Academics

i would say that the classes offered here can be very difficult. that is, if the subject matter is new to you, you aren't interested in the subject, or you have a very difficult professor (thick accent, doesn't curve the grades, etc). i really enjoy most of my classes, but it is a lot of extra work you have to put in (some say 2-3 hours for every 1 hour you're in class). most people do not graduate in 4 years, but rather 5-7. it's difficult (but not impossible) to take 18+ units every quarter. the quarter system is great. i love having only 10 weeks of classes at a time (3 quarters in each year), although it goes by very fast and you can't slack off.

First quarter, to me, felt like high school because I took courses to simply adjust to the heavy loads of homework that high school teachers always told me about, but did study often, and manage my time. Academic rigor I would say is definitely rigorous. One cannot miss more than a day or two.