UC Irvine
UC Irvine, one of the smaller of the UC's in terms of student population, is based on 1,500 acres of rural, coastal foothills just five miles from the Pacific Ocean. It is located within Orange County, about a 45-minute drive from Los Angeles. Many students at Irvine commute, and the school is located in a wealthy, predominantly white rural suburb. The campus borders the San Joaquin Freshwater Marsh Reserve, which features many kinds of waterfowl and other wildlife. Within the moderately small town of Irvine, (total population 130,000), UCI students have an important impact on the town's politics, culture and lifestyle. The town is also part of a growing business and industrial region.
Student Body
Approximately 17,000 students attend UC Irvine, 14,000 of them as undergraduates. In comparison to the other UC schools, UC Irvine has a medium-sized student population. About 97 percent of the students come from California. According to recent figures from the University of California, underrepresented minorities (blacks, American Indians, and Latinos) account for approximately 15.9 percent of the student body.
Academics
UC Irvine has a strong premedical program, and about 25 percent of the students are premeds. The sciences are strong, with many opportunities to become involved in research. It can be difficult to get into science classes, and introductory classes can be large, holding as many as 400 students. Upper-division classes and discussion sections, however, are smaller, and the graduate student teaching assistants are good. A good advising system helps undeclared students explore academic options and choose majors. Close to 90 percent of freshmen return for a second year and 60 percent of students graduate in 5 years.
Primarily known as a liberal arts college, UC Irvine sponsors humanities programs that regularly place among the top 25 in the country. Its undergraduate programs emphasize nontraditional learning through such opportunities as laboratory research, field study, writing workshops and arts productions. It also features a diverse range of interdisciplinary programs in subjects that include African-American studies, Chicano/Latino Studies, Latin-American Studies, and Global Peace and Conflict Studies. Each class has an average size of about 30 students and most classes have fewer than 30 students.
Health Opportunities
UC Irvine has strong, well-funded science programs and facilities. Many research opportunities are available in biology and the medical sciences. Biology is an excellent department. The university's Science Library houses one of the largest science, technology and medical collections in the nation. UC Irvine has an on-campus medical school and medical center, and there are opportunities to volunteer in the area. The UCI College of Medicine offers one of the largest residency training programs in primary care and internal medicine in the United States.
Financial Aid
Approximately 60 percent of freshmen and 50 percent of all undergraduates receive financial aid, of which 84 percent is need-based. There are excellent opportunities for work in the surrounding communities, and about 10 percent of students work on campus.
Transportation
Two thirds of UC Irvine students commute, and parking can be difficult to find. The school is a mile from town, and public transportation serves the campus. Because of the suburban setting, a car is useful, but a student can get by without one.
Housing
All freshmen are guaranteed housing, but they are not required to live on campus. About half of freshmen live on campus. The housing is good, and upperclassmen can have difficulty getting into on-campus housing. Good off-campus housing is available, though it can be expensive. About 17 percent of male students join fraternities and about 12 percent of female students join sororities.
Student Life
Irvine has a laid-back social atmosphere and a competitive academic environment. The campus is quiet and not particularly active politically. There are many cultural organizations and other activities. A cross-cultural center is open to all students and offers a good source of support.
At UC Irvine, students participate in 275 clubs and organizations. Students have access to various on-campus theaters, orchestras, choral groups, dance companies, art galleries and museums. The university's sports program includes 19 varsity men's and women's teams and the school is part of the 12-school Big West Conference.
UC Irvine May Be for You If....
You are interested in biology and the sciences, especially a premedical curriculum. You are interested in doing research and willing to search out opportunities. You are looking for a calm, safe campus.
Go to http://www.uci.edu to learn more about UC Irvine.