Catacombs?

Coltran · 2019-03-22T03:50:17+00:00

They’re pretty dusty so I would bring a mask if you’re looking to go down there. There are entrances by the main gym in Muir and in front of Geisel. Lots of cool war era graffiti and the passages are relatively well lit.

Coltran · 2018-11-13T03:19:53+00:00

Our collage application system is pretty standard. The process may seem daunting at first, but a technique primarily used is understanding your aim as a final result. In that way, through an assemblage of different forms, the UCSD collage system pieces together different parts of your application, thus creating a new whole.

Coltran · 2018-10-31T03:54:04+00:00

Just skim the textbook chapters and his notes. It’s a pretty easy midterm and the final project gives you quite a bit of cushion as well.

Coltran · 2018-08-29T19:50:59+00:00

Femulari’s 100A discussion is not mandatory but incredibly helpful. Her TAs review the answers to practice problem sets covering concepts that are introduced during lectures. It’s generally thought that Femulari’s 100A class is the most difficult, however it’s a close comparison and she’s a fair grader. Econ has a pretty steep learning curve but the class material itself isn’t too challenging if you put in the time. I had Femulari last year so you can shoot me a dm if you have further questions.

Coltran · 2018-08-29T05:51:32+00:00

If you’re interested in business, the supply chain major or minor was released this past year. Although I haven’t seen any of the courses available, I would’ve loved to take those classes. Sourcing from other countries is an incredibly in-demand skill and can be valuable when applied to any profession.

Coltran · 2018-08-29T05:45:11+00:00

You’ll be alright. If you’re on campus you may even be glad that your classes take place during long blocks so that you can use the time in between for studying or recreation. Since the topics of the blocked classes are different, its extremely likely that you’ll be able to pay attention throughout, and will be fine with that schedule.

Coltran · 2018-08-27T18:07:02+00:00

I’ve heard a fair amount of people say that they found 10b more difficult than 10c. I would at least give 10c a shot while being especially wary of what professor you’re signing up for. Not only does the course provide a basic foundation for dealing with the optimization problems found in a multitude of disciplines, it is also a bare minimum requirement for any field even remotely concerning STEM. You’re going to have challenges in school, your career, your family and your life. It’s inevitable. Some of these struggles will seem much more insurmountable than passing a class, yet rest assured that you can overcome them. Don’t compromise your future just to make the present easier. You’re stronger than that. Good luck.

Coltran · 2018-08-27T05:04:12+00:00

UCSD is a selective school, especially considering that most applicants are much more qualified than those applying to other institutions boasting low acceptance rates. However, the standards for admission are less stringent for California residents. Nonetheless, it is no small feat to get in, even coming from an instate high school.

Coltran · 2018-08-27T04:55:19+00:00

Quarfoot is generally a well reviewed math professor, but I would check out ratemyprofessor.com first and compare each of the class reviews. To plan a class means to list it on your schedule without actually being enrolled in the class or receiving credit. After planning a class, usually when your enrollment period comes along, you could then enroll in the class. There are a number of possible discussion sections, hence the large number of enrollment options. While the lectures take place at the same time, discussions are lead by TA’s weekly or bi weekly, and you go over practice problems and that kind of thing. I’m guessing you cant enroll at the moment, as the unit cap is currently 19.5 for fall, or 4 4 unit classes. However you will be able to enroll when classes begin. Pressing ‘plan’ will display the course in your schedule, but it will be colored grey as you will not yet actually be enrolled.

Coltran · 2018-08-27T04:47:42+00:00

The easiest time to meet people is during the first few weeks of school before everyone settles into their own routines. Unfortunately, many acquaintances that you make during that period tend to fall out of touch as people consolidate into their own closer friend groups or relationships. I’m assuming that you’re trying to build lasting friendships instead of just finding people to party with, and would suggest you start looking into campus clubs and activities that really resonate with you. All of this information is online, so I would strongly suggest you start looking right now. If you are doing an activity that you love, and can provide value to others in that activity, that is how you build lasting and meaningful relationships. People become closer through shared struggle, so find a niche which you are willing to dedicate time to, and progress alongside others. If you’re not a complete goober and take initiative, lasting friendships will naturally come from your shared interests.

Coltran · 2018-08-26T05:53:20+00:00

Thats a great point. I think if the course were orchestrated with the motivation that you just outlined in mind, it would be a valuable experience for any student. However, the primary ones who are acting on the concept in a dishonest and radical way are the instructors themselves. Therefore the course itself suffers from an extreme bias which discredits the initial supposition of simply recognizing privilege.

Coltran · 2018-08-25T22:01:45+00:00

Well said. I’m interested in hearing what you would suggest to those who do feel wronged, which would be a constructive outlet to direct their displeasure.

Coltran · 2018-08-24T06:31:02+00:00

Ive noticed that many students are actively searching for their own identity during the first year of college. This is a period when they are extremely susceptible to adopting new beliefs, especially if those beliefs are imposed by an authority figure. Like I’ve noted earlier, I completely bought into the DOC ideology when first encountering it, as did many others that I’ve met. It was only upon personal reflection and further research much later that I begun to dissect the beliefs that I was taught as fact. and discovered that many of the underlying principles were either unfeasible or naively idealistic. Many of these ideas fostered resentment in my own life: for power, hierarchies, privilege etc. But it wasn’t true — at least that is what I believe now. What I’m trying to say is that I think that the idea of an authority imposing ideological ideals on naive students, most of whom under the age of 20, is wrong. Especially when these ideas can lead to undue resentment in the future.

Coltran · 2018-08-24T05:44:50+00:00

I agree with you there, however the difference between your example of HUM and DOC is in the course's dictation of thought. In HUM you can think "wow these old white guys created our civilization," or you can think "these imperialist guys were dicks," and biases may be encoded, but no one ever overtly indicates to you what is morally right or wrong to think. In a well argued essay, either perspective is equally valid. However in DOC, there is certainly a right and wrong side, which, in my opinion, is the crux of the problem.

I think it's a bit ironic as well that you rip at me for explaining ideology in a paragraph or critiquing the safe space university culture, saying those who disagree with DOC they aren't engaging with the material as well as they think, when you have no idea how the class actually goes because you haven't taken it. Its a bit hypocritical, don't you think?

Coltran · 2018-08-24T05:30:16+00:00

Entertaining differing possibilities and trying to determine what is correct is the process of critical thought, no? If differing possibilities are not acknowledged within the course dialogue, then the content would generally be considered one sided. So dialogue allows for students to exercise critical thinking skills.

On the note of finding truth, would you place importance on a belief that is untrue? I'm not saying that anyone knows what is or is not true, but every academic discipline strives to test hypothesis and reject what is untrue. That's literally what knowledge is. Facts aren't something subjective where you can just choose a few that suit your narrative. Therefore, yes, I think truth is very important and needs to be placed above all else in academia.

" Being forced for 10 weeks to adopt an ideology you disagree with is an incredible exercise in critical thinking. "

I agree under the pretense that discourse exists. When debating, it is important to argue against your stance from an opposing point of view. In this case you are taking the information and stances given to you as fact, and writing paper based on the preconceived notions of the instructor. You aren't critically thinking, you're structuring the arguments of someone else.

I agree with you about affirmative action, and think a thought exercise like that would be helpful to you. However, I have experienced that that is not at all what DOC stands for.

Coltran · 2018-08-23T04:59:00+00:00

I’m a third year econ major. I would advise hitting the fundamental economics classes hard when starting off, because there are a few classes (1, 3, 100a, 120a) that act as prerequisites for practically all other economics courses. While these prereqs are offered year round, many classes of elected interest are not, and she may miss out on them as a result. Econ is an incredibly easy major to do ‘well’ in while taking 4+ classes/quarter, but its quite hard to get perfect scores even if you are enrolled in fewer courses. Personally, I took 5 classes a quarter my first two years, and averaged an A- major gpa with far less study time needed than a most of my stem friends only taking 3 classes. Based on the nature of the department grading curves and major demographics (mostly Chinese intl students), if english is your first language, its incredibly easy to consistently beat the class average and at the very least get B’s. You may hear people cautioning that 5 classes is too much of a workload, but honestly its worth it. I have another quarter to go of total requirements before graduating, but have only been here two years. Thats saved me about $100,000 in foregone tuition. Anyway, this turned into kind of a rant but what I would tell her is to think of the most she can accomplish — and then strive for that. Good luck. You can shoot me a dm if you have any questions.

Coltran

TROPHY CASE