Just checked out UC Merced

SexyBrunette · 03-20-2005, 05:07 AM

I was really suprised at how UC Merced is turning out. I was kind of shocked to see it not fully built, but we took a tour, and it will be amazing! First off, it will have the biggest library, second to the Congress library, and in additon, the entire first floor is surrounded by retractable glass windows, so they will open up when its hot. The first floor is also a place where you can talk all you want, play guitar, whatever. There is a huge cafe, with two large flatscreen tv's. As you go up, the places get quieter. Eating is allowed in all parts of library.

Because its a brand new school,new freshman will live in the appartment style housing (usually only offered to older students) but for price of dorms. So that means you'll have 6 ppl in an appt (1-2 ppl per bed room) and 2 bathrooms and common area.

Their dining area is like a restaurant. You order something, and its cooked right there infront of you, like the restaraunt Benihana's. They also offer free food delivery anywhere on campus (if your sick, you can get food to room...etc)

-There are underground tunnels form building to building so you don't get wet if it rains.

-They plant to have an indoor pool

-There is a huge lake next to the campus, where you can do water sports.

-Unlike most UC's, there will only be professors teaching, NOT teachers assistants.

-Student to teacher ratio is 11 to 1, compared to 300 students in a lecture in a normal UC

Earlier today I was completely not even considering going, but really, I think it will turn out to be a high ranked school.

xmisterpenguin · 03-20-2005, 03:27 PM

Wow thats so awesome. I kinda regret now applying.

mtb1226 · 03-20-2005, 03:29 PM

sounds pretty sweet

socalnick · 03-20-2005, 03:31 PM

a roumer i heard is the UC system wants to make merceed one of the top tier UCs right behind berkeley

mtb1226 · 03-20-2005, 03:36 PM

seems like it will take awhile to accomplish that
i dont think it will surpass la or berk ever, prob not sd either

xmisterpenguin · 03-20-2005, 03:37 PM

It's basically a small private college with UC capabilities.

allena · 03-20-2005, 03:52 PM

UCM very well might become one the better UC's, however it's going to take some time before we see that happen.

ichiboy · 03-20-2005, 04:19 PM

I think i know who this is :P. Yeah if i had to choose between the middle UC's i would definently think merced now based on what i'm hearing. I'd also like to point out the faculty page on the UC merced website-

http://www.ucmerced.edu/faculty/facultylist.asp

Look through that list of professors and you'll see a ton of accomplished individuals from top ranked schools and ivies.

deep123 · 03-20-2005, 04:26 PM

Hey, i feel great after hearing what you have told me. I did apply to UC Merced and I got in. After hearing what you have told me, I am considering going there under a computer science major. I heard they are going to have a strong computer science major. I also got in Davis too, but I really might take Merced over Davis. Tell me if it is not a smart idea. And thanks for telling me about merced.

UClippers05 · 03-20-2005, 04:28 PM

I would have applied to Merced but it has no reputation yet.

zagat · 03-20-2005, 04:54 PM

Merced is not likely to emerge as a top UC anytime soon. They are having trouble attracting good profs because no one wants to live in or around Merced and it's well known that the UCs have massive budget problems. It's also not an area that attracts kids with choices. Getting in will be very easy for some time.

The UCs that will get better are those in areas where people want to be. There's a reason Santa Barbara gets Nobel prize winners!

Icarus · 03-20-2005, 04:55 PM

just to clear something up, it is the University of California library as a whole, not just UC Merced's, that is the second largest in the nation.

and the only reason its going to be only professors teaching is that they dont' have any grad students yet haha. I don't know what everyone's thing about TAs teaching is... I've had some TAs that were better teachers than the professors for the same class. The Ph.D. behind your name doesn't make you a good teacher.

deep123 · 03-20-2005, 05:16 PM

Yea, but I say if UC merced has the major of choice then go there. What other UC can one attend with a student teacher ratio of 11:1. Atleast you are not just a number to them.

Icarus · 03-21-2005, 12:45 AM

yeah but unfortunately, since they don't have many faculty (or students for that matter) yet, their choices of majors is very limited.

SexyBrunette · 03-21-2005, 12:52 AM

Choice might be limited, but they said if you wished to add new majors, you would be able to tell them, and they could have it done because they have room to grow.