I am currently in my 2nd year of the MArch at sci-arc. My current studio is a vertical within the estm curriculum (Robot Studio). I will try to give you some insight into some of the things you mentioned.

Digital Fabrication: The school has both Z-Corp and ABS 3d printers as well as 2 CNC machines. Also there is 7 Staubli 6 Axis robots that are used as Experimental form generation tools. As for as access to 3d printers, you can print anytime for a price, but during final and midterms the machines get backed up. Therefore most students outsource in the surround area. This isn't too much of a problem because LA has a good amount of rapid prototyping options. The Robot house is reserved for certain studios and electives such as my current vertical studio. So not everyone get to play with the robots.

Personal Freedom: Sci-arc is unlike any school or office I have ever experienced. The studio culture is one of the reasons that I came to Sci-Arc, and I was not disappointed. It is design atmosphere in which you cant help but be collaborative and constantly inspired by the work you see. The work that you do is unique to your personal interest ,and the professors guide you but don't push their ideas into your project.

Here is a great video that talks about whats going on at Sci-Arc currently

https://vimeo.com/49346301

Also here is some links to some of the professors work. 

http://www.tomwiscombe.com/

http://www.p-a-t-t-e-r-n-s.net/

http://www.bplusu.com/

Hope that helps