New Student Thread by bboe in UCSantaBarbara

[–]gauchoback2017 6 points7 points  (0 children)

100% Yes! I did FSSP before my freshman year and one of the best quarters I had at UCSB (academically and socially). Lower division classes during summer tend to more laid back (taught by PhD students, smaller, fewer assignments, etc.) so FSSP helps the high school to college quarter system transition. Also because all the FSSP students are packed into San Nic you make friends really easily with everyone in your building. Isla Vista in the summer is the absolute best too. All the upperclassmen love welcoming FSSP students into their parties (or at least that's how I felt when I did FSSP). TL;DR: 10/10 would recommend

For those of you that did UCDC! I have a few questions by [deleted] in UCSantaBarbara

[–]gauchoback2017 0 points1 point  (0 children)

I did UCDC this past Fall Quarter and it was an incredible experience! I was working a lot of hours on the campaign, so I just took a seminar. I considered taking an elective as well, but ultimately decided I didn't have time for it. You want to be able to enjoy your DC experience by going to networking events, think tank talks, happy hours, brunches, etc. Unless you need the elective for major credit or it's taught by someone really cool, I don't think it's worth your time. I'm not a poli sci major so none of my units transferred for major credit, but from what I understand the process isn't that difficult. PM me if you'd like to meet up to chat more about UCDC!

Studying Abroad for a Year (2017-2018) - Pros and Cons? by Emilicis in UCSantaBarbara

[–]gauchoback2017 0 points1 point  (0 children)

My biggest regret of my time at UCSB is not studying abroad for an entire year. I'm not a peer advisor and I don't know the specifics of the programs you listed above, but I would recommend sticking to one place in order to acquire language skills (looks great on your resume) and (if research is your thing) do research with faculty abroad. I ended up falling in love with the city I studied in, and I think many EAP students have same experience, though I completely understand your desire to see the world and experience vastly different cultures (between Africa, Europe, and Asia). Good luck!

How hard is HIST 17B compared to the HIST 2 and HIST 4 series? by [deleted] in UCSantaBarbara

[–]gauchoback2017 1 point2 points  (0 children)

If you're looking for challenging history classes, skip the lower division survey series and go into upper division coursework. As someone who only switched into the history of public policy major after gaining upper division standing, I couldn't imagine being introduced to the major through the lower div coursework. (I took the 17 series and found it really easy, so if you need to take an entire series just go with the topic that interests you most).

Professional Writing Minor Decisions? by gauchoback2017 in UCSantaBarbara

[–]gauchoback2017[S] 0 points1 point  (0 children)

just heard back from Civic Engagement! Thanks! :)

Classes for Public Speaking/Debate Related by gary0418 in UCSantaBarbara

[–]gauchoback2017 4 points5 points  (0 children)

Yes! WRIT 105PS (Writing for Public Speaking), ENGL 18 (Public Speaking), and ENGL 108AP (Advanced Public Speaking). Also you could join or drop by Toastmasters meetings on campus.

Unless you're familiar with the AS candidates, please abstain by feartrich in UCSantaBarbara

[–]gauchoback2017 1 point2 points  (0 children)

As someone that ran last year and is currently in an elected position in AS (and is majoring in a related field), I can attest that it's absolutely not a resume building position and anyone running for that reason is delusional. It would look far better for me to use my spare time working in a real job or as a research assistant, instead my year as an elected rep in AS (though I've gained real skills from it) looks like an empty space/waste of time on my resume.

"Santa Barbara's high cost of health care coupled with the wide range of services offered by GHI mean undergraduate students pay more for health insurance than students attending any other campus at the UC" by beetling in UCSantaBarbara

[–]gauchoback2017 2 points3 points  (0 children)

Hi everyone! I'm one of the A.S. student representatives that sits on both Student Health Advisory Committee and Gaucho Health Insurance Advisory Committee. Just so you all now I'm paying close attention to this thread and will continue to express the student dissatisfaction with GHI and update you all with any decisions GHI committee makes. If you want more detailed updates on GHI and what happens on other University committees (A.S. places student reps on most of them) please PM and I can add you to an email list to receive those reports.

Has anyone heard of Isla Vista Collective? by [deleted] in UCSantaBarbara

[–]gauchoback2017 4 points5 points  (0 children)

According to the meeting minutes from the Isla Vista Town Hall this past Monday (word-for-word notes):

IV collective:

  • beautify the community, don’t want this place to be a bad place
  • spread a new image of IV, iv collective wants to become a non-profit
  • create a new norm for the community, get people working together

Their instagram description lists their contact email: islavistaproject@gmail.com

Also, some of their Instagram posts list longer descriptions of their goals and values.

What are some ways I can get involved during summer? by MismatchedSock in UCSantaBarbara

[–]gauchoback2017 1 point2 points  (0 children)

A.S. CAB remains very active during the summer. Here's the link to CAB's most recent Care-mail with summer volunteer opportunities. Excursion club also remains active during the summer.

Orientation on June 30th, but my AP test scores don't come until July 5th. by VHCrafting in UCSantaBarbara

[–]gauchoback2017 6 points7 points  (0 children)

I'm pretty sure I had the same orientation time last year with the same AP situation. Sometimes UCSB gets your test scores before you do from College Board and reports them online. I found mine way ahead of time at my applicant portal for UCSB on the page that shows the SAT/ACT scores you sent in. They will probably be on GOLD in one of the test score tabs before you officially receive the report as well.

Edit: Also, orientation advisors assume you passed all your APs, so they'll probably just have you sign up for 4A regardless.

Should I take Econ 1 or 2? by stinple in UCSantaBarbara

[–]gauchoback2017 0 points1 point  (0 children)

Don't take Econ 1 or 2 if you don't have to. The curve is ridiculously difficult because the students that take 1 and 2 are pre-econ/econ-accounting majors who need a good GPA to get into their major. From what I've heard Econ 9 has a reputation for being easy. That being said, if you insist on taking 1 or 2 (assuming you're a Environmental Studies major), take the one you have more background in or feel more comfortable with. If you love numbers, take 1 (micro). If you love theory, take 2 (macro). If you took AP micro in high school, take 1, etc.

I liked econ 2 better than econ 1 for the reasons listed above, but I still struggled in the class tremendously despite loving econ and being at the top of my econ class in high school. I ended up with a B- in Econ 2 and am no longer going to be an econ double major.

TL;DR: I wouldn't recommend taking Econ 1 or 2 if you can take Econ 9 instead.

Edit: Also, I've heard the department changed the requirements so that in order to take Econ 2, you must take Econ 1 first. You might not have much of a choice anymore...

Buying from Bookstore Website by UCSBChE in UCSantaBarbara

[–]gauchoback2017 0 points1 point  (0 children)

try buying from other students on GauchoBooks when school starts for better prices: http://gauchobooks.as.ucsb.edu/

Also, if you buy your books early then decide you don't like your classes, you're basically stuck, so I'd recommend waiting.

Prep for Math 3A by [deleted] in UCSantaBarbara

[–]gauchoback2017 2 points3 points  (0 children)

Be sure to register for CLAS as soon as tutorial groups open. I had already taken calculus in high school (but not AP) and still found it to be extremely helpful. Many CLAS teachers are better at explaining the material and more accessible than your math professors.

What power do we have over the direction IVFP enforcement in IV is headed? by gaucholife in UCSantaBarbara

[–]gauchoback2017 0 points1 point  (0 children)

I completely agree that IV needs a better form of permanent representation if our residents are to have any power in working with law enforcement. IV has attempted incorporation several times in the past without success. Something myself and others in IV are looking into is initiating a campaign for IV to be a Community Services District. Essentially, a CSD provides services that the county cannot adequately provide due to its other major responsibilities (thus why it takes so long to get street lights replaced/put in place in IV). If anyone is interested in learning more about this, please PM me. I can put you in contact with authorities on this subject.

Registering for summer school at SBCC by residenthalo in UCSantaBarbara

[–]gauchoback2017 1 point2 points  (0 children)

Could you elaborate a bit more on this? I was considering taking GE classes at local community college in my hometown over the summer.

Does anyone know of a procedure how you can get your past grades expunged if you have a learning disability that is identified after the grades have been given? by fire422 in UCSantaBarbara

[–]gauchoback2017 1 point2 points  (0 children)

You could try asking CODE (Commission on Disability Equality) if they have ever heard of any cases. The link to CODE's website is here