Reviews

I'm ALWAYS learning... both the curriculum and the lifestyle of this campus are stimulating and dynamic. There is usually some sort of event going on; there are tons of options with intramurals, and there's a huge array of individuals. Classes always manage to turn over my brain-- the Dead Poets Society (film) standing on tables at the end is symbolic of the mentality of this campus. The idea is to look at things from endless perspectives and squeeze all the truth and growth out of them as you can. It's great. So far every tutor has been very good to excellent; they are all very intelligent, if I have a right to judge, if not brilliant.

I mostly love being here; sometimes of course the campus can be overwhelming because of its size and the lack of nightlife in Santa Fe; but overall, it's not very difficult to get off campus. The bus is like 2 or 3 bucks for a round-trip into town and back. You can also buy monthly or yearly or poly-monthly passes. And as far as the lack of nightlife goes, the campus itself has its own sort of nightlife, since we are indeed one of the few places of concentration of young people here. Santa Fe is beautiful though; especially the sky is. Every night the sunset is just as enchanting and captivating, yet totally unique of the previous and the following day. Not to mention the air up here I think feels pretty comparatively clean from most other places. And mountain hiking is quite fun.

Of course it's extremely expensive! You need to believe in this education to be here, and definitely to pay for here. However, if you really want to be here, there are a multitude of options to help pay. The financial aid assistance, from my experience, was very good. We're talking 30,000 grants. Of course, it all depends on your aid package. But the fin-aid office people WILL work with you. They try very hard to do what they can and work with you and your situation, and deadlines are importan of course, but (like the rest of the campus) they are human beings who consider you as such and don't just cut you off and give up on you if you miss some stupid deadline. They will work with you. Another thing, also, is that there are several short-term job opportunities, and so far, always some sort of job opportunity. Of course having a car is extremely helpful for keeping your job options open. Work-study is also sort of difficult to get since there are not that many students here. There are few jobs because of the size of the campus, so you have to turn your fin aid info in AS SOON AS POSSIBLE. But there is always a work option. There's tons of people nearby who offer really good jobs at their houses, watching their kids, dog-walking, cleaning, etc... and we live in one of the richest areas of Santa Fe, so we're talking a bunch of wealthy folks who can give you easy jobs for pretty good hourly wages.

Talk to the students and tutors; that's a great way to actually find out what you're in for here. Also, really explore the campus. Don't be scared. Wander around the classroom buildings if you get the chance. Check out the fine arts bulidings, cause every room has a piano and a few have sheet music laying around. Also, one room tends to have several other insstruments... not that I know that. Check out the library too, we have a pretty cool selection if you ask me. Admittedly it may not be the largest, but I feel it's pretty diverse. On top of that, I think a lot of the books in our library are representative of the types of topics that are focused on here at campus. Every program book is available in the library, and many books about topics related are there as well. If you like the books in the library, it could be a small sign that this campus has got the right vibe for you. But anyway, I really encourage you to talk to some students and tutors. Also check out all the buildings you can, and imagine waking up to this every morning for several months a year. Also check out the swing and lookout point.

Analytical thinkers, curious minds, passionate about learning itself instead of only learning about certain things, students passionate about communicating their ideas and hearing new ideas all the time, students who are good at reading and comprehending works (not to say that you won't improve a shit-ton on this if you come here), students who think it's better to have an exclusive and personal review of your performance rather than just getting grades based on tests and exams, students who believe in this sort of education

The expanse of what one will study at St. John's is impressive by itself: ancient Greek, Euclidean geometry, Shakespeare, Greek tragedies, parts of Western history, French language and literature, Ptolemaic astronomy, calculus, great novels, seminal experiments in physics, biology, and chemistry ... not to mention almost every prominent Western philosopher from 500 B.C. through our own era. But how this study is conducted is probably even more important. Every current student I have spoken to has said that their St. John's experience has made them a far, far better communicator, in all four facets of communication: writing, reading, speaking, and listening. For me personally, I'm expecting to learn a great deal about what it means to be a human being -- far more than I would learn at any other college.

The campus is cozy, quiet, and in a great location at the foot of a mountain. The students, faculty, and staff are, in my experience, almost universally friendly and reasonable, intelligent people. Santa Fe itself is a beautiful, eclectic little city, with an extensive arts scene and activities for almost every type of person (though I speak as a devoted native :D ). It is NOT, however, your typical college town. Nightlife is generally nonexistent, or expensive beyond the means of college students. The campus social scene itself seems very nice -- though my experience in that field is limited thus far. Students I've talked to say that most people can find their niche, and end up with a group of close friends. (Roommate selection is excellently done from what I hear.) However, the report is that the campus can be a bit insular at times, so an occasional escape into town or beyond is useful for maintaining a sane balance.

Expensive. Very expensive. However, financial aid seems remarkably liberal and helpful, so don't get turned off by the sticker price, since you will almost certainly be paying less than that. Also, the college has just started a $7500 grant for all New Mexico resident freshman, regardless of need.

Importantly, almost all of the seniors or recent graduates I have spoken to have told me that the experience was absolutely 100% worth it. Some have wished they could go do it all again, or that the program was longer than 4 years.

Also: the college does not offer any scholarships or aid based on merit. If you think you will need additional aid beyond what the school and the government will award, you will need to find outside money.

Most importantly, visit! The college is unique enough that a visit while it is in session is, in my opinion, critical to deciding if you would like it there. Call the admissions office 2-3 weeks ahead of time to schedule. They put together a fantastic two-day visit package that includes spending a night in the dorms, an informal meeting with a tutor (there are no professors per se), and sitting in on three or four classes. (Tips on auditing classes: you can listen, but you can't speak or sit at the table. Read the assigned seminar readings ahead of time so you can follow the discussion.) The tutors and admissions folks are very nice and laid-back, so there is no need to be stressed about the interviews. Also, be sure to talk to as many students as possible.

If you can, consider attending the Summer Academy for high school students. It's a good opportunity to experience participating in classes and living on campus for a whole week. Also, if you're a high school student in Santa Fe, you can attend any of their community seminars for free. (Those are mainly populated by older adults -- often veterans of the graduate program -- and the dynamic is a bit different, but they also let you get a feel for Johnnie methodology.)

One who loves to read (and I mean loves as in does not go anywhere without at least one book). One who likes to think, but more importantly, likes to ask questions. Folks who take their education seriously; missing classes is a big no-no here. One who's smart, but not conceited about it. Curiosity is a big plus. One who's able to grasp (or at least grapple with) big ideas, even when uncomfortable. One who likes to think earnestly and deeply about difficult concepts, while still maintaining a sense of humor. And one who likes and agrees with the St. John's style of education (this is critical, hence the importance of the visit).

I think that St. John's has a lot to offer with its great curriculum it goes from Greek history up to modern history, and it links every form of study with philosophy which makes the learning there totally different from any other kind of learning elsewhere.

It is pretty far from where I live, I don't know how I will adjust to how far away from home it is, but the people there are really nice, and calm about everything that goes on. I think that I will soon learn to live comfortably there.

The school is very small, and if you don't have too much money to spend around, you should really work on what money goes into this school otherwise look elsewhere, because this education is very different from other schools, and I guess if you really feel like this is your school, apart from the money, you'll find a way.

Start getting to know the admissions/financial aid officers now, before you leave everything to the last minute and end up stressing over too much.

Anyone who feels that math is there weak point: this is YOUR school. Also, anyone who likes to discuss and think and meet people who think radically, this school is perfect.

An intellectual school filled with bright philosopher's. If you like books and seminaring, then this is for you. Although, it is a set curriculum.

They give good packages for your demonstrated need.