University of San Diego

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Students Say - Academics
If you want "sun, surf, and professors who actually care about your work and your life," check out the University of San Diego. Everyone at this "relatively small" Catholic school must complete a demanding and "well-rounded" set of general education requirements. You won't get out of here without a heaping helping of English, math, science, foreign language, and, of course, religion. Beyond the core curriculum, the selection of majors is very good. The exceedingly popular business administration program is among the best in the country. Other popular and solid programs include communications, psychology, and accounting. "Academically, USD is challenging, but not ridiculously so." Classes are "comfortable" and small. "It's virtually impossible to get lost in the shuffle," and "it isn't like a state school where your teacher wouldn't notice that you're not there." Students avoid a few professors "like the plague" but the faculty as a whole is "magnificent" and "very passionate about teaching." "Their enthusiasm shows in the classroom," and they "practically beg for you to come visit them during office hours." "They make me feel like I matter to them," says an industrial engineering major. Views of management are more mixed. Some students tell us "very helpful" administration "takes care of things right away." Others contend the staff is "overly politically correct," "cluttered, unorganized, helpless, and mad at you."

Students Say - Campus Life
USD is studying in paradise. The "pristine, manicured" campus looks like "a resort" and "when it's 60 to 65 degrees and sunny in December, you tend to be happier." "School spirit is lackluster at best," but "clubs are big on campus and intramural sports are popular." The Greek scene looms large as well. If you seek spiritual growth, opportunities are ample. "You can be as involved or as uninvolved in the Catholic religion as you choose." Complaints include parking. "On bad days, it can take up to an hour" to find a spot. Still, as one senior warns, "having a car or a friend with one is a necessity." Also, USD's alcohol and drug policies are strict. The resident assistants in the dorms are often "too into their jobs," and campus security is a severe bunch. As a result, "partying on campus is nearly impossible." Students aren't too upset about any of this, though, because the real fun is at the beach. There's a genuine "beach culture atmosphere" here. Many upperclassmen live near the shore, and "most people go down to Mission Beach and Pacific Beach" for "day kegs," the bar scene, and parties galore. Students also tell us that the city of San Diego is "to die for." "You won't find a better spot for a school." "There are two state colleges within driving distance, so a lot of kids from each school intermingle at parties." "Padres and Chargers games are a fun way to hang out depending on cash flow or the season."

Students Say - Student Body
Ethnic diversity at USD is reasonably admirable. By far, Hispanics constitute the largest minority group. There are considerably more women than men. "The guys are very handsome." The women are "very hot." "There is a strong majority of Catholics," explains a first-year student, "but I don't get the impression that they tend to be deeply religious." There are "lots of Orange County kids" and "surfer dudes." "Most people are laidback," "down to earth," "outgoing, and friendly." They're "typical Southern Californians, really." "I wouldn't say there are many wildly atypical students," observes a freshman. More than two-thirds of the students here receive financial aid, and "there are many students who are not wealthy." Others, however, "have a lot of money;" USD sarcastically called the "University of Spoiled Daughters." "The 'rich white girl' idea is a stereotype USD is working hard to break," but there is definitely a noticeable "flock of bleached-blond" "size zeros with BMWs" "dressed like they're on a runway." "Juicy sweats, Chanel shades, and name-brand handbags" are too common for some students' tastes. "The Ugg boot situation" is grave as well.

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