<p>D#2 is a BWRK interested in the Biological Sciences. For college she wants a mid-sized university someplace away from her home state. DW and I spent five years in the Bay Area and asked that she consider attending school in California, if not for UG then perhaps for Graduate School. D#2 obliged us by applying to the University of San Diego and the University of the Pacific (reviewed separately).</p>
<p>Frankly stated, the principal reason I suggested USD as a possibility was because I wanted D#2 to see SoCal as part of her college visit tour. USD is hugely expensive, lacks some intercollegiate sports D#2 is interested in, and graduates relative few in the sciences. I talked up the beautiful weather and scheduled lots of zoo and beach and shopping time to "make up for” the required visit. In short I wasn’t expecting much, and neither was D#2.</p>
<p>At 1:30 AM on visit day (our time) things were shaping up badly. We were stuck in Phoenix after missing our connection, had gotten re-routed to Santa Ana airport, and decided to forego that destination due to a shortage of ground transportation. Luckily I was able to purchase the last available seats on the evening’s final flight to San Diego, and we made the boarding with fully three minutes to spare. We arrived in San Diego exhausted and several hours later than planned, but we were grateful to be there. The next morning it was pouring rain and breakfast with D#2 who had not slept well. No, things weren’t looking at all good. I provide the above background to illustrate the power of a USD visit, because three hours after finishing breakfast USD had moved from applications list “throw in” to a school near the top of her list.</p>
<p>Time and space do not permit a full discussion of the school, staff and students. So I’ll be brief in areas that can be confirmed from other sources. The campus is truly beautiful, wonderfully kept, and fabulously located. Beaches, Sea World, the zoo, shopping and the airport are each approximately ten minutes away. The campus footprint is small, which means limited space for parking and dormitories. Shuttle busses and off-campus housing (for upperclassmen) are facts of life.</p>
<p>For us, what really moved USD up the list was the staff and students we spoke with. Without exception each encounter began with a smile and ended with us taking away more information than initially sought. Each individual was unfailingly helpful and polite. To the best of my knowledge each question was answered accurately and without equivocation. When we asked “where is” it wasn’t uncommon for the individual to accompany us to the door and point out the building we needed next. </p>
<p>Despite the pouring rain the sidewalks outside were full of students, most of which were without umbrellas. I was impressed, given the large proportion of students who could undoubtedly cut the day’s classes with minimal repercussions. It is reported (on a well known site) that USD has many wealthy students that are “snooty” and “close minded.” I saw none of this. And it was my daughter who observed that the number of students providing campus services that day seemed inconsistent with USD’s reputation of having a wealthy student body. </p>
<p>USD offers many academic programs. But D#2 is interested in the biological sciences, so I spent most of my time there. Science isn’t popular at USD. The university annually graduates only sixty students in Biology. Not good. But the Science Center building is very modern (and opulent). I’m not yet convinced that USD is a favored institution for pre-meds and future professors of science. But my initial skepticism has been considerably softened.</p>
<p>I’ll conclude this with two small anecdotes from our visit. The first was at the Admissions office desk, where were asked “So how are you doing today.” Wet was our response. “Yes” the student greeter responded, “The rain is really hurting us today.” She was obviously aware that many visitors were expected and the effect bad weather would have on their perception of the school. The second involved an inquiry at one of the Student Union offices concerning which campus coffee shop had the best coffee. I asked about one of the coffee shops I’d seen, Aromas. “Well Aromas is Starbucks based and in my opinion they over-roast the coffee beans.” I chose to ignore this advice. I bought coffee there only to discover that she was right. Brittany, I owe you one.</p>
<p>USD may be “the country club on the hill” but on the day D#2 and I visited it was a very welcoming and capable place. I don’t think we can afford it (yes, there is a #3), but the visit was certainly compelling.</p>