We all attend college for different reasons, but an underlying goal for me was to achieve some form of success. For a while, my definition of success meant a highly prestigious and financially rewarding career as a doctor. But after working at hospitals and interacting with doctors over the last three years, I am convinced […]
Author Archives: Kunal Patel
Kunal Patel: Napolitano’s tuition hike plan a necessary, political approach
Janet Napolitano is no stranger to controversy. When she was named the president of the University of California last year, her appointment was marred by protests across the UC campuses and widespread anger from students at being left out of the University’s decision-making process. Fresh off of a stint as secretary of homeland security and […]
Kunal Patel: Gov. Brown’s lack of funding undermines value of UC system
Last week, the University of California Board of Regents approved a tuition hike plan that would ensure stable and predictable tuition increases of up to 5 percent over the next five years. As expected, there was a vocal showing of students who did not approve of the tuition hikes, disrupting the meeting and shouting chants […]
Kunal Patel: California needs to address gap in education opportunity
When I was a first-year, I covered the Occupy protests that shut down Wilshire Boulevard. One of the prevailing themes of those protests was the disparity in the opportunities accessible to different socio-economic classes. I’m reminded of the heated rhetoric of the Occupy protests by information that’s been compiled by the nonpartisan organization Children Now, […]
Kunal Patel: USAC and CAPS should team up to prevent study drug use
With finals week approaching, students will attempt to cram incredible amounts of information for final exams that account for large portions of their grades. With such a large amount of pressure to do well on final exams, the temptation to use study drugs to enhance focus levels is increased. While the Undergraduate Students Association Council […]
Kunal Patel: Using ‘FAFSA position’ in admissions decisions is unfair
The mysterious mechanisms that kick into gear once a high school student submits his or her college application make it seem like even luck may have a part in the process. But for some schools, there is an additional criterion that students may not be aware of, which can influence whether they get in and […]
Kunal Patel: Community colleges should not give 4-year degrees
If a pending proposal is enacted, the University of California could soon have a new competitor in the market for bachelor’s degrees. The Baccalaureate Degree Study Group, a committee convened by the chancellor of the California Community Colleges system, is examining the viability of giving community colleges the ability to offer four-year bachelor’s degrees. Although […]