University of San Diego
San Diego, CA, USA

Reviews

University of San Diego

Yasamin from El Cajon, CA

accepted here and planning to attend soon
36 people found this review useful
CategoriesComments
Will learn a lot
great academics
small class sizes will work with me (20-30)
professors care about their students
Will enjoy being here
Beautiful campus, great professors, nice students, and wonderful campus environment
san diego in general is beautiful
always something to do
near beaches, sea world, balboa park, downtown, etc
Bang for the buck
really expensive but worth it
Tips for prospective students
submit application early and FAFSA
look into loans and apply for scholarships, USD can be affordable
offer lots of financial aid options
visit the school, get a tour
sit in one of the classes, arrange it ahead of time with the office of admissions
visit all the dorms, lots of options
Great for these types of students
hardworking
love san diego
enjoy walking a lot
like to get a tan
small class sizes
serious but fun students

Daniel from Littleton, CO

a current student here
21 people found this review useful
CategoriesComments
Am learning a lot
The University of San Diego offers an wide variety of opportunities to expand your academic interests. Ranging from an excellent student to professor ratio (1:15; no teacher assistants) to flexible professor office hours to academic clubs, student stress levels on campus are low leaving you study in a comfortable environment. Professors will always offer a hand to a knowledge hungry student!
Am enjoying being here
The USD campus is literally 5 - 10 minutes from everything; downtown, the beach, Fashion and Mission Valley, Sea World, and great Mexican food. Because USD attracts a diverse demographic, there are an array of students to connect with. Aside from off-campus activity, student affairs orchestrates numerous on-campus activities for students with limited transportation. But most importantly, who can't enjoy 70 degree weather all year round!
Bang for the buck
Financial Aid will do their best to satisfy your financial needs. Submit your FAFSA application as soon as you can in order to promptly receive your carefully examined financial package. If there are issues with your package, or in need to request a revision, contact the Office of Financial Aid for assistance. I know I was happy with my financial reward.
Tips for prospective students
Get involved. The best way to be become a submersed college student is to meet as many people as you can, including professors. Get out of the dorm and feel the Sun--shorts and t-shirts in the Winter! As soon as you can find fun, your well on your way to a great time in college. Find a way to relax from your studies whether it may be going down to new student lounge (Frank's Lounge) or going to the club downtown, there are a number of opportunities to satisfy both your academic and social appetite.
Great for these types of students
Surfer-dudes, likes to go the mall (Fashion and Mission Valley), student leaders, academically savvy students, confident and competent students.

Erin from Auburn, WA

a current student here
15 people found this review useful
CategoriesComments
Am learning a lot
I am a freshman who is a science major. The teachers in the science are so knowledge and very available to help every student. I also found my Calculus 2 teacher to be very helpful and found that class great. Overall I enjoyed all my teachers including the one from the English department too. The teachers usually will know your name before a month is over and helps you in anyway that they can.
Am enjoying being here
The people at the University of San Diego are great. I would definitely say to live in the dorms because that is where you will meet a lot of people. I have found that everyone comes from different backgrounds and has cool experiences to share. The students in your classes can also become your great friends, because the classes are so small it is easy to connect with the other students. Also the campus is beautiful and the food is not bad at all!
Bang for the buck
So the school is pretty expensive but turn in your FAFSA and look into other scholarships you can apply for. The school helps students that need them, get jobs and if you get involved with clubs there are often scholarship opportunities through them too. The school is definitely worth the money. All the professors are experts in their field and the classrooms are great. The dorms are nice and the other faculties are above most universities. Overall I have loved my time at this school.
Tips for prospective students
If you are looking at the University of San Diego, come look at it! It is an amazing campus. Make sure that you like the sun because San Diego definitely has that. Also if you like the beach San Diego is for you. Definitely begin looking at scholarships now though because the school does not come cheap. If you want a big school feel, San Diego is not for you but if you want a school with smaller classes but still the college feel not a high school feel. I have really enjoyed USD
Great for these types of students
Passionate, Energetic, Smart, Fit (the campus is full of fit people), Likes to know their professors at a personal level.

Madeline from Huntington Beach, CA

a current student here
10 people found this review useful
CategoriesComments
Am learning a lot
I am a current freshman at USD. The first semester is tough academically, but only because it is so different from high school. I have learned so much more that I would have ever thought possible. The average class size is about 20 to 35 students, but some have less. Every professor is more than willing to meet with you outside of class if you feel it necessary, and that is extremely helpful! The professors are very knowledgeable and know their subject field very well. I would say that overall the academics are very good!
Am enjoying being here
The school itself is beautiful and the surrounding area is wonderful. There is always something to do or somewhere to go. The students are amazing, and I felt welcome right away. No matter what you like to do or what type of personality you have there is a place for you to fit in. I have met so many new people and really enjoy the fact that I am continuing to meet people every day. I love USD and would recommend it to anyone that is considering attending school there.
Bang for the buck
USD is extremely expensive, but worth every penny. As a student at USD I have so many different opportunities and resources available to me. There are experts for anything that you might need, the facilities are above and beyond anything that you could imagine and the staff is just as amazing! You just have to be sure to apply for scholarships and remember that it is a great privilege to be able to attend school there. Overall I would say that the experience of University San Diego is worth the price.
Tips for prospective students
Study hard and play hard. You have to understand that in order to be able to do well you have to focus, however that does not mean that you cant still play! You have to be able to balance your time and do both. College is an amazing experience and it is what you make of it. Just be sure to remember that your there to get an education, but have fun along the way.
Great for these types of students
Happy
Fun
Loving
Smart
Energetic
Wants a personal experience, and relationship with professors
Likes the Beach
Wants to meet a variety of people

Danielle from Chula Vista, CA

a current student here
10 people found this review useful
CategoriesComments
Am learning a lot
The professors are all great and know what they are talking about. The professors will actually know your name by the end of the semester, and there are no aids teaching the classes. The classes are small and generally don't overwhelm you with work.
Am enjoying being here
There are so many extra curricular activities you can get involved in. And even if you're not involved in any club on campus, you will still have a great time at the events that the clubs have. And there are so many things to do off campus as well.
Bang for the buck
Even though it's expensive to go here, it's well worth it. There are great deals for studying abroad, as well, with so many places to choose from.
Tips for prospective students
Work hard and play hard! USD is not known for being a party school, but like anything in life, you make your own experiences. So if you like to party, you're sure to find plenty of people on campus who will party with you. And if you like to sit at home and study, there will be plenty of others who will sit and study with you. Just learn to manage your time well.
Great for these types of students
Hard-workers, organized, laid-back, social, creative.

Scott from San Diego, CA

a current student here
5 people found this review useful
CategoriesComments
In three sentences
this school offers a diverse curriculum. studying abroad is heavily encouraged, and mandatory for multiple majors. the professors want you to succeed, you need only ask!
Tips for prospective students
consider greek life. it's a great way to meet new people, network and get books and other materials for cheap!
Academic Rigor
the challenge of academia varies based on your major. naturally, science and math-based majors are more difficult. the liberal arts offerings are extensive and worth considering!
Dorm Life
the dorm life varies, based entirely upon which hall you find yourself in.
Food and Dining
the food is great, just be prepared to eat off-campus so you don't get burnt out by the repetition!
What to do for fun
it's san diego! we have zoos, clubs, beaches, theme parks and great weather all year round!
Bang for the buck
this might have rated lower if not for the economy. students at state schools are stuck dealing with impacted majors and taking nonsense classes to maintain full time status. for many students here, it is worth the more expensive tuition to graduate within 4 years.
Share any unusual traditions or locations on campus
the reflection pool behind the institute for peace and justice is enormously popular with students and locals.
Great for these types of students
people who love the beach!
Clubs and Activities
there are clubs and organizations for anything you want, and if there isn't, you are encouraged to start one!
Greek Life
multiple social fraternities and sororities. 2 professional business fraternities and the list goes on!
Campus Safety
very responsive!

Sam from Morrison, CO

a current student here
4 people found this review useful
CategoriesComments
In three sentences
The USD campus is one of the most beautiful around - set on a hilltop a few minutes from the ocean, with Mission-style architecture and stunning views. Academically, there is an ideal balance with small classes and attentive professors that push students enough to learn and feel challenged, but not so difficult that students cannot have a social life or outside interests. And the best part about USD is the student body - a diverse population of students who are engaged in learning and the importance of a good education.
Tips for prospective students
Keep up on your reading and homework
Take part in activities offered through the school
Get to know San Diego - it's a great city!
Academic Rigor
Rigorous but not impossible.
Dorm Life
Freshmen housing is as expected. Some decent people who become friends, and others who need to mature a bit. The rooms are actually bigger than other schools. Try to get into one of the newer dorms.
Food and Dining
Excellent choices of places to eat, and varied foods offered. Good quality.
What to do for fun
Join club sports
Hang out at Mission Beach
Go to the Farmer's Market
Have fun at Balboa Park
See a show at the Globe Theatre
Go to the Cat Cafe!
Great for these types of students
Academically invested
Open-minded
Creative & well-balanced
Clubs and Activities
Club sports are great - competitive but not enough to take away from school
Choir and theatre open to everyone
Always fun activities planned on campus for all to enjoy
Campus Safety
Very low crime

Garrett from LA Mirada, CA

a current student here
4 people found this review useful
CategoriesComments
Am learning a lot
Most of the teachers are phenomenal,but I find most students report that their math classes are difficult, due to some teachers not being able to relay the information effectively. They are geniuses, but this seems to be a common theme in the math department. The teachers are there to help you succeed, and are required to have office hours, where you can come to them with any questions or guidance you may need.
Am enjoying being here
The campus is very small, leading to a relatively easy time to meet people, because you run into each other pretty often. This helps tremendously, especially in the beginning of freshman year in meeting all your new friends. The universities athletic events could use some more fans, and the students that don't go are missing out on the exciting atmosphere. San Diego is filled with fun with numerous beaches, the downtown area, and places for athletic events, that all lead to a great time.
Bang for the buck
It sure does come with a pretty hefty price tag, but the experience and education one can receive at USD is worth it. Being able to get the classes you need to graduate in 4 years, with teachers that are always there to help is one of the incredible things about the school. Furthermore, the counselors make sure you are on the right track to getting where you want to be. Another tremendous thing about the school is the opportunities it offers both from being in San Diego, and the great alumni association. For instance, I am majoring in business administration, and by the time I graduate, I will, with the help of my team, have to make a business model and present it to a board of alumni, investors, and business owners. If they like it, they may sponsor me to start my idea immediately.
Tips for prospective students
Like with any other school, you get out what you put into it. It pays to be outgoing, especially the first few weeks, or even days of school, because that is when you meet the most new people and begin to get connected and create your identity at school. Also, the courses are tough, but if you put the time in to go to class and study, you should be fine; do not get caught up in all the freedom. Lastly, don't forget to live a little. These are often called, the best years of your life, and don't be afraid to fulfill this self-fulfilling prophecy.
Great for these types of students
Students that know how to manage their time wisely, and study efficiently. Also good for those that want to have a great time, but also earn a solid education and a great-looking degree.
Lastly, the business program becomes more and more prestigious every year, so if you are interested in that area, all the better.

Clifford from Placerville, CA

a current student here
4 people found this review useful
CategoriesComments
Am learning a lot
Great professors, small classes, and great study environment if you go looking for it. The core can be fun and interesting and once you get past that into what you want to major in they only get better.
Am enjoying being here
This is the best choice I ever made. You can find any type of person at USD so it is not hard to find your own niche. The city of San Diego is awesome as well, and sometimes its so awesome you spend more time at the beach than in the books.
Bang for the buck
I'm personally on a scholarship, but I do see how expensive it is for other people and feel as though it could be a little cheaper.
Tips for prospective students
It you have decent grades this school will not be a problem to get into; I recommend the Valley for housing. Also, don't be swayed by this being a religious school, because even though they emphasize it it doesn't really matter what you believe in.
Great for these types of students
This is typical Southern California beach university, so the SoCal trendy thing is pretty popular. Great for ROTC guys and girls, and also for people studying business and liberal arts.

Katie

a current student here
4 people found this review useful
CategoriesComments
Am learning a lot
I'm taking 5 Gen Ed Class (There's a ton required, so be prepared for that!) and they are challenging, but I don't feel like I'm flailing either!
Am enjoying being here
I love it! Living in the dorms (Maher!) is great and the campus is BEAUTIFUL. San Diego is a great city. Can't even imagine moving back home.
Bang for the buck
It's expensive, but the financial aid is really outstanding, so don't be afraid of the sticker price. Everyone I know has gotten very large scholarships from the school. I'm paying the same as my in-state tuition, actually!
Tips for prospective students
Have volunteering on your resume.. that's huge here. Also have good academics. The kids here may be pretty, but they're also really smart.
Great for these types of students
Smart, out-going, relaxed. People here aren't overstressed about school, but academics are a main focus. Not a huge party school, but there are definitely parties. Plus, if that's what you're really looking for, SDSU isn't far away.