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University of San Francisco
Rating Details »
Categories: Colleges & Universities, Landmarks & Historical Buildings [Edit]
Neighborhood: Western Addition/NOPA2130 Fulton St
(between Cole St & Parker Ave)
San Francisco, CA 94117
(415) 422-5555
67 reviews for University of San Francisco
Woo! Go Dons!
USF has a lot of great professors who really love what they do. The tuition is high, roughly $50,000 a year, but they're almost exclusively funded by tuition and that church costs millions to maintain.
Im inthe shool of Ed getting my teaching credential, and I LOVE IT. Inspired classmates, brilliant and accomplished professors, and a beautiful campus with chill atmosphere. I am an athiest Jew, so it speaks volumes that the whole Catholic thing doesn't impede on my education (besides the whole wooden cross over every whiteboard in the School of Ed.).
They give 40% disount for working for/volunteering at a Catholic school, which is AMAZING.
The office is a bit inundated with beaurocracy, which I am disappointd in, being it is supposed to be a perk of a private school to have a closer-knit sysetm... but hey - welcome to the insitution of academia.
Too expensive, but easy to get out in 4 years and find a decent job. Small classes, beautiful campus, religion not thrown down your throught. Lone Mt stairs got my ass and legs in sweet shape. Graduated with honors and learned alot and this may not have been possible in another school.
Small though, after 4 years u recognize everyone. Most teachers were great. Dorms sucked.
quite a bit of rich kids warning. otherwise the cool international population of students makes up for the twats.
It has been a very excellent choice for my son, way better than what his friends in the UC system have in terms of true, caring professors. But while the Study Abroad Program is fantastic I felt that there is a huge buildup to sell it. Once one is signed up for it there is absolutely not much help one gets from the staff. So inasmuch as they promote the program 100% they ought to be willing to answer all questions after the fact and be willing to answer emailed concerns/questions as well all of the time instead of whenever they feel like it.
This is regarding the MSFA program. Save your money! It says the program works toward the CFA exam. But many students still fail the exam, there is a huge disconnect to that promise. The professors and lecturers are all good, with a good mix of guest speakers. But one professor needs a hug every morning. He is the worst attitude person and unfit for an educator at the masters level. Better fit would be a middle school level P.E. coach. After-grad job placement or internship is non existent. These are enough reason to not recommend this program, better yet, stay away. And the CFA review class is even more of a joke I hear.
The gym rocks tho and gets 2 stars! I just paid 50K for a gym membership!
Really with the reviews? USF is one of the most unique schools in the nation. Period. A central location in a world renown city. The classes are small, the people are put together, and the full time staff (in the Arts and Sciences program at least) are quality.
You basically live in an oasis as compared to 99% of college students. People have money, understandable when you are going to a private Jesuit-Catholic University. You pay for what you get, a $100 million plus renovation in the past three years to an entire building. It's all perspective.
Step off the small campus and you have every and any choice you can conjure up at your finger tips. Formalities are a fact a life, and without them we would wouldn't have trendsetters, entrepreneurs, writers and artists. If there are no limits to be pushed, than nothing is malleable and therefore we as people cannot change. Another fact of life if "we" truly are given total freedom.
For those who do attend the University and do not have endless pocket books - we find things to do: paint, read, write, drink, laugh, burn, free shows, sex ...
The difference between me and you and the next guy or girl is WE are doing this in the most free city in the states. Put yourself in the same sort of situation in... let's say Kentucky! or Pennsylvania!? I love it, hate it and try to enjoy it because you truly never know how easy you have it until its gone.
Just sayin...
They stole 28k from my parents and two years of my life... but I guess I owe them considering my career. Thanks USF!
And I hated walking up them damn Lone Mountain steps! Get an escalator, its not like you can't afford one!
Does anyone else feel like college is just one big formality?
I've felt that way many times here at USF.
I transferred to USF after one semester at LMU, for all the same reasons why USF is getting negative reviews - snobs and rich kids.
HOWEVER, because of my experience at LMU, I have to disagree with what everyone is saying about USF.
When you're in high school, it's small. You have not seen the world yet. Everyone basically acts the same way. So if you're from a high school with extremely down-to-earth and relaxed students, you think this is the norm.
College is a lot bigger, with people from all over the place. You're going to meet idiots, b*tches, snobs, assholes, etc, ANYWHERE you go. However, what makes each college different is the AMOUNT of these socially unaccepted groups of people.
LMU was 95% snobs and rich kids. I transferred to USF and I find myself being a lot more comfortable in my own skin. LMU is very snobby. USF CAN be snobby-ISH.
So people think USF is bad with the "snobs"? Go to LMU, or even Pepperdine. USF is great and it is diverse. It is not possible to have an entire university with your favorite type of people in it unless you pull an Adolf Hitler. Then that just puts you in the "asshole" category.
My only regret with USF is that I didn't come here sooner. Even though going through my first two year at a community college was a very economically minded and frugal choice, I missed out on two years of this wonderful school.
Here are some key points as to why I love USF:
Small Class Sizes: Screw those 300 student per class schools. If you want to be another face in the crowd where the teacher doesn't even know if you're in their class, go somewhere else. USF has extremely small classes sizes (none go as high as 40, and some dip below 12), which translates into a more interactive and stimulating classroom experience. One thing I noticed is that you get so much from just talking with the professors during class (or after class, which they are ALWAYS available), that you sometimes don't need to purchase the text books. And how is this for a radical new concept: teachers remember your name after the first week of class.
Student Body: Okay yes we've heard it before, USF = University of Spoiled Foreigners. I don't disagree, we have many students that came to the school with a lot of money from their parents. But by no means does it make this a bad school. Though some of these students have not been exposed to any "real world" experiences as some may say, they are not socially isolated either. Some of the nicest people I've met so far I have met at USF. And since each semester we see each other in numerous classes, it becomes very easy to make great friends.
Campus: Don't get me started on this. USF has one of the most beautiful campuses around. Not only are we situated in a great central neighborhood, surrounded by upscale residential and thriving retail, but our buildings are top-notch. From the grand Gothic-inspired architecture of Lone Mountain to the modern concrete walls of Malloy Hall. Everywhere you turn, there will be something that helps put a smile on your face.
Koret Gym: The student body and faculty have access to USF's Koret facility, a very large and well appointed private gym. From what I have heard, certain celebrities that are San Francisco residents frequent this gym. In addition, if you sign up within 1 year of graduation, you receive discounted access (versus $60/mo).
Professors: Pretty much all my business professors are not just professors, they are also professionals in whatever field they are teaching. This means that we do not only get the theory of the subject, but we get a practical view of how things go on in the real world. Some of my professors have been CEOs of large firms, successful entrepreneurs and industry leaders in their fields. What does this mean? Connections. Many of my professors are close friends with other high-level players. As the saying goes, it's sometimes not about what you know, but who you know.
On top of that, the professors are always motivated and engaging. They have concern for your education, but let you have enough autonomy to make your own decision as far as what you want to get out of class. But if there is anything that they can help you with, they always eager to do their part.
Ethics: One of the key aspects of USF's education is the focus on ethics. As a business student, we are not only taught how to achieve the highest number on the bottom line, but equally as important we are reminded and encouraged to make ethical decisions. A very strong emphasis is put on social responsibility and making sure your actions do not harm others.
Forward Thinking: USF is one of the first and top ranked schools to offer entrepreneurship as a major for business students. One that I grasped as soon as it became available. Unlike the rest of the business majors which teach you how to be a gear or cog in a large corporate machine, this unique major guides students through the process of conceiving, planning and running a successful business of their own. Professors engage students in semester-long projects that rarely, if ever, feel like class work.
So besides the high price of tuition, lack of parking and missing two years of USF at the beginning, I wouldn't trade my education here for anything.
Alright, here's the deal on USF. You can get a lot out of this school if you work hard and become a good student.
I was kinda stupid when I was picking colleges...picked some states, random colleges in those states, applied to 9 schools thinking I wouldn't get into all 9. Guess what??
So with all of the schools in front of me I started to narrow down my choices. I ended up in a three-way tie between USF, U of Pacific, Chapman, and another school in New York.
I knew I wanted small class sizes, good teachers, and the freedom to explore without having to need a car. U of P would have required me to have a car...and it's in a weird suburban town. The one in New York quickly faded from the list when I realized I would have to learn to shovel snow. I'm from SoCal...that just wasn't going to happen.
I ended up picking USF because it was far enough way where I felt away from home, but close enough that I could get there if I needed to.
I'm in my third year and I don't regret it one bit. My teachers are amazing, and the class sizes are small. I know a lot of people on campus, and it's easy to find someone to hang out with. I work in the psychology department (my major too) as a teacher's assistant/tutor/research assistant, and they pay me pretty well.
Long story short, the city is awesome and if you have to choose between here or SF state, choose USF. It's a little pricey but financial aid helps, as does working. All in all I feel like I am getting a good foundation for the rest of the years I will spend getting my PhD.
How did I miss this listing? And write a review for the other USF.
But, alas, my disgust for USF is so impeding. I won't hesitate to write another review of this pathetic excuse for a college.
Attending USF was like a small, bizarrely competitive, hell on earth.
The overwhelming unintelligent student body is incredibly unwelcoming and uninteresting.
Average, run of the mills nobodies all going crazy for the first time ever in this oh too small campus.
The faculty is lacking, the staff is unhelpful and well I just can't stress it enough how insanely typical this gross culmination of predominantly female students is.
If you are down to chill with a bunch of one-dimensional wanna-bes. By all means USF is the school for you, if not look elsewhere.
Personally, I'm not into chilling with losers and whores. If I wanted to hang out with pretentious people who try to hide their excessive insecurities by overcompensating with poor physical appeal and unoriginal style -- I would head to the Marina.
PS Regarding the location. I don't know how many times I have received emails notifying the student body of on campus crimes that have occurred. Seriously, robbings, break ins and rapes all nothing new to the fabulously shady University of San Francisco.
Shit other chicks were stealing my laundry out of the drying machines. I know I have great clothes but please buy your own!
VIRGIN VAULT, TAMPON TOWER -- Names affectionately called the girls dormitory I got stuck in my first year. Was assigned to the 5th floor where the nuns lived along with the other local girls that tried to side-step the "under 21 live on campus policy."
MY PROFESSOR: Welcome to USF. We are going to start off the course by talking about the evils of Advertising. Please tell us your name and major. ME: Tanya...BFA...uhm...Advertising.
MY EDUCATION PART OF MY RESUME: Jesuit studies by day, Exacto Knives and worshipping all things Apple Computer by night. Was a USF / Academy of Art College cooperative BFA kid.
STUDENT TYPES: Those hoping to become Mrs. Something-Or-Other Esquire, those hoping to be community or world leaders, and those that simply like to be challenged.
USF's mission is to educate through compassion for and understanding of other cultures. Very international views. Don't think because it is Jesuit that other religions are barred from here. Center for the Pacific Rim and various programs with other countries such as Tibet are housed there. Dalai Llama keeps close ties to the school. Jesuits are liberal thinkers. Side Note: One Jesuit prof was a former liquor rep with Southern Wine & Spirits.
What else. The campus is haunted. A famous movie is based on Lone Mountain Campus. Great alumni activists. Buggers keep calling me for annual giving.
SERIOUS STUFF. USF isn't for the read and regurgitate kids. The small class sizes filter out the lazy thinkers easily. If you want to be one of the best of the best and practice some ethics in the process, you will be all the richer for having gone to USF. (Heh, but you may just be paying back the loans for a while.) Wouldn't trade the experience for the world. Many friends have gone back for further education. For those that complain about tuition costs, USF is known as having excellent value for a private school. Take advantage of tuition caps and pack in the units...when you say your prayers every night, remember to thank the alumni who donate to help keep tuition down...
USF does beat SFSU.
C/o '07! (I should've been '08. I have '08 pride, too.)
I know a lot of people complain about the tuition here at USF, and quite frankly, it is phenomenal. However, carrying on with the Jesuit tradition of not turning away any qualified student because of cost, they help out with scholarship aid as much as they can.
I chose USF because I wanted to go somewhere that I could be an individual and a person, and not some number on a roll call sheet that exceeded the hundreds. I got just what I wanted! My largest lower division class only had around 60 people, my upper division courses averaged around 6 to 10. My professors always knew me, and were (almost) always available when I needed help.
The campus is beautiful and in a wonderful central location. We used to joke that our tuition was so high so they could maintain the perfectly manicured lawns and grounds!
I can't begin to tell you how much I value my education. It goes without saying that USF educates minds and hearts to change the world. They focus on the person as a whole, not just the gray matter between your ears. With courses in Service Learning, Ethics, Philosophy and Religion being a requirement, you walk away with a deeper awareness of your role in helping to create a more just world.
With as much as I love USF, there are a few things that I would love to change. For one, I was a science major (Biology and a minor in Chemistry) and I found that the science facilities were greatly in need of updating. I know that there is a campaign going on now to raise funds to renovate and update Harney Science building, so if you're an alum - DONATE!! ;)
Additionally, the biology program is super challenging. When I attended, there was no room for fun electives if you wanted to graduate within a 4 year period. I was also disappointed that they didn't have any Service Learning courses related to the science field (not sure if that's changed or not).
Finally, because I was a transfer student, I found that there were many areas relating to transferring that needed changing. For one, they were not very clear about how my transfer credits would apply to my major prior to being accepted. Once I was accepted and had my first advising meeting, I realized that many of the classes that I took which I *thought* would meet the criteria were denied. I wound up having to put a case together to fight for some of my credits. Additionally, no matter how many English composition courses I had already taken, I was required to take their course anyway. The lack of a clear understanding of what courses would apply caused me to stay an extra YEAR! If I had more information prior to accepting, I would have taken a few more classes before applying and saved myself a WHOLE lot of money!
All in all, I treasure my education and would recommend anyone who wants to be challenged, recognized and appreciated as a student to go to USF. I love it so much here that I am now a full time staff member & will be applying to a Masters program for the Fall.
USF = U Stay Forever!
I always think USF rivals SFSU in low temperatures while the rest of the city stays cozier.. and that's saying something!
I've long quit my habit of reviewing copies of the same damn franchise, company, or entity.. whatever you call it.
However, I can never let my passion of sparkly clean, upscale bathrooms leave my heart - hence, SFSU and other particular places in SF trump this measly excuse for a washroom.
I've never been happier at any other school. USF provides a nearly perfect degree completion program. It's been about 10 years since I started going to college but I'll finish up my BS in Information Systems on December 14th :D
Here are a few of the things I love about USF:
SMALL CLASS SIZE: Anywhere from 6-11 people. And we stay each other from class to class, cohort style.
NO SURPRISES: They give me a degree evaluation after every semester to ensure I'm on track for graduation. They also register for classes on my behalf and every class is held in the same classroom.
PROGRESSIVE: I was a bit worried being a gay and going to a Catholic school but they are totally cool. Our first ethics professor was a gay pastor. They are also progressive with technology and even have Internet2.
ACCESS: I've never had as much access to online catalogs as I have with USF. The library system subscribes to allll sorts of services. Oh, and the library was built by one of the people who started Adobe. It's huge and beautiful.
F TESTS: Most of our classes have projects where we can prove ourselves instead of giving dumb tests. I hate tests. Especially ones that play tricks or test on trivia.
AWESOME: Mind blowing views, the IS curriculum suits my interests. English, Ethics and Technology. Also, public transportation takes me straight from work in the financial district to school in 20 minutes
I'd like to give this school 4.5 but I can't so I'll round up just because I'm so happy there. The downsides include:
- I have enough English classes (7) to get an English minor but they don't "mix schools" so I can't. I can't even try for a double major.
- Some people in our cohort have had bad experiences with admin staff.
USF Dons Volleyball @ War Memorial Gym
Our Polynesian dance troupe was invited to perform at halftime during the Dons' sixth week of West Coast Volleyball conference play vs. the St. Mary's Gaels on Saturday, 11/4, and it was actually my first time to watch a college volleyball game. So exciting and War Memorial Gym was incredibly clean. We had a rehearsal scheduled that morning, and over six hours before the game was even set to begin, the maintenance crew was already cleaning up, setting up the bleachers, scorekeeper tables and setting up all the A/V requirements for the evening --- very impressive preparation. Some of the men's basketball players were in practice so it was a nice way to start the morning!
Later that night, the game was extremely exciting --- these women were absolutely athletic; leaping, blocking, rolling around just to soften their landing and flow with the momentum of their incredible feats. I hadn't played volleyball since Jr. High and only watch it when it's highlighted on ESPN, so I was completely surprised at how energetic and intense the game could be. I was a bit thrown off soaking in the dynamics of the game --- after each play, good or bad, the teams would quickly gather 'round and hug each other!? I guess it just threw me off cuz' it just looked awkward --- such insincere quick embraces and pats. But it was all good. The guy doin' the play-by-play had some hot tunes goin in the background and there was nothing but love in that gym!
I'm giving USF's War Memorial Gym 4 stars for havin' a great Volleyball team, awesome gym, and convenient street and lot parking nearby.
*The Dons finished the night recording their 20th victory! (Just the second time in program history).
** maybe USF would've gotten 5 stars, but they have atleast one alumnus who is not such a nice person anymore. immature of me? maybe. but it makes me feel better to write it out... heehee.
Wow, it's great to see that I'm not the only Yelper who hates USF as much as I do. Props to you Karyn R.
This applies to my undergraduate experience:
- USF is a mediocre private college
- The majority of students are spoiled brats who think they are the shit
- Only at USF, will you find a closed-minded gay professor
- Many students are trying to live out what they couldn't do when they were going to their private high schools
- USF is like another high school with immature people and cliques
- Yes, some subtle racism exists at USF
Oh yeah, and thanks to some people, my dorm floor smelled like chicken and weed for most of the year. Sometimes it smelled like vomit.
I should give my undergrad and grad school alma matter a five star, but I confess I was bitter that I "only" went to USF, whilst my sister went to SantaClara and Masters in Bocconi (Milan's Harvard). But it was my choice, I sought for a Jesuit university in the city, and USF was it! Albeit a free thinker, I have always valued a Jesuit education, after all, they were the notorious rebels that historically drove the Holy See nuts for being a major proponent of Liberation Theology.
From an education perspective, I have had excellent professors that inspired and pushed me into my current addiction for knowledge, learning and the constant search for truth.
While reading other Yelper's review, I noticed one Yelper quoted Dr. Dennehy, my philosophy professor. I used to have an extreme crush on him! Sporadic memories of my undergrad and grad school years trickled in my mind, hence, am Yelping my school.
I used to spend many weekend hours in the library to decipher the works of Kant and Maritain, attempting to memorize the Categorical Imperatives, so that it would seem like the words were a part of my natural flair. I had to Ace my class in order to get his attention! I Ace'd Classical Philo. Next semester of that year, I took a Bioethics class under him again, which I eventually Ace'd.
I don't think he'd be my type today, although his brilliant mind, yes.
The classes were smaller so that students were given a chance to interact with the professors. I stayed in the girls' dorm for one semester and it was fun. Dorms could be a potential distraction for the nerdy type of students, such as I, hence I would ensure that I spend my weekends on a solitary table at the 3rd floor of the library.
It really was a smaller, intimate type of learning institution, perhaps one could call it a boutique University.
The legacy of my professors planted many seeds in this woman's soul, so that Kant, Maritain, were simply apetizers, aperitifs if you will, to a lifelong quest of asking why we are here, what are we made of, and why do we cease to exist. From Aristotle, to Kant, to my current favorites Nietzsche, Derrida, etc.
Perhaps, I should give them that extra star for jumpstarting my insatiable thirst for knowledge and the thrill of seeing my crush, Prof Dennehy during my Philosophy classes. My crush and idol, Dr. Dennehy, was the embodiment of a beautiful mind in a beautiful body.
* Review of Campus Only *
Any SF peak-bagger or just plain walking enthusiast owes a visit to the USF campus (if you're in northeast GGP, it's not too far of a detour). St Ignatius church is, to me, the most memorable church in the city, and the most striking view of it is from the Lone Mountain campus, with the cypress trees in the foreground and Mt Sutro in the background. In the late afternoon light, this is a wedding-caliber photo op. Also, as Lone Mountain is a deceptively tall peak, you can get a unique and surprisingly vertiginous view towards downtown if you walk around the east side of the Lone Mountain building to the patio in back. Just note that, somewhat counter-intuitively, there are no real views of the Golden Gate Bridge to be had.
I've always felt that the lack of a large, historic, and stately university campus has been a drawback of SF, but petite USF gives you a tantalizing taste.
USF was a wonderful experience as a college and continues to serve, in some capacity, as the heart of the city. The school is small, hard to find on a map, and not even geographically contiguous (there's a block of housing separating the lower and upper campus).
The school has been rated well by professionals, but that's not what we're here to talk about. Whats the dirt? Was it worth it? Whats it like?
Well here's my 4 year opinion. First off, if your looking for a huge party school or a school with a top rated NCAA team, USF might not be the school for you. What USF is, however, is a good school in an OUTSTANDING city. Now we do have a pretty good basketball team, and a good baseball team, but we're still a small school, and are blessed/cursed as such when it comes to sports. Same with the party scene. Its awesome that after a few years you'll know damn near everybody who parties on campus, but at the same time, drinking with the same folk weekend after weekend could get old for some folk.
The Jesuits make a big fuss about being the 'Jesuit' university of San Francisco, but honestly outside of the occasional priest on campus and crosses in some classrooms, the only impact you'll notice is the large amount of ethics and social justice you'll see in your curriculum.
As for the complaints about being too easy, it depends entirely on what major you pick. Some liberal arts majors are known for being 'easier' than others. Honestly I think it depends on the person and the major. I know plenty of USF kids who could crank out a 15 page paper with no issue but would pay others to balance their checkbooks. As a side note, the School of Nursing is consistently rated among the top in the nation as a nursing school, and the school of business is well regarded among the bay area. The humanities honors program is an outstanding and difficult program, and the Saint Ignatius Institute is a great program as well.
Some issues with USF are the more obvious ones for an urban private school. First off, its expensive. Really expensive. Not only is the school costing alot, but the city itself is one of the most expensive in the nation, so expect to pick up a part time job somewhere along the line. Next, your living in an urban setting, so crime, while never a major problem, must always be something you think about before going out. Finally, USF's greatest asset, its small size, can also be its biggest liability. The place can feel small after 4 years, and should you be the bridge burning type, it can get awful lonely really quick.
So was it worth it? Absolutely. Make sure you visit before you accept admission, and make sure it feels right.
You're either going to love it or hate it here. I have a more favorable look, mainly because I was an RA my sophomore year, and therefore more understanding of why the flaws in the school are the way they are.
I have no regrets in going here, this has been the best experience of my life. But I had to make it that way.
But here's a quick rundown-
PROS- small classes, impressive but approachable professors, interesting majors, gorgeous views and landscaping, incredibly diverse student body (one of the top 20 in the nation), perfect location, good on-campus programs and events, lax policies (considering it's a catholic school), HUGE on social justice and community issues, great library, church and gym, and finally- crossroads cafe is a kick ass place to do homework and run into everyone you know.
CONS- *very* expensive, some snobby rich/immature/dumbass students, badly run cafeteria, general disarray and unapproachability from the support services staff. Basically they expect students to do everything perfect, and sit patiently while they screw up with our housing, financial aid and admissions stuff. Very frustrating, but can be navigated with some patience.
In general, USF needs some promotion help. Half the people in the city haven't even heard of it. Which is a shame. It's a beautiful campus with an intriguing history.
I am currently an undergrad at USF and I must say that I am very glad I chose USF over Seattle University. I came into USF as a nursing student and so I was drawn to the excellent reputation of the nursing program and its high standards and graduate record. BUT I switched majors to Sociology and am currently being a student in the arts and sciences department.
USF is great for so many reasons but as cliche as it may sound the main reason is the small class size and small student population. I like going classes where you actually establish a strong relationship with your professor and can go to him or her for questions and/or advice. The advisors and other hierarchical positions I can't say the same but my current advisor is amazing as well as the sociology department itself.
Pros: - small class size, great professors, location of campus in sf, excellent stance to green university, amazing library with knowledgable staff, amazing gym, lots of study rooms, safe, reliable and great people
Cons: cost of tuition, cafeteria food (some days), good amount of snobby students, fire alarms being pulled afterhours in dorm halls!
GO DONS!
I am so thankful that I went to USF. I met many wonderful friends, received a great education, not to mention, my dream job after graduating. I couldn't be more pleased with this university. Their abroad programs are phenomenal, professors are ALWAYS available, and the values and morals they instill are remarkable!! I will always hire my fellow Dons in the future.
GO DONS!!
Thumbs up:
-Hand out a good deal of scholarships
-General Ed classes
-Koret gym access (awesome cardio and yoga classes)
-Small
-Many enthusiastic professors who are approachable
-Pretty good burritos in the cafeteria
Thumbs down:
-Expensive as hell. Worth the money for the education you get? I'd say no.
-The administration/staff/whatever you want to call them. Hello? Does anyone who works at USF even know what's going on? Answer: No. If you have questions, concerns, problems with anything you will be running around campus for the next two months trying to find someone with half a brain who gives a shit enough to help you.
-Dorms. Overcrowded and getting worse because they're enrolling more kids than this campus can handle. Turning the lounges into three-person rooms? Ridiculous.
-The grossly overpriced cafeteria. Nuff said.
-Undergrad Business program: by the time you get to your upper division classes you will have come to the realization that you are just taking the same class over and over again, it just has a different name.
I transferred to USF my junior year from College of Notre Dame in Belmont. I have to say that it was the smartest move I made.
I think the professors are top rated. My business classes combined books and real world experience. I was part of the Hospitality Management program and though most of my friends thought I had it easy the classes were challenging. What other program makes you do 800 hours of internships plus go through other classes that demand most of your free time? Not many. Even though, I would recommend aspiring hotel and restaurant managers to see what it's all about. It is a great program, small enough to get the individual attention yet big enough to explore your options.
Overall, I am happy with my USF education. What you put into it, is what you get out of it.
I transferred here a year and a half into college. Then I studied abroad for a while. Somehow I managed to graduate in 3.5 years with honors and had more fun than anyone else doing it.
Oh yea, they've offered me a full ride if I want to go for law school.
What's not to like?
I'd say that the biggest hurdle to attending USF is price--yes, it's as expensive as you'd expect a private college in the middle of San Francisco to be. That said, you get a lot for what you pay if you take the initiative to get involved and get your money's worth. Work hard and explore ideas in classes that don't always expect a lot of you. High school proved more difficult for me, academics-wise, but hey, that just left plenty of time for extra-curriculars and exploring other fascinations. Some teachers are brilliant--recognize when you're in their classes and take advantage. Some fellow students will be brilliant as well. You can't expect all to wow you, of course, but every school has its spectrum of intelligence.
I transferred into the graphic design program my sophomore year, and despite all the bitching about USF's abandoning its partnership with neighboring art school CCA, I'm more than happy I participated in the budding cauldron of artists and artist egos, students and faculty alike. In general, students seem to complain a lot at USF. Students all over have a lot to complain about, but I find that education is what you make of it. You've only four years: way too short a time to transfer around more than once or twice in hopes of finding the perfect school. Expect only a minimum of hand-holding, learn to navigate some rocky seas on your own, and you'll leave as an adult ready to face the real world.
Oh, and try to have fun while you're at it--you're in the middle of San Francisco, for Christ's sake!
4 Years of college is what you make of it.
USF was my 1st pick and overall I enjoyed my experiences coming away with a bachelors degree (yes, the diploma is locked away so the grad center/admins cannot get it back!) Overall, very : )
Small classes (exception would be a couple of GEC/science classes but it is not too large), seeing your professors during office hours (no take a number wait in line for hours and when the time comes, get an angry TA with a couple of mountains of blue books wondering what you want), a writing and learning center if you need help with papers or subjects. Also the Koret Center is available with an olympic sized pool, basketball courts, weight rooms and various execise equipments.
The "big ticket" items are the nursing program which has a solid national reputation while the business school has local connections, especially the hospitality management program.
As for things to do, from all directions, you can either walk or take a bus ride to various sights and destinations around The City. Also do not forget the athletic events on campus. Men's soccer made its 3rd straight trip to the NCAA Tournament, men' s basketball with all its history and traditions plus 2 NCAA Championships and 1 NIT title, and baseball being the defending WCC champions in the upcoming 2007 season.
BTW, there are 104 steps that lead up to the Lone Mountain Campus. Once you reach the top and face south, you see the Haight-Ashbury District.
The bad... cafeteria food (no duh) as the food service has the monopoly, including the "student runned" Crossroads. Overall, the value vs quality/quantity question will pop up very often. Parking is very tough (double no duh) since it is residential 2 hour BUT if you park on the campus side + check out the street cleaning signs = park all day! Tuition is a bit pricey thus the "did I get my monies worth" question but I will agree with Kristina R. the knowledge obtained will help you on Jeopardy. As for the dormitories, "comfortable" in a loose sense; with 900+ freshmen/1100+ new students coming in makes things a bit tight.
Overall, USF has a nice collegiate atmosphere. If a prospective student, take advantage of a campus tour courtesy of the Admissions office or the Open House events they hold during the academic year. If visiting, lots of photo opportunities such as the St. Ignatius Church and Lone Mountain campus.
my professors were cool, but that's probably cuz I was a business major. A lot of them are still my mentors and references whenever I need a referral. I've heard my friends who studied something else rant endlessly about their unreasonable courses.
I'm grateful. I basically got my first job because of USF. It's pretty highly viewed locally. I don't know how far that degree will take you outside San Francisco though.
Met some good people, who introduced me to more good people outside USF. It's a good school if you're not seeking the whole college atmosphere and school-spirit kind of environment.
Small class sizes is a plus. I'm glad I didn't have to fight to get in my classes.
Uh, go Dons!!! I wish we had a better mascot....
This place forces you to go to class (they take roll!), attendance counts! Ergo you will probably learn something or fail. No matters, it costs alot but you DO get an education.
Monopoly?? I think so... I really do like USF despite my rants.. I love my teachers, my peers (well maybe not my peers,) the staff.. The one place I DO NOT like is one stop and bon apatite. Could these people get any more retarded?! As for my education, It's been great, and although some of you people may complain about the small classes, try taking a class with 200 people and seeing if the professor remembers your name then??
Your Knowledge code provides operational efficiency of campus management services by improving productivity, accountability, performance and interactions to empower all the key stakeholders of education. Spend more time and effort developing student's life long learning goals and less time with your daily unproductive tasks.
USF, great Jesuit education. Beautiful Campus. I'll dock them 1 star cus their men's basketball team sucks...they haven't made the NCAA tournament in almost 10 years.
~G
GO DONS!
PMC forever!
Gotta love the Jesuits!
This school is absolutely gorgous. No, I don't go here, but I visited this weekend because I'm applying here. It's my number one choice. Now that I've seen the campus, I'm glad.
It's a small, 55-acre campus with a little population. The tour guide told us that class sizes are only about 29 students for core classes. Which I found really funny, because in my high school, my english class has almost 40 kids. Plus, there are currently 676 kids in my graduating class. So, it's nice to know that this school has a personal feel. Because you have to fight to get know your counselor at my high school.
The workers at the admissions office were also really glad to help and answer any of the questions I asked. I do admit though, it was a pain to walk up Lone Mountain. I had to go up there 3 times; that's 726 stairs! (I'm from Houston; we don't walk anywhere, haha.) But once you get to the top, the view of St. Ignatius church is breathtaking. I asked some student around the campus how they felt about going there; everyone I talked to seemed sincerly happy.
As for the monetary issues concerned with going to this school, I don't see why this school would be too expensive. They pay 2/3 of your tuition if you get a 30 on the ACT or a 1320 on the math and reading sections of the SAT. That's cool with me; I got a 28 on my ACT the first two times and I'm waiting for my third scores. :D
USF, here I come (hopefully)!
Karyn R. is spot on. . .I was only at USF for a semester and I despised it. Besides from NYU, USF was my first choice. When I visited during the summer I basically fell in love. I love the city and thought USF was so chill and the place for me. Now, I'm at community and planning to transfer to Cal because I didn't want to waste my parents money and my time at a school that isn't challenging with lame people. I am from Sacramento and thus a Nor Cal resident and anyone who comes to Nor Cal from So Cal and makes fun of me for periodically saying "Hella" is dumb as fuck and needs to return to their section of California. The dorms are horrible. Pretentious wannabes trying to show how scenester they are. My room always smelt like weed from the people below me and people would pee and vomit out of their windows. Basically these kids lose all of their inhibitions and social skills and only care about getting high/drunk. If I would have been in an apartment I probably would have lasted a lot longer. During my time at USF, I met some of the most petty and heartless bitches ever and I've known quite a few from my all girls Catholic high school. However, there are a few people here that I did honestly connect with and am still friends with, but there was an equal amount of bitches. The whole scene is extremely high school. My friend, still a current USFer, and I joke that it's basically The Hills because people just invent all of this "drama, drama, drama" and become extravagantly egocentric and narcissistic. Also, people "think they know you" after living with you for like 3 months and start assuming things about you and judge you based upon those things. The same people just get old and their bullshit is tired. My roommate was the most self conscious, socially inept person and would put me down to make herself feel better and then would cry like a little girl when I said one little jab. I was honestly surprised how easy the classes were, how unintelligent my fellow students were, and their lack of interest in their education.
The only positive thing about USF is being in San Francisco and venturing around the city and riding around the MUNI to different neighborhoods.
Also, a word from the wise, if USF comes to visit your school, they will make it seem like it's very hard to get into and shit, but it's really not. Especially considering the fact that 1. if you went to a private high school, you're basically in and 2. I know people who had 2.5 GPAs and lower and got accepted.
I went to USF as a guest student for the fall of 2005 after my school in New Orleans cancelled the semester due to Hurricane Katrina. The circumstances surrounding the experience were as unfavorable as can be, but the community welcomed us in with open arms, allowed us to register for classes two weeks late, provided housing for out-of-state refugees (I'm a native so I got to live at home and share one car with my sister to commute everyday....just the way I wanted to spend my senior year of college) and really made room for us the best they could.
I will say, however, I did not find any of the classes particularly challenging. I think it was harder for me to get an "A" my university. Also, none of the students I met seemed particularly jazzed about being there. It seemed to be a lot of people who transfered from other schools, or who were in the process of transferring someplace else. Also, getting my transcript from them was a pain in the ass. Whatever, I did my thing and was on my way in December.
In a situation when every little bad thing can look 10x worse, USF did its best.
