Insights about St. Mary's College, Notre Dame

Hi there! I've been considering applying to St. Mary's College, Notre Dame, and wondered if anyone here has any experience or insights they could share. Academics, campus vibe, pros and cons - anything would help!

St. Mary's College, Notre Dame, is a great institution known for its rigorous academics and supportive community. Offering a liberal arts education, St. Mary's is particularly strong in its nursing and education programs. Like other liberal arts colleges, they emphasize writing skills and critical thinking across all their courses, which will serve you well no matter your future career path.

The student-to-faculty ratio is about10:1, which allows for personal attention and mentorship to students. Class sizes are generally small, fostering open discussions and close interactions among students and educators. This highlights the college's focus on personal development and student success.

St. Mary’s College, in terms of its campus vibe, offers a warm, inclusive, and welcoming atmosphere. The community is tight-knit with students often noting the sense of belonging and kindliness of their classmates. There is a broad range of student clubs and organizations where you can explore your passions and meet people with similar interests. One of the unique pros of St. Mary's is its association with the University of Notre Dame. Being an affiliated institution, St. Mary's students have an opportunity to participate in classes, activities, and extracurriculars at Notre Dame and make use of its facilities. However, keep in mind that while St. Mary's has a quieter, more intimate campus, it doesn't have the same level of resources or the large, robust student body that Notre Dame has. Some students might see it as being somewhat in the shadow of the larger University.

As with any college, the best way to get a feel for its vibe is to visit the campus, if possible. Or, you might want to talk to current students or alumni. Remember, choosing a college is a personal decision, and deciding which factors are most important to you will help inform your choice. Good luck with your college search!