Want to drop out of UCLA (convince me either way)

Parents Forum
1

<p>Hi so I posted this in the parents forum because I figured it’ll help when I talk to my own parents about this.</p>

<p>I’m a second year engineer at UCLA with a 3.4gpa and I hate it here. Over the past year and a half I’ve slowly developed this deep seated hatred for college. Not that I liked school before this, but I could always tolerate it. There’s just so many things wrong with the current system. First of all it’s inefficient. It takes 4 years of college to be considered entry level. In a few decades that number’s gonna be 6 or maybe even more. There’s just too much information to be digested and unless something changes, people are gonna be in their thirties by the time they get out of college. </p>

<p>And speaking of inefficiency, the norm here seems to be just learning everything the week before an exam and forgetting everything immediately after. I even had a professor who said “you guys probably forgot everything from ___ class, thats ok” and laughed it off. At this rate I’m pretty certain that even after 4 years of college and $100 grand later, most students here aren’t that much smarter than they started out. </p>

<p>And while I’m on the topic of great professors, the faculty here seriously just does not care about you. I don’t know if it’s just public schools, but damn these people just do not care. More than once there’s been huge inconsistencies on assignments/websites that have screwed me on grades. And when you ask them about it, they just say tough or tell you to go whine to someone else about it—in a more polite way of course. Oh and the TA’s too. I feel like half of them are just out to get you. On a 200 point midterm exam last year there was a three part problem. I misread KJ for J so my answer was slightly off in the second part of the problem (got 5/20 points off which is reasonable). The third part of the problem used the answer from the second part, which was wrong. So not surprisingly my third answer was wrong as well. But the thing is I did every single procedure in the third part right and guess how many points off I got for that. 20 points out of 20. I got zero points for that question. It seriously blows my mind how ridiculous these people can get. </p>

<p>Another thing I hate is how I have to research “the easy professor” in order to get a good gpa. I always have friends telling me the hours they put into researching professors to find the easiest ones. Hell all I do is find the time I like and take the class. My issue is that there’s people who are getting potentially .5 points higher than me over the course of 4 years for taking the exact same classes and putting in less effort. Why the hell are there inconsistencies like this? Between colleges I can understand…but even within the university? That’s just absurd. I love learning, but I really shouldn’t have to think about choosing the easy professor.</p>

<p>And finally I feel like a lot of the people are just like….zombies…mindlessly going through school. They have no clue what they want, they don’t even like their major, they’re just doing it because it’s “what you’re supposed to do”. It honestly sickens me whenever I step onto bruinwalk…joining that ocean of stressed out/late to class drones ready for another day of learning, regurgitating, and forgetting. And you know some of these people cry after doing poorly on an exam?? I mean come on you’re life isn’t over, its just a freaking test. Makes you realize how deeply ingrained school is in certain people. That’s not right…</p>

<p>But it’s not just about school. I’m here on zero loans and I can’t even begin to express enough gratitude to my parents and grandparents for that. But every quarter, I see the money in that account drop…thousands at a time. It’s now my second year and that account is about 70% of what it used to be. By the end of these four years it’s gonna be close to gone. I hate knowing that my parents’ hard earned money is being wasted on a mediocre education that I “could’ve gotten for a dollar fifty in late fees at the library”. Ok not really but I had to get that quote in there at least once lol. Point is I don’t think this education is worth all of this money. I could make so much more of it…</p>

<p>As for my plans…I have a list of over 100 ideas for various projects/businesses that in my opinion are realistically profitable. Back in middle school I discovered internet marketing. Wanting to get the new xbox 360 I worked on business models and websites all day and eventually made about $3000 near the end of 8th grade. But high school started, and I had my 360 so I lost motivation. But I never lost the sense of business and money that I eventually picked up on back in middle school. Every time I encounter a problem, my mind just subconsciously works on a way to solve it and make money with it. That’s actually my favorite part of the process…just having a problem and absolutely no direction. So over the course of the last 6 years I’ve been amassing that list of ideas. Since the success back in middle school/beginning of high school, I’ve half assed a few of the ideas on my list, but never had the drive to finish. After all, I figured I would always have a decent gpa with an engineering degree from UCLA to fall back on. </p>

<p>But recently I’m not so sure I even want a degree anymore. My gpa is dropping fast because I can’t even force myself to do the bare minimum anymore, which for me was hw and going to class sometimes. Just last week I had a midterm for a class that I paid a total of about 30 minutes of attention over the entire quarter and I didn’t care that I hadn’t studied. I just took it. I seriously don’t believe I can take 7 and a half more quarters of this.</p>

<p>Anyways, I truly believe I can make it on my own. I’m not a genius, but I think I’m a reasonably intelligent guy considering I’ve half assed UCLA since I got here and still have a 3.4 in engineering. I currently have one project within a month or two of being released and 3 that are underway. I’m actually pretty excited and my motivation is higher than its ever been. Money is all that’s on my mind 24/7. Forget partying and girls. For the next few years of my life it’s all about money and becoming a man…a giver instead of a taker. And I swear to god if I do nothing else with my life I’ll have at least enough money to get my dad into space and my mom the nicest house she can imagine. It’s the least I can do for everything they’ve done for me.</p>

<p>So for the few of you who actually read all that (sorry for the essay lol), knowing everything I think is important to know about me…do you think I should drop out of college?</p>

<p>Thanks for your time.</p>

2

<p>Well, stop thinking that your dropping out is going to constitute some act of philanthropy on your part toward your parents. </p>

<p>Also, stop blaming other factors besides yourself for your dislike of your current situation. If you aren’t going to class and doing the work, and can’t bring yourself to do so, that’s your problem and no one else is causing it. If others take 6 years to graduate or whatever, that means nothing to you; you don’t have to do it, especially as you are fully funded.</p>

<p>If you don’t want to go to college to become an engineer, than don’t go. The fact that you are smart is neither here nor there. Lots of people are smart. Without drive and focus, intelligence means little. Maybe you are studying the wrong thing. Maybe, with your interest in entrepreneurship, you should major in finance or economics instead of engineering.</p>

<p>But I don’t think you have a right to take the money that your parents earmarked for college and use it to start an internet marketing business. </p>

<p>Good luck to you.</p>

3

<p>Your reasons are cogent and well thought out, and a lot of people out there would love your seat. But before you make up your mind, understand that you’ll be jumping from the pot into the fire. All the things you hate about college exist in the real world to the power of 10. The shapes are different but the petty functionaries, red tape, deceit and blockheads are the same. GL</p>

4

<p>Have you taken any upper division courses in your major yet? These are typically smaller, with greater interaction with the instructors, and more focused on your major, rather than just being prerequisites.</p>

<p>Nevertheless, you should complete the current quarter and do well, then consider whether you want to formally withdraw, so that you can leave the door open to return later if you decide to do so*. You can take time off of school to try your business ideas, then have the option to return to school later (of course, if your parents are funding your school, they need to be consulted).</p>

<p>[UCLA</a> General Catalog 2012-13: Absence and Readmission](<a href=“http://www.registrar.ucla.edu/catalog/catalog12-13-36.htm]UCLA”>http://www.registrar.ucla.edu/catalog/catalog12-13-36.htm)</p>

<p>*If you fail the current quarter and then drop out, you may not be able to return later.</p>

5

<p>Yup on the parent thing. Ask your parents, not us, if they want you to save their money by dropping out. I think there are rare cases where pursuing another plan might give someone who is being unfocused in college to regain their focus. Your essay does not make good case, but sounds like a kid who is bored and pressured at the same time (the complaints about grades and other people and their bad attitude). </p>

<p>If you are bored and don’t feel like you are learning, fix that. Find other classes, start a money making venture while still completing your other work, take some business courses, join a club, work in a lab, enter a startup contest. Do something; dropping out, if that were your choice, should also be about doing something, not running away. If starting a business venture is the plan, have a plan, not a vague idea.</p>

<p>That’s what I’d say if my kid came with this question.</p>

6

<p>NJSue: I never said it was an act of philanthropy. In my mind it’s more damage control. And if you actually read what I think about my parents I don’t think you’d write something like that. I never blamed anyone either. I was using them as examples to demonstrate the result of a flawed education system. And I also never said I was planning to take my parent’s money. I can see how that was kind of implied though. I’m planning to a get a part time job, take no more money from my parents, find a cheap apartment, and just work on projects and self learn until something happens.</p>

<p>sosomenza: yea that’s one of the things I’m afraid of. I don’t really know how it is in the real world yet so i figured I’d post here to see what people who do have experience think</p>

<p>ucbalumnus: no I haven’t taken upperdivision courses yet. who knows maybe I would enjoy those more, because I don’t feel like I’m getting $25 grand a years worth of education in those 200+ student classes. and yes I’m planning to finish the current quarter and then think about my options. I don’t wanna burn this bridge just in case I fail.</p>

7

<p>zbreeze: yea I can see that. I definitely am bored with the stuff I’m learning. But the thing is for some reason it’s only boring when I have to do it for school. I used to think I didn’t enjoy learning in general, but once college started I began learning random things on my own and I loved it. I learned about circuits, programming, engines, automotive systems, real estate, and I even started trying to pick up the piano recently. Over the summer I spent the first half of my day just sitting in front of my computer and absorbing all the information I could find. I even studied some school subjects that I abhored during the school year and found them to be pretty interesting. And I do have specific business plans already, I’ve been working on a project for the past 5-6 months and its around a month or two from releasing. And as for running away, my perspective on this is that its just skipping an unnecessary step. I want to be independent and make my own money, which is exactly what all of the other people want to do as well.</p>

8

<p>Researching profs for better grades is a tradition that goes back to the ancient Sumerians at least, not to mention arguing for partial credit.</p>

<p>Try registering for multiple sections of the same class during the (paper based back then) add/drop period to get around the fact that for high carnage classes the prof’s name was rarely disclosed before classes started. Can’t be done today of course but 30 years ago…</p>

9

<p>Have you considered changing your major, Co-op or both? By changing your major you could study other subjects that may interest you more. You would also have different Professors. Co-op would give you an opportunity to see how what you are learning applies to the real world while giving you a break from studying. Co-op would also give you a chance to make some real money and live like an independent adult.</p>

10

<p>Take a leave of absence if you can arrange it. My friend’s son left UCLA two years ago for many of the same reasons. He is back now, different major, close to graduating, very happy.</p>

11

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</p>

<p>Well, the first five paragraphs of your post were all about how others around you were not living up to your expectations, which sounds a lot like blame to me. Also, UCLA is not the entire “education system.” It’s possible that you just hate UCLA. </p>

<p>It really sounds like you’re in the wrong major for your interests and goals. Try to finish out the term respectably per ucbalumnus’ advice and file for a leave of absence while you figure out what you want to do. In the meantime, make yourself go to class and do the work so you will have transfer options in case you decide to leave/change programs.</p>

12

<p>It definitely sounds like you are burned out on Engineering – which is more common than you might imagine.</p>

<p>Finish the quarter strong. Take a leave of absence. Perhaps take a biz class at the local juco or Cal State. Since UCLA doesn’t offer Biz, it’s the perfect reason to transfer, if that becomes a new passion.</p>

<p>Or, how about comp sci?</p>

<p>And of course, get involved in some outside class activities, whereveer you end up.</p>

13

<p>well, what with the so-called ‘massive manhunt’ going on, things are…um…a little stressful in southern california these days. </p>

<p>it’s usually not a good idea to make major decisions when you’re under a lot of stress.</p>

14

<p>Swimkidsdad: I looked up co op programs at UCLA but couldn’t find one. I’ll look into it more though because that would be a great option, thanks.</p>

<p>neuroticparent: Thanks I think that’s gonna be my plan for now. If I take a quarter off, work on my projects, and see them fail then I’d definitely be back in school with no complaints.</p>

<p>NJSue: Students should do their best to retain information from previous classes.
Professors should not tell students its okay to forget what you learn in your classes.
Professors should make sure information regarding assignments is consistent.
TA’s should grade reasonably and based on the student’s understanding of the material.
Student evaluation should be consistent. They’re not my expectations, I feel like most people would agree with these statements. If you disagree with any of them, then please let me know. And I said “A flawed education system” talking about UCLA. Emphasis on the A. But I don’t see why that’s relevant, I’m sorry if I offended you or came off as arrogant. These thoughts have just been stuck in my head for awhile and I have no one to talk to about it. So I’m kinda blowing off some steam.</p>

15

<p>James,
You have received some great advice. I hope it works out well in the end. </p>

<p>Do carry on with conversation, but to blow off steam, the below thread is ideal . :cool:</p>

<p><a href=“http://talk.collegeconfidential.com/parent-cafe/319650-say-here-cause-you-cant-say-directly-get-off-your-chest-thread.html?highlight=say+it+here[/url]”>http://talk.collegeconfidential.com/parent-cafe/319650-say-here-cause-you-cant-say-directly-get-off-your-chest-thread.html?highlight=say+it+here&lt;/a&gt;&lt;/p&gt;

16

<p>You might also consider whether you are at the right school. Not sure, but some of your complaints make me think you might be happier at a polytechnic like Cal Poly or Pomona. You might find the hands on approach to feel more “real world” and practical. They’re also substantially cheaper and have smaller classes.</p>

<p>If you decide not to take a break or change schools, you might consider ways to do what you enjoy doing while at UCLA. Check out <a href=“http://bruincubate.■■■■■■■■■■■■■/ucla-resources-for-entrepreneurs/[/url]”>http://bruincubate.■■■■■■■■■■■■■/ucla-resources-for-entrepreneurs/&lt;/a&gt; Also consider finding some like minded students and entering business plan competitions.</p>

17

<p>Perhaps i’m being na</p>

18

<p>Thanks for the advice everyone, I’m really glad I decided to ask for help instead of doing anything irrational. As of now I’m planning to just take a quarter off and pursue my other goals. If nothing I do works, then I’ll finish up school and actually be committed. And thanks for the bruincubate link, I wasn’t aware that they had that here, I’ll look into it. </p>

<p>And another thing, you guys all seemed to come to the conclusion that I don’t like engineering. Being an engineer is actually one of the only things I’ve been certain of my entire life. But like I said, something about school kills that passion for me. Maybe it is just cause it’s all theoretical and there’s nothing hands on. Either way, I know what I’m going to do now…hopefully I can get my parents on board. Thanks again everyone, sorry if I offended anyone in the original post. I can be blunt sometimes.</p>

19

<p>Maybe you can consider applying as a transfer student to Stanford. They have combo engineering entrepreneurial classes, I believe. (There is chem eng with entrepreneurial emphasis, I think, along with others). It might be closer to your interests.
Another option is to apply as a transfer student to either Harvey Mudd or cal tech. Harvey Mudd would be smaller classes, more intimate, probably very few TAs, if any. Cheaper options would be cal poly SLO or cal poly Pomona. It’s easy to apply as a transfer student. If you don’t like it, you might be able to go back to Ucla. I went from Ucla CS to cal poly SLO in EE, and transfered back to Ucla.</p>

20

<p>Would STRONGLY recommend that you continue the quarter you’ve already started, as you’ve already paid your money and probably passed the date to withdraw and get any refund. Bad grades for this term will GREATLY limit your options going forward.</p>

<p>Taking a leave of absence to constructively work to figure out what direction you wish to head in makes good sense. Housing, even a “cheap” apartment may cost considerably more than you might think, unless you’re aware of housing prices and wages you will be able to receive. Several relatives we have are unable to earn enough at their jobs to pay rent on their own, even though they have been at their jobs for years and are responsible young adults.</p>

<p>Please discuss this matter with your folks and advisor before making firm plans. It’s important to have a solid plan that is acceptable to your folks and works with UCLA in case you may wish to return.</p>