UCLA is indeed situated in a great location. Close to the beach, great climate, close to Hollywood etc, but to call it a world class center of
Academia is farcical. The educational system of the US is a joke compared to other developed nations such as those in Western Europe, Japan etc. Having studied in France and recently at UCLA I would classify a US Bachelors degree as little, if any, better than what you would get at a French High School. We are that far behind. What is the attraction with the Basketball and Football program ? I still can't understand how this adds anything to the educational prestige of anywhere.
None of this is unique to or a direct criticism of UCLA - in fact UCLA is one of the best places around. If we look at the other Universities we're lagging even further. The rest of the world laughs at us.
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