Hi! I'm currently a junior from Phoenix, Arizona, hoping to major in nursing through a traditional four-year BSN program. California has always been one of my top dream college destinations because I've realized that being happy and comfortable in my surroundings has a huge impact on my academic performance and overall well-being.
I've recently been looking into the University of San Francisco (USF), and I was wondering if anyone could share their experiences with its nursing program. I'd love to know how competitive admissions are, what the program is actually like, how I could strengthen my application, and what career opportunities look like after graduation.
For some background, I struggled quite a bit academically during my freshman and sophomore years due to significant family circumstances. My family experienced a major financial loss after investing money we didn't have into a company that eventually filed for bankruptcy. This affected us tremendously, both emotionally and financially. During this time, my dad was also hospitalized, and I took on the responsibility of being my family's primary caretaker. Balancing these responsibilities with school was extremely difficult, and my grades definitely reflect that.
Here are my current stats and extracurriculars!
Background and Academics
- Ethnicity: Thai, Lao, and Chinese
- First-generation college student
- Female, out-of-state applicant (Arizona)
- Estimated graduating GPA: 3.0 UW / 3.7–3.9 W
- Course rigor: I've consistently taken advanced honors, AP, and college-level courses since middle school.
Coursework
Middle School:
- 6th grade: Algebra and Geometry I
- 7th grade: Algebra and Geometry II
- 8th grade: College-level Precalculus/AP Precalculus and Economics
Freshman Year:
- AP Calculus AB
- AP Computer Science Principles
- AP U.S. Government and Politics
- Honors Biology
- Honors English Literature and Composition
- Honors English Language and Composition
- Mandarin II
Sophomore Year:
- AP Calculus BC
- AP English Language and Composition
- AP European History
- AP Human Geography
- Honors Biology (retaken after failing my freshman-year final)
- Honors Chemistry
- Mandarin III
Junior Year (Current):
- AP Chemistry
- AP Chinese Language and Culture
- AP Psychology
- AP Seminar
- AP Statistics
- AP U.S. History
- Honors Physics
Extracurriculars, Leadership, and Community Involvement
- Student Ambassador for a Brain Tumor Research Nonprofit: I serve as a student ambassador for the largest student-led nonprofit in Arizona supporting brain tumor research. I'm also planning to apply for a co-chair leadership position during my senior year.
- American Red Cross: I've been a member since freshman year and participated in the International Humanitarian Law (IHL) Committee during sophomore year.
- Equity for Asians Organization: I've been involved since freshman year and completed a summer internship focused on community advocacy. During the internship, I researched and designed a community action project supporting unhoused individuals through mutual aid, care kits, and access to helpful resources and information.
- Part-Time Job: I started working at a tea shop this past summer to help support my family's financial situation.
- Nursing Explorers Club: I participate in hands-on activities, healthcare career exploration, and panel discussions with professionals in the nursing field.
- Statewide Youth Anti-Tobacco Coalition: I'm involved in a county-based youth coalition that works to promote tobacco-free environments and healthier communities for high school students. We attend weekly meetings and participate in youth advocacy initiatives.
- National Chinese Honor Society: I've been involved since eighth grade and became a small-group leader during junior year, helping guide and manage younger students.
- Johns Hopkins Public Health Summer Program: I participated in a competitive online summer program focused on public health, where I attended discussions and presentations led by researchers and medical professionals. I also joined the program's alumni community.
- Hospital Volunteer: I volunteer weekly at a local hospital, assisting with front desk responsibilities, patient transportation and escorts, and answering phone calls.
- Lao Temple Volunteer and Traditional Dance: I volunteer at my local Lao temple and participate in a Lao traditional dance troupe, performing at cultural events throughout the Phoenix area.
- Animal Shelter Volunteer: I've volunteered with PetSmart-affiliated animal shelters since seventh grade.
My Main Questions
- How competitive would I be for USF's traditional four-year BSN program, considering my GPA, course rigor, extracurriculars, and personal circumstances?
- What could I realistically do between now and senior year to strengthen my application and improve my chances of admission?
- Does USF take extenuating family circumstances into consideration when reviewing applications, especially when those circumstances affected academic performance?
- What is the nursing program actually like in terms of academics, clinical placements, student support, and overall experience?
- How well does USF prepare students for the NCLEX and nursing careers after graduation? Is it difficult to find a nursing job in California after graduating?
- For out-of-state students, especially those who need financial aid, is USF worth the cost? Are there meaningful scholarships or financial aid opportunities available to nursing students?
I know my unweighted GPA isn't the strongest, especially for a competitive major like nursing, but I've genuinely tried to challenge myself academically while navigating some difficult circumstances at home. I'm hoping that my course rigor, involvement in healthcare-related activities, community service, and personal experiences can help show my potential beyond my grades.
USF is a school I'm genuinely interested in, and I'd really love to give myself the best possible chance of getting accepted. I'm especially interested in hearing from current nursing students, alumni, or anyone who has gone through the admissions process.
Any advice, insight, or honest feedback would mean a lot. Thank you so much for taking the time to read all of this! :)
