I'm a high school junior thinking about applying to St. Mary's College of California. What's the vibe like on campus? Are the academics rigorous, and what do students do for fun? Any tips or experiences from students there?
Sure! St. Mary's College of California is a small, tight-knit liberal arts college known for its strong sense of community and welcoming environment. With fewer than 3,000 undergraduate students, the class sizes are typically small, which promotes close relationships between students and their professors.
On the academic front, many students have reported appreciating the challenging yet supportive environment. St. Mary's follows what's known as a "Great Books" program in the first two years of your undergraduate studies, which means you'll be reading classic texts from various fields, participating in small discussion-based "Seminar" classes, and developing critical thinking skills. This type of curriculum is well-regarded for its ability to foster intellectual growth and versatility in students.
Outside the classroom, students at St. Mary's are often engaged in a variety of extracurricular activities. The college is home to over 50 clubs and organizations, spanning a wide range of interests from student government to service organizations to interest-based groups. Students also commonly attend the school's Division 1 athletics events—especially basketball games.
As for campus activities, because St. Mary's is located in Moraga in the East Bay, students have access to both the serene country and the bustling city life of nearby San Francisco. Many students take the opportunity to explore local hiking trails and enjoy the natural beauty the Bay Area provides.
The only tip I'd share is to visit the campus if you can. It will help you get a better feel for the vibe and whether it's the right fit for you. This is general advice for all college aspirants, but it is especially true when considering small, community-oriented schools like St. Mary's.
CollegeVine’s Q&A seeks to offer informed perspectives on commonly asked admissions questions. Every answer is refined and validated by our team of admissions experts to ensure it resonates with trusted knowledge in the field.