UCLA Class Sizes

I'm considering applying to UCLA and I was wondering if the class sizes are really large? Can someone who's been there give me an idea of what to expect?

Sure, I can provide some insight into class sizes at UCLA. The class sizes can indeed be quite large, especially in introductory and lower-division courses, where lecture halls may seat upwards of 200-300 students. However, these courses typically also have smaller discussion sessions led by teaching assistants that meet once a week, which will usually have around 20-25 students. These smaller sessions are designed to provide a more intimate setting to engage with the material, ask questions, and work through problems with peers.

As you progress through your major and choose upper-division courses, you'll generally find smaller class sizes. These can range from 30-60 students in a class, and some specialized seminars or major-specific courses can have as few as 10-20 students. The level of interaction with professors also increases as class sizes decrease.

Taking advantage of office hours and participating in study groups can also help to make large class sizes feel less overwhelming. Many students find that developing strong relationships with their professors and classmates, even in larger courses, allows them to effectively engage with their coursework and succeed academically.

So, while large class sizes are a reality for introductory courses at UCLA, the experience becomes much more personalized as you advance through your major and take more specialized courses.