ASK DONS

Welcome to Ask Dons! Want to know anything about USF or college in general? Ask us a question and a current student will answer it here.

[askdons]

My First Hike with the Outdoors Club!

During one of my very first weekends in San Francisco, I went out on a hike at Lands End with the USF Outdoors Club. I didn’t really know many people at USF yet, so I was very excited to join a club and meet new people. I invited one of the first people I met at the school at orientation weekend, and this experience made us even closer.

We all took MUNI to the head of the Lands End trail and hiked it as one big group, taking many pictures along the way. This was my first time at Lands End, or even on a hike in San Francisco, and the views were absolutely lovely! It was a great opportunity to go out, meet people, and explore a new part of San Francisco. 

After my friend and I left the group, we went to eat at a vegan cafe called Judahlicious over in the Sunset District. To this day we’ll still take the MUNI there and have some delicious (and vegan) meals!

[askdons]

For the optional informational interviews, will they affect our chances of admission into USF?

Interviews are not required but are recommended. These opportunities are provided for students who wish to speak one on one with a USF representative about their interest in USF and to have any questions answered. While they are not evaluative, they can provide context in the reading of a student's application and may have some influence on a decision.

[askdons]

What opportunities are there for CS majors at USF? I’m a prospective transfer student and I’m allures by the idea of being right in the middle of all the action

There are TONS of opportunities for computer science majors at USF and in San Francisco. Faculty members provide mentorship, Career Services support preparation and exploration into internships and jobs. We have tons of alumni in SF that also serve as a great resource for CS majors.  

Career Services regularly brings recruiters on campus to give presentations about how to prepare for internships and also host interviews. Career services also takes groups of students off campus on to “Career Treks” to visit companies in SF and the bay area. 

More info here: During a trek, a small group of students has the opportunity to visit up to three employers over the course of one day. https://myusf.usfca.edu/career-services/connect-with-employers#companytreks 

If you have any other questions about CS @ USF I'd recommend reaching out to the department: [email protected]. 

[askdons]

Dons Feature: 7 tips on how to write a great personal statement

Writing your first personal statement can be challenging & intimidating.  Never fear! I’m here to help with my top seven tips from a senior English major on how to write the perfect college admission essay and things to keep in mind:

1. Write about your experiences and what you have taken away from those experiences. What lessons have you learned? Where have you felt growth?


 2. Everyone says it, but be yourself and tell us your own story! It’s so important that you are telling the Admission team about your authentic self and using your own voice to reflect your unique self. 
 

3. Talk about your own values and where they intersect with USF’s mission and USF’s values. 
 

4. Delve deeper into why you want to attend USF and what about USF makes you excited. Do your research here and tap into what draws you to USF. 
 

5. Avoid application redundancy. Use this essay as your opportunity to tell the Admission team what your application can’t. 
 

6. Pick a topic that you enjoy writing about. The Admission team is looking to learn about you and what you’re passionate about, so pick a topic that reflects that. 
 

7. Sometimes simple stories are the best. No need to dig for a complex and life-changing story when often the best stories are ordinary and reflect you. 
 The most important advice I can give is to make sure you tell the Admission team about you. They want to learn about what makes you unique, what you’re passionate about, and what makes you, you!

[askdons]

Who gets priority registration for classes?

Priority for registration is based on the amount of credits students have. Fourth-year students will likely be the first to register for classes and so on. More info about registration available here: http://ow.ly/Ebl630n1flU

[askdons]

When are spring 2019 transfer applications due?

The priority transfer deadline was November 15th for Spring 2019 start students. USF is still accepting non-nursing transfer applications for Spring 2019. The priority deadline for Fall 2019 is January 1! More info about dates and deadlines here: http://ow.ly/1UXD30n1dX2

[askdons]

what housing options do you have for potential incoming transfers for the spring semester? I am in the process of applying to the nursing program for spring 2019, but live out of state and was curious to know what my options were!

Hello, future transfer student!

Transfer students may apply to live on campus here. USF also provides students with resources and support when it comes to looking off campus for housing through our Off Campus Housing Office.

Ask Dons anything about #USFCA!

[askdons]

i’m an incoming freshie and i’m stressing because my gpa dropped from a 3.5 to a 3.1-3.2ish… keep in mind i’m not failing ANY classes, will usf rescind my acceptence? please let me know :0

You will probably be okay! Get into contact with Admissions if you have any questions, but you should be on track to be on campus in the Fall. 

[askdons]

I have a couple questions if you don’t mind (oh and I am an incoming freshman)😬 -how do I change my major? I am a management major in the business school but I want to be an entrepreneurship major! -how do I pick up a minor? -how can I request a triple? Also can I request to be in a certain dorm building? Thank you 🙏🙏🙏

Welcome to #USFCA! We can’t wait to have you on campus. 

Let’s take this point by point: 

1. Major change?: You’ll need to get into contact with your CASA coach at some point between now and the beginning of the year. If you haven’t been assigned one yet, you can get into contact with CASA and ask around. You’ll have to fill out this Change of Academic Program form, as well.

2. Minor?: You can pick up a minor by registering for classes that’ll count towards that minor. You can run this buy your CASA advisor, but most departments will have the requirements for a minor listed on their department page. You’ll need to take all of the courses listed there to complete the minor.

3. Triple?: You can request a triple when you fill out the housing form in the next couple of weeks, if you haven’t already! You’ll be able to select your preferred building, but you may not get your first choice option because the system is a lottery.

Hope this helps!

Ask Dons anything about #USFCA!

[askdons]

When will financial aid packets for continuing students come out

Financial aid packets for continuing students are rolling out over the course of the summer, but you can get into contact with OneStop to see if there’s any new information!

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[askdons]

Is the USF caf open during the summer?

Yes! The dining hall is open over the summer! You can find the hours here, they will be updated at the end of the semester.  

Hope this helps!

Ask Dons anything about #USFCA!

[askdons]

difference between standard, plus and maxi meal plans

Hi! Welcome to USF, we can’t wait to have you on campus!

The only difference between the Standard, Plus, and Maxi meal plans is how much money you have to spend in the dining halls on campus. Funds left over from the Fall semester will roll over into the Spring semester, but they expire at the end of the school year. 

You can find the differences in cost for each meal plan by scrolling all the way down on this page!

Students are completely fine when they sign up for the Standard plan, but if you want more wiggle room, you can step up to the other two plans.

Hope this helps! 

Ask Dons anything about #USFCA!

[askdons]

Hi, I've been accepted as an incoming freshman for 2018 as a Fine Arts major but have been doing a ton of research and decided I fit in way more with the Media Studies major. Is there a possibility I can fix this and how crucial might it be to actually switch my major during freshman year?

Hi! Welcome to USF, we can’t wait to have you on campus!

That’s not a problem! You can get into contact with admissions and they can lead you down the path of changing your major. They’ll put you in contact with CASA, who will connect you with your advisor. You’ll need to fill out this Change of Academic Program form, which will get the process going.

You’re in a good spot to change your major if you want to because you haven’t started taking any courses yet. When you go to register this semester, I would sign up for a course in Media Studies (Intro to Media Studies) and a class in the Fine Arts department. That way you can explore both in the semester, and the courses will count for your CORE requirements. 

If you have more questions about Media Studies, you can read this post!

Hope this helps! 

Ask Dons anything about #USFCA!

[askdons]

What can you tell us about the honors college?

You can learn more about the Honors College by reading this FAQ!

Ask Dons anything about #USFCA!

[askdons]

What’s the PASJ major like? Do you guys have a good theatre program?

You can learn about the PASJ major by going here! 

From the website: “Students concentrate their course of study in dance, music, and theater; all of which require 20 units of foundational courses on the history, theory, practice, and production of their respective artistic form. Students in all three concentrations take a year-long capstone course, where they design an independent, original project based in artistic design, scholastic research, or community-engaged work.”

If you want to learn more, you can get into contact with the department by emailing performingarts at usfca.edu!

Hope this helps!

Ask Dons anything about #USFCA!

[askdons]

What's the easiest science course at USF? I heard astronomy was really hard

You can learn about the science courses by clicking here and picking a discipline. You can also use Rate My Professor to learn about the professor who may be teaching a class if that is something you’d like to do! You can look at the registration page inside of myUSF to find out which professor is teaching what class. 

Ask Dons anything about #USFCA!

[askdons]

Hi, I'm an incoming freshman who is trans and I plan to begin my transition my first year. I'm fearful of not getting gender inclusive housing, so in the event that does not happen, do you guys have any secondary options that aren't exactly designated gender inclusive housing but could get a gender queer person the safe space they need?

Heya! I’d get into contact with SHaRE and explain your situation so they can do the extra work required to try to get you into gender inclusive housing. You can get into contact with them by calling [phone], and they’ll be able to best help you out and get you into a place where you’ll feel comfortable and safe. 

#USFCA also has a Gender & Sexuality Center on campus! You can learn all about it by clicking here. It ensures that there are a bunch of resources on campus for students who are transitioning, gender queer, or anything in between. 

We can’t wait to have you on campus in the Fall!

Ask Dons anything about #USFCA!