University of California-Los Angeles Top Questions

So far, my college experience has taught me that school isn't all about studying. I work my tail off and still can't get in the top percentile in my classes. I always used to think that good grades equal happiness, but I have learned that I need to do things other than school work to really complete my life. It would drive me crazy if I just focused on school. I have to balance it with other things such as clubs, sports or art. Getting an education isn't just about doing your homework, it's about having as many experiences as you can that help you grow as a person. Grades don't define you, it's what you do with your knowledge that makes you who you are.

I believe so far college has really helped shaped me into a better person. I took a class titled Life Skills for College Students and it has really helped me understand the differences in perspectives among people and how to deal with people in a more efficient and successful way. I have also learned a lot about what is really important to me in life during my conversations with fellow students and this has really helped me understand more things about myself. I have also become more independent living on my own and more responsible. Additionally, it is up to me to grab the bull by the horns and I believe this has really helped me figure it out what it is I want to do.

My college experience has been priceless to me in that I have learned a lot about dealing and working with other people. From cooperating with two other roommates who have contrasting lifestyles than I do to learning how to endlessly remain positive and encourage my ultimate frisbee teammates regardless of the score, I feel that college has been a time of personal growth for me.

Going to college I have found myself. I have grown much more as a person since moving away from home. The college I attend is too far from my home to go back very often so I have become and independent and strong woman since I have to rely on myself for a lot of things. The classes have taught me so much and I actually apply the teachings to everyday life. I have even been given the chance to have great internships that have really helped with gaining experience in my field. Going to school at a great school like UCLA and being in LA has given me a great advantage since I have so many opportunities to explore and find what I enjoy doing.

As an Chinese Hispanic immigrant to this nation, I was fortunate enough to have access to free public education in middle and high school. My parents who were incapable of communicating in English were unable to help me in my academic coursework, but through their support of persevere, I entered one of the best universities in the world. Entering UCLA for college was a huge accomplishment but I was unprepared for the challenges ahead. While my classmates wrote eloquently, I struggled in my classes because I was never taught to write an outline for papers in high school and I was unable to write a cohesive paper. Through free writing tutoring sessions offered to UCLA students, I went twice a week to improve my writing. I wrote and wrote and wrote, even through tears of frustration and writer's block, I wrote. Now, I am in graduate school and I can say that UCLA has taught me how to express a cohesive argument non-verbally in an intelligent, professional, and insightful manner. This in itself was worth attending UCLA because today, I am not afraid to write. In fact, I can proudly express myself in the English language.

My college experience at UCLA has been much more than I expected. Having the opportunity to attend such a great institution has shaped me into the person I am today. I have had so many opportunities such as research, internship, and extracurricular, that I definitely consider myself a well-rounded student. Throughout my two years here at UCLA, I have learned to manage time so that I can participate in an internship, being in a sorority, and doing community service as well as being able to stay focused in school and work to support myself. Without a doubt I encourage those accepted to UCLA to attend because it is a school with countless opportunities. Everything you are taugh here is the most up to date information because the faculty is directly involved in the research that goes into the textbook that you read for class. The environment is one where everyone is accepting of you because the student body is so big and diverse. Although it is a huge university, it is very easy to find your nitch on campus that will make your time at UCLA unforgivable.

I have got a better educaion in areas that pretain more to my profession. I also have gained independence by living on my own.

Honestly, i felt like i did not fit in my first year. But getting used to the transition and opening up my second year, i have discovered many amazing things about my school. I'm part of the UCLA Rally Committee, which is such an honor as it is one of the oldest spirit groups on campus. Also the proximity of the Ronald Reagan hospital gave me the opportunity to volunteer at the hospital. And the classes themselves; Professors are amazing and you can totally sense their passion for what they are teaching. UCLA has been very valuable to me for knowledge and experience. I've never thought of going to an American 4-yr-college, as i lived in Belgium until i was 16, but i'm very gla i've gotten the opportunity to.

The thing that I have gotten the most out of my college experience is a sense of belonging. Before I came to this school, I had been to 11 other grade schools. For me, this was a place to just go and be for an extended amount of time. I found a place where I could study, work, and spend time with friends without traveling a far distance. It is valuable for me to attend because I'm the first person in my family to attend college. Not only is it important for me to set an example for future students in my family, it is also a way to further my education so that I can help my family.

The most significant thing I've gotten from choosing to attend college is definitely the freedom. There are so many things to do, and now that I have the time to do it, it really all depends on myself whether or not I will push my comfort zone and get out there and get involved. I've taken up a martial arts, something I've never done before, and that is only one thing that I've gotten the chance to do so far. With this much freedom, all the choices I make have a heavier weight, and it really helps me grow and develop as a person to be able to be responsible for all of my decisions. I'm also learning to manage my time.