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.