University of California-Santa Barbara Top Questions

So far, i have really enjoyed my professors. Although they seem very intimidating at first, thep professors here are very easily accessible and always willing to help. Everyone is encouraged to do well. Yes, there are curves and people strive to do their best but class is not highly competitive; in a good way. People are illing to help eachother, form study groups and not be vicous when it comes to grades. The one thing people should know is that this schools curriculum is geared towards research and continuing on to higher education. All of the professors are highly skilled researchers. Theory is often taught. If one is looking to get right in to the job field, this may not be the institution for them.

I have really enjoyed my academic experience at UCSB, especially within my majors: Global Studies and Art History. UCSB is a research institution and therefore learning of general material and research methods are more encouraged then instruction based on a career path. One of the most unique classes that I have taken at UCSB is the Human Sexuality class where a husband and wife teach the class together. Students at UCSB are not known for their studying, yet the mentality is that it always ends up getting done (maybe even with a drink in hand or while laying out by the pool).

As I stated before, our reputation doesn't do our student body justice. It's true, our professors don't generally know our names, but that is mainly our faults. If you introduce yourself and attend their office hours, not only TA's, then of course they will know who you are. It becomes much better once you enter into upper division classes and begin to speak to your professors one on one. Not only do you become closer with your teachers, but the classes in general become closer and you find friends outside of your close nits. As an English major we have a wide aray of classes to choose from, everything from detective literature to Shakespeare. So far my favorite classes have been a class completely focused on the literature by Jane Austen, and an introductory class focused on American Literature. My Jane Austen class was amazing, my professor took the students into the books as if we were the characters and we began to feel like we were living our lives through her. It opened my eyes to a totally knew way of reading and understanding the world. My English 10 intro class had a focus on American Literature and authors. It varied from African American writers from the Harlem Renaissance, to Robert Frost and Billy Collins. We discussed the war and watched and read documentaries from veterans and related many of their tales to books written during the Civil war and the depression-constantly comparing the two. I have never learned and enjoyed learning so much than in these two classes. Not to mention, the English department is very helpful with placing you into the classes you need, and helping you find classes that interest you!

UCSB has large classes for the most part, but professors and TAs make themselves extremely available during the week for consultation and help. Being a political science major, so far my favorite teacher has been Professor Belkin who teaches international relations and a class on gays in the military.

In academics, CLAS is a major help. I came from a private high school, so I was used to a small classroom environment. CLAS, "campus learning assistant services," makes that possible and allows me to strive for what I want to achieve.

I have made really good contacts with several professors who know me by name. I have been given the opportunity to both work with a professor in his lab for a year as well as be a teaching assistant for a quarter. UCSB students definitely have intellectual conversations outside of class. Students are very competitive, but also willing to help each other to a certain extent. Although we are very supportive of each other.

The large class size at ucsb can definitely be a challenge. A professor will not know your name unless you give him/her the opportunity. It is very imporant to be the one to make an effort and go above and beyond to make yourself known in a class.

Academics here are great... as an environmental major, the professors and courses offered are GREAT! There are also a lot of resources available for students on campus such as extra computer lounges, libraries, and so on. The professors usually are very understanding when it comes to personal situations and are here to help... they want to see us succeed. Many of the professors, at least in my field, are world renowned and have great international influence in their field... they are also very useful in finding a job after college.

I am so scared to fail. You choose the difficulty of your schedule, but even the easiest class require attendance & work. INT 20- "Intro to the University" was a freshman seminar & has changed my college experience forever! This class not only teaches students unique qualities of a research university, but it allows them to see the experiences & get to know other freshman at UCSB that are very different from them. You're so focused on your own problems & stresses freshman year and hearing the difficulties others encounter really put my own problems in perspective. Not only am I aware of others but I now understand the stages in my own development.

I'm a Global Studies and Poli Sci-International Relations emphasis double major. I love both of my majors. Every class for my major that I've taken has been amazing. I've learned so much. I've never gotten to develop a personal relationship with any of my professors unfortunately because you have to go out of your way to do so (staying after class or going to their office hours). Still, there are many professors that I think are amazing just because they're brilliant or know how to teach very, very well. Especially when you're on the quarter system, getting the material down as quickly as possible is the main goal, and I appreciate professors who can help us do that. Many professors enjoy student input during lectures, even in classes with 200-400 people in it. You're constantly asked to think critically about what you're being told, and to always question it. Since students aren't cutthroat-ly competitive around here, students don't feel uncomfortable about voicing their opinions in large classes, or small classes either. I've had many intellectual conversations outside of class, many students are very passionate about things they're learning or seeing in the world around them. I feel like I'm getting a great education at UCSB, and like I'll have a good foundation before I go to law school.