UCLA

UCLA is located in what is arguably the nicest part of LA, between Bel-Air and Beverly Hills. It’s 400+ acre campus is picturesque and beautifully landscaped. While getting around LA really does require a car, the beach, West Hollywood and Santa Monica are all easily accessible. Westwood is an ideal college hangout full of restaurants, stores and coffeeshops. UCLA is a social campus; about ½ of students live on campus and there is plenty to do both on campus and off.

UCLA enrolls the most undergrads of any UC, with 30,000 students and is not only one of the most selective UCs, but it gets more applications than any other college in the country. While most of the students are from California, UCLA draws from all over the country and world. The student population is diverse and campus atmosphere is liberal.

Academically, it’s intense and not for the faint of heart. On the upside, the research opportunities and caliber of professors is top notch, but the downside is many classes are large and there isn’t any hand-holding. UCLA offers over 130 majors in 100 different departments; many are considered the best in the country. The most popular programs offered are economics, sociology, biology and political science while STEM fields including math and chemistry are some of the nation’s strongest. Given its location, it comes as no surprise that UCLA’s theater, film and music programs are also nationally recognized. While opportunities are endless, UCLA students need to be self-directed and disciplined. All seniors also work on a capstone project related to their major.

Lastly, there is something for everyone on campus, not just Division I sporting events. Bruin pride is everywhere; from Greek life to political events to performing arts. Students don’t need to venture far to find things to participate in (which is good, because public transportation in LA is terrible).

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