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.
Articles
I wish I would have known more about the type of student culture at the school. I also wish I would have known how involved and developed the Alumni Association was at the time. At the time, there was no Alumni involvement at all!
