University of Colorado Boulder Top Questions

CU Boulder academics are very challenging. The graduate program in Environmental Engineering that I am in is ranked 13th overall among public universities.

The academics at CU Boulder can be described as an ajar door: students can either wait outside it (even all four years) or they can proactively enter through the doors. I personally have chosen to enter those doors, so professors know my name, I participate in class, and attend office hours with my professors and TA’s. There are always a handful of students that display motivation similar to mine in classes, but for the majority of students, showing up to class is about the extent of their effort. My classes are not competitive at all, and teachers do an excellent job of negating any competition that could arise by keeping grades completely secret. This is key for my learning experience; I have enough pressure to do well, I don’t need it from my peers around me. The most interesting class I’ve had has been African Dance, because dancing is a joyous and passionate activity to take part in. The Women’s and Gender Studies department fosters a great sense of community, hosting socials, lectures and workshops, as well as offering counseling, scholarships, and a place to study or just converse. Curriculum is definitely focused on learning itself, not vocational training (although I’m sure this standard would be different in other departments.) The academic rigor of the institution is decidedly lower than I assumed it would be (much more emphasis on consuming rather than producing), but in spite of these reduced expectations, I find students carrying out intellectual conversations every single day, which is wonderful to be submersed in.

Generally, professors are all fine. They are willing to share their opinions with you. They would like to answer your questions. My favoriate class is environmental science class and pyschology class. The class I do not like is the BCOR2300 management class.

Most of my professors know my name because I make it a point to meet them and give them a little information about me. This communication really helps when i'm having trouble on certain topics because I can go to their office hours and they will help me. My favorite class this year is an Engineering elective called Intro to Humanities. We discuss the origins and analyze greek literature. My least favorite class is Calculus 3, not because of the material just the homework. There is a tremendous amount of homework and Calc 3 touches on some extremely complicating and complex subjects which I enjoy because I've always liked a challenge. If the homework load was decreased, It would be one of my favorite classes. Engineering students study, do homework, and have intellectual conversations every day. I'm majoring in Engineering Physics and considering a 5 year masters program. This school has fairly tough academic requirements but, I didn't have to worry I had a 4.5 at my high school. There are certain classes that are geared toward getting jobs and all classes try to apply teaching to real life situations. Calculus 3 is a class of learning for its own sake but that is normal of most math classes.

Overall, I like the academics here, although I wish some of the classes were smaller. My classes range in size from 6 people to 500. I really enjoy my small classes because I like to get to know my professors. I like classes that require me to participate in class. It is harder to concentrate when the classes are really large, but there are always opportunities to get help outside of class if you need it. The professors are available for office hours and most of the TAs are very competent and always willing to help. There are a lot of core requirement classes that most students would rather not take (it's like that in almost every university) but I am really enjoying my major. I would recommend coming to this school with your options open because this is a large school and therefore there are a lot of opportunities. I started off as a psychology major but I switched my major to spanish at the beginning of my junior year and some of the require psychology classes brought my GPA down. I would suggest getting a feel for your classes before getting stuck in a major, but if you know what you want then go for it!

Overall, I like the academics here, although I wish some of the classes were smaller. My classes range in size from 6 people to 500. I really enjoy my small classes because I like to get to know my professors. I like classes that require me to participate in class. It is harder to concentrate when the classes are really large, but there are always opportunities to get help outside of class if you need it. The professors are available for office hours and most of the TAs are very competent and always willing to help. There are a lot of core requirement classes that most students would rather not take (it's like that in almost every university) but I am really enjoying my major. I would recommend coming to this school with your options open because this is a large school and therefore there are a lot of opportunities. I started off as a psychology major but I switched my major to spanish at the beginning of my junior year and some of the require psychology classes brought my GPA down. I would suggest getting a feel for your classes before getting stuck in a major, but if you know what you want then go for it!

CU is definitely a great university to study at. In my experience with studying, I have definitely found that students are serious about their academics at the university. Whether it is visiting professors in office hours or getting together with fellow students to form a study group, it is very easy to succeed at CU. I also find that class participation is an integral part of an individuals development in their respective classes. Whether it is answering a question that has been asked or posing a question to the class, speaking up is always a huge help when it comes to meeting your goals and getting great grades. I encourage any student coming to CU to seek out and develop relationships with their professors and other students in their classes to ensure the best success possible!

The professors are very passionate about what they teach and there are a wide variety of classes.. You will get out from a class, what you put in. Professors expect a lot from the students, because they know we are capable. Professors make themselves widely available to students outside of class. Tutoring is easily accessible, particularly for Freshman.

CU has a very strong academic program and requires a lot from its students. Core requirements are very comprehensive and range from natural sciences, to mathematics, to geography, to English and writing composition. Because of this, my schedule has been diverse and changes drastically from semester to semester. I am a communications major. Many of the lower division classes are taught by graduate candidates rather than professors so they are often younger, less egotistical, and more willing to help you outside of class time. I was surprised when I first came to CU by how much students actually study. The library is always full of students working on projects, studying, and hanging out.

At first, the atmosphere in classes is hushed and unfriendly, but this soon fades away as students branch out and get to know others. The quicker you meet the students in your class, the more fun it will be.

Being a non-traditional student veteran, I take my education very seriously. Also, I commute everyday, which takes about 45mins. one-way, and can only afford to remain on campus mainly during class periods, due to the fact that I have two small boys and a wife at home. Therefore, I make every effort to know my professors well and for them to know who I am and what my goals are for their courses. One of my most favorite classes so far has been an Intercultural Communication class I recently finished. This class really challenged me to look beyond the surface level of course materials and provided me the opportunity to apply much of what I learned in class to real world situations. My least favorite class has been and remains to be Korean. The professor is a highly intellectual subject matter expert in his field. However, from a group consensus, he is not an effective instructor, and this has had a great effect on my disinterest to continue learning Korean. Considering the number of students in Norlin library and the University Memorial Center (UMC), I would imagine that students on a whole spend a great deal of time studying, including myself. In the lower division courses and in some upper ones, I notice that student partcipation in class is not common. However, it is important to note that some of the reasons may be due to differences in cultural value orientations (e.g., in some cultures, it is highly discouraged to question the professor as this shows a sign of disrespect). Outside of class, when passing by certain buildings such as the Engineering building or Math building, I have noticed groups of students engaged in subject matter conversations, highly intellectual in my opinion. Are students competitive? Some more than others I suppose. I definitely am, and I always strive to be one of the top students in my courses. One of the most unique classes I took was a Greek Mythology class during a summer period. It was unique because we studied ancient Greek artificats and literature. However, we also watched current films and related both genres of tropes beyond the texts provided. I am a Communications major and do not spend time with professors outside of class, other than office hours or contact via e-mail about course materials. Academically speaking, I feel CU has a challenging, but very well structured and relevant curriculum of materials to offer students. In terms of whether CU is geared towards getting a job, or learning for its own sake, I believe that the answer to such question is/remains on efforts initiated by the student(s). CU may and in most cases does, represents and subsequently provides a fundamental platform for learning. However, I do not feel CU as a whole is tasked with the responsibility to get students jobs beyond graduation.

Being a non-traditional student veteran, I take my education very seriously, Also, I commute everyday, which takes about 45mins. one-way, and can only afford to remain on campus mainly during class periods, due to the fact that I have two small boys and a wife at home. Therefore, I make every effort to know my professors well and for them to know who I am and what my goals are for their courses. One of my most favorite classes so far has been an Intercultural Communication class I was just enrolled in. This class really challenged me to look beyond the surface level of course materials and provided me the opportunity to apply much of what I learned in class to real world situations. My least favorite class has been and remains to be Korean. The professor is a highly intellectual subject matter expert in his field. However, from a group consensus, he is not an effective instructor, and this has had a great effect on my disinterest to continue learning Korean. Considering the continuity of presence in Norlin library and the University Memorial Center (UMC), I would imagine that students on a whole, spend a great deal of time studying, including myself. In the lower division courses and in some upper ones, I notice that student partcipation in class is not common. However, it is important to note that some of the reasons may be due to differences in cultural value orientations (e.g., in some cultures, it is highly discouraged to question the professor as this shows a sign of disrespect). Outside of class, when passing by certain buildings such as the Engineering building or Math building, I have noticed groups of students engaged in subject matter conversations, highly intellectual in my opinion. Are students competitive? Some more than others I suppose. I definitely am, and I always strive to be one of the top students in my courses. One of the most unique classes I took was a Greek Mythology class during a summer period. It was unique because we studied ancient Greek artificats and literature. However, we also watched current films and related both genres of tropes beyond the texts provided. I am a Communications major and do not spend time with professors outside of class, other than office hours or contact via e-mail about course materials. Academically speaking, I feel CU has a challenging, but very well structured and relevant curriculum of materials to offer students. In terms of whether CU is geared towards getting a job, or learning for its own sake, I believe that the answer to such question is/remains on efforts initiated by the student(s). CU may and in most cases does, represents and subsequently provides a fundamental platform for learning. However, I do not feel CU as a whole is tasked with the responsibility to get students jobs beyond graduation.

Being a non-traditional student veteran, I take my education very seriously, Also, I commute everyday, which takes about 45mins. one-way, and can only afford to remain on campus mainly during class periods, due to the fact that I have two small boys and a wife at home. Therefore, I make every effort to know my professors well and for them to know who I am and what my goals are for their courses. One of my most favorite classes so far has been an Intercultural Communication class I was just enrolled in. This class really challenged me to look beyond the surface level of course materials and provided me the opportunity to apply much of what I learned in class to real world situations. My least favorite class has been and remains to be Korean. The professor is a highly intellectual subject matter expert in his field. However, from a group consensus, he is not an effective instructor, and this has had a great effect on my disinterest to continue learning Korean. Considering the continuity of presence in Norlin library and the University Memorial Center (UMC), I would imagine that students on a whole, spend a great deal of time studying, including myself. In the lower division courses and in some upper ones, I notice that student partcipation in class is not common. However, it is important to note that some of the reasons may be due to differences in cultural value orientations (e.g., in some cultures, it is highly discouraged to question the professor as this shows a sign of disrespect). Outside of class, when passing by certain buildings such as the Engineering building or Math building, I have noticed groups of students engaged in subject matter conversations, highly intellectual in my opinion. Are students competitive? Some more than others I suppose. I definitely am, and I always strive to be one of the top students in my courses. One of the most unique classes I took was a Greek Mythology class during a summer period. It was unique because we studied ancient Greek artificats and literature. However, we also watched current films and related both genres of tropes beyond the texts provided. I am a Communications major and do not spend time with professors outside of class, other than office hours or contact via e-mail about course materials. Academically speaking, I feel CU has a challenging, but very well structured and relevant curriculum of materials to offer students. In terms of whether CU is geared towards getting a job, or learning for its own sake, I believe that the answer to such question is/remains on efforts initiated by the student(s). CU may and in most cases does, represents and subsequently provides a fundamental platform for learning. However, I do not feel CU as a whole is tasked with the responsibility to get students jobs beyond graduation.

It is very overwhelming attending a school with 30,000 students. Some classes are filled with hundreds of students and others only 20. As you become an upper class-man, smaller class sizes are more common and this is when you begin to know your professors better and they get to know you as well. I am studying Journalism and Political Science and have found that these majors require a lot in terms of writing, which luckily is my passion. The amount of studying required for different classes and majors is also dependent on the student. Some students can never go to class and read the book and get an A in the class, where as others need to attend class everyday and read the book in order to get an A. It all depends on your own personal preference. Being a junior in college has taught me a lot of lessons regarding the importance of meeting with teachers outside of class. Making yourself known during office hours can have a huge impact on your grade by letting your teacher know you care about their class. The credit requirements here aim to give students a well rounded approach to learning. And while sometimes its frustrating that a Journalism major should have to take several science classes, it only serves to help you in the long run. I am so excited to finish school and start my career and I feel very well prepared for the challenges of the real world.

It is very overwhelming attending a school with 30,000 students. Some classes are filled with hundreds of students and others only 20. As you become an upper class-man, smaller class sizes are more common and this is when you begin to know your professors better and they get to know you as well. I am studying Journalism and Political Science and have found that these majors require a lot in terms of writing, which luckily is my passion. The amount of studying required for different classes and majors is also dependent on the student. Some students can never go to class and read the book and get an A in the class, where as others need to attend class everyday and read the book in order to get an A. It all depends on your own personal preference. Being a junior in college has taught me a lot of lessons regarding the importance of meeting with teachers outside of class. Making yourself known during office hours can have a huge impact on your grade by letting your teacher know you care about their class. The credit requirements here aim to give students a well rounded approach to learning. And while sometimes its frustrating that a Journalism major should have to take several science classes, it only serves to help you in the long run. I am so excited to finish school and start my career and I feel very well prepared for the challenges of the real world.

Since CU Boulder is such a large school, there are so many different classes and areas of study to take! I declared my major in Communication at the beginning of this semester. I was very happy with my decision. The communication department here is amazing. The professors are there to assist you in becoming the best you can be. My favorite class in the communication department that I have taken is "group interaction". The professor was easy to understand and was passionate about what he was teaching. As a result, the students in the class gained that passion. I loved learning about different styles of group interaction and how to improve a situation in which an interaction of waste is occuing. My least favorite class so far in my college career was chemistry. I have never been to great with sciences. CU Boulder has both big and small class sizes. For example, my freshman year, I had a psychology ass with 300 people. An hour later, I went to a writing class with 25 people. The professors all have office hours and love when students come an visit them. I have met all my professors and if I am having trouble on a topic in the class, I don't hesitate to reach out to them. Overall, CU Boulder's academics are challenging yet interesting. If you work hard, participate and try your best, you will get the grades you deserve. I would not say it is a walk in the park but if you devote your time to academics, you will succeed.

My favorite class would have to be my mass communications class. Just because I really enjoyed the subject and the professor set up the class as a discussion. Students usually study a week before their exams to make sure they don't cram everything in. Class participation is very common even in lectures. Students ask questions when they are confused or comment on the content the professor is talking about. The most unique class I have taken would probably be deviance because I learned so much about people and why they take drugs.

Professors are very passionate about what they do and will learn your name after one or two times of speaking to them. Every class from smalll (20 students) to large (more than 100) can feel comfortable if you sit close to the front and get involved in lecture. Teachers love questions and active participation! Students study all semester long, but can have a manageable workload if time is managed wisely. The conversations I have outside of class are very intellectual and I enjoy the thrilling and compelling conversations I have with my fellow students. The most unique class I've taken is called Campaigns and Revolutions, and I learned about social movements in an entirely different way and ha the opportunity to study a modern movement. This class is part of my major, Communication, and I have loved every single COMM class so far because you can relate everything you learn in class and apply it to life. I have learned to have more meaningful and productive communication and the historical background is very interesting. Everyone can benefit from taking a few COMM classes but the major is great because you can apply these skills to ANY job. The education here is aimed at both learning for learning's sake and providing tools to get a career. Where you want to take your education is mainly up to you.

Academics at CU depending upon your major are relatively challenging. As a student you can determine how hard or how easy you want your experience to be. At the same time, getting a degree from the School of Engineering or Leeds Business School will get you far in life. CU students, vary from extremely hard working leader to average students just trying to graduate. Having more than one major is common and the majority of students choose to double major or aim to attend graduate school. Being a Communication Studies major and Political Science minor, I can tell you that classes are not as easy as they look. As you progress through lower division to upper division classes you will soon realize that life as a freshman was a piece of cake. Upper division classes can end up feeling like the hardest experience of your life. But your grade truly depends on how much effort you put into the class and if you reach out to the professor or teachers assistant for help. The more time you spend with professors, the better grade you will get. The best class you will ever take is probably The History of American Musical Theater. Even if you hate musicals, how can you NOT take a class that is basically watching videos for an hour and fifteen minutes twice a week. The worst class you can take in my experience is most likely Russian Politics. Unless you have a real passion for the Soviet Union, you will not enjoy this course. If you ask the same question to a business major or engineering student, they will probably tell you four or five classes that have been the bain of their existence. Unless they are a genius, which sometime you will stumble upon. The career center here is very helpful in assisting students in applying for jobs, finding career paths and creating resumes. They are easy to access and have many opportunities for students of all majors. What I think is helpful is that the career center allows you to access CU Alum's profiles where it states where they live, what their major was and what they do now. This portal allows you to contact these individuals throughout the country and network with them. Buff pride lasts forever and it might just land you a job someday.

The introductory classes at CU can get large, but the size is balanced with smaller group meetings called recitations. These are led by a teaching assistant and give a student the opportunity to engage more in class discussion and ask more specific questions. The more advanced classes offer a much more intimate learning experience. You will have the opportunity to form a close relationship with your professors and engage in class discussions. Students can frequently find unique classes, like Zombies 101 or The Films of Alfred Hitchcock. The professors at CU are very talented. They are always willing to discuss questions or ideas with their students and are very helpful throughout the semester. The students are engaged and excited to learn, especially in the College of Arts and Sciences, which offers majors like Political Science, Philosophy and English. The curriculum at CU is flexible and it is easy to get what you want out of it. Advisors work closely with students to help them choose majors, apply for classes, decide minors, or even work on double majors or double degrees. The academic experience at CU completely depends on what you want your college experience to be - whether you are aiming to challenge yourself intellectually, form close relationships with other students and professors, or decide a career path, all of this is possible at CU.