University of San Diego
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As a small, private school, the University of San Diego is able to give each student individual attention. Attendance is usually mandatory for each class and counts toward your final grade, which can be a struggle, especially if you have a 7:45 a.m. class. With the small class sizes, there is no room to hide and professors will know your name, but that can be good motivation for keeping up with the work and seeking extra help during office hours. And, even if you don’t need extra help, try to go to office hours at least once during the semester for some face time—this could be useful because some professors are subject to picking "favorites." There are no teacher assistants here, so students always have direct contact with professors and can build relationships that will help with their careers at USD and even possibly after.

Academics are taken fairly seriously here, and it's not uncommon to see students pulling all-nighters at the library during finals week. If you need extra academic help, go to office hours, e-mail your professors, and use the available free tutoring services that include the Logic Center, Writing Center, and various language tutors. USD also offers extra guidance to incoming freshmen by registering them in a preceptorial class, where they meet with a preceptor to discuss their academic progress and make sure their class schedules are on track to fulfill the USD requirements. The preceptor of this class will be the student’s academic adviser until his or her major is declared. Students are also assigned a PA (preceptorial assistant), an older student who will help you adjust to college life. Overall, USD wants its students to succeed, but it's up to them to take the initiative.

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Academics at University of San Diego

Spartasaurus

'12

Anthropology and Archaeology

4.2

A-

Small Classes and Attentive Professors

No classes I've attended have gone over 45 students, and most professors get to know you by name. The curriculum is good, not unbearable (most times), and there are wonderful resources on and off campus (such as San Diego Circuit -- which provides books from libraries in SD).

Jan 19, 2012

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Academics at University of San Diego

mitchellm

'15

Mechanical Engineering

4.2

A-

A Kick in the Butt, Be Sure You Want It Badly

Engineering at USD is a BS/BA program, meaning you have to complete a curriculum of 'arts' courses in addition to every engineering/science/math course along the way. It makes for a heavy courseload every semester (17-18 units) for 4 1/2 years. But supposedly the BS/BA is worth something extra special compared to a BS.

Every class I have had was a straight lecture, which is much different from high school discussion-based classes. That is how most math and science courses are: come in, sit down, take notes, maybe participate in solving a certain problem, more notes, then go home and do homework for the class or study for the tests/quizzes. Faculty have office hours and they do help to go to, most are nice enough to make exceptions for the unlucky students who have classes during every office hours time or who just want extra individual attention.

USD has an organization for every type of engineering, and covers a lot of internship opportunities.

Jan 19, 2012

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Academics at University of San Diego

sarahkbaker

'15

Biochemistry and Molecular Biology

3.8

B+

Academics at USD

The academics are good, but not all that rigorous. Classwork is manageable and being in the honors program has allowed for classes to be more challenging which I enjoy. All of my professors are helpful and friendly and I enjoy my classes.

Jan 19, 2012

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Photos of University of San Diego's Academics

Camino Hall

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Camino Hall

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Camino Hall

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Camino Hall The building where some freshman guys live. Some classes are also held here.

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Institute for Peace and...

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Institute for Peace and Justice Most commonly referred as the IPJ, some classes are held in this building.

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