Admissions

As an interested student as well, I recommend going to as many meetings as possible. I recommend talking to as many students that attend USF to get there prospective and tour around the campus to become familiar with the route.

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!

Apply as early as possible. Gather all documents months in advance to meet the deadline.

If you are the typical 3.8+GPA student who has great extracurricular activities then you are in. This University doesn't look for Stanford test scores but they want to see people who are high achievers that want to succeed.

If you are enrolled or are planning on going to USF, here are a few tips that I wish I had.

1) Expect it to be hard. USF is challenging and difficult: personally and academically. You have to be open to challenge from peers and professor because it will come. With difficulty, you have two options: close up and avoid it or take the challenge head on. My advice? Charge the bull. You probably sacrifice some nights of fun but you will get good grades on your report card (and that is where the personally hard part comes in.)

2) Have fun. Here in San Francisco, there are so many things to do. From concerts in the park (that are free, you know) to shopping at the famous Union Square, there is always something fun to do. San Francisco is famous for never being dull and you willl have some stories to tell. Not to mention, USF hold regular dances, comedy nights, movie nights, sporting events, and other cool things to take the edge off of studying.

3) Stay focused. Like every good thing, there is a catch. USF is a fun place to live. USF sponsored a Macklemore concert not too long ago, serves as the Blue Angels practice space, and is generally a fun place to be. San Francisco is full of great food, awesome sights, and interesting people. But, you are attending a university. I know it is tempting to go wild with freedom but train yourself to see the bigger picture: you are there to make a future for yourself. Remember that, and you will enjoy everything USF has to offer you.

The school, like the city is very hilly so be able to handle walking up-hill and downhill. Always take advantage of available resources if you ever need help or advice or tutoring there are many resources available for your needs. Like cooler weather because San Francisco is in the sixties year-round just about. Also, you do not have to be religious or be catholic like the school is. Religion is faintly present in classrooms and in the school in my opinion. There's a big school church, but besides that it feels like a normal school, so don't let the religious school label obstruct you from attending.

Save up as much as you because because you will spend more than you budget for. Bring walking shoes and lose your nerves because anything is possible here is you are willing to go out and make it happen.

Your college experience is what you make of it, choose the place that you feel called to and go for it. No matter where you end up, you can choose to make it an awesome 4 years.