UCLA 2013

[LugubriousJones]

Hi People,

 

I haven't seen much from those accepted to UCLA on the board this year.  Anyone here considering?

 

I believe the visit days are happening now.  Unfortunately, since I'm based in another country, I'm unable to make it.  It would be greatly appreciated if those who made it would share their impressions, either here or through PM.  

 

Any other thoughts on UCLA -- the department, funding, living in LA, etc. -- from current students, those thinking about attending, or anyone else familiar with the program are welcome here.  

 

I've had very encouraging discussions with faculty and students and am leaning heavily toward accepting.  Would love to hear what others are thinking.

 

LJ

[dawgle]

Visit was last week. I loved it. Amazing resources, great campus, (obviously) great faculty. I really enjoyed speaking with the current students, and they all spoke highly of the program. The funding obviously isn't fantastic, but they do an excellent job of getting grants and fellowships.

Perhaps this was just me being naive, but I also thought it seemed like a very professional program. The goal is to train future professors at top universities, and they do a great job of it.

[RabbitFood]

I attended the visit a few days ago as well and absolutely loved it. Spoke to quite a few graduate students and everybody I spoke to seemed to have only good things to say. They did say that it is a rigorous program but that there is plenty of help to make sure everyone succeeds. The faculty and graduate adviser seem to genuinely want all of the students to thrive as well. 

 

In regards to living in LA it seemed like it might be a little hectic and fast paced but very manageable. It didn't seem as crazy to live in as other parts of LA, to me anyways. There's a lot to do in the area as well so if you ever have free time you are surely to be able to get out and have a good time.

 

I was very impressed overall and are strongly considering them even more now. I have a couple of visits left to go but they did a great job of winning me over.

[LugubriousJones]

Thanks both for your responses. Sounds like it was a great visit. I've heard similar info from students there. Wish I could've made it and met you and the others. Given the size and diversity of the dept., I'm curious about the academic interests of other admits. Btw, RabbitFood, did you go to the CUNY visit in Feb. as well? Good luck with decisions!

[SocingHxC]

I attended the visit a few days ago as well and absolutely loved it. Spoke to quite a few graduate students and everybody I spoke to seemed to have only good things to say. They did say that it is a rigorous program but that there is plenty of help to make sure everyone succeeds. The faculty and graduate adviser seem to genuinely want all of the students to thrive as well. 

 

In regards to living in LA it seemed like it might be a little hectic and fast paced but very manageable. It didn't seem as crazy to live in as other parts of LA, to me anyways. There's a lot to do in the area as well so if you ever have free time you are surely to be able to get out and have a good time.

 

I was very impressed overall and are strongly considering them even more now. I have a couple of visits left to go but they did a great job of winning me over.

[RabbitFood]

Thanks both for your responses. Sounds like it was a great visit. I've heard similar info from students there. Wish I could've made it and met you and the others. Given the size and diversity of the dept., I'm curious about the academic interests of other admits. Btw, RabbitFood, did you go to the CUNY visit in Feb. as well? Good luck with decisions!

I actually did not go to the CUNY visit because of the lack of visiting/overall funds and the fact that I kind of forgot about it. I did talk to somebody, however, who went to the visit. They told me that they had both good and bad experiences there, but ultimately, that CUNY was probably not the best experience for them.  They have a quite a few talented faculty (for me anyways) depending on what you are working on but things are not always the easiest. Even if its not the best funding the best they can still be pretty good overall. 

 

For me they fell off the list pretty fast, just off of funding. If you have better offers, consider them over what you have gotten so far. PM if you have any further questions at all :]

[RabbitFood]

I still have not made my mind up obviously. I had an AMAZING visit from my visit <3 before the last one

[RabbitFood]

Still loving my last two visits <3 of course though, loved even the car rides

[mbrown0315]

I am having a really, really tough time deciding between UChicago and UCLA. Has anyone heard not so great things about UCLA's program? I hear plenty about Chicago's deficiencies, but I've yet to hear any negative feedback on UCLA. Anyone?