University of San Francisco Top Questions

Remember that time you thought you wanted to go to a Cal State because that's the only place you thought you could blend in? Think again. Don't limit yourself. Reach further, and don't ever feel like your skin, gender, orientation, or financial situation are in charge of your success. YOU are in charge of your future. You are the sole proprietor of what's to come. You are so precious, and nothing that anyone can say is going to change that. A college education is so valuable, so worthy, that there is no time to doubt, second guess, or be afraid of making the jump. You are going to achieve great things, so don't look back now.

Dear Mary, It’s been 4 years since you decided to USF. Turns out you accidentally ended up with the wrong degree. But that’s okay. Actually, a lot of things went wrong- like your freshman year roommate (don’t worry you moved) and that spin class ( I promise, you survived). So here’s my advice- throw yourself into everything, especially if you’re scared. Make friends with the professors, they will give you invaluable advice and make sure you stay on track. Stay up too late; don’t feel lame to call your mom. Even if tater tots for breakfast everyday sounds awesome, don’t do it. Get off campus, go get lost on MUNI (but don’t die). Talk to upper classmen; take classes that actually interest you, not just the easy ones. Most importantly, every single mistake you make- from stubbornly not switching majors to trying to work 3 jobs at a time, to somehow ending up at the top of Twin Peaks at 3am eating pizza and biscuits- will be totally worth it. This is how you learn the most about yourself. This is how you make incredible friends. This is how you grow.

14089307714 Go visit your parents more, because they miss you terribly. It might not seem fun or interesting but it will give you perspective and time to take in the transition to college. Talk to your parents, because of all the adults that you'll meet they care the most about you and your physical and mental well being. Also as ridiculus as it sounds, don't date. College doesn't need such a serious emotional attachment so early on, only to see that everyone's busy and people are selfish. Get a JOB! It will help your parents out a lot and keep you on your toes and alet, instead of only focusing on school. Also talk to others and join more clubs to make friends instead of fucusing only on school because when you're way over your head and crying about the stupid mistakes you made in college, they will be there to calm and reasure. Enjoy the moments that you have because they might be more short-lived than you had initially thought.

Don't stress, everything happens for a reason and everything will turn out perfectly. You don't need to do what everyone else is doing, be yourself.

Today, countless teenagers across the nation are being pressured into a system that does not value their beings beyond numerical value. While I can’t speak for every single teenager that lives in the United States of America, I can speak based upon my own experiences and of my peers. Personally, I was never a straight A student. My mother feared that I would not be enough, so I was pushed into accelerated classes that I could not handle. That is one of my first pieces of advice: do not take challenging courses just because they will add sparkle to what seems to be a dull transcript. Excelling in regular courses looks better than failing in honors courses. Every student is different, so take what you can handle. In the end, if you put yourself in a situation that is too difficult, it will negatively affect you in multiple ways. Physically, all of those sleepless nights affect your productivity in the classroom. Mentally, you will feel drained and always on the edge. Emotionally, your self-esteem will decrease based upon your ability to excel in the same way other classmates do. I encourage you to shine at your own rate.

Forget what you think college will be like. Set down your expectations and just be open to whatever comes up. You can't predict every outcome, you can't have learned everything you'll need to know. Yes, you will make mistakes and wish you hadn't, but that doesn't make you a failure. College isn't studying 24/7 or partying nightly or being surrounded by friends or eating ramen day in and day out. College is college, you are you. The experiences you have shouldn't be judged as successful based on made-for-tv dramas. Any experience, any feeling is justified because you are living it and you are valid.

Choose a school that has your intended degree and possible back up degrees. Also keep in mind of the location of possible schools and the cost of attending and living. Overall, have open mind and embrace the experience that you are so lucky to take part in.

Don't go to University of San Francisco

Firstly, I would tell myself as a high school senior to enter college with an open mind and to be read for a whole different life. I had a hard time adjusting to college life when I first came to the school. I found it extremley difficult to make connections with students and judged those around me without even knowing them. Once I began to have an open mind and love my routine things started to get much easier. College can be like high school, but only if you make it that way. Soon, I started getting involved with clubs on campus such as the school tv and radio, my college life and social life began to improve. I would also tell myself to not try to force relationships with people that I didn't really get along with. It may take time, but finding the people that you really vibe with is extremley important, because then you dont lose yourself. The most important part of college to me is being myself and expressing my creativity! I love the path I am heading on and cannot wait for the future!

If I could go back in time and talk to my senior self, I would say that there is always a light at the end of the tunnel, and if times get rough, there is a reward at the end. The college transition was a little tough even though I didn't move very far from home. The reason it was tough was because I was put in an environment with all new people, and it isn't easy to always make friends. What I did was be open with everyone, and I am making a lot of great friends. I felt like giving up at times because I felt alone, but it eventually all worked out. I really enjoy being at USF because they make me feel welcome, and that I am part of a community.

Dear Rachel, I want to tell you that college is going to change your life. You're going to meet amazing people that you will hold in your heart forever. Yet, as most people they're not going to be perfect. Treat each person as you would want to be treated, ask questions because they're the ones with the answers. Never ever hate someone because hate is what will destroy everything you stand for. Regardless if they hate you first, hold your head high and never let your standards falter. I know our standards are higher than most standards because of our background. Not everyone is going to get that you don't swear, you don't drink, you don't listen to their music. But all that is not what college is about. Because they're going to love you and you're going to be great at everything! All you have to do is trust that everything is going to be just as it should and you're going to be the best in your field with a great team behind you.

Senior students are usually confident and excited for their last year of school and that's a good thing, but learning is not over yet. One may think that they know everything in his or her last year of high school, but there is an infinite amount to what one may know and learn. One of the most popular sayings that a graduate would pass on to a high school senior, is to start early. Paying attention to school, college applications, extracurriculars, and scholarships is a hassle. If you start early, then you wouldn't have to worry about cramming everything in at once. Going into college as a freshman isn't too fun. You know very few faces, and you're too shy to talk to anyone, but that happens to every single freshman in college. Within a week, you are guaranteed to make friends. Do not participate in any time-consuming activities until you are adjusted to your classes and your schedule. Many student make the mistake of diving right into extracurriculars. Little do they know, their schedules don't meet and there's always a test or essay the next day! Good luck!

Be open! There are so many new experiences and oppurtunities to be had in college that so many people shy away from. It's going to be rough at first-everyone scrambles to make friends the first few weeks, but soon you'll realize who your real friends are. Also, don't be afraid to join clubs, attend seminars and go to sessions teaching you things that may seem basic (how to write a resume, how to study effectively etc.). Even though some of those things may seem nerdy, they'll totally help in the long run, and you'll be the more successful student for it! Try to make a friend in every class, or at least an acuaintance. The day you're sick and miss class, you'll be glad you have their number to grab the homework. It's scary, exciting, confusing at times, but most of all the transition is fun! So enjoy the ride!

You have to put some actual effort into studying. This may seem obvious but to the AP student I was in high school, I never thought studying would become necessary. In my General Psychology class we learned that if you study lightly over long periods of time (say the info you learned in your first month - you study/review it once every week and a half), the information will stay active in your long term memory. This means you don't have to cram for that exam. (Yes, I rhymed)

I would definitely tell myself not to come to University of San Francisco. For anyone looking for the typical college life with a good mix of city life, this is far from it.

If you are undecided about your major, first go to a community college or state school to not waste money. You can always transfer to another school to get your degree.

Oh the things I would tell myself... I would tell myself to always remain humble and never let my confidence cloud my judgement. College is a time where every expecatation you have of yourself is challenged and every value is tested. Always keep an open mind, even if that means eating frog legs or taking a class with the infamous Professor McSweatyPits. The people you meet won't neccessarily be the people you would associate yourself with, but dig deep because you will be amazed by the common interests you both share. Don't be disappointed by the college experiences your friends are having because their pictures may seem like they are having the grandest time while you're studying for a midterm, but they have their fair share of struggles too. It's okay to feel lost and in need of comfort because I still do. Don't lose sight of your dreams when people question the reality of them. If there is one thing we need in this world are people that have a dream and are hopeful to pursue it. So never ever give up. Hang in there kiddo.

Some of the advice I would give my “senior” self would be to stress less. Before going to college all I was doing was worrying and being anxious about the anticipated change. I was worried about if I was going to fit in, how hard classes were going to be, how living away from home would be different and so on and so on. I now know that I was not the only one with these concerns. I would remind myself that I was not the only one with these concerns and that every new college freshman was experiencing the same concerns. I wasn’t alone with my worrying and stressing. I would also tell myself that getting involved with your education and your campus can make all the difference. It will allow you to know your teachers and your fellow students better by making connections with them. Getting to know your professors will help you with your course work and will encourage greater success. Making connections with your peers will help you be aware of your campus more and allow you to make new friends.

Save up all of the money you can-whatever thought was vaulable to spend on in high school probably wasn't. There is so much cost to the freedom of college life it's best to be financiall prepared. And getting a job in high school won't kill you. Work only a few hours a week and over summer break, but work-don't go to college with an empt bank account.

Pursue your interests - even if they seem nerdy or odd to you - and you will make friends. Although it's good to try new things, you will find people who are most compatible to you by participating in activities that you are passionate about. College really isn't the place to try to be someone you're not - here, you can be who you are and still feel accepted. Yes, some people wear designer clothes all the time, but as many people or more wear sweats and jeans. You don't need to force yourself - things will work out naturally.