UCLA Visitation (Nov. 10, 2007)

AVID SENIOR STUDENTS had the opportunity to experience the big university feel of UCLA. While UCLA boasts 3,800 faculty members, 5,000 courses, 109 Academic departments, 11 professional schools, 130 undergraduate majors, and 800 student organizations, it's drawbacks include 24,800 undergraduates, 12,400 graduate students, classes as large as 398 students, and a large campus.




PICTURE ABOVE: AVID students, Candice Rebollo & Graciela Anaya stand next to the Bruin statue at the center of the UCLA campus.



WHAT IMPRESSED AVID STUDENTS? Some of the things that impressed students about UCLA included:

1. Division 1 sports.

2. Active and fun college life!

3. Nice location of UCLA campus (next to Bel-Air, Westwood, Beverly Hills, etc.)

4. Beautiful and historical campus.




RATIONALE FOR VISITING UCLA: Compared to the small private liberal arts education offered at Occidental College, UCLA provided a complete contrast. The large campus boasts over 36,000 students compared to Occidental's 1,800. Also, class size can reach as high as 398 students per class at UCLA, compared to 25 students per class at Occidental College. And, classes are mainly taught by teaching assistants(graduate students) in lecture halls at UCLA, compared to having all classes taught only professors at Occidental College.




VISITING UCLA & OCCIDENTAL COLLEGE really gave AVID students a chance to compare and contrast the major differences between a big and small school education.



RIGHT PICTURE: While I grew up as a kid going to the USC football games with family and friends, it sent chills being on the UCLA campus. The picture of myself with the UCLA Bruin will be sent to die-hard USC fans in my network of family & friends as a holiday post-card...hehe!

Occidental College Visitation, Oct. '07

AVID STUDENTS had the opportunity to visit the Occidental College, and experience the small and private liberal arts education.

LEFT PICTURE: In this picture, students are students are at the Admissions Office at Occidental College and reading information about the College and await tour guide.

RATIONALE FOR VISITING OCCIDENTAL COLLEGE: Compared to the big universities, Occidental College has a lot to offer to AVID students. In particular, students have the opportunity to be in smaller classrooms, have one-to-one attention from College professors, and are offered many chances to work directly with the College professors.

RIGHT PICTURE: AVID students, Richard Garcia & Candice Rebollo sit outside Fowler Hall at Occidental College, as they listen attentively to the College tour guide.

WHAT DID STUDENTS ENJOY ABOUT OCCIDENTAL COLLEGE? AVID students were impressed with the small size of the College, the beautiful campus, and the appetizing food.

ROSCOE'S CHICKEN AND WAFFLES? To help synthesize and discuss the Occidental College experience, AVID students and Mr. Sanchez enjoyed lunch at Roscoe's Chicken and Waffles in Pasadena, CA. While the food was delicious, even more enticing was the discussion students had about the small school environment at Occidental College. At the moment, five AVID students will be applying for admissions to Occidental College.

(The following AVID students were pictured and participated in the Occidental College excursion: Anthony Ortiz, Richard Garcia, Candice Rebollo, Graciela Anaya, Jennifer Olivares, and Marissa Cervantes.)