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Snapshot - Student Ratings
Education Quality   B+
Collaboration/Competitive   B+
 

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Bright
If I could go back in time and change what university I chose to attend, I would not have picked USD. Overall, it has been somewhat of a mixed experience for me, however unfortunately the negatives outweigh the positives. positives: I have met a few (literally two or three) nice girl friends here that I have a lot in common with and really like. The campus is beautiful and San Diego is a fabulous city. Negatives: the social life is really bad. Yes, I do have a couple of nice friends- but it took a really long time for me to find them...for the most part, the girls at usd are very rude and stuck up. I am not going to lie, I come from an upper class, wealthy family and quite frankly, if these girls would give me the time of day I could give them a run for their money. However, maybe because I don't wear 20 pounds of makeup everyday, or don't go out and party every night, they all are pretty rude to me and act like they want nothing to do with me every time I try and reach out to them to be friends. Because the school is so small, you don't have many choices of people that you can be friends with here. Also, the super tough curriculum makes it hard to socialize when you are always so busy with school work. Greek life here is not big at all- and its stupid because if you don't have a 2.5 gpa then you can't rush anyways. And they are VERY strict about that policy. Academically, this school is more challenging than I thought it would be. I knew it would be hard, but I really thought that the teachers would help me more. Since the classes are so small, the teachers all have favorites who get special attention. It's one of those systems where if you don't make an effort to see them outside of class, they think you don't care and automatically give you a B instead of an A. Also, a lot of the teachers are really bad..and the math department at this school is notoriously horrible. I am a pretty smart student, I made A's in high school and scored high on my ACT/SAT's but for some reason (maybe it is my unhappiness here) I am not doing academically well at USD. I am on academic probation and so are a lot of other people I know at this school. It has put me in a tough position now because I am trying to transfer out to another school, but no other place wants to take me because they see I am on probation and assume I am not a good student. This isn't the case! I just don't like this school and am having a hard time here! it's so frustrating! I hope that this problem doesn't happen to any of you. Be wise and don't choose USD...
Surrounding City: A, Education Quality: D
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Dec 25 2011 2nd Year Female -- Class 2014  
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Quite Bright
I am a current student at USD. While the school did take some getting used to, two years later I am so happy I chose it and have really found my niche.

In terms of academics, the teachers and faculty are very approachable and are individualized in their instruction, which is something that's important to me. They really focus on how they teach the material on hand, not just preaching to students what they know. Most importantly, a lot of times even if I personally don't like the subject, I can still tell my professor is passionate about the field, which I appreciate.

Social life on campus is what you make of it, honestly. There is so much to get involved in. Our campus has a reputation of having a lot of rich students, which, as a middle class student on a hefty scholarship, I wasn't too pumped about at first. But I've definitely learned not to be judgemental. Honestly, there are snooty rich kids, but there are also some who are super friendly and willing to help anyone. Judging someone for being rich is just as bad as judging someone for being poor. Also, a ton of our students are on financial aid, so there are also a ton of kids who come from diverse financial backgrounds. I have found it doesn't really influence who I'm friends with at all. I have friends who have giant houses and are paying $200k to go here, and I have friends who are on full ride scholarships. It doesn't matter as much as you think it does. Overall, the people on campus are so friendly and so willing to make new friends that it makes for a great experience if you put yourself out there. Get involved, pursue friendships, and you'll have a good time.

In terms of party life, USD is a smaller campus with no frat or sorority houses, and campus security is pretty strict. We party off campus. Mission Beach and Pacific Beach have a TON of upperclassmen, and while it's sometimes a pain to get down there, it's definitely there. A lot of the upperclassmen also like the bars and areas around Pacific Beach and other parts of SD. San Diego overall is an amazing place, so it is really popular to go off campus during the weekends. Even if you don't have a car, people are so friendly and it's not hard to get a group of friends to carpool.

So far, both my academic and social experience have been great. In terms of getting the most bang for your buck, I think paying for school is different in everyone's case. Would I pay $50k a year to go to USD? If I had the money I would, but that wouldn't be feasible. However, I started here paying just a little more a year than I would have at a state school, and I think the advantages of going to a small school have paid off the difference. On top of that, I've gained opportunities financially that I don't know if I necessarily would have gotten at a different school. I will be a Resident Assistant, and I'm also graduating early. The savings there, along with my scholarship, have made the experience more affordable. Consider your options before you write private schools off as "costing $200k".

I am lucky to have USD as my home, good luck to anyone who is looking for their right fit of a university!
Faculty Accessibility: A+, Useful Schoolwork: B+
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Jul 31 2011 2nd Year Female -- Class 2012  
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Quite Bright
My experience was a bit surprising at first. Students were a bit more apathetic and not-so down to earth. However, when I searched hard-enough there were level headed people at the school. The problem with USD is that, because it's in San Diego, the cost of living affects the price of the school. Although the education provided was good and has really gotten even better, paying over $33k a year for just tuition is tough. USD's endowment is not that high so financial aid is tough.

USD also finally has established a reputation. Just a few years back (even in San Diego proper), you would say, "I went to USD." People would then correct you by saying State or UCSD. It was awful! You paid all this money and no one even in town knew your school.

Even to date, students still leave the campus to find entertainment or to be lesiurely. The school tries to keep students on campus, but its hard. The school is up on a hill and not surrounded by anything appealing. It's ironic since it is so close to a lot of things such as Old Town, the Beach, Sea World, etc. So, the school is a bit weak in providing a full-living environment.

If you get distracted very easily, don't go to USD! That is a downfall to going to a school in a busy, fun town. Trust me, you'll get more done academically going to a school where there's nothing to do but homework.

Althoug USD is a great experience, really consider paying an additional $100,000 over a comparable school in a lower cost area for the equivalent education. If you work hard, you'll succeed in life. That extra $100k can go towards a house or living more comfortably because you aren't carrying student loans.If you have money to burn and want to go to a beautiful school that will give you a great education, go to USD.
Starting Job: Physician Recruiter, Preparedness: A, Reputation: C
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Aug 09 2007 Alumnus Male -- Class 2000 
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