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Saint Marys College of California Moraga, CA

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Saint Marys College of California Reviews

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  • 01/25/2010

    Reviewer is A current student here.

    12 out of 14 people found this review useful. 1 of 49

    Categories Comments
    Great for these types of students

    Students that want to be challenged, both in and outside the classroom. Do not have to be Catholic, there are opportunities for all kinds of people of different interests and religions. People that enjoy a small campus but with the excitement of a big city close by.
    Tips for prospective students

    Visit the campus, you'll know if it's right. Apply for scholarships if you're worried about financial issues. Get to know adults on campus, it's amazing the opportunities they can open up for you.
    Bang for the buck

    It is expensive, but it is most definitely worth it. The school is very helpful when it comes to financial aid. There are on-campus jobs and off-campus jobs that are posted on the school website for students at St. Mary's.
    Am enjoying being here

    I'm out of state, yet I feel right at home here. I have amazing roommates and floor-mates. Everyone here is welcoming and you're guaranteed to find your own niche and group. There are so many things to get involved in and do both on and off campus.
    Am learning a lot

    The Seminar Program is eye-opening and challenging. It pushes you to develop your own ideas and beliefs and challenge other students to do the same. The professors know you by name and have abundant office hours if you need help in class or just need to chat. The students and professors learn from each other and teach each other through questions and discussions.
  • 10/14/2010

    Reviewer is A current student here.

    8 out of 8 people found this review useful. 2 of 49

    Categories Comments
    Great for these types of students

    Do not be concerned about being religious. We have people of all backgrounds, races, gender, sexuality, religious beliefs here on campus and everyone is treated equally and with respect. Just because it is a Catholic school does not mean you must be Catholic or even religious to attend. It does mean however that 2 religion courses will be required to graduate but they are not difficult and it is a great to be educated about religion as it is plays a huge role in society. Even if you don't believe in it, it is good to know what people mean when they say the forbidden fruit or know who Moses is, it should be considered general education. Students that are looking for a quite environment rich with opportunities to be involved in the community while getting a top notch education should strongly consider what Saint Mary's has to offer. At the very least, come by to check it out! We have student ambassadors that love school this school as much as I do and are dying to tell you why.
    Tips for prospective students

    Definitely come to campus to check it out, especially if you are in the area. I fell in love with the school when I came here to check it out because at first the idea of a small and secluded school didn't appeal to me, but once I saw for myself the beauty of this place I couldn't resist. They have various overnight programs for accepted students to get to know what the school is about before deciding. Definitely apply, especially since they are pretty generous with waiving application fees, it is worth while to give it a shot. The school is getting more and more well known and it amazes people because we are this tiny Catholic school but we've made it to the 5th place I believe on Forbes magazine of colleges who's graduates make the most money in 10 years. We are up there with Stanford and UC Berkeley. We were also ranked in US News and Weekly as one of the top schools on the West coast and we have numerous famous and successful alumni that love this school so much they are constantly supporting it. This school is truly one of the nation's best educational institutions and we are known for that as well.
    Bang for the buck

    While the sticker price of the school is around 50,000 like all other private schools, I believe over 80% of the students that attend Saint Mary's have some kind of financial aid, whether academic or need based. There are so many free services here such as free plays, games, activities, clubs, shows, recreational classes, etc, that it is really worth it because everything is paid for. Isn't it nice for the teachers that you are paying so much money for to actually know your name? Also, if money is a concern there are many jobs available on campus as well as outside of the campus in the Walnut Creek area to help pay tuition. In the end all those little nice things, like free planners, weekend of welcome (the first weekend of school for freshman where activities are planned to get everyone familiarized with the school), and the free bbq every wednesday afternoon (community time), really makes it more worth it. Even now, a public UC school costs 30,000 dollars so the gap is no longer as big as it used to be.
    Am enjoying being here

    The campus is beautiful, the buildings on campus is reminiscent of Spanish Missions and there are trees and grass all over campus. The campus certainly has enough room for anything you need, but is compact enough to walk from one side to another in no more than 10 minutes. The weather is pretty nice, it is sunny during the day but it gets cool during the night and morning. These is a feeling of peace on campus that is perfect for an educational institution and really gets you in the mood for learning and being relaxed. They offer many things to the students such as dances and events held by the Campus Activities Board. Some of the things that I've attended is friendship bracelet making night, Salsa lessons, and a pretty big school dance. They offer yoga, pilates, and other fitness classes that are free for students to attend. They also have a counseling center, where you can get a therapist or counselor to talk to for free to manage stress. There are many clubs and organizations that are on campus to be a part of and many of them go on trips to San Francisco, Southern California, and Tahoe during winter.
    Am learning a lot

    This college is an excellent school if your goal of going to college is for an education. The class sizes are small, about 30 students in my largest class section which is General Chemistry and my smallest class, Seminar, probably has about 15 or so students. For a lot of science major students, the first year of General Chem is the hardest however the professors hear have open office hours and various on campus tutoring centers to help with the subject. Same is available for Math and English courses as well. As a freshman in the Honors/Science living learning community, which is a special dorm that houses the head of the math department as well as honors program, I can literally knock on my neighbor's door, and a math professor is out to help me with my homework even if it is something as trivial and reviewing how to factor polynomials. For students that really want to learn, the Seminar program is excellent as it teaches students the basic historical ideas and literature throughout time that any educated person should know. Also, if you are planning on attending graduate school, the professors and programs here are really designed to hold your hand and help you get a good grade instead of a large school or even worst, a large public school (like a UC) where their main goal is to see who is the last one standing.
  • 07/06/2009

    Reviewer is Accepted here and planning to attend soon. Reviewer has been to campus.

    5 out of 14 people found this review useful. 2 people found this inaccurate. 3 of 49

    Categories Comments
    Great for these types of students

    Catholic school students
    Tips for prospective students

    For those who want to go to a small campus.
  • 07/17/2012

    Reviewer is A current student here.

    3 out of 3 people found this review useful. 4 of 49

    Categories Comments
    Campus Safety

    An extremely well-trained campus security force.
    Greek Life

    No Greek life.
    Clubs and Activities

    All sorts of clubs, especially ones for race and sexuality.
    Great for these types of students

    Quiet and hard-working and for people who are happy and like to have fun.
    Share any unusual traditions or locations on campus

    No unusual traditions but the cross overlooking the campus is one tremendous hike.
    Bang for the buck

    It is a very expensive school and what you get is a name and quality education.
    What to do for fun

    The game room on campus has a great arsenal of things to do.
    Food and Dining

    The menu is not varied and usually lacks in authenticity. The fruit is always questionable to how fresh it is.
    Dorm Life

    Great system of matching room mates and suite mates.
    Academic Rigor

    Heavy reading load but easy to get used to.
    Tips for prospective students

    Get to know your professors and office staff.
    In three sentences

    The campus is beautiful and quiet making it a remarkable place to have an education. It is very easy to concentrate and learn in the small class sizes and with professional staff. Excellent sciences building.
  • 03/06/2012

    Reviewer is A current student here.

    2 out of 2 people found this review useful. 5 of 49

    Categories Comments
    Campus Safety

    total safety. i feel more safe here then i do in my hometown.
    Clubs and Activities

    lots of different interest clubs. if you can't find you can't find one you can make your own.
    Great for these types of students

    serious students who want a good education, and to be able to have a good relationship with professors. professors will know you by your first name by the first week.
    Share any unusual traditions or locations on campus

    on the lawn, do homework when it's warm outside. going to the cafe on campus is a fun place to meet with friends.
    Bang for the buck

    if you want a good education you'll get it here. you are able to have a one on one conversation with your professor and peers everyday you are in class.
    What to do for fun

    i hang out on campus with friends, go on hikes on the bike trails, take bart into the city.
    Food and Dining

    mostly have the same food served.
    Dorm Life

    small dorm rooms, you get to meet a lot of people though.
    Academic Rigor

    great teachers, small class sizes. you get all the help you need and teachers are always willing to meet with you if you need help with anything.
    Tips for prospective students

    get involved at school, and don't be shy. explore campus and if you have a car explore the bay area there is a lot to do around here.
    In three sentences

    saint mary's is an amazing school, it has opened up so many opportunities for me. i am surrounded by good, truth worthy people that i feel safe around. saint mary's has helped me find my passion.
  • 07/25/2012

    Reviewer is Accepted here and planning to attend soon. Reviewer has been to campus.

    2 out of 2 people found this review useful. 6 of 49

    Categories Comments
    Share any unusual traditions or locations on campus

    Their are a few unusual traditions at SMC. Such as stuffing as many people as possible into a phone booth. Also painting SMC on a large bolder above the school on the hill behind the campus.
    Bang for the buck

    Saint Mary's may be expensive, but it is definitely worth every penny. The average cost of attendance per year is just over $50,000, but the Saint Mary's program is unmatched by any other college in the state.
    What to do for fun

    There are a ton of things to do in and around the college you can explore the neighboring cities for restaurants and clubs to go to. Also if you want a night on the town San Francisco is only 20 minutes away. It is a great place to live.
    Food and Dining

    One of my favorite things about Saint Mary's College is their dinning hall and food options. They offer a Cart de Blanche meal plan which is unlimited food at almost any time of day or night. As well as the meal plan the food is amazing.
    Dorm Life

    The dorms are kind of small which is a negative, but as long as you like your roommate and can connect with other people in your residence halls its like the whole floor is your dorm room. Also the dorms are separated by sex by floor so the dorms are coed, but men and women are on separate floors.
    Academic Rigor

    The Academic program at Saint Mary's is on of a kind. Aside from getting a major they really make sure you receive a fully rounded education through their diversity requirements and Jan term. They also offer a lot of tutoring and assistance in order to make sure every student will succeed.
    Tips for prospective students

    Prospective students should definitely visit the campus before they make decisions on where they want to go for college. As well as schedule an interview with an admissions officer it is very insightful to how the campus is run and may help you make a decision on where you want to go.
    In three sentences

    Saint Mary's College of California has one of the most beautiful campus' I have seen. As well as small class sizes which makes it easy to get all of your classes. SMC also, gives exceptional help and instruction on what classes you should be taking for any major.
  • 06/25/2011

    Reviewer is A current student here.

    1 out of 1 people found this review useful. 7 of 49

    Categories Comments
    Great for these types of students

    I think that this college is perfect for students that want a nice, easy transition into the real world. It has numerous people that are always willing to help you, but know when to let you do it on your own. Also, it's a nice transition size; bigger than your own room, but smaller than a 100,000 population. Lastly, the classes make you feel involved and as though your opinion is genuinely wanted and appreciated.
    Tips for prospective students

    Tips for new or prospective students: 1. get immediately involved in a club or two to meet awesome new people and feel like you belong somewhere, 2. always pay attention to your professors; they may just teach you more than just what's in the lesson, and 3. the experiences that you have here will always stay with you, so make them ones to remember!
    Bang for the buck

    yes, the tuition is quite high, but it is definitely worth it. The housing acommodations are nice, the food is excellent, the classes are fantastic and enriching, and the people are absolutely great!
    Am enjoying being here

    I love this college! It is absolutely gorgeous, the size is cozy (not huge, not suffocating), the people are supportive and encouraging, and the academics and extracurricular activities make it even more exciting. Projects are constantly ongoing around the campus, it makes it feel just right.
    Am learning a lot

    I learn so much in each class that it amazes me sometimes. I can't believe how much professors can teach me in a small amount of time, and I love the interaction between students and their professors on different topics and information.
  • 07/02/2011

    Reviewer is A current student here.

    1 out of 1 people found this review useful. 8 of 49

    Categories Comments
    Tips for prospective students

    Know or have some kind of idea to what career path you want to take. There will be classes to help you figure it out, but it would be nice to have an idea so you don't waste time, money and effort.
    Bang for the buck

    I'm not so sure because the tuition is really expensive as well as the textbooks. Being a part of the engineering program, I learned that I'll be taking general courses and preparation classes for three years and then get transferred to a school for 2 years, and that's when I'll receive my bachelor's degree; wheras, I can go to a school and receive my Bachelor's within three years. I have checked the schedules for engineering students, and they seem pretty similar. I know if an education is worthy, price shouldn't matter. But within taking a summer class at a community college, I have found the same important value in education, and I have learned so much. I think neither is better than the other. The prices are very different. I feel like if I'm receiving the same kind of education, then why should it be so expensive at SMC?
    Am enjoying being here

    I like how SMC has community events for students to get to know one another. I also enjoyed having the pleasure to meet many new people. Additionally, I liked my classes and my professors. My concerns just included the loud turkeys and the terrifying raccoons.
    Am learning a lot

    I am amazed with how much I learned within a year. Within the courses I've taken, I really enjoyed seminar because it allows us to analyze our readings, confront many topics and learn about different views. I think seminar enables its students to dig deeper and to arrange our thoughts vocally. I think it molds us to be better communicators. I also enjoyed my English and Cross Cultural classes because our class was arranged like a seminar. Additionally, in math and physics, the professors I had really understood the material and thoroughly taught it to us. I like the various methods they used and how they interacted with the class to make sure we really understood. Apart from the material, I also learned a lot about my community and myself. I learned that it's not enough to go over the material but to really engage in the problems, so that I understand instead of memorize.
  • 08/12/2012

    Reviewer is A current student here.

    1 out of 1 people found this review useful. 9 of 49

    Categories Comments
    Campus Safety

    I feel extremely safe at this university. Upon arrival, there is a toll booth where Public Safety officers check in students (mainly at night or during big events) and officers can easily be found around campus. The students are extremely kind and I rarely locked my door throughout the day. SMC goes above and beyond to make its students feel safe.
    Greek Life

    SMC does not have a Greek Life.
    Clubs and Activities

    SMC offers many clubs and activities ranging from community service and student government to on campus games and sports teams. The Intercultural Center has many clubs and events, as well, including the BSU Black Student Union and Pacific Islander group. Academic clubs are available including the AMA and an honors society.
    Great for these types of students

    SMC is great for first generation students and there is even an academic office that specifically helps them transition into college life. Saint Mary's is a good choice for serious students who still want to have fun.
    Share any unusual traditions or locations on campus

    At the beginning of each year, freshmen can participate in Paint the SMC where they go up to the cement SMC letters on the hillside and paint them in the school colors. P.S. There are no paintbrushes allowed, so it is a messy and fun way to start off the year and meet your classmates.
    Bang for the buck

    SMC has a unique 4-1-4 semester system. We have four-month long semesters with a one month January Term break in between. During Jan term, students study only one class not necessarily related to their majors. This gives them time to explore other interests or pursue individual projects like community service. Last year, one of my friends took a course on chocolate making during this time and travel courses are available for Jan Term, too.
    What to do for fun

    On campus, there are plenty of clubs to get involved with and the school also offers numerous activities throughout the year like indoor rock climbing trips and even tickets to Cirque du Solei. Basketball games are the highlight of the year when it comes to school spirit--especially when we play our Gonzaga rivals. San Francisco and Berkely are just a short BART ride away if you feel like having some fun in the city, too.
    Food and Dining

    There is only one cafeteria on campus since SMC is so small. It is pretty good quality, but it gets old after a while. It is clean, but the hours are a little inconvenient (late night starts at 9 and ends at 11, so if you are studying at midnight and get hungry, you better have some snacks in your dorm room).
    Dorm Life

    I always feel safe living on campus at SMC. My roommate and I rarely locked our door and I frequently left my new laptop in the hall. Nothing was ever stolen from us. The halls and bathroom stayed surprisingly clean, as well.
    Academic Rigor

    The classes require regular attendance and serious effort. The teachers do care about each student, though, and offer to meet during office hours for extra help. SMC also provides an academic advisor, writing center, and tutors if needed.
    Tips for prospective students

    I recommend that prospective students attend an overnight program since they give you a feel for the college and you can spend the night in a dorm with a current student. It is helpful to contact the school and talk about scholarships, as well.
    In three sentences

    Saint Mary's is a great college with small class sizes, caring teachers, and a friendly student body. There are plenty of opportunities for students interested in academics, sports, leadership, community service, and more. I definitely recommend this campus for anyone serious about their education and looking for an amazing college experience.
  • 07/17/2011

    Reviewer is A current student here.

    10 of 49

    Categories Comments
    Great for these types of students

    People who don't mind reading a lot. Part of the GE requirement includes four semesters of seminar, which is basically an English class including books from all genres and time eras (ie. Aristotle, Kafka). Another requirement is to take two semesters of religious studies, which is also heavily reading based. Everyone is very open minded, and while it's a Catholic school, you don't have to be Catholic to attend.
    Tips for prospective students

    Visit the campus. If you can't see yourself going to school there, you probably don't want to go there. Also, if you get the chance, go to one of the overnight programs to get a real feel for the campus and the people there. Do your research as well. Some programs at SMC require that you follow very specific guidelines that have a four-year plan. If people who work in admissions visit your high school, go to the meeting because they can really answer your questions and they might mention something that you might not think of.
    Bang for the buck

    The tuition is high, and it's going to keep getting higher (but this is the case for all colleges). The school gives huge amounts of financial aid, and mine managed to pay about 1/3 of my tuition (excluding loans). There are plenty of free services such as free tutoring and counseling. They make an effort to get you out in four years, and that's what made the real difference in price considering that some people get stuck in states for six years. Since I'm part of the subject-matter prep program for future secondary teachers, it's an even bigger bonus that I'll be able to skip over some of the state testing, which really holds people up.
    Am enjoying being here

    The campus is beautiful, and I personally found joy studying outside on a warm day. There are some real personalities here, but that's part of its greatness. The biggest con is that everything closes early except Safeway. Moraga is far from a college city, but it's close enough to cities with shopping centers and malls. You can also get to the city via BART, which is only a bus ride away.
    Am learning a lot

    I've never felt so eager to go to class. A lot of the professors I've had are passionate about what they're teaching, and it really translates into the material. The class sizes are small and a lot of them are discussion based (specifically the seminar program), so professors actually know about you as a person as well as you as a student. Because these classes are discussion based, you learn from your classmates as well.
  • 08/26/2011

    Reviewer is Researching this school. Reviewer has been to campus.

    11 of 49

    Categories Comments
    Great for these types of students

    Students who want a close-knit community, want to be leaders and involved, open-minded, they do place emphasis on LaSallian tradition (Enter to Learn, Leave to Serve) and the Catholic heritage, but anyone of any faith is welcome and adds to the different perspectives, students who want to get more out of college than just a degree
    Tips for prospective students

    If you are interested in a school then you should make an effort to visit it, watch videos (many schools including St. Mary's have YouTube videos), e-mail admissions officers, and try to get in touch with current and/or former students
    Bang for the buck

    The financial aid office is open to talking with prospective students about their financial situations, but there is only so much they can do. They offer merit scholarships, but they don't cover a lot of the costs. Of course there's the FAFSA, but they said that the money the government is giving out through that is going down, so their financial aid packages aren't completely stable on that side of things. However, scholarship websites like Cappex exist for that sort of thing, and in the end I believe that the superb education St. Mary's offers makes the cost worth it.
    Will enjoy being here

    I have visited twice and both times I felt extremely welcome by students and faculty and staff. They also have a lot of activities to get involved in and it as a small school it is close-knit. It is sort of A City on a Hill but it is not too far from the city for weekend trips, and there's plenty of events going on around campus because most people live on campus.
    Will learn a lot

    St. Mary's has a top-notch liberal arts and sciences foundation that is equivalent to that of bigger name schools. The teacher to student ratio is small, and when I attended a preview day most of the students said their largest class sizes were under 40 students. I'm not that much into science, but they do offer great undergrad research opportunities. Also as a liberal arts school it would be really hard not to learn a lot and be exposed to new ideas and ways of thinking.
  • 01/31/2012

    Reviewer is A current student here.

    12 of 49

    Categories Comments
    What to do for fun

    moraga is located near a multitude of transportation options. county connection bus lines, bart (bay area rapid transit), and caltrain are all ways to get around the bay area. shopping and walking around walnut creek is a popular pastime for students on the weekends. san francisco is also a nearby city that students tend to go to.
    Food and Dining

    saga's food is pretty unpredictable. some days the food will be very tasty and you will want to go back for seconds. other days, the food will be very bland or there will be little choice of what you can choose to eat during that meal. often times the meal in the vegetarian section of the cafeteria will be repeated for both lunch and dinner. sometimes the company will try to post what food is being served that day but most times, it isn't up to date.
    Dorm Life

    the dorms are pretty much standard to other colleges. i do appreciate the fact that the dorms at saint mary's have sinks in the rooms. it is very convinient to get ready in the morning in the comfort of your own room.
    Academic Rigor

    the academic rigor generally depends on the professor you have that semester. i found the work challenging but rewarding.
    Tips for prospective students

    don't be afraid to explore the local cities around moraga, such as lafayette or walnut creek.
    In three sentences

    saint mary's college is a fantastic school for personal help in class and overall academics. the professors truly care about how their students' success in the classroom and it is easier to talk to professors when the class size is smaller than larger universities. i would encourage anyone who wants more personal academic help to consider saint mary's college.
  • 01/31/2012

    Reviewer is A current student here.

    13 of 49

    Categories Comments
    Campus Safety

    we've had some incidents on the campus, but our public safety officers on campus are always sweet and helpful. if you need anything, all you need to do is call public safety.
    Greek Life

    none, sorry. but there are sisterhood and brotherhood clubs that could make up for them.
    Clubs and Activities

    there are a huge range of clubs and activities and you may find what you are looking for, but if you want greek life, you won't find it at saint mary's.
    Great for these types of students

    this would be great for students coming from small high schools that prefer the personal relationships with teachers and other students.
    Share any unusual traditions or locations on campus

    the cross, the smc, the statue, the lake, the log...there are so many places at saint mary's to explore. it's so much fun when you find a place to explore, either on your own or with a group of friends.
    Bang for the buck

    saint mary's is a lot of buck obviously since it's a private school, but in my opinion, the price is nothing compared to what you get in return. these days, a 4 year guarantee is worth a lot more than for what it's going for. what you pay at the end of 4 years here could potentially be a lot less than five or even six years at another university. compared to other schools, i would definitely rank saint mary's as one of the top schools in california and even the west coast. if you're still not convinced, i say come for a visit.
    What to do for fun

    parties, dances, clubs, and the surrounding cities around saint marys gives you something to do when you need a break and on the weekends. be warned though that during basketball season, nothing is off limits. if you want to know more about this specific topic of saint mary's, stop by for a weekend or better yet, sign up for gael for a day and the students will show you how great it will be to be a gael!
    Food and Dining

    there are days when the food is amazing or when they have special days like taco tuesday or sundae sundays. most of the time however, you will find the same food every day so make sure to try it all so you don't feel like you're falling into a boring routine, and definitely try the garden section.
    Dorm Life

    the dorm life is amazing. you become great friends with the girls or guys in your hall. it's so much fun and the ra's always have a fun activity for the students to participate in.
    Academic Rigor

    saint mary's has really great classes and even a jan term, but compared to my standards, the classes could be harder. sometimes i feel that it's pretty much senior year of high school, but with more reading and studying. as long as you actually study, you should do fine.
    Tips for prospective students

    make sure that you look at everything saint mary's has to offer and that you are comfortable with it. it's a small school with a close-knit community. don't let the private school label and cost scare you, it's so much more than it seems and if you really want it, the cost can be covered.
    In three sentences

    saint mary's college is an amazing school. here you will meet amazing people and professors that will teach you a lot about yourself and life. be prepared to leave high school behind because you literally grow more as a person and student in your first year, than you have in your four years of high school.
  • 02/10/2012

    Reviewer is A current student here.

    14 of 49

    Categories Comments
    Greek Life

    unfortunately, there is no greek life.
    What to do for fun

    bay area rapid transit (bart) is available to go to either san francisco or to san jose (transfer to caltrain). city is always close from the campus where you can seek a small day trip to explore.
    Food and Dining

    food may not be great on campus because there is only one dining hall, yet there is a cafe, that bakes wonderful pastry and services starbucks brewing coffee.
    Dorm Life

    since this is a small college campus, not all students are required to live on campus but freshman. you can bring your vehicle and it is free to have parking permit. great single gender hall dorm life, but can be bit boring because dorms are excluded from the downtown.
    Academic Rigor

    this is the best part of this campus. this campus provides with the best faculty who are always available to help you and connect to you. professors are vey knowledgable and has a seminar based classes instead of lecture based classes so that students can participate and understand their learnings.
  • 02/13/2012

    Reviewer is A current student here.

    15 of 49

    Categories Comments
    Campus Safety

    saint mary's is pretty secure. i can walk outside at midnight and feel perfectly safe. after 10-11pm, each person that enters has to show their id card, so that keeps strange people out. also, we have public safety officers and a special number for them is there's ever an emergency.
    Clubs and Activities

    there are tons of clubs here. i have yet to join any, but i heard there are a lot of great ones and that almost everyone ends up getting involved.
    Great for these types of students

    saint mary's is great for fun, dedicated, opinionated, and motivated students.
    Share any unusual traditions or locations on campus

    if you're the athletic type, there are a lot of places to walk on and near campus. for example, you can take a hike up to the cross, or there are paths to walk/run on right off of campus. we also have a couple gyms on campus, and we takes sports pretty seriously here.
    What to do for fun

    there's usually things going on on campus, like going on field trips for a really low price, and there are sometimes movies playing that aren't out on dvd yet. walnut creek is about 20 minutes away which has a lot of stores to shop at, places to eat, and also a movie theater.
    Food and Dining

    the food most of the time is decent, but what i really like is how we have flex dollars so we can go off campus and eat somewhere else, but not have to spend our money; it's already included in our meal plan. there are a lot of good places that we can use flex dollars, like chipotle and mountain mike's pizza. the cafeteria food is good though, but sometimes it gets a bit boring.
    Dorm Life

    dorm life here is fun. i feel like my hall is one big family. as a freshman, you are required to live on campus, but i personally like living on campus. it makes things a lot easier, and mostly everyone here is very nice and fun.
    Academic Rigor

    the academics here are tough, but helpful. i find myself doing a lot of homework, but i do learn a lot, which is what school is all about. since saint mary's is a catholic school, religion does play into the academics some, but if you aren't that religious it doesn't matter because it's not an overpowering factor of this school. we also have jan term, which is where you take a class that doesn't have to do with your major (unless you want it to) for the month of january, which is really fun. and of course, there's study abroad.
    Tips for prospective students

    you should like small campuses, be willing to get to know your teachers and other people in your class, be willing to work very hard at your schoolwork, and be prepared to talk in class.
    In three sentences

    saint mary's is a private, catholic, and wonderful school. the campus and class sizes are small, which makes getting help easier. the professors are also very helpful and willing to meet with you if you need anything.
  • 02/20/2012

    Reviewer is A current student here.

    16 of 49

    Categories Comments
    Campus Safety

    p-safe gets the job done. and one of them is affectionately known as p-sexy lol
    Greek Life

    none. there is the gael sisterhood and gael brotherhood which are wanna be greek life.
    Clubs and Activities

    mission and ministry is amazing!! there are so many recreational sports to choose from, and there is a club for everyone.
    Great for these types of students

    ones who like 1 on 1 attention catholic athletic love nor cal anthropology and archaeology majors
    Share any unusual traditions or locations on campus

    our mascot is the gael, which is very unique. our basketball team is amazing! everyone hikes up to the cross on the hill, and paints the smc on the hill.
    Bang for the buck

    it is worth every single penny. you will actually graduate within four years here, and the alumni connections are great. the class sizes are small, and the professors teach you- not graduate students.
    What to do for fun

    there are often on campus activities to go too, or cab or rha have trips to giants games, the sf zoo, alcatraz, and so much more!
    Food and Dining

    its decent most of the time, but sometimes it is gross. breakfast and late night are so good, but weekend food really sucks.
    Dorm Life

    i think the dorms are pretty good sized, and are fairly nice. i have the best ra and our hall gets along very well. you get to go on all sorts of cool hall trips too!
    Tips for prospective students

    go to an open house, and talk to as many people as possible. it is better to have too much information, than not enough. don't let the big price tag scare you away: smc gives out lots of scholarship money to almost every student.
    In three sentences

    it is a great school, with a close knit community, dedicated passionate professors, and and excellent academics. i am absolutely in love with smc and i am so glad i decided to come here.
  • 02/26/2012

    Reviewer is A current student here.

    17 of 49

    Categories Comments
    What to do for fun

    hiking in the mountains, watching gaels basketball team win games, and going window shopping in downtown walnut creek with friends.
    Food and Dining

    let's say there is room for improvemnets.
    Dorm Life

    dorm life the first year was crowded, and thank goodness i had great room mates. second year was much better we got a bigger room and there were only two of us instead of three.
    Academic Rigor

    i would definately have to that it is a challenge. a challenge worth seeing through.
    Tips for prospective students

    at times it gets hard but never loose hope, there is always somerone out there to help you out weather it be a teacher, a student, a friend or even an advisor.
    In three sentences

    saint mary's is a great school. this is my second year and let me tell you that whenever i've had questions or just didn't understand something i could always get help. i've learned so much, and i am looking forward to my third year, where i will study abroad.
  • 03/01/2012

    Reviewer is A current student here.

    18 of 49

    Categories Comments
    Campus Safety

    public safety is here 24/7 they are pretty awesome!
    Clubs and Activities

    there is a ton of clubs and activities. there is something for everyone most definitely!
    What to do for fun

    hang out on campus and go into downtown walnut creek see movies go shopping
    Food and Dining

    the food is soo good! the workers are super nice too.
    Dorm Life

    dorms are good and clean, every floor has rules and its neat.
    Academic Rigor

    the classes are very challenging, its not possible to slack off and do well. the amount of homework makes you stay focused
    Tips for prospective students

    stay on top of your seminar homework.
    In three sentences

    i love the experience i am having. seminar is so fun and interesting! i have incredible opportunities.
  • 03/16/2012

    Reviewer is A current student here.

    0 out of 1 people found this review useful. 19 of 49

    Categories Comments
    Campus Safety

    It's always beneficial to lock your rooms and cars but here is not much to worry about here. It's a fairly safe campus
    Greek Life

    No Greek life here
    Clubs and Activities

    So many clubs on campus from religion to politics and ethnicity to social justice. We have a lot of sports too but if you don't want to be on the main team we also have club sports for everyone.
    Share any unusual traditions or locations on campus

    You must walk to the cross. It is a mostly uphill walk but you can see the entire campus. It's beautiful! We also have Gale-a-palooka which is an all day carnival with live music. Also most Wednesdays is community time so you get free lunch in campus and no classes for an hour and a half.
    What to do for fun

    Free events are sometimes hosted on campus but Walnut Creek is the best place to go any weekend. They have tons of shops and you don't need a car to get there. The bus is free for SMC students so you just need to worry about Bart fare. San Francisco is also just a Bart ride away.
    Food and Dining

    Oliver Hall, SAGA, is not the best food so prepare to take the bus or Bart. We have McDonalds, Taco Bell, Chipotle, Burger King, Noah's Bagels, Jamba Juice, and a few others in close range
    Dorm Life

    Dorm life is great of you get along with your roommate. There are singles, doubles, and triples for freshman; one hall is suite style (single and double on each side of a shared bathroom.) Sophomores are guaranteed housing but juniors and seniors are put into a lottery.
    Academic Rigor

    Reading, reading, reading. Every professor assigns a lot of it for homework each night but that is mostly all you need to worry about. Sciences are very hard at this school so if you understand it than you will do fine.
    Tips for prospective students

    Bring your A-game and be ready to attend every home basketball game. Saint Mary's is a quiet and isolated school but during basketball season, we are louder than any other. This school really is a great place full of school spirit.
    In three sentences

    Saint Mary's is a very welcoming place where you would be glad to call home. It is easy to balance a social life and academics. It has been the best experience of my life so far.
  • 03/27/2012

    Reviewer is A current student here.

    20 of 49

    Categories Comments
    Campus Safety

    Public Safety is amazing
    Great for these types of students

    Wanting a great education and friendly
    Share any unusual traditions or locations on campus

    Gael Force everyone wants to be part of it
    Bang for the buck

    Every penny worth spending on this school
    What to do for fun

    Always activities to join or participate in
    Food and Dining

    Can get boring but they are getting better
    Dorm Life

    I got extremely lucky but I made some of the closest friends
    Academic Rigor

    Difficult but worth it in the end. They don't just give you a diploma and make you figure it out on your own.
    Tips for prospective students

    Keep an open mind and do not enclose yourself. It may be a small campus but a close sommunity
    In three sentences

    Saint Mary's has been one of the best educational and social experiences I have ever had. Friendly students and professors. Always succeeding to be the best.
  • 04/04/2012

    Reviewer is A current student here.

    21 of 49

    Categories Comments
    Campus Safety

    There are public safety officers on duty at all times. It is a very safe campus.
    Greek Life

    None
    Clubs and Activities

    There are many clubs and activities in every field to join.
    What to do for fun

    They have lots of events and dances to get people involved. But it's pretty isolated in Moraga.
    Food and Dining

    The food is not worth what we pay for it. It's ok, but not the best. They should work hard to make it better and make it more accessible on the weekends.
    Dorm Life

    The dorms get better as the years go on. Most of the freshman dorms are pretty small and old, but the RAs work very hard to make the experience fun.
    Academic Rigor

    The teachers are so interested in student success. They are always willing to make time to help people. I love the small class sizes.
    Tips for prospective students

    Get into classes you like. Make sure your teachers and your advisers know you. They can help you out a lot if you let them .
  • 04/19/2012

    Reviewer is A current student here.

    22 of 49

    Categories Comments
    Campus Safety

    You don't have to worry about being stabbed, but there were a couple of date rapes at the beginning of the year. No hate crimes, no thefts (that I've ever heard of), no assaults. Probably the safest school campus I've been on since kindergarten.
    Greek Life

    None.
    Bang for the buck

    It's a good school, but comparable to the much cheaper UC Berkeley in quality of education. Smaller class sizes, less populated surroundings, and a sense of community almost make up for the higher cost.
    What to do for fun

    Not much to do in the immediate area, but a quick public transit ride and you can be in some of the greatest cities in the world (San Francisco, San Jose, Berkeley, Oakland), and if you have a car, you are a day trip away from surfing, snowboarding, gambling, history, camping, fishing, and almost anything else you could want to do.
    Food and Dining

    Nothing special here.
    Academic Rigor

    The seminar program is intense if done right. Most classes borrow from it's style to enhance learning.
    In three sentences

    Quiet, laid back community with amazingly smart professors. Our basketball team has more Australian wins than any other team in the history of the NCAA. I just made that up.
  • 05/23/2012

    Reviewer is A current student here.

    23 of 49

    Categories Comments
    Campus Safety

    The campus is extremely safe. There is only one road that leads in and out of campus and a public safety kiosk that is aware of all visitors. The population on campus is very friendly and community oriented.
    Clubs and Activities

    There are over 80 clubs at SMC and many student organized on campus activites: dances, poker nights, intramural sports.
    Great for these types of students

    Small class oriented students who either need or love individual attention from professors. It's also great for students who aren't necessarily interested in studying a specific thing and going a specific route, just because Saint Mary's provides such a unique and well rounded liberal arts education.
    Share any unusual traditions or locations on campus

    When Freshman move in, during the weekend of welcome, they climb up the hill and paint the SMC that's on the hill. There's one catch: there are no brushes, they paint it using their bodies!
    Bang for the buck

    While the original tag on Saint Mary's look overtly expensive, thanks to hundreds of generous donors to the school, much more than 50% of students receive some sort of financial support and they are very helpful in ensuring that students can afford SMC.
    What to do for fun

    There are many things to do on campus from sports, to reading a book in the sun, to hiking, to studying or meeting with professors. But also, located in the East Bay, Saint Mary's is surrounded by such a unique culture and is only a 40 minute BART ride away from San Francisco.
    Food and Dining

    Oliver Hall, the main dining hall at SMC is fantastic! There are so many different options and they do a really good job of mixing it up to where you won't always walk in and see the same meals. Also, since it's such a small school they don't have to prepare mass amounts of processed food. It's always fresh.
    Dorm Life

    The dorms get progressively nicer as you move up in years at SMC. Even as a freshman I felt well taken care of and never once felt cramped. Every dorm building forms unique communities that do anything from getting together to study or to play sports.
    Academic Rigor

    The workload is heavy, and the material is dense. But with one on one professor attention that every student can receive, plus the bonds you can form with classmates to form study groups, it is very manageable.
    Tips for prospective students

    If your interested in getting a well rounded, liberal arts education, Saint Mary's is the place to go. Similarly, if you're the type of student that thrives in the small classroom setting and likes to utilize the professors for all that you can, Saint Mary's provides you with that as well. Work hard in high school and do your best on you SATs and SMC could be a great home for you.
    In three sentences

    Saint Mary's is the perfect combination of small school utilities with certain big school aspects. It has small class sizes which are essential in the professor-student relationships that are formed, but it has division one sports and is located in the San Francisco Bay Area making it far from your typical small school. Finally, the collegiate seminar program and Saint Mary's unique January term, it provides student with one of a kind educational opportunities.
  • 05/24/2012

    Reviewer is A current student here.

    24 of 49

    Categories Comments
    Campus Safety

    Good Ol' P-Safe is there to watch your back! I have never felt any danger walking around campus alone at night. Except maybe for tripping over a tree root or running into a raccoon.
    Greek Life

    No such thing at SMC. We don't pay for friends. Its a small enough school that you can get to know everyone.
    Clubs and Activities

    We have lots of sports, intramural and pickup games. There's lots of clubs to join and people to meet.
    Share any unusual traditions or locations on campus

    SMC has this amazing cross on top of a hill that all the students walk up to. It has a view over the entire area and is a romantic evening excursion or a fun picnic spot. Also, every year during orientation the freshmen hike up to the SMC letters on the hill and paint it. They always come back covered in hay and paint, but with huge smiles.
    Bang for the buck

    I know private school is expensive. I'll be paying for my education til I'm 50. But I know its worth it because I feel like my prospective job opportunities are much wider because of where I go to school. Also when I WANT to go to classes, just because they are so interesting, I know paying every penny is worth it.
    What to do for fun

    Saint Marys has the awesomeness of being in the middle of nowhere (Moraga) in the middle of everything. No matter which direction you go there is something interesting to do. There is Walnut Creek on one side, Berkeley, San Francisco and the Entire San Francisco Bay area to explore. The options are pretty endless.
    Food and Dining

    Personally, absolutely hated the food. But I am beyond picky. Get a second opinion.
    Dorm Life

    You will have the opportunity to live with a Christian Brother! Dorms are set in beautiful canyon. Some are pretty old, but the newer ones are really nice. Can be quiet on weekends, so be the fun starter.
    Academic Rigor

    The academic program at Saint Mary's is spectacular. Be prepared for a brain exercises in the Seminar department, wonderful science labs, and intelligent passionate teachers who will know your name, face, and probably favorite color. I have never been disappointed in a class and love attending the lectures.
    Tips for prospective students

    Be prepared to bring a car to campus, you are going to want to explore the Bay Area and Moraga is close to everything.
    In three sentences

    Perfect class sizes and teachers. Great sports teams. Fabulous Bay Area location.
  • 05/30/2012

    Reviewer is A current student here.

    25 of 49

    Categories Comments
    Campus Safety

    The campus is in the middle of no where. Literally, the only time you are in danger is if you allow yourself to be alone in a dangerous place, be safe don't drink and you should be fine.
    Greek Life

    There is no Greek. At all.
    Great for these types of students

    Great for more reserved people. Everyone is really chill, and since the campus is small your get to know everyone, takes the pressure of meeting new people off of your shoulders.
    Share any unusual traditions or locations on campus

    There is a cross on top of a hill, it is a steep walk, and yet people like to go there to get drunk. :) Sober is it really pretty at night. Plus, we have the letters SMC on a hill, all Freshmen get to paint it by hand. AWESOME.
    Bang for the buck

    The education is definitely worth it, the dorm and food is a rip off and I need to stop talking about it or I will get very angry.
    What to do for fun

    I like to go hiking and exploring. There are a lot of trails and hidden wooded areas to explore. Or, you can take the Bart to San Francisco. Or, just chill, if your are studying right that is all you are going to want to do.
    Food and Dining

    ugh, the food tastes great the first few days, then you notice that the food gets worse and worse. The unlimited plan is worth it though, trust me, though the food isn't the best, it is good enough at 9:30 at night when everything closes in the town.
    Dorm Life

    There is nothing around town to do, so weekends can be pretty boring if you are as poor as I am (which most college students are). Plus, the dorms don't really do anything exciting, the RAs mainly bring food for fun.
    Academic Rigor

    I put such a high mark for the science and math classes. I found seminar (which you will learn about there) and English to be pretty reasonable. Not that they are easy, but they are not break your back hard. The sciences and math classes though will make you work!
    Tips for prospective students

    The only tip that I can give, it so visit the campus. I knew nothing about this school, and I almost didn't accept my spot, that was until I went to the school and allowed myself to see what the campus was actually like.
    In three sentences

    I love this school, the campus is small and it is easy to get comfortable here-- because the school is so small you get a chance to know everyone in your class by name. The teachers all know you, and that means that you have many opportunities to get help. If you are intimidated by large school, this might be for you.
  • 06/02/2012

    Reviewer is A current student here.

    26 of 49

    Categories Comments
    Food and Dining

    We only have 1 dining hall, the food is alright. It does get old after a while. Howeve its better than cooking yourself.
    Dorm Life

    the dorm are pretty nice, the freshman dorms are small,but it goof becasue you meet everyone and make friends. The rest upper classmen dorm are pretty good size. The townhouses on campus are great!
    Academic Rigor

    classes are challenging, but the professors are there to help.
    Tips for prospective students

    have an idea of what you want to be/major in so you don't waste your time taking classes you don't need.
    In three sentences

    its a small school, with small class sizes which are great. You will know everyone. It become more of a community than a school.
  • 06/09/2012

    Reviewer is Accepted here and planning to attend soon. Reviewer has been to campus.

    27 of 49

    Categories Comments
    In three sentences

    Awesome campus! Can't wait to go there for school!
  • 06/18/2012

    Reviewer is A past student here.

    28 of 49

    Categories Comments
    Campus Safety

    Public Safety is there for the SMC community 24/7. A concern to most parents, there is only one way in and one way out to the campus so all people are checked through public safety especially at night.
    Share any unusual traditions or locations on campus

    Gaelapalooza. A daytime festival that usually begins at 7am till 3pm (nap time in between) and then out to have fun at night! With live music, henna tattoos, astro jump, obstacle courses, sumo wrestling, and free food... what's not to love about this awesome festival before finals!
    What to do for fun

    Hike to the cross, paint the SMC, take a Bart ride to the city, go to CREAM in Berkeley, shopping,dining, watching movies in Walnut Creek, run or bike the trail, attend SMC athletic games or tan at the pool!
    Food and Dining

    I would say a 3/5. Although they did renovate the cafeteria my sophomore year they also created new ideas and creations for the menu. There are more vegetarian and ethnic options which is nice.
    Dorm Life

    A 4/5, my dorm life was awesome. Despite that sometimes your neighbors CAN be loud, it was so convenient to be near classes and St. Mary's does a wonderful job hiring a staff that makes sure the dorms are clean!
    Academic Rigor

    I would rate Saint Mary's a 4/5 because although I approve of most classes, I would have to say that sometimes the curriculum vs the workload was unbalanced. Besides that... the classes are challenging AND interesting!
    Tips for prospective students

    Don't be fooled by the small school aspect. Yes Saint Mary's is a small school but you definitely get A LOT out of making friends, learning 101 and networking with potential employers.
    In three sentences

    Saint Mary's felt like home away from home. With it's beautiful scenery and compact community I definitely felt comfortable in going to school there. Saint Mary's altogether creates a positive space for learning and growing up as an individual and a student.
  • 06/20/2012

    Reviewer is A current student here.

    29 of 49

    Categories Comments
    Food and Dining

    Dining hall has its staples (pizza, pasta, salad, burgers, fries and sandwiches), but the international station has a new dish every meal. After being off a meal plan for a year, coming in for a meal was pleasantly surprising. The food was good, and definitely something I would expect from a restaurant, not a school cafeteria
    Academic Rigor

    I have learned something new in every single one of my classes. The professors are very interested in what they are teaching, and welcome questions and class discussions. Most importantly, I have learned how to learn and grow as an individual--classes not only teach you subject matter, but different ways to approach learning as well.
    Tips for prospective students

    Speak out, and ask questions! With small class sizes, this is your chance to shine and make the most of your education.
  • 06/27/2012

    Reviewer is A current student here.

    30 of 49

    Categories Comments
    Food and Dining

    The food is always good although it can be repetitive.
    Dorm Life

    I was nervous at first because I was going to live in the honors dorm which was the nerd dorm. It turned out to be so much fun! The RAs are always there when you need them and they are so friendly. I really loved all the activities we did together as a dorm group.
    Academic Rigor

    The classes are small, about 30 people to a class, so there is a lot of one on one interaction with the professors. The classes are difficult but with effort you can pass. There is an honors society that helps increase the academic rigor for students that want that.
    In three sentences

    Although I had no idea that this college existent when I applied, a tour of the campus quickly turned this college into my dream school. It has turned out to be everything I wanted and more. It is the perfect college for me.
  • 06/30/2012

    Reviewer is A current student here.

    31 of 49

    Categories Comments
    Campus Safety

    Public Safety is excellent and will help any student at any hour of the night!
    Clubs and Activities

    There is literally something for everyone! It's just a matter of looking around and asking people.
    What to do for fun

    The good thing about Saint Mary's is that it is in the perfect location and has a lot of transportation! You can go anywhere with bus, which is free to Saint Mary's students, and BART(Bay Area Rapid Transit). Walnut Creek and San Francisco is very close by. As well as San Jose and Santa Clara.
    Food and Dining

    In all honesty, the food could be better. By mid-year you get disgusted with the food because it is always the same. It is very easy to get tired of the cafeteria.
    Dorm Life

    Dorm Life is okay. Some RAs are really horrible and will not make you feel comfortable. Other RAs are amazing and will make you feel like you are family. You just have to find that RA you can go to when you need them. As for the dorms in general, they are in pretty good condition. Every dorm building is locked and you need your key to get in. Only the people who live in that dorm building have the key, it's really safe.
    Academic Rigor

    The classes vary by majors and professors but the major of the classes are of high rigor. You need to really stay on top of your stuff or else you will fall behind. It is very important to do all the reading and homework that the professors give because most of the professors base their exams on the readings and the lectures.
    Tips for prospective students

    A tip for prospective students is to have a very good connection with your professors and other students. Another tip is to get involved with the campus, either by work or clubs. One last tip is to always go to class and stay on top of your work, do not fall behind because it is very hard to catch up in classes.
    In three sentences

    The school is very welcoming and has a sense of community. It has various resources to help the students. The professors are always there if a student needs help in something.
  • 07/13/2012

    Reviewer is Accepted here and planning to attend soon. Reviewer has been to campus.

    32 of 49

    Categories Comments
    What to do for fun

    For fun, i suggest you hit the gym! Its great to be active and as a student, take advantage of all that Mount has to offer!
    Food and Dining

    Food is great! I ate there while i was on campus and would never eat any where else if i was on campus.
    Dorm Life

    Very hard to judge dorm life considering I do not plan and have never stayed at the school. I here good things though.
    Tips for prospective students

    Keep in contact with the school and do not be afraid to ask questions. They are always there to help and will answer all of your questions!
    In three sentences

    Mount has amazing staff that has been always there for me, with smiles and direction. The campus at Doheny is absolutely beautiful, welcoming and warm. Mount Saint Mary's is a wonderful place, and i am confident that this school will prepare me for the world.
  • 07/16/2012

    Reviewer is A current student here.

    33 of 49

    Categories Comments
    Campus Safety

    Public Safety (P-safe) is always out on the prowl at night. They will not let you on campus late a night without a student ID. They protect you and at the same time take away all the fun.
    Greek Life

    Does not exist.
    Clubs and Activities

    There are a ton of clubs and activities. Join one and meet people easily. You don't have to have a long term commitment to most clubs, but if you want to get heavily involved in one, you can also find a sort of community in the form of a club. As far as activities, basketball games are the biggest events on campus, besides the few dances scattered throughout the year.
    Great for these types of students

    It's great for science/engineering/nursing majors, as well as business, communications, and english majors. We have a unique program of study called Integral (In-teh-gral) which is basically where all your classes are taught seminar style with round table discussions, where you have the freedom to practice rhetoric and study lots of dead people and their traditions. If you are a more traditional student, you can have a little bit of socrates in with your math and english because seminar classes (4) are required.
    Share any unusual traditions or locations on campus

    Up in the hills of Moraga behind the school, we have a SMC logo which gets painted colors for several different occasions throughout the year. It is a tradition to slide down the SMC and get paint all over you and have a blast.
    Bang for the buck

    It's a private school so it IS expensive, coming in at around 50,000 before financial aid. However, a good student with a competitive profile who may be low on cash can easily get 50-75% taken care of in the form of merit and need-based aid. They are willing to work with you, but you have to accept that some money may come in the form of loans, unless your parents can foot the bill. With that said, it is an amazing school to attend. It has a great reputation in the Bay Area, and it's a very intimate learning experience. You will never have a class where the professor doesn't know your name and care to help you. You will never find yourself without someone to talk to, as the Christian Brothers living on campus are readily available. There is always something new to see and do in California, and an education at Saint Mary's is a great way to spend four years of your life when it's all said and done.
    What to do for fun

    We have close-by the town of Lafayette and Orinda. Neither one has a lot of for fun things to do, but they supply short shopping fixes or nice walks about the town with interesting shops and places to entertain you. We don't have any local bars or clubs for the 21+, but if you are up to driving just out of town to berkeley, walnut creek, or san francisco you can find anything your heart desires. Also, all three places are easily accessible with BART and the free bus system to/from campus which runs late on friday's and saturday's.
    Food and Dining

    Our dining hall is managed by sodexo, which is a widely known company. The food seems pretty good at first, but when you eat a lot of the same things every day it starts to all look familiar. SMC does a pretty good job giving you options. We always have a vegan section, you can find gluten-free foods, and if you are up for anything, they change out the international foods daily so you can have mexican, italian, or asian foods. The staples are always available- sandwiches, pizza, salads, soups, bakery items, and COFFEE.
    Dorm Life

    As always, you can live in the party dorm, or a low key dorm, or a big dorm where you can met many different types of people, or my favorite- the nerd dorm. There is a place for everyone, with a bit of wiggle room to switch rooms once the semester starts. However, you can't escape public bathrooms until sophomore year!
    Academic Rigor

    If you were able to breeze through high school, this is where you will reach the end of your luxury days. SMC is definitely a place you can challenge yourself with classes and professors who want to hear from you and give you food for thought. On the other hand, slackers will be slackers, and there are always ways to get around doing serious work. Not all professors are created equal.
    Tips for prospective students

    Prepare yourself for a whole new change of scenery. Life is a little slow in Moraga, but the friends you make on campus will be your best asset. Living on campus is the best way to meet people and get to know the school as more than just a place of study. Balancing your social life with your work can be hard, but if you live on campus it's usually a good reminder that you have a lot of work- and support.
    In three sentences

    As a small college of a few thousand students, Saint Mary's has a place for everyone, in every field of study. The price of a private school is greatly offset by financial aid, and the rewards of getting out of a small town and experiencing college life to the fullest. I have not met a single student who did not like studying at SMC, as it offers amazing opportunities- but who wouldn't like the beautiful town of Moraga?
  • 07/24/2012

    Reviewer is A current student here.

    34 of 49

    Categories Comments
    Campus Safety

    Very safe campus. I have never felt uncomfortable or unsafe on the SMC campus. They make a strong presence so that everyone knows they have someone to turn to in times of feeling unsafe.
    What to do for fun

    We are lucky that SMC is just miles away from downtown San Francisco and many other amazing attractions in the bay area. It is great to be able to hop on public transit to tour San Francisco, go to an amusement park, or go to the beach on a nice day. On campus, there are Friday night movies, dances, and club get together's to make each and every night something fun ad different. SMC gives a diverse range of activities so that every student has an option of something to take their mind off of the stresses of school.
    Food and Dining

    Cafeteria food will always be cafeteria food. Unfortunatelt, SMC is no different. What i do enjoy about the campus dining hall is not only that it was just recently re-done to a more modern look and feel, but they try to give a diverse selection of food options. Whether you like the food or not, there is always something appealing.
    Dorm Life

    One thing that I wish I would have known prior to attending SMC is that it is very difficult to get on campus housing after your Sophomore year. While living on campus, all resources are available just seconds away. It is important for the school to relay to the prospective students that housing is very rare to receive as a Junior or Senior. This way, students can understand and make plans for those years - especially those whose homes are many miles away.
    Academic Rigor

    SMC is very difficult, as expected, because it is a private University. You have to be prepared to give all you have to your classes. We are very lucky, though, to have many resources including a Writing Center, a Math Center, and countless office hours to help us through exams, finals, and everyday questions that we have regarding our classes and other activities on campus. Although the curriculum is very difficult, it is definitely possible to accomplish. It makes graduation that much more exciting!
    Tips for prospective students

    Prospective students should understand that college is no joke. Although high school may be easy for many, college is a huge culture shock, academically and personally. It is important to be prepared to give 100% dedication and take advantage of the resources offered on campus. SMC offers support, clubs, and other activities to make your experience the best possible. It is important to actually use those resources.
    In three sentences

    Saint Mary's is an outstanding University. It has a strong name, passionate beliefs and values, and diverse curriculum. It is a beutiful campus with some of the best Professor's available.
  • 07/31/2012

    Reviewer is A current student here.

    35 of 49

    Categories Comments
    Greek Life

    There is no Greek Life.
    What to do for fun

    Sit out on the lawn. Go to the events. Swim in the pool.
    Food and Dining

    It's so repetitive
    Dorm Life

    Best experience of my life
    Academic Rigor

    The teachers actually really help you out during their office hours.
    Tips for prospective students

    Definitely take a tour of the campus.
    In three sentences

    It is quiet, which is perfect for studying. They have the best events like basketball and Gaelapalooza. The food is not so good.
  • 08/29/2012

    Reviewer is Researching this school. Reviewer has been to campus.

    36 of 49

    Categories Comments
    Food and Dining

    The food is absolutely splendid, and the kitchen and dining hall are both wonderful and always clean.
    Dorm Life

    It is very peaceful, and fun to live in a dorm with fellow students. They become close, and there has been no occurrence of violence in the dorms.
    Academic Rigor

    There are plenty of majors to choose from, and the classes are all fun, and not overly difficult. Everyone can learn something from the class, and questions are always answered by the teachers.
    In three sentences

    When I toured the campus with my friend, I really liked how there were plenty of people to answer any questions we had, or to help us find a certain area of the college. There are numerous majors to choose from, and plenty of teachers, so that classes are not terribly huge. The area around the college is simply beautiful as well, and I would really enjoy going to Saint Mary's just for the view around it.
  • 08/30/2012

    Reviewer is A current student here.

    37 of 49

    Categories Comments
    Greek Life

    None, sadly.
    Bang for the buck

    Don't be fooled, it is big bucks. However, you have instant and direct access to your professors. Look for ratings of the best colleges to attend if you want to grow rich and Saint Mary's is consistently near the top.
    What to do for fun

    Hiking, biking, and general outdoor activities...or go into the city for serious fun.
    Food and Dining

    Ask again in nine months.
    Dorm Life

    Okay, no dorm is ever going to be like living at home.
    Academic Rigor

    Plan to work and have fun when you arrive.
    Tips for prospective students

    Apply early and visit the campus.
    In three sentences

    Beautiful campus and surroundings. Direct instruction from the actual professors in a small classroom environment. Absolutely no reason for anyone to be put off by the college's religious roots.
  • 09/12/2012

    Reviewer is A current student here.

    38 of 49

    Categories Comments
    Campus Safety

    The town of Moraga is a super safe place, I've never been scared or nervous because of my surroundings and I don't see that ever happening. The campus is also really safe thanks to Public Safety. There are even little kiosk type things around campus with a blue light on top. If you ever have a problem, you can call P-Safe and they'll be there right away. You can even push the button if it's raining and you want a ride across campus! hehe
    Share any unusual traditions or locations on campus

    One of the activities during the freshman Weekend of Welcome is the Paint the SMC. Paint the SMC is where freshman get to hike up to the SMC sign displayed on one of the hills overlooking campus and paint it red and blue (the school colors). It's really fun and crazy because everyone gets paint all over themselves and you can even slide down the letters with the paint. And then for the next couple weeks, when walking around campus, you can look to the sign and see your beautiful paint job :)
    Bang for the buck

    Saint Mary's is pretty much all-inclusive.. I haven't come across anything that hasn't been readily taken care of for me.
    What to do for fun

    San Francisco, Berkeley and Oakland are all less than 30 minutes away, so there is essentially an unlimited amount of activities to partake in!
    Food and Dining

    Oliver Hall is a beautiful building filled with really good food. Pizza is always on the menu, but the chefs also like to spice it up with all sorts of random dishes at the International Bar. You can get a meal or a snack at almost any time of the day, and there's always coffee and fresh fruit to drop in and get on the way to your next class.
    Dorm Life

    The dorms are all fairly small (which is to be expected), but they are clean and nice and you can even choose if you want to live in a single, double, or triple for your freshman year. And then for the next three years there are even better on-campus housing options, like the suites!
    Academic Rigor

    The professors expect a lot from you, but they help you along every step of the process. I'd say that they may even be more helpful than some of my high school teachers.
    Tips for prospective students

    Do your homework!!! Get good grades, be involved on your high school campus, and actively work on being a positive member of your community. Colleges don't only look at your academic achievements, they look at WHO YOU ARE.
    In three sentences

    Saint Mary's is an amazing school. The professors know you by name, the class sizes are almost guaranteed to be smaller than those that you've had in high school, and the food is good too! Saint Mary's is a 10/10.
  • 10/22/2012

    Reviewer is A current student here.

    39 of 49

    Categories Comments
    What to do for fun

    Hiking Biking San Francisco is 20 minutes away The weather is really nice Events that the school plans
    Tips for prospective students

    Make sure to come in sure of what you want to do with your major.
    In three sentences

    This school is the best thing that happened to me. You want to really learn about anything then this is the place. Here we recognize that knowledge is power and we plan on using it with the Lasallian principles.
  • 10/31/2012

    Reviewer is A current student here.

    40 of 49

    Categories Comments
    Greek Life

    There isn't any Greek life.
    Great for these types of students

    Great for students who like going to a small school.
    Bang for the buck

    The school costs are very expensive, but this Saint Mary's truly helps prepare you for later on in life.
    What to do for fun

    There is not a lot of nightlife on campus, but there is always Walnut Creek and San Francisco.
    Food and Dining

    There is generally a lot of food, but there needs to be more variety.
    Dorm Life

    I live in a single and my room is nicely sized with a sink area. I love being able to have my own space.
    Academic Rigor

    The classes truly prepare you for what is after college. The professors expect you to keep up with the reading and the homework.
    In three sentences

    Saint Mary's College of California has a great sense of community and a beautiful campus. The professors are good at what they do and know what they are talking about. The people are overall very nice and helpful.
  • 12/25/2012

    Reviewer is A current student here.

    41 of 49

    Categories Comments
    Campus Safety

    Public Safety is always just a phone call away and they are always patrolling the campus.
    Greek Life

    No Greek life.
    Share any unusual traditions or locations on campus

    In the beginning of each year, SMC has this dance called Oasis. It has been called O-wasted, Hoe-asis, and first dance to get in your pants. It's really fun, yet alcohol is not permitted at all.
    Bang for the buck

    It is not worth over $50,000 a year.
    What to do for fun

    Get involved in activities! Join sports or clubs.
    Food and Dining

    The dining hall is using referred to as Oliver to Saga. A lot of people complain about the food, but I think it's good quality food. It's a college cafeteria, so don't expect fine dining.
    Dorm Life

    Dorm life is decent. There are no raging parties in the dorms, but you could definitely get work done in your dorm without extreme loudness. Dorms are really close to classes, so that is convenient.
    Academic Rigor

    The courses are petty challenging. Because the class sizes are generally smaller than other universities, teachers have more time to grade MORE work. So be prepared to buckle down and focus!
    Tips for prospective students

    Come to campus with an open mind. SMC is what you make of it.
    In three sentences

    SMC is greatly known for it's tight knit community. The campus is secluded from loud town noises and is surrounded by Moraga's beauty. SMC is a great campus to stay focussed on school.
  • 12/30/2012

    Reviewer is A current student here.

    42 of 49

    Categories Comments
    What to do for fun

    Join clubs!
    Food and Dining

    Lots of little cafes on campus. Food in the area is nearby. The cafeteria I hear has good food options.
    Dorm Life

    I am living of campus. I am coming in as a junior. I do hear that the dorms are nice.
    Academic Rigor

    The teachers are very helpful. The classroom environment is small and successful. Free tutors are on board and ready to help you.
    Tips for prospective students

    This college is very helpful. The administration is great, although you have to research your own scholarships. I recommend everyone to apply!
    In three sentences

    I am currently a junior and have just transferred. I know that there are a lot of career and club opportunities on campus. I can not wait to get more hands on experience.
  • 12/31/2012

    Reviewer is A current student here.

    43 of 49

    Categories Comments
    Campus Safety

    Campus is pretty safe. We only have one way to get in and out of campus. Also, our public safety officers respond quickly once you get a hold of them. They're usually just a phone call away.
    Greek Life

    We have seminars where we read the great books such as The Odyssey and have a student led discussion for the entire class.
    Clubs and Activities

    There are so many clubs and activities that I don't even know where to start. It ranges from different sports like rugby, to a cultural club such as APASA.
    Great for these types of students

    Those who are pursuing liberal arts, this is a school for you. Also Saint Mary's is a campus that is pretty small, so you would get to know a good amount of people just walking around. Our campus is pretty small compared to UC's that we don't need bikes for transportation around campus.
    Share any unusual traditions or locations on campus

    Every wednesday we have community time and that's when we have lunch outside. This even is for people to get to know more people on campus and it's also an opportunity to just enjoy eating outside with friends. The food is usually BBQ and it's pretty tasty.
    Bang for the buck

    The tuition for Saint Mary's is pretty pricey but the school provides some scholarship money to lower the cost of tuition. I think it's a little too high for the tuition and room and board, but I guess it all pays off because it's mostly guaranteed that you're going to graduate in four years since there's not to much of a hassle to sign up for classes.
    What to do for fun

    There's not much to do around Moraga, but there's plenty of things to do in Walnut Creek witch is just ten minutes away. There are plenty of restaurants, shops, and they have a movie theater. I'll also suggest to take a trip to San Francisco or Berkeley once in a while just to go out and explore. There's free transportation to the bart station which is very convenient especially traveling to the city.
    Food and Dining

    There's one main dining hall on campus and the food is good sometimes but you get tired of it after about two months. There's a small cafe right around the corner where some people spend time catching up or just studying.
    Dorm Life

    It's pretty nice especially living in De La Salle since they are the newly renovated residence halls.
    Academic Rigor

    It typical to spend at least three hours on homework each night but don't feel discouraged, everyone is doing the same.
    Tips for prospective students

    If you are looking for a small school filled with very friendly people, this is the place for you.
    In three sentences

    Saint Mary's is filled with friendly people as well as professors who bring out the best in you. It's located in Moraga which is a very quiet area but the school provides free transportation to Orinda and Lafayette. Also the class sizes are very small so the teachers know you by name and it's easier to learn with very few distractions.
  • 03/04/2013

    Reviewer is A current student here.

    44 of 49

    Categories Comments
    Campus Safety

    Public Safety is always lurking. I feel very safe here.
    Bang for the buck

    Although its a lot of money, you can definitely tell the difference between the average and a St. Mary's education.
    Food and Dining

    Oliver hall is where we dine and Sodexo is our food supplier. Its safe to say I gained the freshman 15 here. There is always a wide variety of gourmet cafeteria foods along with daily coffee, fresh fruit, toast, pastries, and cereal of course.
    Dorm Life

    Dorms are a type of community that are unforgettable. Everyone is really laid back and accepting, we are all part of a small community so life here is tight-knit.
    Academic Rigor

    The courses here are rigorous. A lot of reading is involved and class participation is a must. You will know your professors and campus resources very well when you are done here.
    Tips for prospective students

    This is not a party school, and be prepared to become a well-educated and cultured individual.
    In three sentences

    Saint Mary's is a very diverse and inclusive community. The campus is beautiful and the education is remarkable. WIth small class sizes and personal attention the rigorous course loads are worth the tuition.
  • 03/10/2013

    Reviewer is A current student here.

    45 of 49

    Categories Comments
    Campus Safety

    Everyone is very friendly, never felt unsafe or scared. Public safety is always driving around keeping an eye out so very safe.
    Greek Life

    No Greek Life.
    Clubs and Activities

    There are many clubs here at Saint Mary's. Athletics (soccer, volleyball, basketball, act.) then there are clubs like Glee, and there always activities like horseback ridding, snowboarding in winter, site seeing in San Francisco.
    Great for these types of students

    Saint Mary's is s place where students really care about academics but at the same time they enjoy having fun. There is a balance in which the attitude of students have but surely academics is a priority. There is always something to here, you never really get bored.
    Share any unusual traditions or locations on campus

    We have an amazing chapel on campus and many students including my self attend religious activities and mass.
    Bang for the buck

    I am very happy here. I am having such a great time so far, can't wait for the upcoming years here at Saint Mary's.
    What to do for fun

    Moraga is a very small and quite city, which is nice because we are surrounded by green hills. Hiking and walking along the trails is always fun. But there are big cities life Concord, berkeley, and San Francisco that are less then 30 minutes away. Also with transportation like bart its easy to go out.
    Food and Dining

    Oliver Hall, serves good food but can get easily tiring.
    Dorm Life

    Dorms are a bit outdated but its really not so bad. Obviously there are dorms for the Honors Science which are a bit more quite, rather than just regular dorms.
    Academic Rigor

    If you like to be pushed academically and actually learn within a small community, Saint Mary's is for you.
    Tips for prospective students

    Get ready to have fun!
    In three sentences

    Saint Marys is a wonderful place where students receive the opportunity to learn and express themselves. Since, Saint Mary's is a small college you get to really know your professors and classmates which comes in handy when you need extra help in class.There is a sense of a positive community where everyone here is, ready for success and further their knowledge.
  • 03/24/2013

    Reviewer is A current student here.

    46 of 49

    Categories Comments
    Campus Safety

    really safe the school has private security that is super nice and helpful even when you don't have an emergency.
    Greek Life

    none
    What to do for fun

    Service. If you love to volunteer and help others this is the school.
    Food and Dining

    Great food and the people that work there are amazing.
    Dorm Life

    Too expensive for such a small and old facilities.
    Academic Rigor

    Its a challenging school buy there are plenty of resources.
    Tips for prospective students

    Get involved with the church. If you can try to study abroad and make connections with professors.
    In three sentences

    This school Lacks diversity but has a wonderful community and gives students many opportunities. The Lasallian Principles motivate students to serve communities outside the local communities that are extremely wealthy. The professors are great and the campus is overwhelmingly beautiful .
  • 04/11/2013

    Reviewer is Accepted here and planning to attend soon. Reviewer has been to campus.

    47 of 49

    Categories Comments
    Campus Safety

    The campus is situated in the hills of Moraga, CA which is extremely safe.
    Greek Life

    No Greek life
    Clubs and Activities

    The student body provides tons of clubs and activities to get involved in.
    Great for these types of students

    Any type of student who wants to learn.
    Share any unusual traditions or locations on campus

    It is a private Catholic school, so anyone who may not be religious might find some of the traditions weird; however, the school is open to all faiths and is truly an educational institution.
    Bang for the buck

    It's expensive, which is why I am looking for scholarships; however, Forbes magazine released a list of the top schools that will make you rich after graduation placing Saint Mary's at number 5 ahead of Berkeley!
    What to do for fun

    San Francisco and Walnut Creek are just a BART ride away and if you need to fly somewhere, BART takes you straight to SFO! There are tons of nightclubs all over the bay area.
    Food and Dining

    I've heard from many people that food is great on campus. The best part, though, is they have a bus that goes from the school to BART which will take you to either the city of San Francisco or even Walnut Creek for more food options.
    Dorm Life

    The dorm life is supposed to be top notch. More than 80% of the student body lives on campus.
    Academic Rigor

    I have yet to actually see what a class is like; however, according to the meeting I went to and past students, the teachers make you work for your degree.
    Tips for prospective students

    Attend a transfer session, they are very informative and talk about everything you need to know.
    In three sentences

    I had no idea about the opportunity offered at Saint Mary's College of California until I had taken a day go to a transfer information session and take my own personal tour of the campus. The structure of the education seems flawless and the campus is beautiful. I can already tell that attending the school will be one fo the best decisions I've ever made.
  • 05/26/2013

    Reviewer is A current student here.

    48 of 49

    Categories Comments
    Tips for prospective students

    Be prepared to grow and learn things. It cannot be avoided.
    In three sentences

    It is a close knit family. One can never feel out of place, because everyone belongs to a group/family. The school gives you time and places to grow.
  • 05/28/2013

    Reviewer is Accepted here and planning to attend soon. Reviewer has been to campus.

    49 of 49

    Categories Comments
    Campus Safety

    Very safe campus except for the occasional mountain lion.
    What to do for fun

    Honestly, there isn't much on campus unless you want to go to a sporting event or another even hosted on campus. They have trips off campus, but seats are limited. San Francisco is about an hour away via bus/BART, and there is a shopping center within walking distance from campus.
    Food and Dining

    Like most colleges, the food starts off in the beginning of the year seemingly good, but it starts to get old towards the end. There is Cafe Louie which is good to use Flex Dollars or you can use them for other places off campus.
    Dorm Life

    Freshman dorms are typical college dorms. Sophomore dorms are larger and give students more space. You can live on campus all four years, but it starts getting harder to get housing after sophomore year. RA's are generally friendly and they tend to plan a lot of events.
    Academic Rigor

    Discussion based learning is helpful for aural learners. Professors are willing to help you if you ask for it. There is a lot of reading to do for most classes, and the reading usually connects with the class so you should read whatever is assigned. The difficulty for each class really depends on who your professor is.
    Tips for prospective students

    It does have the seminar program which involves student discussion, and many other classes outside of this program are structured for discussion, which can be hard for some students.
    In three sentences

    It's a small school with unique programs. It's great for those who want small classes (about 20-25 per class). There's a lot of things to do on campus and a lot to get involved in.
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