What was your reasoning for choosing USD???

pinkpanther09
Mon, 06 Apr 2009 14:30:11 +0000

The reason I am choosing to go to USD is financial reasons–it’s the only non-state school I can afford because of financial aid. I’m going to be a freshman in the fall. The reason I am happy to be going there include:

1) SMALL CLASS SIZES! This is HUGE for me! I don’t to be just a number. I want to participate in class. The biggest class is like, 50 kids, and that’s only because it’s a freshman lecture class. Our tour guide was a freshman, and he had a class that was only 7 students.

2) For me, it’s the perfect size. Not too small that you know everyone, but small enough that you know many people. The student to facility ratio is very small, about 15:1. If I’m going to pay for school, I want to actually be a face and not a seat in a class or someone who gets lost in the system

3) The city. I swear, USD is the BEST part of San Diego. Sea World, Old Town, the beach… everything is not that far. I was looking at Pepperdine, which was in Malibu–If you want to do anything, it’s a 20 min. drive! Not the case here. This also means tons of internship opportunities

4) Though I have no first hand experience, the school seems to have AMAZING alumi connections. I don’t doubt it, since their endowment is hugeeee. Their Law School is top of the notch, along with their science and business program (which is ranked top 25 in the nation and top 3 in california!). They even have their own building dedicated to Alumni, because so many come back to find employees at USD

5) I love the laid back environment. And the school is DROP DEAD GORGEOUS. Pictures really don’t do it justice. And they are building a new place called the Student Life Pavilion… it’s 100% dedicated to the students. I think that says a lot.

6) NO classes taught by TAs! YAY!

7) They bring amazing speakers to talk, like members of the UN and CEOs of major companies (like COSTO is coming this week…)

8) They are ranked 6th in the nation for studying abroad. This was a big factor for me, I can’t wait to study abroad. They work really hard to get you there… even your financial aid transfers.

My brother went to UCD… it sucks to not live on campus after freshman year because it’s SO expensive to get an apartment or rent a house. I also have a friend who went to UCD… she came back and told us horror stories about lack of personal attention and falling through the cracks. But it IS a cool place to be because it’s like, 100% a college town and it’s a great ranked education. I don’t know much about UCSB or UCI… so I won’t even attempt to make any comments.

I KNOW money is a huge factor. But if you can afford it, and are willing to make the investment, I think you are making the right choice.