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dreamglass
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Academics

my daughter is Class of 2026 and wants to get ahead on graduation supplies. Has anyone found a cap and gown second-hand (and if so, where)? Also, when and where do students typically get their sashes, and is it possible to get one early enough to embroider it for spring grad photos

To help your daughter prepare for graduation, there are several options for securing her cap and gown as well as her sash.

Second-Hand Cap and Gown

Many students look for second-hand caps and gowns as they are typically worn only once. Here are some places to check:

  • Student Platforms: Look at UCLA-specific Facebook groups like "UCLA Free & For Sale," Reddit (r/ucla), or Discord servers where seniors often sell or gift their regalia after ceremonies.
  • Resale Sites: Websites like eBay or Poshmark often have listings for UCLA-specific or generic matte black regalia.
  • Borrowing: Students can also borrow gowns from friends who graduated in 2025, purchasing only a new "Class of 2026" tassel for about $10–$15 at the UCLA Store.
Graduation Sashes & Embroidery

Sashes are optional but popular, and early ordering is recommended for custom embroidery:

  • Where to Get Them: Official sashes can be purchased at Grad Etc. (Ackerman Union, A-Level) or online via the UCLA Store.
  • Timing: Sales begin at the start of the winter quarter (January), with pre-orders for 2026 sashes already live, offering discounts for early orders.
  • Embroidery: For custom embroidery, Bruin Custom Print is the official service, and ordering in January or February ensures the sash is ready by March for spring photos. Turnaround can take up to 6 weeks during peak times.
For faster options, local embroidery shops like Marielita's Embroidery or Garcia's Custom Embroidery are also available.

Recent questions at UCLA

Anonymous
•This response has been verified in line with school guidance.
Academics

What are some of the easiest psychology upper division required and elective courses?

For students seeking easier upper-division psychology courses at UCLA, several options stand out based on student feedback and course evaluations.

Recommended Courses

  • Psych 150 (Health Psychology): Often considered an "easy A," this course covers lifestyle and wellness topics through projects and discussions that are accessible to most students.
  • Psych 137C (Intimate Relationships): This course is highly recommended for its interesting content, with assessments that often include straightforward essay responses referencing the textbook.
  • Psych 135 (Social Psychology): Known for its engaging discussions on group behavior and social dynamics, this course avoids complex statistical analysis, making it more approachable.
  • Psych 131 (Research Methods in Developmental Psychology): While it includes group projects and research papers, the structured guidance from instructors makes it manageable.
Additional Electives
  • Psych 130 (Developmental Psychology): Focuses on developmental processes through peer and parental interactions.
  • Psych 133 series: Courses in this series are frequently highlighted as favorites for their engaging content and lighter workload.
  • Positive Psychology: Centers on happiness and well-being with minimal heavy theoretical content.
For more information on course offerings and evaluations, students can refer to resources like Bruinwalk and MyUCLA Course Evaluations.
Anonymous
•This response has been verified in line with school guidance.
Registrar

Hi May daughter missed her UC Shape training and now they put a hold on her enrollment. The SHAPE office said it's an automatic update and there is nothing they can do to expedite it. The regsitrar says there is nothing they can do either. She will miss her window of enrollment. Is there anyone else who can help?

Given the situation with your daughter's enrollment hold due to missing the UC SHAPE training, there are additional resources at UCLA that may help her navigate this issue.

Contact Key Offices Your daughter should reach out to the following offices:

  • Dean of Students Office: They advocate for students facing administrative challenges and may provide guidance or intervention.
  • Email: dean@saonet.ucla.edu
  • Phone: (310) 825-3894
  • UCLA Case Management Services: This office offers academic support and can assist with complex administrative issues.
  • Email: CRTeam@ucla.edu
  • Phone: (310) 825-7291
  • Title IX Civil Rights Office: Since the SHAPE training falls under their jurisdiction, they may help verify her completion manually if the automated system is causing the hold.
  • Email: TitleIXtraining@equity.ucla.edu
  • Phone: (310) 206-3417
Immediate Actions To expedite the process, she should:
  • Complete all three SHAPE training modules in Bruin Learn as soon as possible, as holds typically lift within 2-3 business days of completion.
  • If the hold is cleared but she misses the enrollment deadline, she may need to file a Late Study List Petition through the Registrar’s Office to enroll after the standard window.
For more information on the Late Study List, visit the UCLA Registrar's Office for guidance on the petition process.
Anonymous
•This response is community-sourced and may not reflect official school guidance.
Wellness

What is a difference between cognitive science degree and psychology degree?

Choosing between a Cognitive Science degree and a Psychology degree at UCLA involves understanding their distinct focuses and career paths.

Core Focus Cognitive Science (B.S.) examines the mind as an information processor, blending psychology with fields like computer science, linguistics, and neuroscience. In contrast, Psychology (B.A.) centers on understanding individual and group behaviors, rooted in social science and clinical observations.

Curriculum Differences

  • Cognitive Science: Requires advanced math and programming courses, focusing on computation and data modeling.
  • Psychology: Offers more flexibility with lower math requirements, emphasizing social, clinical, and developmental aspects.
Career Outcomes
  • Cognitive Science graduates often pursue roles in tech, such as UX/UI design, data science, and human factors engineering.
  • Psychology graduates typically enter fields like clinical counseling, human resources, and social work, focusing on human-centric roles.
Ultimately, choose Psychology for a social science approach to mental health, or Cognitive Science for a technical understanding of cognitive processes.
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