at your school and just have to say it made me laugh. I’d rate the girls in my school a B, could’ve been an A if all the girls weren’t dressed to “skanky” haha. Well I did take out loans at Purdue and would love to go back, but I didn’t leave on a good note with the faculty in my department. Also, I’m already at $65k debt from a $40k loan my freshman year and a $25k loan this year. I can’t afford taking an additional $120k in loans since I’d prob. need 3 more years to graduate from Purdue cause of transfer credits. It would put me at a whopping $185k excluding interest. I’m considering on transferring to Rutgers even though they don’t have my major, but I was told that it would only cost me $5k a year which can be done with the lower interest rate loans like Stafford and Perkins loans, so that was nice to hear. But thats good to hear a success story with a school that wasn’t your first choice! But thanks for hoping me a good future soon!</p>
<p>Clemson University, Freshman</p>
<p>Academic fit: A-
I came from a top 100 public high school so I was adequately prepared for the course work. I got a 3.11 GPA my first semester but if I had put a little more effort (and a little less of the social life), I could’ve gotten a 3.5 GPA (which I had at mid-term). The course-load isn’t all that much if you don’t procrastinate but it sounds like they do a great job at preparing you for your major field especially if you’re an engineering major like me.</p>
<p>Social fit: A
I’ve gotten involved in several campus organizations: Central Spirit, FCA, Habitat For Humanity, and many others. There are parties here on nights where you want to go out! There’s a little something for everyone.</p>
<p>Location: A
I’m an outdoors person so I love Clemson’s location. I’ve been hiking a few times and might do some sailing next semester on the lake. The lack of any urban life around Clemson makes it easier to concentrate on your studies. There is enough in student organizations and events to keep me happy on campus.</p>
<p>Athletics: A+
This past semester I was a member of IPTAY and Central Spirit. I attended over 40 Clemson sporting events (soccer, volleyball, swimming, football, basketball). Football game days at Clemson are like no other especially in the ACC and our basketball team is a top 25 team. People love orange and the tigers!</p>
<p>Overall college life grade: A+
I’m very happy with my choice.</p>
<p>^ Great to see that your taking advantage of Clemson’s athletic events. Volleyball is a really bad ass spectator sport.</p>
<p>Thanks, collegeundergrad :)</p>
<p>I’m sorry to hear about your situation Jimgotkp. I live pretty close to J&W so I know the reputation. Also my uncle taught biology there for a semester and hated it! He said the students had no interest whatsoever in the class. Anyway, good luck in the future.</p>
<p>mcel123, really? Not surprised that your uncle hated teaching at the school. The only thing they look forward to is getting smashed Thursday night to Saturday night since theres never class on Fridays.</p>
<p>Personally, I am thinking about schools like Georgetown, the University of Virginia, and William and Mary. Not too far, yet not too close. I am still not quite sure if I want to transfer in as a sophomore or as a junior, because my college grades are somewhat borderline. (I had a 3.419 for my first semester.) If I do transfer in as a junior, such a move may bide me more time to raise my GPA here at BC. </p>
<p>It’s not that BC is a bad school by any means - academically, I have grown fond of it, so I am somewhat in a state of flux. I do feel that I could have achieved some more personal growth if I had gone to college farther away. (Recently, I saw an old friend from high school, and while she talked on and on about how great her college experience was at Georgetown, I didn’t have any real anecdotes to share with her, other than to simply say that life at BC was “okay.”)</p>
<p>I have raised the prospect of transferring with my parents, and while they are sympathetic with my situation, they are very much against me transferring anywhere else. They have, however, suggested that I reapply for housing and live on campus beginning next semester, but I am rather pessimistic about my prospects of getting back into the housing lottery.</p>
<p>But, by no means is my situation as bad as your’s, Jimgotkp. Thank you for putting things into perspective for me.</p>
<p>Carnegie Mellon, freshman</p>
<p>Academic fit: A
I chose CMU because of its engineering department, and its as good as expected. It is a hard school, but it gives you plenty of resources to succeed, so I had no trouble getting a decent GPA.</p>
<p>Social fit: A-
I’ve made a great group of friends, but it is somewhat hard to meet new people after the first few weeks of school. Most people are somewhat nerdy, but for me it’s a good thing.</p>
<p>Location: B
Downtown Pittsburgh is rather rundown but there are plenty of restaurants, clubs and shopping centers near CMU.</p>
<p>Athletics: C
haha. The athletics here are a joke. No one goes to games. But the workout facilities for students are nice. There’s even a workout room in my dorm that I use quite frequently.</p>
<p>Overall: A
I’m quite happy at CMU. I’m challenged academically, but in a good way, and I always feel that the school will support me.</p>
<p>Those are all great schools academically too. Yeah staying till your junior year can be beneficial since you would feel more comfortable if you apply with a higher GPA. I know exactly how you feel about the whole situation when you have nothing to talk about regarding your college life to your friends… It really is a bummer… Maybe your parents don’t want you to go “far” away from home and aren’t fond of you transferring? But man, anything is possible with the housing lottery, you never know man. Living with freshmen can’t be something to be picky about also since if you do transfer, it may be required for you to live on-campus too. Not that you mentioned this, but in case you do think about it 
My plan wasn’t to put things into perspective for everyone but I guess it did… But man, I’m sure there are people who are in a worse situation…</p>
<p>^^</p>
<p>I have to disagree with the whole PGH is rundown statement, I live there and am in love with the city. i think Oakland is great for college students, and there is a lot to do around Pitt and CMU, and Forbes Ave is a very lively area. South side is great, and station square is also really nice. Clean and friendly city.</p>
<p>School: Case Western Reserve University Yr: Soph
Academic fit: B
The social science department is not up to par with the engineering department, and classes in my major (POSC, HSTY) are not particularly challenging, and the discussions tend to center around summarizing material versus stimulating conversation analyzing the material and discussing if its practical/applicable. The Professor’s are really great, they take interest in students and are always willing to meet outside of office hours and assist students. The only downside is that classes tend to have a moderate to rigorous work load, but the actual level of discussion is not interesting, perhaps because there is a big gap between the intellectual capabilities of students, in that there is a pocket of students who have a complete understanding of the concepts, and another pocket that doesn’t have a clue. My only complaint is that there have only been 3 classes that have had intellectual conversations, but the willingness of Professor’s to have individualized conversations with students makes up for the shortcomings of class discussions. Overall, the Professor’s know their stuff and seek to foster intellectual growth, and class sizes are typically under 20, and in many instances under 15, allowing for expanded opportunities to participate and interact with peers and Professor’s.</p>
<p>Social fit: A+
If you know the right people, there is a ton to do. I typically go out at least 3 nights a week, there is a decent bar 1.5 miles away, with campus shuttles running until 12 on weeknights, 2 on weekends, and is also close to John Carroll University so there is a diverse group. On campus the campus is wet, and many dorms do not have RAs, and the alcohol policy is especially lax meaning that there are plenty of opportunities to mingle. There is a good amount of off campus housing in the center of campus, meaning an easy and safe commute during the night. People are all a bit off beat, but in a good way. Case is a geeky school in that even the most social students care about grades and will stay in on a weekend night to study. Filled with a lot of really intelligent kids, meaning interesting conversations. There is just a ton of things to do, and there are events for both drinkers and non drinkers. People are (for the most part) always are willing to hang out and take a break from school. I met a ton of incredible people, and can’t imagine a better group of friends. The greek system is awesome, no initiation or hazing whatsoever, and the greek system is known for maintaining standards. Greek students have a higher GPA than non greeks, and I have made a lot of great greek friends and joined KAT.</p>
<p>Location: B
On the good side there is a ton to do in Cleveland. There is a nice, youth oriented neighborhood/store area nearby, movie theaters that offer specials, and plenty of restuarants and music venues. Little Italy is nearby, and there is a ton of public transit so you don’t need a car to enjoy the city. Personally, I hate Cleveland in that I do not like the seedy locals. There is a really rough neighborhood near campus, and people residing there have come on campus to rob and mug students, and there were some violent crimes that occurred near campus. It is unsafe to walk down any side street at night, and there are a ton of drugs in Cleveland, and a good amount of addicts in the rough areas, and the city is dying in that there are a fair amount of projects and ghettos in a 5 mile radius. Overall if you’re smart it’s great, but it is not the safest or most intelligent city. It’s also nice having Cleveland Clinic and University Hospital nearby, makes dr. visits really convienent.</p>
<p>Athletics: C
The football team is nationally ranked, the soccer and basketball teams are decent, but attendance is pretty poor. I play a varsity sport and they treat athletes extremely well. But it is def not a jock school.</p>
<p>Overall: A-
I love the people and social aspects, and the quarkiness of the school. Some people are a bit pessimistic, but there a lot of lively people. I am a bit disappointed in the classes, and find them occasionally dull and unstimulating, which makes it difficult to stay motivated. There is a bit too much meaningless work, but I have learned a lot. The Prof’s really care about what they are doing, the administration is pretty fair and accessable, but the FA blows considering we have a billion dollar endowment. The school hosts interesting speakers and is really building us its management school, but needs to put some more money into the social sciences. Offers internship help and sizable grants for public service internships. I wish the area was a bit safer, but it’s expected that security is sacrificed in a city. I just can’t stress enough how great the people are, there’s def a group for everybody. I can’t imagine going to any other school.</p>
<p>UC Berkeley</p>
<p>Academic fit: A
My social “science” major has been pretty easy to get a high GPA in without much work. I don’t think I’m learning much, but that’s my choice. I’m getting what I want, in terms of academics–high GPA from prestigious undergrad.</p>
<p>Social fit: B
There’s parties here if you want them. Not complaining about that aspect. Connecting with people on a deeper level has been lacking. Meeting new people is somewhat difficult due, perhaps, to the school’s huge size and the fact that most people other than freshmen live in apartments. But it’s never boring here–always things to do and people to do them with.</p>
<p>Location: B
The campus is strikingly beautiful when compared to the disgusting poop-hole that is the city of Berkeley. Despite the crappiness of the city of Berkeley, rents are still sky-high. The weather is mild and it’s pretty nice in the first few months of fall semester. It’s not San Diego in terms of weather, but it could be a whole lot worse. San Francisco is a $7.30 round-trip bart ticket away, so that’s a huge plus for those who aren’t from the Bay Area. I just want to get the hell out of here after spending my whole life in the Bay Area.</p>
<p>Athletics: B-
Football gamedays are a highlight of the fall semester for myself and many other students here. Lots of fun and Cal usually does really well at home. The football and basketball teams themselves are huge disappointments year after year though. They’re not bad, really, it’s just that they’re only slightly above-average. Could be worse, certainly.</p>
<p>Overall college life grade: B+</p>