University of California-Los Angeles Top Questions

There seems to be two stereotypes about UCLA, that we are a party school and that our students are serious about their academics. Both are true. UCLA is definitely a party school; between Greek Life and the social scene Thursday through Sunday nights, you can definitely find a place to "get jiggy with it." However, UCLA students are also serious about their academics; they are highly competitive and work hard to attain good grades. Ultimately, life at UCLA encourages students to work hard and play hard, and to find a way to maintain a good balance between their social life and their academic life.

No, you're thinking of USC. This place is full of cliquey-ass Persians, many of whom aren't even enrolled in UCLA but just hangout there.

Not all... the only one that's true is that we're well-rounded and know when to study hard and when to party hard... we may be smart, but that doesn't mean that we don't have great social lives as well. All of us who are here at UCLA are here because we deserve it, and not because they favor one type of people over another. I believe that each of us here has something special to offer, and that's why we were picked to be here. We're well-balanced, and involved in many things other than just going to class. If we were just a bunch of nerds, jocks, or partiers, then we wouldn't have gotten admitted in the first place! Also, we have a great athletic program and a diverse campus with all kinds of interests... and we all get along, for the most part! Events and traditions such as the Undie Run and Bruin Bash prove that we're more than "nerds," and our challenging academic workloads speak for themselves to dispel the false rumors.

everyone outside of the frats are socially inept

we party a lot and we are hot

super enthusiastic

Students list stereotypes of UCLA

You bet.

Kinda

These stereotypes are fairly accurate, as most people here are really intelligent. However, most people know how to have fun while balancing schoolwork.

The Asian one is. I don't feel that UCLA as a whole is superficial...we have just as many superficial people as every other university.

It is true that Asians and Caucasians are two of the major races on campus, but I don't feel that that draws an appropriate picture of the diversity on campus. There are several different ethnic groups represented by these "races" as well as such groups as Persian students, African Americans, various Latino groups. Furthermore, not only do these people come from the United States, but there is also a significant number of students studying here from other countries.

none of these are true because UCLA is very diverse and has alot to offer to the student body

Well....the student body is definitely VERY hot, but not materialistic. It's a public school, and the diversity facilitates an array of character types and interests that make the students fun. The campus is in the heart of Westwood and has easy access to Santa Monica, Hollywood, and anywhere else you might want to go. All the ups and downs of the city of LA can be accessed from UCLA, so definitely not sheltered! Nevertheless, the campus is certainly set apart from dingy areas and is more beautiful than anyone could ever say it is.

they have a basis in fact, but of course you can't make generalizations about such a huge campus population. we have all kinds - the nerds, the jocks, the greeks, etc. there are a million tiny niches each with their own cultures.

Any stereotypes would be limited to stereotypes within the school (individual student sub-groups), not applied broadly to the student body (as a whole).

hahaha... I'd have to say the Caucasian/Asian one is! There seems to be a visibly huge population of Asian students - not to say that it's not a diverse campus. The "nerd" one is tough because beyond highschool, those terms become kind of foggy and less used, we're all nerds essentially because it takes a certain dedication to learning and school to succeed at UCLA, but it's definitely not the same "nerd" you thought of in high school. As for USC, I can admit, I didn't get it, but thats not WHY I chose UCLA.

Yes, but a lot of things are left out of them. UCLA really has a lot more diversity, you just have to look for it.

yes, there are a lot of spoiled rich white and asian students, but there are also quite a few rich spoiled persians. however, not everyone is rich and spoiled. i think people look at UCLA as a place of privilege and forget about the students who worked really hard to get here without being handed everything.

Pretty much.