University of California-Irvine Top Questions

My college experience has led me to be surrounded by a multitude of different people with different backgrounds, interests, and capabilities. Being surrounded constantly with people who have different points of view than your own is a truly enriching experience. Furthermore, it provides the student with so many different activities and clubs to be involved with on campus. For example, I learned how to perform Japanese drumming and next quarter I'm going to learn how to bellydance. Campus life is not only the place to expand your intellectual education, but also your personal, recreational, and cultural education as well. Another thing that the college - specifically the university - experience offers is the chance to be in a place where personal advancement is not only encouraged but cherished. It's one of the only places that one can ever be where EVERYONE is trying to turn themselves into a better person. This is something that most people take for granted and is not often seen or encouraged in "the real world".

My college experience sparked multiple periods of intellectual enlightenment. These periods helped me understand everything known and unknown to myself, as well as what's possible and not. From my experience I've realized that there is no path towards truth, only the path away from untruth.

My college experience taught more about the world, myself, and how I will fit in it. With just gaining an education as my only current objective in life and not yet finding a job, I was able to focus my interests and cultivate my skills. As a college student, I knew this was the most affordable time in my life to travel. I was able to take classes in Switzerland over the summer then in China during the fall. I learned different cultures, customs, and issues. In the classroom, I stretched my intellectual limit by reading dozens of scholarly papers and then criticizing them. Since education is only part of the college experience, I was able to meet so many wonderful people, both older and of my age group. As I dared to leave my comfort zone, I learned a lot about myself, what parts of me I can’t change, and who I want to become. I knew I was always an indecisive person. In college I learned to live with that, and the fact that if you’re indecisive for too long, someone else will make the choice for you, or the chance will pass you by.

I've gotten more than just a class or pile of books from attending college. I discovered a valuable chapter in my life I know I'll never regret and always look back upon for years to come, an everlasting symbol of my success and great strides to reach better education. Its like a trophy in my heart!

Entering as a transfer student, I was more mature than most juniors at UCI, but my experience there allowed me to grow more as an individual. At UCI, I became independent and more educated than I already was. I learned how to live on my own as a single mother, and balance my life with school, studying, exercising, family life, and finances. I learned through the distinguished professors how to speak properly, how to look professional, and how to look and view the world. These are things that I am truly grateful for and thank UCI for allowing me the experience to grow and become a better person because of it.

My college experience has showed me that a good education is a neccessity for a good successful future and career. I have learned that people come from all places and have the potential to offer the same qualities that I do so hard work and dedication is needed to be the successful party. I have also learned to accept people of all ages and nationalities. I enjoy working and learning around people of different nationalities because we can all learn from each other. My education is valuable because I feel that it is a stepping stone in my life in order for me to be a great provider. It is also valuable because it is what can separate me from someone I am up against at getting a job.

College is excellent for those with a passion for knowledge but even mroe importantly, college is great for building social relationships with others and to meet new people. Academics are not that important but in college, one can truly be oneself and just have a good time with other peers. It helps broaden one's own current world view to encompass the values of many other people and cultures alike. It has been valuable as the dynamic nature of college allows everybody to challenge themselves, to perform strong in academics, and to just get out there and try out something that you've never ever tried before. College is about finding who you really are, and don't be afraid in attempting anything, and most importantly, don't be scared in pursuing your own dreams.

I have learned to question many things and to make my own judgements, but I have also learned not to judge people and to learn more about them and where they come from.

My college experience has taught me the importance of thinking carefully about each decision I make. I have often been one to make decisions quickly. The pros and cons were not weighed out in my mind. In college, that doesn't work. One poor (quickly) made decision can lead a string of others that could follow me for a very long time. The second lesson I've learned is the importance of being myself. Putting on a fake personality or conforming to a group so I can belong will not get me anywhere. When I stick true to myself, I will find myself being surrounded by the right people and making appropriate decisions. I can't say that I got all that I wanted out of my college experience. I should have put myself out there more by becoming more involved. There were many clubs and extracurricular activities that I completely ignored because I was too consumed in having a job. I should have made the best out of my experience. I made a lot of mistakes in college. The most valuable thing I got from this experience was a lesson from these mistakes.

So far by coming to UC Irvine, I was able to gain much from the school. I'm living in a Residential Hall where the people are always supportive both in academics and personal issues. My professors aren't too hard but from the difficulty, I was able to learn much. I was able to rush for a few fraternities so I could get a little taste of what the Greek life was about. Here at UC Irvine, we state that we would rather be a legacy than a number at UCLA. Though we have no football team, we are still very spirited in other sports along with the events that we host either in Residential Areas or our Anteater Recreational Center where we're proud to Host the LA Laker's Kobe Bryant every morning. I'd rather be here then any other college. There's nothing like it anywhere else in my opinion. I enjoy being here at UC Irvine. I'm proud to be an Anteater, and every penny that I pay here for tuition is made worthwhile.

Looking back at the past months now conjures a plethora of memories and indescribable experiences that defined my freshman year. In high school, I was often reticent and anti-social, rarely participating in class discussions and methodologically going through my routine daily schedule of attending classes, sports practice, and other various tasks. When I began my life at UCI, however, my life was drastically jerked out of monotony and I found myself thrown into the vibrant and face-paced college environment. I thank my parents for allowing me to dorm in the residence halls for my first year because living amongst other Undecided/Undeclared freshman helped expand my personal growth. I learned how imperative balancing a social and academic life is. I have met many wonderful individuals and realize that unlike my high school years, college is about branching out. Meeting students of diverse backgrounds has led me to respect the different cultures. My second year living in an apartment has exposed me to a different independent lifestyle where I am learning to balance a busier schedule filled with outside involvements. I personally experienced much growth and know I still have much to learn in the future years to come.

I am a 19-year-old student of social and economic disadvantage background, with a GPA of 3.20. The college experienced has been very valuable with strong impact on my educational, professional goals. It makes me to work harder and more effective on daily basis, regardless of my financial condition. I am working very hard to obtain a bachelors of Science in Film at Full Sail University, which is VERY EXPENSIVE and I do have an overwhelming weight over my shoulder, because of the high amount of debt that I have already incurred. If I win the award, it will help significantly as an economic relief that would allow me to keep FOCUS on moving forward towards the accomplishment of my educational and professional goals.

From the very first day I arrived on campus to move into the dorms, upperclassmen actually volunteered their time to help freshman with their luggage and moving in. My Resident Adviser in the dorms was amazing at building cohesion in our dorm. I would considered many of my friends from freshman year as lifelong friends. Also, UC Irvine has such a plethora of extracurricular activities that it really allowed me to develop my own abilities and know who I am as a person. I was able to try different things on campus to see what I liked---from studying abroad in Italy, to conducting independent research, to taking a dance class to relieve stress, become a campus leader through an on campus job, or even takng a quarter off to intern in Washington D.C. Looking back on my undergraduate time here, UC Irvine has definitely created an amazing environment for me from the day I moved into the dorms to commencement day.

My first year in college far exceeded my expectations. As a self-proclaimed "nerd", I loved the challenge of student life. My freshman year was a year of many "firsts". It was my first time leaving home. Before entering college, "home" to me was a small, humble island in the Pacific Ocean. Living away from home taught me how to be more responsible, knowing no one else will take care of me, but myself. More importantly, I learned to appreciate my family in more ways that one, cherishing every opportunity I have to visit home. I received my first job during this year also. I worked as a dining attendant at our dorms. More than anything, this job taught me to humble myself. Working and wiping tables taught me to respect those who actually did this for a living; I was just doing it for some pocket money. Aside from making new friends, earning work experience, and being able to do what I'm passionate about---dancing, I can confidently tell myself that I learned more during my first year in college than any textbook can teach me.

I have the will and the drive not to give up I love getting a good education and I feel that is what I have been given. I got the chance to learn hands on helping me perfect my dishes in cooking, also I got the chance to learn time control, sanitation and most of all had the chance to learn that you have to listen, just because someone doesn't like what you make doesnt mean that it is all bad, it just means that you need to take the time out to understand what you are doing wrong ask for help and not be afraid to try and do new and creative things.

The years that I spent in college were some of the most exciting of my life. College gave me the opportunity to practice life, while still retaining some the security that I felt while still at home. Everyone who speaks of a college education usually makes priority of the hours and hours spent in class or studying, and it cannot be denied that school is a very important as well as a stimulating part of the time spent there; but, no less important are the things that I learned outside of the classroom, life lessons as one might call them, all the things you learn to do for the first time on your own. The first time you realize that cooking your own dinner is harder than it looks, the first time you realize that your parents must have infinite patience to have dealt with administrators for you your whole life. That friends that share in your most vulnerable and stressful moments are bonded with you for life. These are the experiences that I look back on when I think of UCI, and make me want to encourage everyone to experience them too.

As a single mother of three girls, I believe I have achieve excellent skills and techniques that have enhanced my current educational level within a PhD program as well as my professional experience as a counselor with youth and young adults. I believe attending college, has given me the opportunity to show all young females (even single mothers), that hard work, dedication, life long learning can be achieve no matter what life brings forth to us. Education is everything in life and change will happen eventually.

I have been blessed to have the opportunity to attend college at this time in my life. I have worked in the public world for 32 years and worn many hats. After the last "economic downturn", I was forced to re-evaluate my career and reach down deep to discover my heart's desire, to be a caregiver. I have raised 2 children as a single Mother and made sure they had an education, now it's my turn. I am majoring in Medical Assisting and will graduate in December 2010. Going to school has opened my eyes to what I missed as a youngster, but it is going to give me more security for my future. I believe the Healthcare field is wide open and will be needing as many healthcare professionals as possible. I have so enjoyed this time of my life, although it has been far from easy. Sitting in a classroom with kids fresh out of high school was intimidating enough, but to crack open a Math book after so many years, yikes! I stepped out of my comfort zone, enrolled in college, and have not turned back. I will perservere to the end.

At the college level, academic education is important but relies heavily on self-initiation rather than a structured institution. Therefore, a passionate attitude in learning is crucial. One of the greatest values in attending college is the opportunity for one to learn how to live with enthusiasm. The college experience is like making cakes for a wonderful, diverse audience. Different people from all over the world will appreciate my desert. Some appreciations become everlasting, positive memories in my life and bring me permanent successes and happiness. Yet anyone who tastes my cake can feed me with incessant criticisms. I must then learn to use all the resources available to fix my cake – scientifically and artistically. How do I decrease its calorie while maintaining its good taste? How can I make my cake appear more refined? How would I advertise my cake? How do I skillfully deal with my enemies? College provides me many practices in building up a tenacious, courageous mind to sustain that enthusiasm. In the process of making a beautiful, delicious, healthy cake, accidents happen. I clean up the mess. And if I never lose the enthusiasm in trying again, I find luck.

Thank you for this opportunity. My college experience has been very beneficial to my sense of worth and my self confidence. I am returning to school after more than 10 years. I have four children at home. Going back to school to follow my dream has been a wonderful opportunity to show my boys that it is never too late to do what you have been called to do. I feel so accomplished that I have been able to succeed in my classes. Most of all, during my studies so far, I have been encouraged that I am in the right field just by the level of enjoyment I have had. Studying about anatomy and physiology last term just enforced my desire to continue in the nursing field. If I am awarded this scholarship, it will assist me to continue my dream of becoming a nurse. Thank you so much! Stephanie Smith

I was forced to drop out of highschool at age 16 due to life threatning health problems, and serious family displacement problems. At age 26, I was finally given the opportunity to go back to school, and I jumped on it. My dream has always been to obtain some type of college education. The wealth of knowledge and experience that I have gained by being in school has become so vast that if I could somehow receive a paycheck to stay in school, I would. I have full support of my family, because they know how important school is to me. I hold a 4.0 GPA, at currently 64 earned credits. It bothers me, to physical illness when students are disrespectful to our educators. I believe so firmly in how much a college education can enhance our well being, not just with financial earnings, but our self satisfaction and worth in general, that I have my eldest daughter enrolled in a college preparatory school. (She is 11) Neither of my parents had the opportunity to attend higher education, but I want my children to be proud of me. I will not be satisfied with minimum wage for eternity. Thankyou.

The whole college experience is exciting. It is the true test to determine how well we manage with out our parents guiding us. I chose to live away from home and to be honest, I am nervous but in the end it is worth it. So far I realize it is important to attend because it is a taste of "freedom". We become better prepared for the real life.

Attending college was a huge point in my life. I was able to grow and develop into who I am today. Not only did I receive an excellent education, but I learned who I was. It was an experience I will never forget. Education is so much more than books and papers. It's about becoming an individual. You discover yourself academically but also socially, politically, and spiritually. I hope to continue this when I attend graduate school at The university of Southern California.

To most people I know, college is viewed as a given. They have no worries regarding financial issues regarding the cost of college expenses; their only concern is deciding which college they would like to attend the most. In my world, having enough to attend college any college is an extreme privilege. That is why I feel honored to have had the opportunity to attend Johnson County Community College on the Presidential Scholarship. I have worked my entire life to be the best at everything I do, and my dedication paid off at the end of my high school career with receiving this honorable scholarship. My life goal at this time in my life is to now attend The University of Kansas. Due to my financial situation achieving this goal is a challenge for me. But with this scholarship I will be able to make my dream a reality and continue on with my education in hopes of making a difference in our world.

I have gotten the experience of a lifetime out of my college experience ive learned why so many people are choosing to go back to school in our economy it has been valuable to attend because no one in my family could explain what it was like to be in college im a first generation college student with nmo background of college whatsoever ive seen how people with a college education can live comfortably with out living paycheck to paycheck. I've met people i never would have thought existed, people who have trained under the first man to help build hotels and restaurants, people who have trained under these 1st generations of hospitality management. I've learned theres a difference between all cooking skills and what it took to create these cooking styles. But most importantly of all ive learned how to better myself and try to keep the world a place of less sickness and injury.

My first semester of college, I decided to move out and attend a 4 year university and live on campus at a university that is about a 40 minute drive from my house. This was one of the best things that I could have ever done for myself. I was able to learn how to be indepent. It helped me grow out of my high school stage of life. But after one semester, I moved back home and started attending the community college due to financial reasons. But I think that moving back home and attending the community college has been a very good decision for me to take, as tuition is much cheaper so I am able to take more classes; and I have had a much better experience at the community college because of the smaller classes, bringing college to a more personal level. I am planning on going into Dental Hygiene and I am so excited to get a start on my career path. Earning an education has been a large sacrifice in my life, but I am so grateful that I have had the opportunity to attend and start my life on a chosen career path.

A great job and lifelong friends.

I have learned to develop my social skills to the next level by actually having roommates for the first time. Living alone has also taught me to manage my finances responsibly. I have also learned to use my time better and actually plan my day so I can use each day efficiently. I have also made life long friends by joining a fraternity and developing a large social network at the university. Going to the university has also taught me to be more independent. Since my parents actually live on the other side of the country, I have learned to take care of myself by sleeping on time, waking up on time, and eating meals on time. As an economics major, I feel like I can apply many things I have learned in my major and apply it to real life current economic events. Overall, the social networking obtained and education learned will be deemed as an invaluable source of knowledge to my life in the future.

I learned alot in past 2 yrs in College. Living away from parents, not having mandatory classes have taught me to realize what is important in life. I got kicked out of the university due to low G.P.A., however I learned from the mistake and got myself enroll back into school. Now, I know that as a Student my priority is to get educated and start preparing myself for the future. Of course I regret getting kicked out of school, but without that I think my motivation would not be as strong as now.

Initially I was skeptical about attending a 4-year university. I was looking into a community college because of the obvious reason of money. However, i decided to go to a University and I am glad that I chose this path instead. I joined alpha Kappa Delta Phi, an Asian interest sorority before realizing how big of a part it will play in my life. I also lived in a dorm and was faced with new people and a new surrounding. I got a lot of my college experience which would have been unobtainable if I attended a local community college instead. I met tons of new people and became more independent. In addition, I learned how to time manage. Living without my parents was the most difficult part of the journey but it became the foundation to my growth. It is valuable to attend college, because it is always beneficial to have that sort of education for a person's resume in order to qualify for better jobs. Attending college made me grow up a lot faster and it can be the reason why others did too.

There are so many resources out there that the unviersitiy provides, and you can get the most out of your money although its pretty pricey. This year, the money issue has been a concern, but the college experience is something you can not enjoy again in your life, so its well worth it.

Out of my college experience I feel like I was able to understand myself and the people around me more. I learned to be more accepting of others and to give everyone a chance --because sometimes the most unlikely people will end up being the best advice givers you know. I was able to become more independent and responsible, I stopped coming to family and friends for everything and was able to manage on my own. I also learn to appreciate home and my parents and all they've done for me. Not being able to come home every weekend because I live six hours away from campus made it difficult to interact with home friends and family, however it made me appreciate all the people who are still trying to be a part of my life even with the long distance seperating us. Through college I've started to learn many new things and grew so much as a person, and continuing to attend would only broaden my horizons and shape me into a women who can conqure anything thrown towards her.

From college, I've learned to expand my horizons and views about how to carry out things in life, and how to differentiate who I should or should not befriend to enhance myself as a person. I've also learned to see life in a bigger picture and to not always think about myself, but those around me too.

One night, I went to an Interact International Banquet. The speaker said, " People will forget what you say, they will forget what you do, but they will NEVER forget how you make them feel. " Ever since then I've thought about this quote daily. The purpose of living a life is not to say or do things that have no depth in perception of meaning. It is to provoke the emotion within, and persuade it to climb out of the cave and leave it's rugged coat of uncertainty behind. My college experience consists of letting me meet the people, that I will know for the rest of my life. I have been able to meet people who make me jealous of their great fortune, but I was able to realize how I don't need luxuorious goods to be filled with happiness. I hated myself for being so lucky to be at a university and obtain and experience that many don't get to enjoy. They made me feel, by showing me how they feel. My name is Olivia. People never forget how you make them feel, and you will never forget how you helped.

I had an excellent experience at UC Irvine. I had a lot of support from faculty members who took time to mentor me and offer advice and guidance. They made the campus feel much smaller than it really was. I also had a great opportunity to study abroad for a year. This experience really opened up the world to me and made it much easier for me to feel confident to pursue similar opportunities in my later studies.

One particular course at UCI, Humanities Core, has significantly changed my life. It has taught me how to think and in general become a more complex thinker in everyday situations, has significantly improved my writing, analytical and comprehension skills as well as my ability to articulate.

I actively attend University of California, Irvine as a freshman and as my first year in college is coming to end, I would sum it up as the highest quality of valuable and productive experience, but hope to gain the same for the following three years to come. I value the means of this college education because it does nothing but generate opportunities that explore outside the boundaries of what a high school diploma can give. A college degree is essential in retrieving my dream career in today's growing economy. This experience allows me to flourish my ideas, open up my mind to new and different views, and to utilize these basic gifts to spread leadership. So why not use my skills to grasp this great fortune of education being offered?

It gave me great opportunities in regards to my education and future. I loved the campus, faculty, and friends I made.

The most important thing I have gotten out of my college experience so far is realizing that there is so much knowledge in life that cannot be gained through formal education (in my case going to class), but only through experience. The most valuable lessons I have learned at UCI so far have been those I gained outside of the classroom. Learning how to live independently and handle many different responsiblities are skills that, in the long run, will be just as valuable, if not more, than Multivariable Calculus and Newtonian Physics. Another valuable aspect of my college experience has been the ability to completely rebuild my reputation. I had known most of my classmates in high school for almost a decade. Everyone's relationships with each other were fixed. When I entered college however, I was able to start on a blank slate, as almost no one knew each other. This is valuable because the stagnant relationships in high school did not allow the level of personal growth and self discovery the more flexible ones in college do.

i got a lot out of i i learned new things and met new people i loved it and will tell everyone i know to try it

Attending college gave me confidence and the ability to believe in myself and my abilities. It helped me to adapt to living on my own, in a new environment. I learned how to study correctly and not to procrastinate. I feel as though I received a good education in the biological sciences and am prepared for a career in that field. Although UCI doesn't have very much of a social life, I was able to dedicate more time to studying and learned that it's important to join clubs and societies early on in order to meet new people. By living in the dorms freshman year, I learned how to adapt to a completely new situation and to get along with a large group of people with different cultures from my own.

Attending college I have learned that I can help many people who are sick and have illnesses in there time of need. Working in the nurseing feild will be very rewarding expeirence for the patient and also for myself. Learning about different body systems and diseases are a very interesting and endless feild, that will always be a wonderful and rewarding challenge for me. This is why my college experience is valuable to me.

I have learned so much about myself during the process of attending school. i have learned to talk to more people and put myself out there. Before i started attending this school, i was shy and always the one stuck in the corner. I was so scared to attend college but i knew it was the right thing to do seeing as how i am the first generation in my family to attend college. I wanted to make something of myself. Everyone in my family has held a dead end job and have had the experience of being laid off a time or two. I know that my best option is to go to school and get my education. it has been like a rollercoaster ride. it is so much better than high school and the reward are even greater of i succeed. there is so much more responsiblity with college and that gives me a challenge and always has me on my toes. i am so glad i decided to attend and am looking forward to the long term effects in the end.

I've learned that college is nothing compared to high school. I honestly graduated out of highschool in 2009 and went staright into my two year college at Santa Rosa Junior College. I piled myself with classes and I had 14 units my first semester. Once I really was in those classes and saw the amount of work I was scared. I did drop out of two of my classes, because it was difficult to maintain. Although I dropped out my counselors gave me a helping hand. I realized that in order to get where I wanted to get I needed to work harder, but stay at an easy pace. I'm now in my sophmore year and I'm really working hard. I've also realized my career options are open to anything I want to be. I've changed my major twice from nursing to radiology,but I'm going back to nursing. I'm positive that's the route I want to go. This certain experience was valuable, because now I've gone through the loops and I know what I need to do in order to be what I want to be.

The ability to think for myself, and rationalize logically. My college has opened my eyes to the field of neuroscience, such as robotics, and has been rewarding because it has been competitive.

Despite the fact that the department is in runs, there are several gems of faculty members who stand above the rest and really know what they are talking about who are absolutely inspirational. I have not gone to college in order to earn a diploma, I have gone to college in order to learn what I am interested in, and in that regard I do not regret any of my decisions here at UCI.

well i want to go to college to study electrical engeneering since my mom didn't attended college i want to demostrate her that i can do it and im willing to do so.

The year 2009 passed by like a simple turning of a page in a book and before I knew it, I was walking down the stage fpr my high school graduation. I have been anticipating this day since fall of 2008 and finally it arrived after all the busyness of applying to colleges and keeping my grades up. UC-Irvine hasn't been my first choice for college and from peer opinions, it hasn't been anyone's first on their college list either. However, though disappointed from the rejection of my dream college, I realized that UCI was a fit for me in terms of location, environment, academic studies, and majors. The first week of college consisted of several visits to campus clubs booths, a job hunting career day, learning to live without parents, and adapting to life with several girls sharing a single bathroom. Though privacy invasion struck big as I was learning to tolerate my roommate and her habits, I also discovered several resources offered on campus. I checked out the new Science Library which soon became my niche. College has allowed me to discover my interests and offers vast opportunities for me to develop my goals.

If I could go back in time to talk to myself, that would be trippy. Nonetheless, after a year at a UC, I'd have a lot to say to myself. In high school, the power of peer pressure was immense; the desire to feel accepted or "not accepted" directed every little thing I ever did, a metaphorical ball-and-chain for any high school student. Meeting such a wide scope of individuals, actual individuals, I have just one piece of advice: just do it- wear that shirt inside- out, go up to that boy and flirt, run around campus singing Broadway Musical songs. I would tell myself to be impulsive, and to never forget at the end of the day, that these small thrills of defying the norm had their own significance: allowing myself to be myself, au natural.

Be sure to start the application process early so you have enough time to discover your true fit. Study what you are really interested in even if you don't think it will lead to a lucrative career; something will always come up and you will be much happier and do better in your classes. Get involved in campus activities, even if it's only one activity per term. Take advantage of the region's geographical setting for fun on the weekends. Spend as much time as possible on campus even if you live at home. You don't need to join greek life to find good friends, but if you plan to anyway, join one founded around your major. Don't skip homework; There aren't many opportunities for making it up and it just might pull you through a class after a bad test score. If there is no spirit at your school, be overly enthusiastic and go to games and concerts anyway. You'll have fun, learn a few things, and maybe interest your friends in coming along, too.