UCLA class sizes: Are they really that big?

I've heard that UCLA has huge class sizes, especially for popular majors. Is this true? Can anyone who's attended or experienced this firsthand give me an idea of what to expect? I want to make sure I won't feel lost in massive lectures.

Yes, it's true that UCLA can have large class sizes, particularly for lower-division courses and popular majors. Generally, you can expect introductory classes or General Education (GE) classes to be larger, with some lectures accommodating 100-300 students or even more in some cases. These large classes can make it difficult for students in their first or second year who are seeking personal attention, as the professor might not have the time to interact with every student individually.

However, it's essential to know that many of these large lectures are accompanied by smaller discussion sections led by teaching assistants (TAs). These sections typically have 20-30 students and allow for more in-depth discussions, questions, and opportunities for clarification on the material covered in lectures. Attending office hours of your professors and TAs is another way to get more personalized attention and connect with them on a one-on-one basis.

As you progress through your college career, you'll find that upper-division courses, especially within your major, tend to be smaller, often with class sizes of 20-40 students, allowing for more interaction with your professors and classmates.

Keep in mind that the class size experience will vary from major to major and from one department to another. If smaller class sizes are essential to you, consider choosing a less-popular major or exploring what opportunities UCLA offers in terms of smaller learning communities, such as specialized cohort programs that emphasize close-knit interactions among students and faculty.

In summary, while large class sizes can be a reality at UCLA, there are still ways to create a more intimate and engaging learning environment for yourself by attending discussions, office hours, and perhaps exploring specialized programs or smaller majors.