<p>Why isn't this school more popular? </p>
<p>I don't know much about it, but appartently it has great professors, pretty small classes, good scholarships, and an awesome location--so why hadn't I heard of it until an hour ago?</p>
<p>It's 3000 miles away from me so I can't visit, and I have found almost no info about it online, but it seems like a cool place so I'm thinking of applying...so any info is greatly appreciated!</p>
<p>thanks!</p>
<p>USF has a great location right in the heart of the city, and the campus (hike up the steps to Lone Mountain) is beautiful. The views are absolutely incredible! I met some students and professors and administrators on my visits, and I was impressed with all of them. I did hear that a few students are not highly qualified, and some courses not particularly challenging. They have some large guaranteed scholarships with certain test scores + GPA, but they do not guarantee to meet financial need and are known to "gap" students. A special honors program is offered to "University Scholars" that offers special seminars, outings (paid for by USF) and more challenging courses.</p>
<p>Good luck!</p>
<p>tocollege,</p>
<p>Thanks a lot for the info, it's sounding better and better! Do you happen to know anything about the specific requirements+size of these guaranteed scholarships?</p>
<p>Yep! Here you go:</p>
<p>"Are there merit scholarships? What are University Scholars?
The University Scholars program is awarded to students who apply through Early Action (The Early Action application Deadline is November 15), who have a minimum grade point average of 3.8 as calculated by the USF Office of Admission, and a minimum combined SAT test score of 1,320, or a minimum ACT test score of 30. The University Scholars program pays $19,500 a year for eight semesters of undergraduate study, provided the student maintains at least a 3.25 grade point average at USF. " University</a> of San Francisco (USF) - FAQ</p>
<p>You have to apply by November 15th to be considered. (They let me know I was accepted and had the scholarship within 5 days - which was fun because it really helps ease the anxiety of waiting for acceptances to KNOW you have one in your pocket!)</p>
<p>***The SAT score is Math + CR reading only!!!</p>
<p>I'm thinking its religious affiliation holds it back. I would be VERY interested if not for that, SF is my favorite city.</p>
<p>I visited four times, and I asked that question of students, admissions reps, and faculty. They said about 50% of the students are Catholic. (The students I talked to didn't happen to be Catholic, and they did not feel it was a problem.) It seemed to me (based ONLY on my few visits) to have a liberal atmosphere (like the city it is in). It is run by the Jesuits, who I have always understood to be VERY liberal. Disclaimer: I am Catholic, so maybe it didn't concern me as much as it might a non-Catholic.</p>
<p>There is a Religious Studies requirement, but the course offerings cover nearly every religion you can think of - there is no requirement to study any particular religion, it is your choice.</p>
<p>Additional disclaimer: I really liked this university and it was among my final contenders, but ultimately I chose to attend another university.</p>
<p>Its one of the 28 Jesuit Schools in the country. Santa Clara is higher ranking and USF is in San Francisco which does not appeal to everyone.</p>
<p>But its a fine school.</p>
<p>I believe Bill Russell is a graduate of USF back in their haydays of Basketball fame.</p>
<p>If you like SF, why don't you try San Francisco State University?
SFSU has a better alumni network and it's much more popular than USF. Also it's cheaper, fyi.</p>
<p>2008_applicant: SFSU doesn't have such a great academic reputation. In CA, where I live, it's considered to be one of the schools you apply to just in case you get rejected from CSULB and SDSU.</p>
<p>EDIT: Just from what I've heard. So I don't mean to offend.</p>
<p>IMO, USF is a decent school for the Bay Area, but it doesn't really have any recognition outside of the Bay Area. Moreover, it is very expensive and is in one of the most expensive cities in the country. I only see a reason to go there if you must live in SF for some reason and you want to go to a school with the religious affiliation.</p>
<p>In most cases, the best-known state school in your area will certainly be a better bargain and better in academics and reputation.</p>
<p>In most cases, the best-known state school in your area will certainly be a better bargain and better in academics and reputation. Tranandy.</p>
<p>Hmm.....Perhaps you want to clarify that for us. I dont think that the Jesuits suffer from a bad reputation or poor academics. USF is a fine school.</p>
<p>It isnt cheap. Private schools are not cheap. They do give great financial aid and scholarships.</p>
<p>I agree with nocousin. Private schools are not cheap, and USF is not more expensive than many others in California. The estimated cost of attendance on my award letter was about $48,000 - approximately the same as the other five private universities to which I applied.</p>
<p>I used to live right across the street from USF (Cole/Fulton). It is a gorgeous campus and St. Ignatius is a beautiful Cathedral. My former girlfriend was a student there and loved the education she received from the Jesuits.</p>
<p>Jesuit education is great. Very strong supportive environment. Focused on liberal arts and strong reputation for pre-professonal.</p>
<p>I would imagine USF isn't one of the top Jesuit universities because the number of options available to California students.</p>
<p>CalBear2009: You call USF's campus "gorgeous". I would agree you if you called that "cute", but a "gorgeous" campus should be a little "bigger", right?</p>
<p>It's a tiny campus, and consists of two separate sections, which aren't connected to each other, as there is a block in the middle of them. (On the other hand, I also admire the Cathedral's beauty. It is really gorgeous!)</p>
<p>Still, I agree with those saying that USF deserves a better ranking. I also heard that the quality of that school was outstanding. What I was telling that, SFSU should be a better pick than USF, since its reputation is better and the alumni network is much more higher than USF, when you think about the whole US. In this respect, I totally agree with Tranandy. Look at her/his post, and see what I was talking about.</p>
@tocollege i know this post was about 7 years ago, but do you think those stats are still pretty valid today? also, is the 3.8 gpa weighted or unweighted? thank you!
Refer to the USF website, it will list any set scholarships available. Don’t expect someone posting 7 years ago to answer you. Best to just start a new thread. There may be a USF forum here under the college forums section.