Academics
Educational diversity and strong academic programs bring many students to the University of the Pacific in Stockton, California. The school 鈥減rovides an array of opportunities to suit anyone.鈥 鈥淭he accelerated programs in dentistry, law, and pharmacy鈥 are a big hit, as well as the 鈥渁mazing co-op program for engineers鈥 and the 鈥減restigious speech and language pathology program.鈥 The 鈥渇our year guarantee鈥 for some majors and the time and money saved by finishing earlier than other schools鈥 programs is the deciding factor for many. 鈥淭he Elementary Education program appealed to me because I would get my teaching credential and degree in four years, rather than five or six.鈥 Another reason people choose Pacific is the appeal of 鈥渧ery small鈥 and 鈥渋ntimate鈥 classes. One student says this allows for 鈥渢he proper and necessary attention that I need in order to succeed academically.鈥 鈥淧rofessors know you by name, and they are very involved and helpful.鈥 This 鈥渆mphasis on close relationships between staff and students鈥 shows that Pacific is 鈥渁 school that truly cares about each student鈥檚 education.鈥 A good deal of students describe professors as 鈥渆xtremely challenging,鈥 but also 鈥渆xtremely motivating.鈥 鈥淭hey encourage me and push me to put 110 percent effort in everything inside and outside the classroom.鈥 Another student confirms that each class is 鈥渕anageable but requires effort.鈥 If needed, assistance is readily available. 鈥淭here is always someone around who can help you and plenty of tutors.鈥 鈥淭here are so many resources in place to help students succeed, that it鈥檚 practically impossible not to do well.鈥 Although the cost may seem high, several students did benefit from 鈥渁 lot of financial aid.鈥
Student Body
Some students agree that there is 鈥渁 wide gap between the 鈥榮erious鈥 students and the 鈥榥ot serious鈥 students.鈥 This may explain the seemingly contradictory observations that 鈥減eople seem to party a lot鈥 and that there is 鈥渘ot much time for anything but studying.鈥 Student comments suggest that the typical student 鈥渋s involved in multiple organizations on campus, gets good grades, finds time for fun on the weekends, [and] stays late in the library even if they are just socializing.鈥 Pacific鈥檚 size lends itself to a 鈥渇riendly atmosphere.鈥 The 鈥渟mall campus contributes to a small town ambiance where you know everyone.鈥 One downside to this is that 鈥渟tudent life becomes very cliquey, almost like high school.鈥
Campus Life
Students love the 鈥済orgeous and well-maintained鈥 campus, but the surrounding city of Stockton does not get rave reviews. One student describes the University of the Pacific as a 鈥渘ice school in an unlikely neighborhood.鈥 One student does not recommend 鈥渨alking around certain parts of campus late at night,鈥 but adds, 鈥淲e have great campus police and a STRIPE program that can transport you wherever you want on golf carts if you call them and let you know where you are.鈥 Students say the campus is fairly self-contained, with 鈥渁 movie theater that shows free movies on the weekends for all Pacific students. We also have an on-campus grocery store and a cafeteria that is open until 1:00 A.m.鈥 Since there is no strong pull to leave campus, 鈥渟tudents tend to resort to joining fraternities to give them something to do. It isn鈥檛 always partying though. Pacific is not usually considered a party school since the campus 鈥渄rug and alcohol policy is extremely strict.鈥 A lot of frats on campus are professional ones (i.e. pharmacy fraternities) that are committed to giving back to the community and hosting health fairs.鈥 Students say, 鈥淪tudent life varies widely by major.鈥 鈥淪ome majors are a lot more difficult than others, so not everyone studies.鈥 Keeping active and fit are also popular. 鈥淥ur gym is very nice and hygienic. We also have a swimming pool with open hours and several soccer fields for recreational use.鈥
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