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St Mary's College of Maryland Reviews

Average Rating Details

Academic Rigor

Dorm Life

Food and Dining

See St Mary's College of Maryland reviews submitted by students. Find out what students have to say about various aspects of attending St Mary's College of Maryland. Read about academic experiences and campus life in these free St Mary's College of Maryland reviews, or contribute your own St Mary's College of Maryland review if you're a current student there.

  • 6 out of 6 people found this review useful.

    Rachel from Marriottsville, MD

    Reviewer is A current student here.

    Categories Rating Comments
    Am learning a lot

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

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

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

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

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

  • 1 out of 1 people found this review useful.

    Andrew from Silver Spring, MD

    Reviewer is A current student here.

    Categories Rating Comments
    In three sentences

    St. Mary's is a very warm and welcoming college. Everyone is socially accepted here regardless of race, sexual preferences, or view. You will end up knowing everyone by a first name basis by the end of your four years.
    Tips for prospective students

    Come to St. Mary's with an open mind and you will enjoy the next four years of your life.
    What to do for fun

    St. Mary's is situated near the water so in the spring it is very popular for students to go out on the docks and sail, swim and engage in other fun beach activities. There is always something to do on campus whether it may be going to a play, a movie at cole cinema or walking down to the docks at night.
    Bang for the buck

    St. Mary's is worth every penny. I could have played division one soccer at a couple other schools that had offered athletic scholarships but chose not to because I fell in love with the campus and the people the first time I visited for my overnight recruiting trip. I therefore settled playing division 3 soccer and not getting additional money to pay for my education.
    Share any unusual traditions or locations on campus

    There are a few very unusual traditions at St. Mary's, for instance; on your birthday it is tradition that you are ponded by your fellow peers. There happens to be a large pond in the middle of the campus and when your birthday comes around you are thrown in. Another festivity we have on campus is Hallowgreens and Mardigreens, the greens are a part of the campus where the senior townhouses are located. Every year around Halloween a major party/gathering is held on the greens and the whole campus participates.
    Great for these types of students

    All types of students are socially accepted at St. Mary's. So far I have never experienced or heard about any sort of discrimination.
    Clubs and Activities

    There is a club for just about everything on campus. You are also encouraged to start your own club and gather others to do the same.
    Greek Life

    None.
    Campus Safety

    Public Safety (PS) does their job very well and ensures safety throughout the campus. I have never experienced any sort of discomfort even when walking from one side of campus to the other at early hours of the morning.

  • 1 out of 1 people found this review useful.

    Anonymous from Ellicott City, MD

    Reviewer is A current student here.

    Categories Rating Comments
    Am learning a lot

    I definately learned a lot in my classes. Most of the teachers are very nice and are good at teaching. However, if you think that since this is a small school the teachers will know your name and remember you, this is not true here. I was in one teacher's class and stayed through to the next class and she had to ask if I was in the new class just coming in even though I had just been in her previous class.
    Am enjoying being here

    Although I really like the teachers, being here was a waste of a semester. Due to the mold I lost a lot of study time and my grades suffered. The administration also doesn't treat us with respect and don't take our opinions into account. They do what they think will make the school look best and don't care about the students. Most of the people here are friendly and be sure to go out on the weekends!
    Bang for the buck

    It is the most expensive public school in Maryland. And they are going to raise their tuition. So no it is not the best school for cost.
    Tips for prospective students

    If you are interested in being a Biology major, don't consider going here unless you took AP Bio. It is extremely difficult and 50% of the students taking Principles of Biology either fail or drop the class.

  • 1 out of 1 people found this review useful.

    Anonymous from Ellicott City, MD

    Reviewer is A current student here.

    Categories Rating Comments
    Am learning a lot

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

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

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

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

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

  • 1 out of 1 people found this review useful.

    Marche from Laurel, MD

    Reviewer is A current student here.

    Categories Rating Comments
    Am learning a lot

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

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

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

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

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

  • 1 out of 1 people found this review useful.

    Anonymous

    Reviewer is A current student here.

    Categories Rating Comments
    Am learning a lot

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

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

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

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

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

  • 1 out of 1 people found this review useful.

    Mallory from Callaway, MD

    Reviewer is A current student here.

    Categories Rating Comments
    Am learning a lot

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

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

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

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

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

  • M. from P, MD

    Reviewer is A current student here.

    Categories Rating Comments
    In three sentences

    Challenging , learning-conducive environment with many possibilities to interact with faculty.
    Great place to make friends and enjoy life. A plus : the college is by the water as it is at the point where the St. Mary's river meet the Chesapeake bay.
    Tips for prospective students

    You need to like small and tranquil environments. If you want to party hard this is not the place for you!...but if you rather want a beautiful corner where to set yourself to study this is definitely the best!
    Academic Rigor

    Small classes, most teachers hold a PhD. D. in what they teach. No way, you cannot hide!
    Dorm Life

    Some of the dorms are old but there is the incentive to get good grades for a better choice of accommodations
    Food and Dining

    Good food in a spacious and beautiful cafeteria
    What to do for fun

    outdoor activities, many water-related such s sailing, crew, canoeing,
    Share any unusual traditions or locations on campus

    Sunset by the bay
    Greek Life

    None
    Campus Safety

    Dangers are close to zero

  • Former Student

    Reviewer is A past student here.

    Categories Rating Comments
    In three sentences

    a great, small school with a gorgeous campus. most of the professors are absolutely fantastic, as are the people you meet there. nothing really beats studying by the waterfront.
    Tips for prospective students

    study hard, but also take time to participate in extracurriculars; they prove equally, if more not valuable, in making connections and getting a job after graduation.
    Academic Rigor

    some classes were tough, others were less so. striking a balance in any given semester makes things challenging but totally manageable.
    Dorm Life

    being able to move from a traditional dorm to a suite to a townhouse or apartment was a nice transition from the traditional college experience of ramen and communal bathrooms to the more grown up world of cooking, cleaning, and paying my utility bills. the best of all the worlds!
    Food and Dining

    the dining hall is decent. the vegetarian co-op, though, provides excellent opportunities for superior food and friendship.
    What to do for fun

    learn to sail.

  • Quorren from Baltimore, MD

    Reviewer is A current student here.

    Categories Rating Comments
    In three sentences

    i'll give st. mary's college of maryland a 3 out of ten. i do not feel as though i belong here and the students seem so distant. the professors also give me and some of my peers trouble.
    Tips for prospective students

    if you are really interested, i say go for it, but i must warn you, it is a very small campus and without friends, and a good head on your shoulders, you might fall through the cracks. i also recommend that you make a lot of friends, because if not, you will feel alone. also, this is an honors college so study, study, study! things will not be easy! there are a lot of campus activities if you are interested but i have to add that if you are not a part of the activities, it is very hard to make friends. the people here are sometimes not really that friendly.
    Academic Rigor

    you must be serious about your studies, i am a psychology major and a freshman from baltimore city, it is definitely not baltimore and nor is it anything like the school system there, so please study! the academics here are very challenging, and if you do not study, you will not succeed, grades are definitely not handed to you here! and if you are a biology major, boy do you have studying to do! p.o.b (principles of biology) is the hardest class on campus and every bio major has to take it!, so please perspective students, study hard!
    Dorm Life

    the dorms are okay. i live in a dorm called queen anne, which is an all girls dorm and there is a bit of a bug problem, so girls, if you are afraid of bugs, request to live in either prince george or caroline, which are both co-ed dorms, and they were just cleaned very well this year! and guys, boy oh boy, you better try for caroline and prince george as well because dorchester, the all boys dorm is just terrible! transfer students, if you are looking for information about dorm life, you may be interested in living in the crescents, where you will have your own room, but this is just living for upper class men so freshman and sophomores, i'm sorry, but they do not house you guys! =/ there is housing for you in wc though which is co-ed living and in some you get your own room, but there is usually one other person you have to live with, but on the plus side, some have a kitchen and the bathrooms are much nicer, besides, yo only have four suite mates, including yourself. then we have the greens that house the upper class men, they are kind of like apartments and they are really nice! i really hope this helped.
    Food and Dining

    you are given something at the beginning of the year called a one card, this card holds your meal plan, and your key card, so if you lose this card, you don't get a meal, nor are you able to get into your living quarters. the food here is not too bad, but they do have a quiznos and a place called the grill which serves good grilled food and unlimited refills.
    What to do for fun

    haha! so, technically, we have a game going on now called humans versus zombies that involves the entire campus, i'm not playing the game though, and the humans get to attack the zombies with nerf guns and stuffed socks while the zombies try to tag you, thus turning you into a zombie. when you hit them with your sock, they are stunned, not being able to tag a human for up to 15 minutes. we also have sports, every sport except football, so for all of you football players out there, i am so sorry, we do not have your sport, but for all of you great basketball players, this is the best and the fastest way to become popular. the basketball team is very hyped up and the games are fun! we also have lacrosse and rugby, which i guess makes up for not having football.
    Bang for the buck

    i think i may have paid around 25,000 dollars (or more) to be here, and i personally, would like to transfer. i do not like the small college atmosphere, but the academics here are great, you will definitely be qualified for any field you try to go out for, so in that aspect, the money is worth it, but i know a lot of people who are transferring this year from my class, 2015.
    Share any unusual traditions or locations on campus

    we smd, or saint mary's day where we, the students get to understand diversity and student life and voice our opinions about the school in general. we also have hallogreens which is basically halloween, but it's located on the greens, yes, the nice housing, for parties an social life. some great locations, where i like to go and blow off some steam is the docks, the view is beautiful and just looking at it almost melts stress away, then you go back...
    Clubs and Activities

    there are plenty of clubs to get into, if you have time, i am on the step team and i love it, we are like a family!
    Greek Life

    there is no greek life here, sorry aka's and deltas!!!
    Campus Safety

    public safety is always roaming around campus, i would say that the campus is pretty safe, we have had some incidents, but what college hasn't? there are blue boxes, emergency boxes around campus, and you could always call public safety to escort you somewhere if you do not feel comfortable, they are very friendly!

  • Sabryna from Owings, MD

    Reviewer is A current student here.

    Categories Rating Comments
    Am learning a lot

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

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

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

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

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

  • Colleen from Bel Air, MD

    Reviewer is A current student here.

    Categories Rating Comments
    Am learning a lot

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

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

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

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

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

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

  • Neo from Lexington Park, MD

    Reviewer is A current student here.

    Categories Rating Comments
    Am learning a lot

    Very challenging classes, but in a way where you can still handle it. Very nice to finally have classes that challenge its students intellectually, where other schools don't.
    Am enjoying being here

    A lot to do on campus. Many, many activities and clubs. Very fun, whether you are laid back, serious, or hyper. Something for everyone.
    Bang for the buck

    Definitely worth it, but still kind of expensive.
    Tips for prospective students

    Keep up with the classes.

  • Katelyn from Newtown, CT

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

    Categories Rating Comments