St. Mary's Moraga - What's the Deal?

I'm considering attending St. Mary's Moraga but I'm not sure yet. Can anyone share their experiences or impressions about the college? How about the academics and social environment?

St. Mary's College of California in Moraga is a small, Catholic, liberal arts institution known for its intimate class sizes and personalized academic experience. The college's curriculum is rooted in the "Great Books" program, which encourages students to engage with classical texts and explore their significance in contemporary contexts.

In terms of academics, the intimate setting supports close connections with faculty members. Professors seem to be genuinely invested in their students and are often available for additional support. The college also follows a 4-1-4 academic calendar that includes a January term (JanTerm), which is essentially an intensive one-month course of study. During JanTerm, students often get to delve into exciting, unique courses that they might not otherwise take.

Socially, the environment is generally close-knit due to the smaller student body. Students can form tight-knit communities on campus. However, some students feel that the social scene can be somewhat limited due to the college's size and somewhat rural setting. Still, there are many student clubs and organizations to choose from, providing various opportunities for social engagement. Sports also play a large part in St. Mary's culture with robust support for their Division I basketball team.

Keep in mind that as a Catholic college, there is a religious presence on campus, but the college welcomes all faiths and backgrounds. The religious aspect doesn't tend to overshadow the overall college experience and informs the college mission rather than completely defining it.

Visiting the campus yourself can give you an even better feel for the social and academic environment. It's a chance to attend a class or two, see the dorms, and possibly speak with current students. This would give you an up-close-and-personal perspective of what life at St. Mary's Moraga could be like for you!