Saint Mary's is a great college with small class sizes, caring teachers, and a friendly student body. There are plenty of opportunities for students interested in academics, sports, leadership, community service, and more. I definitely recommend this campus for anyone serious about their education and looking for an amazing college experience.
Do you have any tips for prospective students?
I recommend that prospective students attend an overnight program since they give you a feel for the college and you can spend the night in a dorm with a current student. It is helpful to contact the school and talk about scholarships, as well.
Do you find there’s enough academic rigor at your school?
The classes require regular attendance and serious effort. The teachers do care about each student, though, and offer to meet during office hours for extra help. SMC also provides an academic advisor, writing center, and tutors if needed.
Describe the dorm life at your college.
I always feel safe living on campus at SMC. My roommate and I rarely locked our door and I frequently left my new laptop in the hall. Nothing was ever stolen from us. The halls and bathroom stayed surprisingly clean, as well.
Describe the food and dining at your college.
There is only one cafeteria on campus since SMC is so small. It is pretty good quality, but it gets old after a while. It is clean, but the hours are a little inconvenient (late night starts at 9 and ends at 11, so if you are studying at midnight and get hungry, you better have some snacks in your dorm room).
What’s there to do for fun at your college?
On campus, there are plenty of clubs to get involved with and the school also offers numerous activities throughout the year like indoor rock climbing trips and even tickets to Cirque du Solei. Basketball games are the highlight of the year when it comes to school spirit--especially when we play our Gonzaga rivals. San Francisco and Berkely are just a short BART ride away if you feel like having some fun in the city, too.
Do you feel you’re getting value for the money you’re spending on college?
SMC has a unique 4-1-4 semester system. We have four-month long semesters with a one month January Term break in between. During Jan term, students study only one class not necessarily related to their majors. This gives them time to explore other interests or pursue individual projects like community service. Last year, one of my friends took a course on chocolate making during this time and travel courses are available for Jan Term, too.
Share any unusual traditions or locations on campus
At the beginning of each year, freshmen can participate in Paint the SMC where they go up to the cement SMC letters on the hillside and paint them in the school colors. P.S. There are no paintbrushes allowed, so it is a messy and fun way to start off the year and meet your classmates.
Which types of students will excel at your college?
SMC is great for first generation students and there is even an academic office that specifically helps them transition into college life. Saint Mary's is a good choice for serious students who still want to have fun.
Are you involved in any clubs or activities?
SMC offers many clubs and activities ranging from community service and student government to on campus games and sports teams. The Intercultural Center has many clubs and events, as well, including the BSU Black Student Union and Pacific Islander group. Academic clubs are available including the AMA and an honors society.
Are you involved in any clubs or activities?
SMC does not have a Greek Life.
How would you describe campus safety? Do you feel safe on campus?
I feel extremely safe at this university. Upon arrival, there is a toll booth where Public Safety officers check in students (mainly at night or during big events) and officers can easily be found around campus. The students are extremely kind and I rarely locked my door throughout the day. SMC goes above and beyond to make its students feel safe.
Saint Mary's is a great college with small class sizes, caring teachers, and a friendly student body. There are plenty of opportunities for students interested in academics, sports, leadership, community service, and more. I definitely recommend this campus for anyone serious about their education and looking for an amazing college experience.
I recommend that prospective students attend an overnight program since they give you a feel for the college and you can spend the night in a dorm with a current student. It is helpful to contact the school and talk about scholarships, as well.
The classes require regular attendance and serious effort. The teachers do care about each student, though, and offer to meet during office hours for extra help. SMC also provides an academic advisor, writing center, and tutors if needed.
I always feel safe living on campus at SMC. My roommate and I rarely locked our door and I frequently left my new laptop in the hall. Nothing was ever stolen from us. The halls and bathroom stayed surprisingly clean, as well.
There is only one cafeteria on campus since SMC is so small. It is pretty good quality, but it gets old after a while. It is clean, but the hours are a little inconvenient (late night starts at 9 and ends at 11, so if you are studying at midnight and get hungry, you better have some snacks in your dorm room).
On campus, there are plenty of clubs to get involved with and the school also offers numerous activities throughout the year like indoor rock climbing trips and even tickets to Cirque du Solei. Basketball games are the highlight of the year when it comes to school spirit--especially when we play our Gonzaga rivals. San Francisco and Berkely are just a short BART ride away if you feel like having some fun in the city, too.
SMC has a unique 4-1-4 semester system. We have four-month long semesters with a one month January Term break in between. During Jan term, students study only one class not necessarily related to their majors. This gives them time to explore other interests or pursue individual projects like community service. Last year, one of my friends took a course on chocolate making during this time and travel courses are available for Jan Term, too.
At the beginning of each year, freshmen can participate in Paint the SMC where they go up to the cement SMC letters on the hillside and paint them in the school colors. P.S. There are no paintbrushes allowed, so it is a messy and fun way to start off the year and meet your classmates.
SMC is great for first generation students and there is even an academic office that specifically helps them transition into college life. Saint Mary's is a good choice for serious students who still want to have fun.
SMC offers many clubs and activities ranging from community service and student government to on campus games and sports teams. The Intercultural Center has many clubs and events, as well, including the BSU Black Student Union and Pacific Islander group. Academic clubs are available including the AMA and an honors society.
SMC does not have a Greek Life.
I feel extremely safe at this university. Upon arrival, there is a toll booth where Public Safety officers check in students (mainly at night or during big events) and officers can easily be found around campus. The students are extremely kind and I rarely locked my door throughout the day. SMC goes above and beyond to make its students feel safe.