Reviews

I am consistently challenged at St. Mary's. Each of my classes has been interesting and informative, even in areas that I had already studied previously. As a sophomore, I have already learned so much academically, and I've also learned a lot about myself. St. Mary's is an honors college, not just a school with an honors program. Professors push you to see things in new ways, and class discussion is always informative.

I have never been as happy as I am at St. Mary's. The campus is beautiful and along the St. Mary's River, so there is a lot to do. I'm able to spend most days at the beach, sailing, kayaking, or just studying. There are so many clubs, and the school has a lot of great speakers and comedians come to the school on a regular basis. There are also free movies every weekend, student coffeehouses, dance shows, and lots of different festivals.

At St. Mary's you get the benefits of a private college, for the cost of a public one. Because St. Mary's is a state school, tuition is low for in-state residents, but with all the perks of a small liberal arts school. There are endless amazing opportunities available- for example, students who study abroad in the fall have the airfare paid by the school, which is an incredible value. There are a lot of resources available to students, and you still get individualized attention from faculty and administrators.

I'd recommend visiting the campus in early fall or in the spring- you'll fall in love! Stay overnight with a student (the Admissions office will set you up). Take every experience you can get, and take advantage of all that St. Mary's has to offer!

St. Mary's is perfect for students who are a little off. Students here are creative, eclectic, and very socially-conscious. It's a very granola school, and most people are barefoot the majority of the time. It's a great school for students who want to make a difference, enjoy nature, and like to be challenged.

Breath taking when you wake up in the morning and stare out across the bay seeing the sun glisten against the water. Expectations very high since it's an honors college with all classes being very rigorous. Social life for the first month is a bit hard to grasp but after that it's like you've known the friends there your entire life.

Before signing up for you 1st Year seminar class, be sure to do proper research on the seminar and speak to someone if possible that has taken the one you're interested in before. Because chances are you might not like it like what happened to me. I took Galileo and the Birth of Modern Science, very interesting topic but the teacher was a bit boring and in terms of the variety of topics, it was a bit limited so be sure to choose wisely.
In terms of dorm life, be sure to really answer those profile questions for dorm matching carefully or else you will end up with the wrong roomate and trust me you do not want that. I was luckily placed in a room with no roomate for the first 1 month but that was because it had air-conditioning. If you can, somehow avoid getting placed in Dorchester. It's not where you want to end up if you're a boy, it's an al boys dorm and it smells. Go for Prince georges or Caroline dorms.
What will help is if you had AP credits from high school, chances are if you're lucky you'll get placed into those good dorms. In terms of cleaning material for your dorm, be sure to stack up on Lysol and a swifter if you can. Also, maybe invest in a broom because that helped me clean up the after party messes in my room on weekends.
If you're a party'er places to check out between 9pm-12am on Friday and Saturday is WC (warren commons). Don't take random drinks from some people there. Friend of mine learnt that the hard way. Eat before you go party'ing for god sakes. Don't get caught by public safety. You will get a J-board if you get caught, which is not a good thing.
When choosing classes be sure to sign up carefully for the ones that match your sleeping schedule, try to avoid early classes if you're a evening afternoon type or try to avoid evening classes if you're the morning type of person. Also it'll be helpful to check out rate my profesor website on the school's page. It'll let you know what teachers to look out for interms of teaching proficieny.

(I am a chemistry major who took POB for fun because I like biology) The Sciences are no joke especially POB106 (principles of biology) which you would take in your 2nd semester there. If you plan to go the science route make sure you are CERTAIN. More than half of the students who initially signed up for being a biology major get dropped out. The rigor I cannot emphasize enough is quite overwhelming. You will be spending countless nights in the library or Schaefar under some study light studying or writing some paper for another class. It IS NO JOKE, St. Mary's is called the Honors college for a reason. For any intro classes and classes after that fufill your major requirements, you must obtain a C i.e 74.5% to continue pursuing that major. If you do not obtain it, you will have to take the class over if you still want to continue. However, you will get credit still for the class if it a 4-credit class for example. Just as long as your grade is not below a D. The standard at St. Mary's is set pretty high which is why it is ranked among the top 3 liberal arts colleges in America.

The friends you meet in your hall whether it's a 2am after a long study or party or 8am early in the morning for breakfast will be your very good friends for the rest of the year as long as everything goes well amongst you all of course. I say that because the community is so close knitted and everyone is so close together with campus being small also, it's rare that you do not run into your roomate or hallmate on a daily basis. For all fresh men, if you want some good dorms, go for PG (co-ed), CAROLINE (co-ed) or QA (all girls). Dorchester is an all men dorm. Whatever your taste go for that.
There are kitches located in every Dorm complex, the toasters work but are not the best. We have microwaves (not so clean but gets the job done).
There's a common area with pool tables and a piano which is not so good. The bathrooms are never gooood on weekends after parties. but during the week, they aren't so bad.
If you have asthma like me, chances are you will be placed in an air conditioned room. But you must sign up for it, that's how the preference works out. Dorchester is not air conditioned generally, PG AND CAROLINE ARE BOTH operated on a vent cooling system. QA is not air conditioned.

Variety of food everyday differs but repeats every week with the exception of the international section. I rarely saw food being repeated on that side. The crepes by BIG T are brilliant, you must have them. Don't know a crepe? it a pancake mixture sauteed on a skillet with toppings of your choice. I normally get oreos and whipped cream and strawberries all topped off with chocolate syrup. It melts in your mouth. sooooo goood.

So many clubs so many clubs. Join one or make one. We're on the water, so kayaking is always available late spring and early/late summer and (september-october until it gets cold). Windsurfing also there, sailing is a Must. And just swimming around in the water itself is perfect on a hot sunny day. The outdoor adventure club has outings practically every week with good weather of course. We've been to places like Snowshoe mountain (for skiing), White water rafting, cave and mountain hiking and the list goes on. the fee for all of this is mostly always under $200.00 and normally the prices drop significantly the more people go. for the hiking trips it's under $50.00
Don't have alot of homework for the weekend? go to cole cinema, go see a free movie showing. Want a laugh? a comedian always comes like every weekend down to St. Mary's. go with some friends. Don't like the latter? Parties are always on campus and off campus. It's not hard to find at all. Mostly for on-campus, go to WC. Since the newly installed Pub, yes Pub. If you and your friends want a late night snack or just to hang out on weekends, go there and get some awesome nachos.

St. Mary's College of Maryland is an amazing school where teachers truly care about their students and encourage them to learn. At some schools, there are two very defined groups: the one that truly appreciates learning and the one that just wants to get their degree. At St. Mary's, the vast majority of students attend to learn, and class discussions are encouraged and plentiful! I just finished my first semester, and I feel like I truly learned material- not just memorized facts in order to pass a test. A truly excellent institution!

I commute to St. Mary's, which does separate me from the weekend and nightly activities, but I still have a lot of fun in class and between classes! A lot of people get together to study, and there are always things to do on campus. People here are so friendly- we actually joke about how part of the criteria to get accepted is to be super friendly! The teachers here know students by name, and they relate to students and our lives in class. It is really hard to feel out of sorts here, because people here accept everyone and their quirks! We also have swag, and you will understand when you come here!

College is expensive. Everyone knows that, but St.Mary's gives you an education worth every penny you or your parents spend... and then some! I am actually paying for college, and I never feel any regret or shade of doubt when I have to write a check for tuition, because I know I am going to get my money's worth. Teachers here are very fair, and they ask the students their opinions on subject matter and homework load. Classes go beyond the textbook, too. There are many study abroad opportunities, internship opportunities, and classes get related to each other and life past college. There are also many facilities that are included with tuition: a gym, the library,all the library amenities, various labs, research materials, and much more!

When writing your essay or shooting you application video: be yourself! The staff goes through each and every application individually, and they want to be reading about and getting to know a snippet about a person. They do want students with leadership skills, a love of learning, and involvement in high school and their community (like any college), but they also want to hear about your uniqueness, hobbies and goals! The students here make the campus, and we want to welcome people with ideas, personality, and a love of a community!

If you are that student that stayed in the back of the class and didn't raise your hand, because you were afraid of what people would say: come here, because classes encourage differing views and unique ideas! If you are the student who always excelled in class, wants to be challenged intellectually, and loves getting involved on campus: come here! If you want a close knit community with campus-wide inside jokes, silly traditions, and a relaxed atmosphere: come here! If you are a student who wants to be known by name, have your ideas remembered even after class is done, live and learn with kind and accepting classmates, and have teachers that truly care about you and your well-being... COME HERE!

While some classes definitely feel very high school-- intro level and core curriculum classes have to cater to all levels of knowledge as students of all areas of study take them-- even the easiest class tends to be fascinating and informative. As with any school, professors vary in teaching styles and efficacy, but in my time here I've learned that even if one class doesn't quite suit you, others in that area often will because of that variation.

Around campus, it's common to refer to our school as Camp St Mary's. Between the waterfront full of rentable supplies, the amazing gym, the huge number of clubs, the beautiful campus and the feeling of being constantly being surrounded by friends, even though SMCM is school it feels like it's always too fun to be true (except maybe during midterms weeks!). Even though it's far from town, there's always plenty to do and if you want to enjoy yourself, you'll easily be able to do so.

St. Mary's is one of the more expensive public schools, but it's also an entire school-wide honors program. Out-of-state tuition may be a bit much, but I can't speak for them-- as an in-state student, I find the prices reasonable and the accessibility of aid unbelievably high.

Definitely come on a visit to campus if you can find the time, but don't let your impression of campus be all that makes your decision. Try to visit South Campus and the boat house at all possible-- that's where you'll realize how truly beautiful it is. When you're applying, creativity is hugely rewarded-- students have been known to be accepted who have terrible grades but killer essays, and thinking outside the box will get you noticed.

SMCM has a reputation as a school for weird kids, but it's increasingly becoming a school that has something for everyone. Lacrosse, rugby, frisbee, and partying are all definitely rising in popularity, but at the same time clubs such as fencing and Safe House-- which sponsors weekly nerf wars!-- and events like Humans vs Zombies definitely keep it weird. If you want to fit in you'll quickly find others like you, and therefore I would say that SMCM is for any students hoping to succeed and have fun who has the dedication to find like-minded students.

The professors at St. Mary's love the subjects they teach with a contagious passion that makes each student want to know more. The courses are challenging without being impossible to master, and students are encouraged to think, contribute, and innovate in the classroom just as much as the professors. Professors are brilliant and accessible--they will do whatever is necessary to help any student who may be struggling with the material.

I absolutely love it at St. Mary's; it is impossible not to catch the contagious creative energy from staff and students around campus. The professors are energetic and excited to be teaching each and every day, and I have not yet met a single student who was rude or inconsiderate as I so often did at other campuses. Everyone at St. Mary's has a love for some aspect of the arts that has the power to spark creativity and a similar passion in others.

Though St. Mary's is a little more expensive than some other schools, it is impossible not to learn and enjoy each and every day. There is always something to do either on the water, with the numerous clubs, or within campus buildings. The campus and surrounding area are also beautiful--very conducive for outdoor studying.

Transferring into St. Mary's may be easier than a first-time enrollment. If you do not get in the first time you apply, do not give up--I transferred in as a Sophomore after being rejected during my Freshman year. And remember when writing the essay for application that creativity and innovation will get you far.

St. Mary's is great for lovers of the Arts and sciences. Any student interesting in writing, theatre, English, music, philosophy, and visual art looking for a small, quiet campus conducive to creativity and thought will be very happy here--and LGBT students will find an place that is accepting and safe. Environmentally-conscious students concerned with sustainability will also find a wonderful home here with an excellent biology program if that is their interest.

Always remember to ask a handful of current students about their opinion of the school. There will probably be a fairly large variety of answers, but If you do choose to attend St.Maryâ??s take advantage of the opportunities that are available to first year students, like the Roommate Matching Profile, orientation, and programs. These all can ease the transition into the school, and can begin the process of building a support system that will last throughout the college experience.

It is hard to gauge the difficulty of classes, because they vary. In general, I believe that many of the 100 level classes are relatively easy to adjust to and pass, as long as the student is managing their time properly. There are 100 level classes that are very difficult for students, again, with time management these classes are easy to overcome. Upper level classes are fairly predictable in their difficulty, since their challenge rises as their level gets higher.

It should be noted that this is a liberal arts college, so about eight of the courses throughout your four years at the college will be to fulfill the core curriculum. Due to this, students will have to take courses outside of their direct field /major. This alone can create a challenge for students that struggle with certain subjects, and make courses within those subjects seem more difficult. To help students, there are plenty of opportunities available to help students that want support in a course, even if they arenâ??t struggling in it.

When students are admitted, they are prompted to fill out a Roommate Matching Profile. For many schools, Residence Life would take over from here, and assign a stranger to be your roommate. Unless you already know someone that would be attending, youâ??d get stuck with a stranger. St. Maryâ??s allows there to be an extra step in this process. After filling out the Roommate Matching Profile, students are able to look at the profiles of other students. This allows for students to get to know a few people and choose a roommate from a pool of people, instead of just getting a random stranger. If a student donâ??t find a match, then Residence Life will pair them with someone else. The great thing about this is that students can start off the year comfortable with their roommate and can use this opportunity to make friends with their roommate well before the school year begins.

There are three options: dorms, suites, and townhouses. There are four dorm buildings on campus, including one all-boy dorm and one all-girl dorm. This is a common option for first-years and sophomores. Each dorm consists of seven halls. There are options for both singles and doubles in these spaces, but regardless of the room type you will have to share a public bathroom with the hall youâ??re in. Suites are common among sophomores and juniors. Suites are a more personalized living option. They vary from six person to twelve person suites, each suite usually comes with two bathrooms. Townhouses are the best living option on campus. Each townhouse only has four people residing in it, but they normally have one bathroom. More information on each of these options can easily be found on the schoolâ??s website.

To be frank, the resident experience depends a lot on the building youâ??re in and the people in your environment. Personally, my experience has been great, but I took advantage of the Roommate matching options to get to know perspective people before choosing my roommate. I als...

The Great Room is the only dining hall on campus. It has buffet style service and serves three meals a weekday. It is open with available food from 7:30a to 8:30p. It has a to-go box option for students that want to eat on the go, or save their meal for later. While the great room is, great and all, it is the only dining hall, so eating the same food regularly can get a bit exhausting.

The Pub is another food option on campus. The Pub has two food service options, Grab & Go and its normal food service. Grab & Go, as it sounds, is a quick stop option for students. With a single meal swipe students can grab breakfast (4 items), or lunch (5items). This is a great place to stop if students are on the go, or would like a quiet place to eat. Both The Great Room and Grab & Go can be used with meal swipes, which makes them perfect for first years, since all first-year students are required to get a meal plan with unlimited meal swipes. The Pubâ??s other option is itâ??s regular food service. This is a dining option that is can be bought with flex, a food amount that is paired with meal swipes, cash or credit/debit. This is a great place to go as a break, treat, or hangout, especially since itâ??s usually open until midnight. While the food here is great, this dining option is costly.

The Great Room and The Pub are the only dining options on campus and between the two, the food is good. The school also has a coffee & smoothie shop/ convenience store knows as The Daily Grind. This store sells plenty of snacks. However, for quick room snacks and fridge refills, the food is over-priced. For snack items, I suggest stocking up on these at a stores, like Walmart or Target. It should be noted that these stores, along with fast food and off-campus dining options, are a twenty minute drive from campus, so if you donâ??t have a car and donâ??t like the food options on-campus, youâ??ll be stuck having to find a ride to eat elsewhere.

Since the campus is a twenty minute drive from town, and thereâ??s not even much there, the college tries to regularly host events for students to attend, like movie nights, comedy events, arts & crafts, games, and so on. Outside of events that are planned by the SGA and Programs Board, clubs and sports on campus also have events that can be attended. If you are not interested in these, there are plenty of things that students get together to do on-campus, like visiting Church Point.

Being a public school, the cost of attending St.Maryâ??s is similar to the other public school in Maryland. The idea of the school being a public honors college is often mentioned during admissions. This basically means that you get a small private school for the cost of a public school. The location of the school is unique, but outside of that the school is what you make it. If you hate the experience of a small school, or you just donâ??t like the campus, the cost wonâ??t be worth it.

Ponding is a fun birthday tradition on campus. As the name implies, the birthday student is carried to the pond, and thrown in. There is also the shoe tree. Like the pond, the shoe tree is one of the seven wonders of St. Maryâ??s, and it is truly a wonderful sight. The shoe tree is a tree filled with shoes. Each pair was thrown to celebrate a memorable first. Whatever your first may be, as long as itâ??s a memorable or impactful moment in your college career, you can throw a pair of shoes to celebrate it.

If you enjoy small, pretty schools, youâ??ll like it here. The water is a unique and beautiful sight. To be frank, the school can find its place in anyoneâ??s heart as long as they donâ??t mind attending a small school.

There are plenty of clubs, programs, and activities on campus to join and participate in. From sports, to creative clubs, to volunteer activites, it all can be found at St.Maryâ??s if youâ??re willing to look.

There is no greek life on campus.

Since the school is twenty minutes away from the areaâ??s police department, the school has its own 24 hour Public Safety department on-campus. While Public Safety is not an official police department, many of the officers have the authoritative power to arrest someone is necessary. All of the officers are extremely kind and genuinely care about the students on campus. Above all, they care about student safety. In general, Public Safety is usually contacted for medical emergencies, missing/stolen electronics, and room lockouts.

When it comes to the feeling of safety on campus, the campus is very well lit, making for comfortable late night walks. To further this, there are blue light phones around campus. These phones immediately deploy a Public Safety officer to the location in case of an emergency. No matter where you are on campus, when Public Safety is called, they respond quickly. Personally, I usually feel safe on campus.

It should be noted that the school is about forty minutes away from a hospital. Medical emergencies that need immediate doctor intervention take time to access. For many this is not a deal breaker, but it is something that should definitely be said. For non-emergencies there are plenty of Residence Assistants (RA) and Public Safety officers that are trained in first aid. There is also a Wellness Center on campus that is opened on weekdays that can be used for non-emergencies.

St. Mary's is a challenging school. It's a public honors college, so expect to do actual work here. With that being said, the classes offered are fantastic. Look at the academic catalog, which can be found online, to get a feel of the classes you might want to take if you attend. We have really cool programs like Museum Studies and Asian Studies, too. There's a program for everyone here. Classes are small, so professors will notice if you're not there. They will ask you questions. They will challenge you.

A common complaint I've heard amongst people is that SMCM is in the middle of nowhere. While it's true that St. Mary's County is no New York City, there are always a ton of things going on at campus. Not to mention, we live on one of the most BEAUTIFUL campuses I've ever seen. Utilize the river: rent a kayak, go swimming, tan on the docks, or learn how to sail. Our athletic programs are fantastic as well (especially basketball and swimming!). St. Mary's just has such a warm, community feeling. I enjoy being here because this is my home. Both the students and teachers feel this way about our campus.

I'm not going to lie, St. Mary's is expensive. Not as expensive as a lot of schools, but still, my parents have had to make financial adjustments. But is it worth it? Absolutely. St. Mary's faculty are warm and understanding. You won't be in a class of 300 like at UMD. You will be an actual person here, instead of just being another body in a lecture hall. Like I said before, the atmosphere is fantastic. The surroundings are beautiful. The classes are challenging.

VISIT THE CAMPUS. You'll feel the community sense I was talking about. And you can see the beauty for yourself! Make sure to look at the river and the campus center. Oh, and the library. You'll be spending some time there. When you're applying, there is usually an option between a traditional essay and a video component. No matter which you choose, be creative. Be yourself. As always, grades/extracurriculars/SATs are important. But SMCM looks at the whole student. Don't get too hung up on one bad grade or one low SAT score. Scheduling an interview with admissions also shows that you're interested in the school.

Creative, artsy, intelligent, those working for social change.

We have a really active LGBT community. Anyone of any sexual orientation can feel welcome here. We also have a bunch of students concerned with the environment. If you like being eco-friendly, this is the school for you. A large number of students are also involved in Varsity/club/intramural sports.

With it being a liberal arts college you not only learn your field of study, but you are also challenged to encounter the fields of your peers. Also, with a study abroad program you are given the opportunity to see how people in other parts of the world are, first hand.

This school lets you implement a major if they do not have it. As well as have an independent study, so your making you own class, schedule and assignments. And there is an organization for anyone from any walk of life, and if one is not yet made you may make it yourself.

Its a public, liberal arts, honors college and with a reputation of being in the top 20 for education overall, this school is cheap in comparison to the private school people try to attend for the same education and experience.

Visit the campus so that you can fall in love with the beach-side view and friendly atmosphere. And once you are here, live-love- and learn.

open minded
well educated
responsible
respectable
respectful
hardworking
talented
and out-going students.

I am sophomore and a biology major at St. Mary's College of Maryland, and have found that I have learned more in my two years of college than I have throughout my entire life. The school has provided an incredible learning environment that is sprinkled with extremely knowledgeable professors that make your education their top priority and determined and persistent students who have a passion for learning. The school has challenged me and as a result I am a better student and person. I have gained life experiences not only through my classes, but also through the college community that St. Mary's so willingly offers.

I love St. Mary's College. I am completely happy and content with my choice in schools and I do not regret my decision to attend the college. St. Mary's has provided me with the perfect situation. I am able to play sports while also receive an excellent education. St. Mary's has a fantastic athletics program that completely supports academics before athletics. It has allowed me to meet new people while also continuing to play a sport that I love. St. Mary's also has a very good biology program that challenges you to overcome problems while also working on your weaknesses and strengths. I am really enjoying being a biology major because I feel accomplished and prepared for my future.

St. Mary's is a public school which allows you to get in-state tuition if you live in Maryland. It is a relatively cheap school that has an excellent academic program and is always striving to better itself so that the students may profit.

Do not underestimate college. It is a one-in-a-lifetime experience, you must remember that you're main priority is to obtain an education. If you are not doing as well as you thought you were going to so, don't get upset of give-up. Simply have a determined mindset and allow yourself to adjust to the new lifestyle. You are finally living on your own and you will find that there are always both good and bad times. Learn from the bad times and become a better person, and relax and enjoy the good times because you deserve them.

St. Mary's is a great place for students who are willing to be challenged and do not give-up in the face of a challenge. The school has a beautiful campus that is somewhat secluded. So, if you are an outdoors person, then St. Mary's may be the perfect place for you. The campus surrounds the St. Mary's river and students are always outside at the docks enjoying the sun and the water. The school has a very relaxed atmosphere. There is no need to dress up to go to class. If you have a nonchalant attitude then you will fit right in at St. Mary's.

It is a college full of academically engaging professors. It is a college by the water, with beautiful sunsets. It is a college where everyone is welcome to enjoy.

* get a bike
* join club sports
* befriend chef big T

It is an honor's college, with the focus of heavy critical thinking and discussion within the curriculum of most classes.

Average dorms, complete with kitchens for both omnivores and exclusively vegetarians and vegans.

Very good, caters to vegetarian, vegan, and gluten-free dietary restrictions on a daily basis. The crepes made by Chef Big T are fantastic.

Party all night, watch movies all night, laugh at a comedian, enjoy burlesque, or even embrace the great outdoors. This campus is really fun if you go out and find it.

None, but that's what's so great about the school. There's no pressure to be a certain way to make friends. We're all weird here. KEEP ST. MARY'S WEIRD!

Public Safety will jump your car and even walk or personally drive you back to your dorm if you're feeling paranoid at night.