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FAQs
We've divided our frequently asked questions sections into two parts: first, a section answering general questions about applying to UCSD and Thurgood Marshall College requirements; and second, a section written by a recent graduate, who offers a personal account of what it's like to be a student at Thurgood Marshall College.
General questions about TMC
- How do I choose a college?
How do I choose a college?
Your education is in your hands! Choose a college based on the way you see yourself being educated. The six colleges have six different "academic plans" or general education requirements. Each college has about the same number of general education requirements, but they are uniquely flavored by the college's educational philosophy and mission. So, when you choose a college look at the general education requirements, mission and educational philosophy. Explore how these play out in the college. Think about how they fit into your overall plans for yourself and the type of educational experience you want. - What distinquishes Marshall from the other colleges?
What distinquishes Marshall from the other colleges?
TMC is a place where a sense of inclusiveness and community flourishes. The hallmark of the college philosophy is the development of students as both scholars and citizens. Being socially responsible is as important as being a serious student. Therefore, you are encouraged to participate in classes, such as, Partners at Learning (PAL) in which you mentor and tutor elementary and junior high school students (and earn college credit!). Also, the Marshall students have an active part in the governance of the College and in leadership and civic activities. - What are the general educational (GE) requirements at Marshall?
What are the general education (GE) requirements at Marshall?
Basically, you have choices within a framework. Students take two math/statistics/logic courses. There are choices from a list of courses for math and "non-math" people. The same is true of the science courses, in which, you take one biology, one chemistry, and one physics. Students also take two Humanities and Culture courses; one course in Fine Arts; and four courses that are outside of the discipline of your major. At Marshall, students have many courses to choose from to meet their requirements. Also, you can double count courses in your general education with the courses in your major. For example, biology and psychology majors can count the math, chemistry and physics they need for the major with the courses they need in their GE. - When do I find out if I'm admitted?
When do I find out if I'm admitted?
You will be notified about your admission status during March. At that time, admitted students are invited to a special day named Admit Day. It's designed to help you in your decision making about attending Thurgood Marshall College - UCSD. Check our website for information on your next steps in your Freshman or Transfer Newsletter. - Once I'm admitted and come to UCSD how do I know what classes to take?
Once I am admitted and come to UCSD how do I know what classes to take?
Once you return your Statement of Intent to register you will receive information about attending Orientation: Student Life at UCSD/Thurgood Marshall College some time in the middle to end of May. Then during mid-summer you will receive information about using UCSD’s on-line enrollment system so you can enroll from home using the Internet in your first quarter classes. Prior to the enrollment period you will receive academic advising through on-line advising from the college and/or department advisors. - What does Advanced Placement (AP) do for you?
What does Advanced Placement(AP) do for you?
With a score of 3 or higher, you will earn units toward graduation, and, in some cases, clear general education and/or lower division major requirements. The catalog has a specific listing. See Advanced Placement section in the Student Handbook - What does a Thurgood Marshall College student major in?
What does a Thurgood Marshall College student major in?
Anything you want to! The colleges are not set up by major or discipline. Any student at any college can major in whatever he or she wishes. A math major at Marshall does the same course work as a math major at Revelle. See Advanced Placement section in the Student Handbook - What is a college?
What is a college?
The colleges at UCSD are set up to give you a personalized educational experience. Each has its own campus, which is your "home base." You are one of about 3,800 students instead of one of 15,000 students. Each college has its own residences as well as provost's, academic advising, and dean's offices. You take classes all over campus with students from all the other colleges, except for DOC, which is for TMC students only.
A student's perspective on TMC
I graduated from Marshall College in June of 1997 and know the place and people inside out. I generally consider myself a pretty average student. My goal is to give you a student's perspective. The following answers are solely my opinion. They don't necessarily reflect the views of Thurgood Marshall College. While my goal is to provide an extra source of information, I have to emphasize that it (by definition) cannot be definitive. Every student is looking for something different based upon their own individual goals.
As Dennis Miller said, "That's just my opinion, I could be wrong."
- Why is UCSD split up into six colleges?
Why is UCSD split up into six colleges?
My first year at UCSD, I went to visit one of my friends at Loyola Marymount University in Los Angeles. My friend was excited because it was a small university. He was able to meet everyone fairly quickly and get that sense of community that large schools often lack. A year later, I went back up again. This time, he was less thrilled because since he already knew everyone, he couldn't meet anyone new. Not to mention that once he moved into upper division classes he found that they didn't offer the same diversity of classes larger universities are able to provide. It remained that way for three more years. This paradox is one of the central dilemmas facing prospective students. UCSD's college system offers a solution by giving students the best of both worlds Your first year, one gets the sense of community that comes with a small college - living in the same part of campus, taking some of the same classes, events organized particularly for your college. During the second year and beyond, students begin taking classes in their major and moving off campus. While they still retain their college identity, they are able to integrate themselves into the campus as a whole.
The UCSD college system is modeled after English colleges such as Oxford and Cambridge. It ensures that students won't be lost in a large university setting while at the same time providing them with the benefits that larger schools provide. - What is college specific and what is university wide?
What is college specific and what is university wide?
The only things that are college specific are on-campus housing, GE requirements, and the functions of the Dean's Office, the Provost's Office, and Academic Advising. Everything else is university - your major, sports (including intermurals), internships, study-abroad programs, the Sun God Festival, etc, etc. You name it, it's probably a university thing. Most colleges have smaller versions of these elements, but they are generally bonuses rather than restrictions. Except for the college-specific elements mentioned above, everything else would be like any other UC school.
I attended UCSD for a number of years and can assure you that it is a huge bonus having these college specific elements. Aside from the obvious sense of community created by college housing the biggest plus is the system of Academic Advising. How in a normal university of over 10,000 students you can create a rapport with your advisors I am still not sure. At UCSD, the advisors only deal with the students in their college. At TMC they may advise only 2,500 students. My advisors got to know me on a first name basis. They genuinely recognize you when you walk in. The same is true for the other offices. When you need help it's nice to know your advisors.
While UCSD is made up of six colleges it is nevertheless all the UCSD campus. You take classes and use the facilities of the entire University. There is alot of variety in the facilities. My friend at LMU went nuts eating at the same place every day. - Do I have to go to a specific college depending upon my major or field of study?
Do I have to go to a specific college depending upon my major or field of study?
Nope. Quite the contrary. Anyone can go anywhere and diversity is encouraged. My first year I was a history major. My roommates were Biology, Bio-Chemistry, and Economics majors. An interesting mix but I wouldn't have traded it for the world. In fact, I chose to live with the same guys the next year. That any one of us had a different field of study simply broadened the horizons of the rest of us. Plus, I met more than enough history majors when I took classes in my major. A lot of universities have colleges such as the college of letters and arts and the college of science. Those versions are more abstract and based upon field of study. They are more for the benefit of the bureaucracy attempting to classify you, and are of no real value to the students. As I mentioned before, Cambridge, which is scattered throughout a city, uses the college system to build a sense of immediate community. The same holds true at UCSD. - Why Thurgood Marshall College?
Why Thurgood Marshall College?
I chose TMC because it had the best housing, dining facilities, campus location, and proximity to the ocean. Although the other colleges have made changes to try and close this gap (Revelle and Muir have re-done their dining facilities and Warren has added dorms). Marshall is next to the massive RIMAC Sports Center, has great ocean sunsets at Oceanview dining. Now I realize that these may not be the criteria the university wants you to base your choice on, but admittedly that was what I went by. I recommend you look into the college philosophies, especially the GE requirements. TMC is generally considered to have some of the most flexible. While I recognize the college's responsibility to produce well-rounded students, I found that Marshall provided students as much freedom as possible. I preferred to use the extra time to take classes that interest me personally.
A student's happiness and comfort are major influences on how well they do in school. In retrospect, I realize that college is a complete package, and no angle or element should be neglected. If you plan to spend four years at a college, make sure to invest the time and energy looking into it ahead of time because it will pay off exponentially. - What is Marshall College's philosophical focus?
What is Marshall College's philosophical focus?
The College emphasizes cultural diversity (DOC) - it goes beyond that. Diversity is another word for opportunity. My comments about the academic diversity of my roomates are an example. The same is true for the size of the school - more students, more diversity, more opportunity. TMC works to ensure that diversity by giving students more freedom in selecting classes and fields of study. Dimensions of Culture (DOC) and the GE requirements are TMC's way ensuring that all of the students have the tools to pursue that diversity, not to mention possess some of that diversity within themselves.
When I started at TMC no one presented diversity in this light, so I admittedly thought that I was being forced into it. Now I realize that you have to broaden the scope in which you look at it. For example, the DOC sequence analyzes culture and justice in American society. The emphasis on diversity allows students to build upon knowledge beyond the confines of the classroom. Small sections outside of lecture provide a forum for students to discuss the elements of American culture and interaction. The Dean's and Provost's Offices ensure that students have the resources they need to apply that knowledge in real world settings. Take my word for it, diversity is one of the most important themes you'll learn about in college (or anywhere for that matter).
