University of California, Los Angeles — Restaurant in Los Angeles

U C L A! FIGHT FIGHT FIGHT!!

Okay maybe I'm not the first to say that catchy chant, but it's always fun to sing regardless. Unfortunately, I never had the opportunity to gain admission to this school of awesomeness. Maybe I can finish my graduate degree in Economics or Business some day... A man can only dream. I love UCLA, because of my favorite basketball coach of all time John Wooden! RIP Mr. Wooden. I've read your books and live by your code. I didn't get to see him coach, but I did get to watch a few UCLA home games. I watched UCLA destroy South Carolina a few years back.

The campus is BEAUTIFUL! It is very very large. Hopefully your classes are near your living area or you may want to invest in some hiking boots. I'm pretty sure most freshman LOSE the Freshman 15! There are plenty of beautiful people. The student body is very diverse, so you'll find beautiful people from all cultures. The dorm food is bomb! You also eat on real Corningware dishes and silverware. NO plastic or funky colored trays and plates here sigh. It doesn't feel like a dorm. The new dinning hall experience is like visiting a convention center dining area inside a hotel.

Undie Run! I was visiting a poker buddy of mine and I got a chance to take part in the Undie Run! I already had my degree not from UCLA, so I didn't feel the complete joy of completing Finals or graduating. Basically if you haven't heard, the Undie Run is a way Bruins blow of steam after finals by running on to campus in only their underwear. The only con for this run is I wish I knew about it sooner, because I was running 1 or 2 years-POST-6 pack. I could have worked out more. Also, I have only been lifting weights when I did workout I slacked off on the cardio. So running/jogging a quarter mile to campus I learn how out of shape I was. I felt more like 10 minute car than a 10 second car, not fast or furious. It was a bit creepy how spectators would stand by and record what was going on. That was still less disturbing than a guy who wanted me to give him a boost so he can ride the UCLA bear statue and he was wearing only a Jock Strap. NEGATIVE!~! Some students went crazy in the quad and started setting of sprinklers. The cops later broke up the celebration. There was this on crazy chick enjoying herself that was wearing only a g-string with her hair as a top. Maybe she wanted to be a mermaid.

I'm sorry but I have to add the best movie quote about UCLA from the movie Can't Hardly Wait:

"Kenny Fisher: I mean peep this - They say here 92 percent of the honeys at UCLA are sexually active. 92 percent of the women in Los Angeles at UCLA walking around going, "Class... or sex? What shall I do?" 92 percent, yo! Hey, you know what that means?

Ritchie Koolboy: What?

Kenny Fisher: It means I gots a 92 percent chance of embarrassing myself. I roll up on that shorty be like, "What's up yo?" she be like, "You don't know 20 different ways to make me call you Big Poppa" cuz I don't yo. "

Besides the beautiful women and crazy parties. This a wonderful school where you can get your Learn ON! Yes, you do have to study unlike private schools. It is like any other great UC! cough USC sucks ass! UCLA you are awesome....

Disappointingly Overrated

I had high hopes for UCLA, given its touted reputation, but my experience left me thoroughly unimpressed. From the moment I stepped onto campus, it was clear that the university’s self-proclaimed prestige was a far cry from reality.

Firstly, the supposed world-class education felt more like a numbers game. The large class sizes meant that personal interaction with professors was virtually nonexistent. It’s challenging to excel when you’re just a face in the crowd, lost in the sea of students.

Additionally, UCLA’s attempts at creating a vibrant academic atmosphere fell flat. The university’s focus on research often came at the expense of quality teaching. It seemed as if the institution was more interested in accolades and publications than in nurturing engaged and knowledgeable students.

Despite the glossy brochures depicting a thriving intellectual community, the campus environment was lackluster. The so-called “prestige” was nowhere to be found outside the confines of California. Mention UCLA to people from other parts of the country, and you’ll likely be met with blank stares. The reality is that UCLA’s reputation seems confined to a regional bubble.

And let’s not forget the overwhelming emphasis on athletics, particularly football. It’s disheartening to see an institution that claims to be a top-tier university place such an excessive focus on sports. It raises questions about where the university’s priorities truly lie.

In the end, my time at UCLA left me questioning whether the pursuit of prestige was worth it. The lack of personal attention, the disconnect between reputation and reality, and the pervasive sports culture all contribute to an experience that can only be described as overrated. There are undoubtedly better options out there for those seeking a well-rounded and genuinely prestigious education.

L + Rati...

I not only attended UCLA as a major in American Literature and Culture with a minor in Education, I also was fortunate to work as an Orientation Counselor for one summer and helped both freshman and transfer students with their transition as Bruins, and it was by far the best experience of my life! There's a reason that UCLA is the most applied to school in the world- the university encompasses every aspect of what most people dream of their dream college, from the breathtaking campus to the world renowned professors, unbeatable sports, lifelong friendships made through the ever-growing number of clubs, and the genuine sense of Bruin pride that each student and member of faculty feels the from the first time they step onto campus or attend their first football game. The students and faculty alike are hardworking, genuine, kind, and successful. During my time as a student and as an Orientation Counselor I never once saw a student work their hardest without achieving success and earning the honor and recognition they deserved. I recommend UCLA to anyone wanting to attend an extremely well-rounded university that offers endless opportunities and possibilities to each and every potential student....