University of California-Davis Top Questions

What are your classes like?

Dominik

My classes are huge, and getting their early a lot of times determines if you get a good seat if you even want one. There is a lot of freedom in college and except for a professor or two, choosing to skip class is one of those freedoms, but assuming you attend there are usually your powerpoint presentations, prezi presentations, lots of materials online, videos shown. Now not all classes are put in huge lecture halls, but at least for your first year a majority of them will be.

Andrew

There are some big classes that contain with at least 300 students in big lecture halls and then some are small classes with 20-40 students. The smaller ones you get more attention from the professor and they will most likely pick you randomly to answer or solve a question so stay focused in class! The bigger classes you can get away with a lot of things but remember...the bigger classes may have small details that you need to pay attention on.

Andrew

There are some big classes that contain with at least 300 students in big lecture halls and then some are small classes with 20-40 students. The smaller ones you get more attention from the professor and they will most likely pick you randomly to answer or solve a question so stay focused in class! The bigger classes you can get away with a lot of things but remember...the bigger classes may have small details that you need to pay attention on.

Julia

The class size basically depends on the type of classes you are planning on taking. Most of the classes are held in lecture halls which can consist of 60 students to up to about 300. Some classes, like the language classes for example, usually are in classes of about 20 students. That’s as small as it will get at our campus. Even though lectures are held with so many students, most classes come with a discussion section. Discussion sections are usually once a week where you get to meet with one of the TAs from the class with only about 20 other students. Here is the chance to have one on one time with someone that has mastered the material. Even though participation is pretty much nonexistent in class, professors offer many times for office hours when you can choose to meet with them if you need some clarification. Most professors on campus are very approachable and understand that most students do need that one on one time with them.

Stella

It really depends on the class. Some classes, I can get by cramming just the night before and easily ace the exam. But others... I would study all week and still barely pass. Who you get as your professor is also crucial. I would advise asking upperclassmen for advice when you pick classes, as some websites with ratings of professors/classes may not always end up being reliable...

Sruthi

My classes are quite enjoyable. It really depends on what kind of classes you are talking about. There are lectures and there are discussions. So for every class, you have lectures for how many every times you meet a week and then you meet once a week for discussion. Lecture classes have large number of students and discussions have around 30 people or less. You have a Teacher Assistant for the discussion who helps/teaches and goes over the material the teacher goes over in lectures. In terms of level of difficulties, you shouldn't take any class lightly because they are still new information that you need to keep up with. Classes go by fast because of the quarter system so you have to make sure that are keeping up class. I hope this helped!

Sruthi

My classes are quite enjoyable. It really depends on what kind of classes you are talking about. There are lectures and there are discussions. So for every class, you have lectures for how many every times you meet a week and then you meet once a week for discussion. Lecture classes have large number of students and discussions have around 30 people or less. You have a Teacher Assistant for the discussion who helps/teaches and goes over the material the teacher goes over in lectures. In terms of diffuseness, you shouldn't take any class lightly because they are still new information that you need to keep up with. Classes go by fast because of the quarter system so you have to make sure that are keeping up class. I hope this helped!

Samantha

My classes are all diverse, but are required for my major and general education requirements. My teachers are all very helpful and are there for the students weekly. I enjoy my classes a lot.

Richard

They are easy as cake. if you do the work, attend class, and talk with professors the classes should be no problem. However, if you take a harder major like Engineering, classes may be difficult. Overall Professors at UCD are extremely friendly and approachable. The professors give a state school feel, except with a bigger class. Also classrooms are nice, clean, and modern, that accommodate all types of students.