Academics wise, I feel as if I'm doing fairly well for a Biology major. The classes that I am currently taking are Biology 1, Chemistry 1, Rhetoric 130, and East Asian Civilization. In biology, we move fairly quick through our book, even if my professor likes to be more in-depth and takes his time explaining what is on his Powerpoint slides. What's great about our Biology department is that we print out the Powerpoint lectures and fill-in our notes as we go along. So far, my midterm for this class has been decent. If you really pay attention during lecture and take extra notes, keep up with the readings, along with studying (not cramming), you will do well. In chemistry, my professor also likes to take his time in teaching. I did well on midterm because I had AP Chemistry back in high school, so I have a decent understanding of the concepts that we have gone over so far. Again, paying attention, taking notes, doing the assigned online homework, and studying will serve you well. Biology and Chemistry labs will go by quickly if you know what you're doing (biology labs are about 3 hours and chemistry labs are about 4). My professor for my rhetoric class is doing a great job in easing my class into the assignments. Readings from our books are applied to the lessons in class and writing assignments (first they were reflection papers, and currently we are doing informative speeches). This class is a year-long one! My East Asian class is so interesting with my professor. Even though we read two chapters a week on our own, have Powerpoint lectures, viewpoint and response essays on our discussion boards, and a term paper, what I'm reading is intriguing. Overall, I'm loving what I'm learning because the workload is decent and manageable.
Do you enjoy the experience at your school?
I LOVE IT HERE! My classes are only two minutes from my dorm. I have met great people on my floor, as well as those above and below, and in other dorms. For the most part, people are friendly and helpful, especially if you need help with studying for a midterm or test or quiz. When it comes to Glee, you KNOW there's a bunch of people down in your dorm lounge, ready to watch with you! There are so many activities to do. My RA does a great job of posting upcoming events that are on and around our campus (currently, there's a long list of concerts and performances at our school and around the SF area for the next 2-3 months!) I don't play volleyball anymore, but I'm on an intramural dodge-ball team, and I've been going to the gym, spin class, and Zumba almost every day! The location of the campus is perfect for going around the city. Haight is only a few blocks away and, if we don't want to walk, we can just take Muni. Market and Union Square is only a 15-20 minute bus ride. Pretty much, we're in a 20 minute radius of all the great locations in SF. Plus, the recent weather has been, for the most part, perfect! Oh, and if you go to church a lot (or don't), St. Ignatius is only a short distance away!
Do you feel you’re getting value for the money you’re spending on college?
Even though our tuition is high, even with all the grants, scholarships, and financial aid, I'm getting what I'm paying for. My teachers have done a great job with making sure that we as students know that they're there to answer our questions and help us succeed. They always encourage us going to office hours or give us resources, such as tutoring sessions, The class sizes do pay off because not only do your professors tend to get to know you more, you have the ability to get more attention from them if you need it. The other stuff that we pay for, like our facilities and food and recreational equipment, are pretty well-kept.
Do you have any tips for prospective students?
From my experience at the moment, science majors have a lot of work cut out for them. Don't be afraid to challenge yourself, especially if you have a great deal of interest in the sciences, but may or may not feel like you would do so well. Like I've said before, there's a great deal of resources on campus that can help you succeed.
If you've taken AP classes in high school, definitely send your scores right away because I've gotten credit for the ones that I've passed. If you get a 5, you can be eligible to move on to the next level of that course/subject. I've heard my friends at UC's who have complained that they still need to take the entry level classes even if they received 4's and 5's on the exams. USF definitely rewards its students.
USF has departments catered to Nursing, Law, and Business. Also, they have pre-professional programs. So, if you're interested in any of these, definitely consider USF!
Be well-rounded and involved, especially in what you have a passion for!
Start early! Try to apply for early action for private college and make sure you do your financial aid information ASAP. Don't be afraid to receive help from counselors and make sure you discuss every step you take with your parents. You need to keep them updated!
Which types of students will excel at your college?
Anyone and everyone! USF is known for being a diverse campus. It's a smaller private school but the people they accept, domestic & international students, are great people to get to know. Also, if you love being in a big city, USF is a great location. You're in a great neighborhood and only blocks away from great places and restaurants.
Academics wise, I feel as if I'm doing fairly well for a Biology major. The classes that I am currently taking are Biology 1, Chemistry 1, Rhetoric 130, and East Asian Civilization. In biology, we move fairly quick through our book, even if my professor likes to be more in-depth and takes his time explaining what is on his Powerpoint slides. What's great about our Biology department is that we print out the Powerpoint lectures and fill-in our notes as we go along. So far, my midterm for this class has been decent. If you really pay attention during lecture and take extra notes, keep up with the readings, along with studying (not cramming), you will do well. In chemistry, my professor also likes to take his time in teaching. I did well on midterm because I had AP Chemistry back in high school, so I have a decent understanding of the concepts that we have gone over so far. Again, paying attention, taking notes, doing the assigned online homework, and studying will serve you well. Biology and Chemistry labs will go by quickly if you know what you're doing (biology labs are about 3 hours and chemistry labs are about 4). My professor for my rhetoric class is doing a great job in easing my class into the assignments. Readings from our books are applied to the lessons in class and writing assignments (first they were reflection papers, and currently we are doing informative speeches). This class is a year-long one! My East Asian class is so interesting with my professor. Even though we read two chapters a week on our own, have Powerpoint lectures, viewpoint and response essays on our discussion boards, and a term paper, what I'm reading is intriguing. Overall, I'm loving what I'm learning because the workload is decent and manageable.
I LOVE IT HERE! My classes are only two minutes from my dorm. I have met great people on my floor, as well as those above and below, and in other dorms. For the most part, people are friendly and helpful, especially if you need help with studying for a midterm or test or quiz. When it comes to Glee, you KNOW there's a bunch of people down in your dorm lounge, ready to watch with you! There are so many activities to do. My RA does a great job of posting upcoming events that are on and around our campus (currently, there's a long list of concerts and performances at our school and around the SF area for the next 2-3 months!) I don't play volleyball anymore, but I'm on an intramural dodge-ball team, and I've been going to the gym, spin class, and Zumba almost every day! The location of the campus is perfect for going around the city. Haight is only a few blocks away and, if we don't want to walk, we can just take Muni. Market and Union Square is only a 15-20 minute bus ride. Pretty much, we're in a 20 minute radius of all the great locations in SF. Plus, the recent weather has been, for the most part, perfect! Oh, and if you go to church a lot (or don't), St. Ignatius is only a short distance away!
Even though our tuition is high, even with all the grants, scholarships, and financial aid, I'm getting what I'm paying for. My teachers have done a great job with making sure that we as students know that they're there to answer our questions and help us succeed. They always encourage us going to office hours or give us resources, such as tutoring sessions, The class sizes do pay off because not only do your professors tend to get to know you more, you have the ability to get more attention from them if you need it. The other stuff that we pay for, like our facilities and food and recreational equipment, are pretty well-kept.
From my experience at the moment, science majors have a lot of work cut out for them. Don't be afraid to challenge yourself, especially if you have a great deal of interest in the sciences, but may or may not feel like you would do so well. Like I've said before, there's a great deal of resources on campus that can help you succeed. If you've taken AP classes in high school, definitely send your scores right away because I've gotten credit for the ones that I've passed. If you get a 5, you can be eligible to move on to the next level of that course/subject. I've heard my friends at UC's who have complained that they still need to take the entry level classes even if they received 4's and 5's on the exams. USF definitely rewards its students. USF has departments catered to Nursing, Law, and Business. Also, they have pre-professional programs. So, if you're interested in any of these, definitely consider USF! Be well-rounded and involved, especially in what you have a passion for! Start early! Try to apply for early action for private college and make sure you do your financial aid information ASAP. Don't be afraid to receive help from counselors and make sure you discuss every step you take with your parents. You need to keep them updated!
Anyone and everyone! USF is known for being a diverse campus. It's a smaller private school but the people they accept, domestic & international students, are great people to get to know. Also, if you love being in a big city, USF is a great location. You're in a great neighborhood and only blocks away from great places and restaurants.