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.

The academics here can be your best friend or worst enemy. It's honestly up to you. The first few years often include some larger lecture classes for introductory subjects and such. However, after finding your focus, classes become small and personal. It's up to you if you want to benefit from the excellent academia offered in Boulder. Each of my professors knows me by name and honestly cares about how I do in their class. This is because I participate in class and often take time to meet with teachers in Office Hours. I am a Philosophy and Communications major. In both majors, I have not found one teacher to be disappointing. My favorite class is Philosophy of Religion. It really opens your eyes to the realm of possibilities that lye beyond this world. Students actively engage during all classes, and our professor really cares about what we think. Students range from book worms to 'C's and skis' at University of Colorado. If you're in it for the 4.0 GPA, be prepared to work hard. This is not an easy school, but with effort, grades with flying colors are achievable.

Professors are very easily accessible. While classes vary in size, professors always make known to students how important it is to approach them at any point questions may arise. Office hours are an easy way to talk to your professor, as well as speaking with your TA. For lectures generally bigger than 60 people, there are TA's that accompany your teacher, which allows for another source of communication. In larger lecture halls that hold anywhere over 100 students, there are recitations, which are smaller classes consisting of 15-20 people. This allows for a more intimate setting with a TA, and one on one explanations if help is needed. My favorite class thus far that I have taken would be Public Speaking, because it has contributed to furthering my communication skills in front of groups of people and boosted my confidence as a speaker. This is a skill I will forever use in job interviews, presentations, and within co-workers at the work place. The most interesting class I have ever taken was called "Art in Contemporary Society". In this class we studied contemporary artists of the New York Whitney Biennial Museum through the new millennial years. The teacher I had, George Rivera was a teacher I will never forget, as he was a man of wisdom, creativity, hope, and passion.

The University of Colorado at Boulder consists of a highly motivated student body. Students are constantly studying in Norlin Library and you can always find a study group or tutor for any of your academic needs. Class participation is common at CU and if you are not comfortable talking in class, you will not get penalized, but can chat about what you learned with a fellow classmate. While students are competitive, most are willing to help you along the way or are there to push you harder. Once you get past your freshman year and into more personalized classes, professors often know your name. If you want them to know your name in lower division courses it would be wise to keep in e-mail contact with your professor or teaching assistant and attend office hours. My current major is Communication and I am minoring in Political Science and Technology and Media. I love my classes because they are all interesting to me and pertain to what I hope to do in the future. My advice to you when picking a major is to focus on what you love and can see yourself studying for the next four years - don't focus on something you thinks sounds prestigious, because if you hate what you're studying you will have no motivation or desire to work hard. The education at this school I would say is more focussed on learning for its own sake than getting a job. The schools job is to teach you. Your job is to learn and take that knowledge to find a job that fits you.

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. One thing about me is that I am horrible at sciences. I wasn't interested at all in theateri. Thankfully, the professor had many office hours every week and she actually referred me to a tutor. I passed chemistry with a B!! 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

Boulder has an academically challenging curriculum that will definitely require time and effort. But if you enroll for classes that really spike your interest, you will learn so much invaluable information and really understand what higher education is all about.

The academics here are impressive to a very high standard. Classes can be large but every professor if you take the time to shake their hand will known your name after that day. Class participation is encouraged and even enforced. Students are very competitive but who doesn't love some friendly competition. The education is completely geared to getting a job and learning how to deal with the pressures and stress of the real world. Conversations outside of class can range from the essay for Writing classes due next week to applying to a Graduate problem and studying for exams.

As a Journalism major I have spent the majority of my class time in small and intimate settings in which the teacher and class get to know one another. I usually prefer these scenarios, because I think it makes the class a more tangible place to learn and get your ideas across to your peers. However, I have also taken some introduction classes in large lecture halls and one of my favorite classes so far at CU was a Physical Anthropology class with Professor Van Gerven. I've found that the professor makes the class, for better or worse. Luckily CU is filled with outstanding professors who have a lot of experience and are easy to talk to.

Because CU is a research campus, students are required to take more science classes than other schools. There is a huge opportunity for students to conduct their own research on campus. Although CU has a renowned science department, there are many other areas of study with thriving programs. The School of Journalism and Mass Communication (SJMC) provides small classes to enhance student participation and engagement. My classes have never been more than 20 students which allows for a close-knit atmosphere and room to collaborate on group projects. Teachers also encourage feedback for the class and school. I feel like the students have an impact in the way in which they are taught. The SJMC as well as CU's career services provides many resources and guides for students seeking post-graduate employment. Teachers are also happy to provide recommendations or suggest internship positions. I have held eight internships during my time at CU and I have no doubt that I have the skills to secure a job upon graduating.

Coming from a high school where you knew your professors very well, I was a little worried about being in a 300 person lecture hall. As I began classes I realized that all of the professors want you to succeed and they offer so many ways to help you out. Most large lectures have recitation sections that meet once a week and have about 20 people in them. Here you get to ask questions one on one with a very knowledgable teaching assistant. The professors all offer office hours, study sessions, and even most will give you one on one time if you ask. Students are required to buy a clicker when registering for classes. Basically this is like a who wants to be a millionaire game show. The teachers ask "Clicker Questions", the class clicks in an answer, and a graph is generated. If only 20{4a082faed443b016e84c6ea63012b481c58f64867aa2dc62fff66e22ad7dff6c} of the class gets it correct it is an easy way to know where students are confused. Also, you get participation points for going to class and getting clicker points which is a great buffer for your grades. A lot of professors also offer opportunities to get internships, research positions, etc... I was in the Honors Program here at CU and I would strongly suggest it to anyone who really wants a good education. In many of the residence halls you also get the opportunity to be in a RAP (residential academic program) which is made of of students who live in your dorm and there are only about 20 people per class. It is a great way to get to a know a professor and your hall mates really well .

CU is large and accommodates diverse fields and backgrounds with quality instruction and challenging course. While lectures may be large and well - lectures, professors are always happy to spend time with students during office hours. The Courses are challenging and present material in an interdisciplinary manner that encourages cooperation and creative thinking. As an upper-level student the course become more difficult and specialized, and direct students towards self guided learning and towards making smart assumptions and decisions. The early material and exercises of freshman and softmore classes serve as building blocks for these courses. Caution! CU might challenge you and inspire you to make a difference!

Academics are challenging but applicable. Everything is geared toward learning for the real world. Professors are a bit detached and TA's take up the slack but this is because the school is big on research and the professors are busy with many things. They may not know everyones names but they have a LOT of research and job opportunities waiting!

I've loved almost every class, and have built pretty good relationships with my professors. CU is definitely more academically focused compared to other schools in Colorado. My Anthropology department is extremely involved and is constantly integrating new research into what we are learning.

Academics are tough, and it is important to know what you want and go after it. At a big school, you need to make sure you seek your advisor out and spearhead your future plans.

Mostly good. As a senior I am losing interest because the teachers are into their material but not necessarily into teaching

The business school and law school have really nice new facilities and competitive programs. Like any other university, pre-med students never stop studying or talking about studying. Geology has a great department with "rock star" (their words, not mine) faculty that do important work around the world. Journalism school (I'm in advertising) has great professors with experience in major agencies. Also, advertising agencies like CP+B are in Boulder and do work with CU professors. LIke any other research university, professors focused too much on research and not on teaching can be frustrating. If you have academic problems, it's possible to take a semester of evening classes through the continuing ed program to get back on your feet. The hardest thing is going to class - It's hard to go to class on the sunny beautiful days and it's hard to go to class in the snow.

Schools easy

Again, large school with lots of majors. Academic experience would vary greatly depending on course of study. First few years classes are large and it is up to the student to make the effort to go to office hours if you want the professor to know you exist, or to get help if you have trouble focusing in a large environment. Many classes are so large that 'participation' is quantified by students pressing a unique 'clicker' - essentially a TV remote with buttons A, B, C, D, E. This is great if you don't want to go to class and would rather have a powder day- just give your clicker to your friend! Its easy for many students to scrape along and just get a degree, and also easy for unmotivated students to drop-out.

Again, large school with lots of majors. Academic experience would vary greatly depending on course of study. First few years classes are large and it is up to the student to make the effort to go to office hours if you want the professor to know you exist or to get help if you have trouble focusing in a large environment. Many classes are so large that 'participation' is quantified by students pressing a unique 'clicker' - essentially a TV remote with buttons A, B, C, D, E. Its easy for many students to scrape along and get a degree, and also easy for unmotivated students to drop-out.

Boulder is generally considered a very strong school in the sciences (particularly physics and aerospace engineering). There is certainly a lot of focus on science, especially now that we have a former oilman for our president (who the geology building is named after, incidentally). That being said, the humanities and arts are kind of the forgotten step-children to the sciences, business and engineering. There are definitely good professors in the humanities, but you really have to work to get to know your professors, and unfortunately, many students do not really take academics seriously here. Many classes are full of students not really interested in the subject matter, and moreover, not willing to work hard. You can get a pretty solid education about Boulder, but don't expect a lot of guidance from advisers. If you're self-starting and willing to go the extra mile, you can find the good professors who will really help you grow academically.

Class is just like Boulder, you get really big ones and really small ones. Some teachers are great and some need a little work. Psychology, History and Italian are all great departments. It's hard sometimes, but it's really rewarding.

While Boulder is a big campus, it's not difficult to find smaller classes. The only large class that I've been in has been about 150, because it was an intro level class; however, most of the classes are smaller and professors not only know your name but understand your interests and cater to that. Academics at Boulder are not involved outside of the classroom, where it earns its "party school" reputation.

Professors always knew my name just because I went to office hours all the time, which I highly reccomend!! If you want to get good grades get to know your professors and go to office hours, they are there to help but you have to go and get it, it will not just come to you. I love my major and am very interessted in all my classes. Do not take classes that you are not interested in because you wont do well. I have noticed to do well in a class I have to really enjoy the material.

Professors in smaller classes really do take the time to get to know you. If you sit in the front row of big classes, they will get to know you too. They are always willing to spend a lot of time with you outside of class, and instead of the conventional 'office' time - they usually take you out to coffee. its nice.

I'd recommends taking a RAP class. I took many my freshman year and I got to know my professors really well and take some interesting classes including Meditation, Literature and Social Violence, and a class on Gandhi and non-violent practices.

Academics at Boulder are challenging, but the professors will take the time to help if you, the student, take the time to get the help you need. It's a tough transition at first from high school workload to college level workload, but the professors and academic advisors want every student to succeed, so they are available to help. One of the really cool things about freshman year was that when I needed help, my classmates were always willing to study with me and/or help me. Especially in the dorms, it's really nice to meet up with classmates in the study rooms and help each other understand material. During finals, it was really cool to walk around the dorms or other areas of campus and see students helping each other and see all the knowledge at work. The professors I've had so far have all been extremely nice and really cool at the same time; imagine that, a cool professor. All in all, the academic situation is challenging but interesting at the same time.

At Boulder the classes can range from 15 or 20 people in a class to 200 people in an auditorium. The classes which are very large however have the recitations which allow you to ask questions in a smaller class setting. I also feel like there are options to let you explore what you want to do in the future, as well as many classes that are taken for the sake of learning.

Boulder has a wide variety of majors and areas of focus to choose from. Whether you are in the school of Business, Arts and Sciences, or Engineering, you will find that Boulder has plenty to offer and is well respected in every field of study. For your first two years of course work you will encounter large class sizes, some of them 500+ students, where professors do not know your name. After that and as you get into the more focused areas of study class sizes will drop off dramatically, most upper level classes average anywhere from 12 to 50 students. My favorite class at CU was Deviance in US Society, this class was one of those with well over 500 students and was one of the most challenging classes in terms of tests and grading. This class discussed the issue of deviant behavior in our society, it was very interesting to me to learn the sociological study of deviance and how it affects our society. My least favorite class was Public Policy Economics, this class was for my major and only had 15 students in the class. The material covered public policy topics in our government and the entire grade for the course was based on a 30 page paper of our choice in which we were asked to develop our own public policy economic model. Students study differing amounts depending on what major they are in, some courses require more tests than others. Students are very competitive and it is very difficult to earn an A in most courses. I think that the education at Boulder is more focused on learning for the sake of learning rather than gearing up students toward getting a job. I think this is one of the best things about Boulder, and this has taught me to have a great appreciation for the value of my education and the importance of learning just to learn.

Academics are excellent! I can only speak for engineering, but let me say this, I am so happy with my undergraduate education! My teachers have all been fantastic, and the department is so open! They will help you with whatever you need, and want to see you succeed. If you are going into engineering, regardless of what focus, track down a Janet De Grazia and ask her any questions you have! She's brilliant and knows everything about everything!! Stay on track as it is easy to get distracted in Boulder.

Most professors don't know my name and most classes are pretty big. If you go here, you have to take recitations which are ridiculous. Most colleges don't do that. Boulder students don't have intellectual conversations outside of class because they are too busy partying. Students aren't really competitive either because they don't care. Boulder doesn't really help you when you are struggling; it seems as if they want you to fail. Boulder isn't geared towards jobs or learning; it's geared towards them making as much money as they possibly can.

Academics are not tough unless you choose to take tough classes. If you major in a science or engineering expect to get your ass handed to you because those departments are first-class. We've got nobel laureates and our school is really proud of it, so science profs are always very involved in research in addition to teaching. I've had some amazing profs who inspired me to pursue their field of interest, and then some who suuuck at teaching, but it varies a lot by majors.