<p>Since I'm from the Midwest, I would appreciate the perspective of others as to how USD is viewed academically on the west coast and other areas of the country. What about the alumni networK? Is it strong and active, if so where?</p>
<p>Background
My S was accepted EA and USD is still among his top choices. I'm curious for input since his uncle (my brother-in-law) went to law school at USD 15 years ago, and absolutely loved it and said it was a wonderful educational experience. However, after graduation, he returned to Illinois to take the bar and practice and has indicated the USD isn't very well known - he instead has relied upon his ND undergrad and the ND network. He has indicated that the USD alumni network is trying to get more active in the midwest, but I would appreciate other perspectives.</p>
<p>I am originally from Chicago, but have been out in Northern CA for 27 years. I was not at all familiar with USD until we started the college search 3+ years ago with our older daughter (who now attends USD) USD has a very good academic reputation, and I think it is really growing (in reputation and in academic quality). It was cited last year, I think, as an “up and coming” school by US News and World Report, I believe it was. I feel that this is definately true. It has a better academic reputation than LMU, but may be a notch below Santa Clara. I think it is pretty highly regarded in California - only problem is people, even out here, get it confused with UCSD, which is a very highly regarded state school. If you have any questions about the school feel free to private message me.</p>
<p>The reputation of USD continues to positively grow and has a fine reputation in California. I am not sure that the alumni network and reputation extends too far beyond the West Coast. I agree with BayAreaMom that right now SCU has a bit better academic reputation; both are well above LMU on this point. What area of study is your son interested in? The undergraduate business school continues to do well on all the ratings, particularly in internships and business connections. My niece graduated 6 years ago and is doing very well. (I graduated in the early 80s.)
BayAreaMom: what is your daughters current take on the atmosphere and environment at USD? We are hoping to make a decision by April 1st.</p>
<p>Thanks for your comments! What prompted the question is my S is totally undecided as to major. He could be pre-med, pre-law or business. I saw the very good Business Week rankings and wondered how the school was viewed overall.</p>
<p>I actually think that USD is one of the best schools to be at if you are undecided. they do not admit into colleges, the way SCU and LMU do. And, have heard it is hard to get into SCU business even when you are a student there and want to switch out of Arts and Sciences. USD wants all students taking core requirements and maybe one major class each semester Freshman year, and not declaring until Sophomore year. Seems the most flexible that way of any schools we have looked at.</p>
<p>I am glad to see this post. My D also was admitted EA and today just found out she got the USD trustee scholarship? She is also undecided : business, premed. Sounds like the networking for the midwest is not great, but how about getting into graduate schools? How is the honors program (she was invited to apply) How is the entire college experience? She likes the idea of jesuit and individual attention, but hard to pass up our great school in state. You don’t hear or read much about USD on these sites.</p>
<p>Wow…Trustee Scholarship ($18,000?) and an honors program invitation? Congratulations and what is she waiting for…USD is a fantastic University, a great student experience, and in a great city in which to attend school. She would have no problem for Graduate/Medical School. (BTW, USD is not Jesuit though Catholic)</p>
<p>Deepockets,
we just haven’t heard much about the school. But she is getting excited. Do they have a good reputation for getting people into grad school?? She is leaning toward med school. Catholic is not a problem ( that’s what we are). Glad to hear about the good college experience. Any sports events.?</p>
<p>USD has a pretty strong reputation on the West Coast - not sure how far east that extends, though there are a lot of kids there from the midwest and east. I know the undergrad business is highly regarded, as is their law school. not sure about their science program, mainly because my kids are not science oriented at all. they do have a brand new science building, so the facilities are probably top notch, which is a good sign.</p>
<p>also, the really good thing about attending a small, private school like USD is that students really get to know their professors, so professors can write strong personal recommendation for grad school, versus a large state school where you have TAs and/or they have thousands of students, so you do not have the personal relationships with professors.</p>
<p>sporting events are not super well attended. they do have a football team, and basketball. I am originally from the midwest, but have lived in CA for over 25+ years, but would say I have observed that college sports is not as big a deal in general at CA colleges as it is in the midwest, east coast. (unless you are at USC/Pac 10 school). but it is there at usd if you want it, which is nice.</p>