The University of California - Los Angeles

I agree with the last poster. Don't listen to the overwhelmingly negative reviews this university has received. I think it's probably from a student who a.) had to leave the school due to grades, b.) had a terrible time because he/she didn't put forth any effort to meet anybody, c.) he/she was expecting a school where you are coddled and someone holds your hand for you, which UCLA is NOT at all. You must be self-motivated and proactive. If you still need to have mom and dad help you with every decision you make or need advisors to help you stay on track, look elsewhere. d.) He/she never got into the school and are bitter, so they write reviews giving it a bad reputation or e.) They go to USC. This school is one of the best in the country. I have yet to meet someone who hates it or wishes they went elsewhere and I know many students here. If you get into UCLA, definitely do yourself a favor and visit it. You likely will fall in love also.

1st Year Female -- Class 2011

Education Quality: A+, Faculty Accessibility: B+

I am quite shocked at the number of negative comments UCLA has received on this site. The overall score of a B is much lower than this school deserve. At the lowest, this school should have an overall score of an A-, but likely it deserves an A.

People, there is a reason why this school receives the highest number of applicants in the country. Let me break it down for you.

1. Quality of programs: UCLA has the top programs in many fields of study. Engineering, Film, Business, Medicine, Law, and many others are among the best in the country. Don't believe me? Look up the stats yourself. This school is up there with the Ivy leagues in prestige and selectivity. I scored a 35 on my ACT and went to UCLA over Harvard, Dartmouth and Brown. The academic programs at UCLA for the most part are top notch.

2. Competition: Some people hate competition and want to go to a school where there is little of it. Fine for them, but I thrive off of it. I want to go to a school where I'm among the best and brightest, competing against them for the highest grades. I don't want to waste my time with slackers or people who are in school to party for four years. UCLA is a dog-eat-dog eat school. Work hard or get out.

3. Professors: Sure, you aren't going to get the one-on-one treatment or easy access like you will at other schools, but you will be taught by some of the most talented professors in the world. Most have stories that will make you raise your eyelids. These are amazing people and being able to soak up their knowledge and pick their brains for four years is an honor and a privilege.

4. Diversity: People of all races, backgrounds and locations come to UCLA.
5. Athletic programs: On top of having excellent academic programs, UCLA has some of the best athletic programs in the country. They have won more NCAA basketball championships than anywhere. The USC-UCLA games are something you have to experience yourself. Potential the best rivalry in college sports.

6. Opportunities: UCLA has many different organizations you can get involved in, ranging from social to political to theatre to arts. Los Angeles is home to so many businesses and because of that, there are internships galore. UCLA has a strong reputation everywhere, so if you go home over the summers (which honestly I wouldn't do after freshman year, stay in the city, try something new and get an internship there. You grow up a heck of a lot more, and it's a lot more fun than going home, which you soon learn is overrated.), you will still be able to find connections and opportunities. The UCLA network is strong and everywhere. Study abroad is highly recommended. Anything to broaden your horizons and learn about new places and cultures. Don't expect them to come to you, you have to be proactive. This is not the school for slackers, once again.

7. The City: Los Angeles is the second biggest city in the country. It has EVERYTHING you want, on top of the greatest weather in the country. Want to go to the beach? Santa Monica, Manhattan, Malibu and Orange County are short drives away. A theme park? Universal, Six Flags, Knotts and Disneyland are all close by. Clubing? Hollywood and Sunset. Museums? Getty and Contempary arts museum. Hiking? Griffith Park or one of the many other mountain trails. Road trip? San Diego, Las Vegas, San Francisco, Santa Barbara are all within 6 hours or less. Tons of businesses to get internships with. I mean, honestly, this is a great place to be. Unless you are stupid and go drive into the ghetto, you should really enjoy living in L.A. unless you are a person who sits inside and complains how much they hate college. Then you get what you deserve. And notice how I didn't even mention Westwood, the neighborhood UCLA is in. It's world class in itself.Overall, this IS one of the best schools you can go to. But you must work hard, or you will not like it. Work hard, meet people, live life and you will love UCLA more than you thought possible.

2nd Year Male -- Class 2010

Education Quality: A+, Faculty Accessibility: B

UCLA. Where do I begin. Got in everywhere, chose UCLA. I have had opportunities that you would never have at other universities. The profs in my major are the best. People told me to go to Berk for CE, but they have NO idea about the quality of work that is going on in this small department. Ask the industry. Go to UCLA for CE. The rest of the school is just like I expected. Big, fabulouso campus, anything that you desire is here. Come and find it. COME AND FIND IT. NOW! If you are lucky enough to get that acceptance, take it! Quick, before May 1. DO IT! You will be thanking me for the rest of your lives.

3rd Year Male -- Class 2012

Education Quality: A+, Faculty Accessibility: A-