Saint Mary's is a small private school with a friendly, close-knit community. The liberal arts education has given me a solid, well-rounded background that will influence my ethical decisions in the working world. There are wonderful opportunities for leadership positions at the university, and the professors really care about you and your progress.
Do you have any tips for prospective students?
Take a tour of campus and come for an overnight. These things are great for getting a feel for the atmosphere of a campus and seeing if it is for you.
Also, look into the St. Mary's Scholarships. SMU is great about giving out merit scholarships.
Do you find there’s enough academic rigor at your school?
We have mostly discussion, writing, and reading-based classes. Rather than all lecturing, professors, never TAs, sit in small classes with students and encourage discussions. Most of the professor are not harsh graders. You are set up to succeed if you do your work and care.
Describe the dorm life at your college.
Most students stay on campus all 4 years. Freshman come in to rooms for two, which are pretty average size. Some freshman girls, the ones in Skemp Hall, have bigger rooms and walk-in closets!! As you become an upperclassmen, on-campus apartments and townhouse-style living become possibilities.
Describe the food and dining at your college.
Nothing beats home food, but St. Mary's does a nice job providing different options at each meal. We have a new registered dietitian who is great. There is one main cafeteria, a cafe, a coffee shop, and a grill, all of which work with the meal plan. Our food service is provided by Chartwells.
What’s there to do for fun at your college?
The Office of Student Activities brings in numerous comedians, music groups, etc. that never fail to entertain. They also set up bus trips to see sports games ($5 Twins games every year), performing arts events, the State Fair, and more.
Also, SMU student support each other a ton and attend each others sports games and performances.
My friends and I like to go out to dinner in Lacrosse and Rochester every once in a while.
Do you feel you’re getting value for the money you’re spending on college?
Saint Mary's has so many opportunities, and although the sticker price is high, they give out a plethora of scholarships.
Share any unusual traditions or locations on campus
Each year in the fall semester on the night before finals, we have a Christmas lights service in the chapel that leads into a Christmas brunch (for dinner) in the cafeteria with music and pictures with Santa. The brunch is served by the professors. It is a great finals de-stresser and an overall good time!
How would you describe campus safety? Do you feel safe on campus?
Saint Mary's is a small private school with a friendly, close-knit community. The liberal arts education has given me a solid, well-rounded background that will influence my ethical decisions in the working world. There are wonderful opportunities for leadership positions at the university, and the professors really care about you and your progress.
Take a tour of campus and come for an overnight. These things are great for getting a feel for the atmosphere of a campus and seeing if it is for you. Also, look into the St. Mary's Scholarships. SMU is great about giving out merit scholarships.
We have mostly discussion, writing, and reading-based classes. Rather than all lecturing, professors, never TAs, sit in small classes with students and encourage discussions. Most of the professor are not harsh graders. You are set up to succeed if you do your work and care.
Most students stay on campus all 4 years. Freshman come in to rooms for two, which are pretty average size. Some freshman girls, the ones in Skemp Hall, have bigger rooms and walk-in closets!! As you become an upperclassmen, on-campus apartments and townhouse-style living become possibilities.
Nothing beats home food, but St. Mary's does a nice job providing different options at each meal. We have a new registered dietitian who is great. There is one main cafeteria, a cafe, a coffee shop, and a grill, all of which work with the meal plan. Our food service is provided by Chartwells.
The Office of Student Activities brings in numerous comedians, music groups, etc. that never fail to entertain. They also set up bus trips to see sports games ($5 Twins games every year), performing arts events, the State Fair, and more. Also, SMU student support each other a ton and attend each others sports games and performances. My friends and I like to go out to dinner in Lacrosse and Rochester every once in a while.
Saint Mary's has so many opportunities, and although the sticker price is high, they give out a plethora of scholarships.
Each year in the fall semester on the night before finals, we have a Christmas lights service in the chapel that leads into a Christmas brunch (for dinner) in the cafeteria with music and pictures with Santa. The brunch is served by the professors. It is a great finals de-stresser and an overall good time!
I have NEVER felt unsafe on this campus.