Mount St. Mary's University
Emmitsburg, MD, USA

Reviews

Mount St. Mary's University

Samuel from Middletown, MD

a current student here
8 people found this review useful
CategoriesComments
Am learning a lot
The core curriculum along with the specific courses tied to my majors are challenging yet the professors make sure the students comprehend the information with before and after class assistance. There are tutors on campus to assist on a one-on-one basis as well. Out of the eleven classes I was able to take for the first year, six were in my major and minor fields of study, which is high for freshman at a liberal arts college. I will be able to earn my degree in three years if I work for it. The workload is just right, even with two jobs on campus and getting involved in clubs.
Am enjoying being here
The Mount is an excellent place to live and go to school. The community is constantly referred to as a family due to everyone knowing each other on campus. The dorm rooms are currently being renovated, with two thirds of the campus done with modern rooms - no dorm horror stories here. The food is excellent at the food court as well as the cafe on campus. Plus, the lounges around campus are great for studying or just hanging around campus.
Bang for the buck
The total cost for tuition and on campus housing comes to a little over $40,000 per year, but it is well worth it. MSMU envelops the student, forcing them to become a part of the community and making sure that no penny is wasted. Dorm repairs are done within 24 hours, we have one of the best security systems in the country, and are renown for our business and education departments, with the sciences close behind. Once the solar farm is in place, the third largest in the United States, the entire campus will be run via solar and geothermal energy. Not bad at all.
Tips for prospective students
Apply early. As part of the freshman ambassador team, we have seen a increase of 50% in applications. Since we can only take in so many students, an early application with average qualifications will get in while a late application with outstanding qualifications may be wait-listed as there are no more spots available. Also, apply to more than just MSMU, apply big and small, far and near. You never know what the future holds.
Great for these types of students
The college is great for those who want to dive into their studies without the distractions of the surrounding areas. The campus is in a quiet town of Emmitsburg, with the nearest Starbucks 30 minutes away. Same goes for the nearest mall and movie theater. The Catholic university is the second oldest of its kind in the nation, and has an immense catholic power over it; however, is not overbearing - this coming from a Lutheran.

Robert from Ijamsville, MD

a current student here
3 people found this review useful
CategoriesComments
In three sentences
A Fantastic blend of excellent scenery, community, faith, facilities, and discovery. This college holds exploration of the self, and studies very highly while mixing in a deep seated, faith guided studies with moral and thorough self examination. The Facilities are top notch, with much available, and most of it being new or updated, but it does have some issues such as the upkeep time.
Tips for prospective students
Always keep your keys and ID on your person, no matter where you are going.
Lock your door, and keep it that way, not for fear of the students, but out of the guests that may visit.
Constant, minor, upkeep is easier than one huge, labor intensive burst of cleaning.
Always keep checking on the status of any food brought into the room, you don't want it going bad!
Academic Rigor
There is not so much a push on the work handed out, but rather in what is expected from the student, as the teachers expect that the student will do their best, and follow the assignments and study the notes, which is enough to pass. In addition there is always help available for the subjects, mitigated only by the amount of people seeking the same for themselves.
Dorm Life
I personally love the dorm life, as it is an excellent way to meet new people, and many friends, as well as to learn new things and cultures from the newly met people. The only issue is how living with others creates more mess than what the cleaning crew can handle sometimes, but it is not too bad at all.
Food and Dining
The food is great, as the offer a selection each day, and vegan meals as well, with desert bars and everything, and a cafe is open late at night for those who get a sudden urge. The drawback is the cycling of food, as it will steadily repeat for many specific meals, though those don't have to be chosen, as there is always something else to choose.
What to do for fun
On campus there is always something going on, such as sports (Even at three in the morning, I have played a game of ultimate Frisbee in the dark several times) clubs, study groups, movies, games, and parties.
Bang for the buck
The school is very much worth the money, with its only point of contention being the lack of a huge pool for culture blending, which can teach a person many important things for later life, as well as the slight repetition of food and activities.
Share any unusual traditions or locations on campus
There is a building (Purcell) that was built to be the meeting area for some activities, as well as the school's regular dance spot. There is also a large lounge with several arcade games and large TVs for entertainment.
There is an anti-aircraft gun on the campus in front of the seminary.
Great for these types of students
This is great for all types of student, with the only exception being the strictly art majors, who wish to do nothing else.
Clubs and Activities
There is a huge selection of clubs and activities, with the option to create one at any time, so long as it is approved, which it generally is. The clubs are very fun, and the activities well thought out.
Greek Life
I don't have much knowledge on this aspect of the university.
Campus Safety
While there are a few issues, such as alcohol violations, the school feels safe, as public safety is always around, coupled with the location of camp David in close vicinity and it always seems very secure.

Amanda from Westminster, MD

researching this school
3 people found this review useful
CategoriesComments
Will learn a lot
I have heard so many things about the academics at Mount Saint Mary's. I am excited to pursue not only my major (biology/ biochemistry) but to continue my education in all fields of learning.
Will enjoy being here
The Mount has such a wonderful Catholic atmosphere. This is exactly what I'm looking for in a school.
Bang for the buck
While Mount Saint Mary's is fairly expensive, I believe it is worth every penny. That is, if you can afford it. For me, I will need a significant amount of scholarship money and financial aid for my attendance at this school to be possible. I will just keep praying and hoping! I am therefore looking at other schools but honestly cannot imagine going anywhere else.
Tips for prospective students
I would definitely recommend applying here! However, I would recommend applying to a few other less expensive schools, just in case the Mount cannot meet your financial need. That being said, there are many scholarship opportunities at the Mount. Definitely put this on your college search list!
Great for these types of students
Anyone who is looking for a calm peaceful atmosphere and wants to make wonderful friends and receive the best education possible. While this school is a Catholic, faith-based university, the Mount believes in welcoming all religions; any students, regardless of religious beliefs, can attend this school.

Jessica from Parkside, PA

a current student here
2 people found this review useful
CategoriesComments
In three sentences
Mount St. Mary's (otherwise known as the Mount) is located in a rural setting, 15 minutes south of Gettysburg, PA. Due to its small population and rural nature, the Mount is a very close-knit community, and many students there consider it home. There are tons of campus activities, and the campus activities board works really hard to ensure there is plenty to do, both on and off campus.
Tips for prospective students
Don't apply to the Mount if you want a big school or if you can't be in a rural environment. There are plenty of ways to have fun on campus, but you have to take advantage of campus activities and be willing to be creative and make your own fun. If you can't do this, you'll be bored!
Academic Rigor
There are certainly some classes that are easy and take little effort, but for the most part, most classes require work. As you get into the upper levels, the course work will definitely get harder, and you won't do well if you don't put the effort in.
Dorm Life
There are 9 dorms on campus. Some are older and look more run-down (which typically go to freshmen), but most are either new or just renovated. All of the dorms have lounges and study areas. Rooms can be doubles, triples, quads, suite-style (4 single rooms connected to one common room), apartment-style, and 8-person (there's only one 8-person room on campus). Apartments can either be two-person (two singles--there's only one on campus), three-person (one double and one single), or five-person (two doubles and a single). Apartments come with a bathroom, living/dining room area, full kitchen, a full-sized fridge, sink, and electric stove. The other dorms come with a mini-fridge/microwave.
Food and Dining
Patriot Hall is the dining hall on campus, and while there are some iffy foods, for the most part, Patriot serves really good food. The staff is all really nice and friendly. Patriot is open from 7 AM-7:30 PM. Additionally, there is a cafe, which is open weekdays 7 AM-midnight and weekends 7:30 PM-2 AM.
What to do for fun
There's a lot to do both on and off campus. Comedians and musicians come to campus almost every weekend, and students can participate in an acoustic battle for a cash prize. There are lots of sports games to go to, and the basketball games in particular are really fun. There are semi-formal dances at different parts of the year. New movies are also shown before they come out on DVD. The Mount is actually on a small mountain, so if you like hiking, you'll love the Mount. If you want to get off campus, you can visit the Elizabeth Anne Seton shrine in Emmitsburg or go to the Ott House for lunch or dinner (or drinks if you're over 21). Emmitsburg is pretty small, so there's not much to do there, but thankfully the Mount is 15-20 minutes from two bigger towns. Gettysburg, PA is a really cute town, the battlefields are huge and really beautiful, there are lots of restaurants, a movie theater, an outlets strip with good stores, and tons of Civil War reenactors and and ghost hunters. Frederick, MD is twenty minutes to the south, and downtown is also really nice. They have a lot of good restaurants and really good shops. The campus activities board also provides shuttles to DC, Philadelphia or New York a few times every semester. There are tons of other hiking spots, and several trips throughout the semester to do different outdoor activities, like hiking, rock climbing, and caving.
Bang for the buck
The Mount is pretty expensive as far as tuition goes, but the education is worth it.
Share any unusual traditions or locations on campus
The Mount is over 200 years old and associated with the Civil War, so of course there are plenty of ghost stories. The Terrace, which is the oldest building on campus and has three separate dorms in it, is apparently haunted. Most people who live there have said they've never seen or experienced anything, but there was a room that stayed boarded up until the renovations in 2009. Several people, including priests when it was still an all-guys school, tried living in the room and couldn't deal with the weirdness. However, the room is now a bathroom, and I haven't heard any more ghost stories. If that stuff freaks you out (like it freaks me out), you don't have to live in Terrace!
The Mount is also very unique in that it is also a Catholic seminary, which is a place men go to school to become priests. The seminarians for the most part do their own thing and live and go to class in their own building, but some of the younger guys have to take random classes with the undergrads, like math or history. They're all really nice, funny guys, and even though it's weird to see 170ish guys with collars on, they're all pretty normal.
Great for these types of students
The Mount is great if you want a small, intimate school where you know a lot of people. It's also great if you're interested in outdoor activities, community service and social justice, student diversity (the Mount is not very diverse, but the Student Diversity office is really good), and getting involved with your faith.
Clubs and Activities
There are a lot of clubs on campus, most of which are academic (language clubs, the Honors program, philosophical club, etc.), sports-related (intramural and club sports happen year-round), outdoors-y, community service-based, or faith-based. The Office of Social Justice is very active and has several local day trips throughout the week that only take a few hours, and they go to a variety of places such as soup kitchens, homes for teen mothers, and elderly homes. Additionally, they lead weekend trips and fall/spring break trips to places like Philadelphia, West Virginia, Cincinnati and Jacksonville. The Campus Ministry has a lot of different groups, including prayer groups, Pro-Life groups that go to the March for Life in DC and advocate against the death penalty, bible study, and fellowship opportunities. If you're not Catholic, you're still definitely welcome to these activities, and there are non-denominational groups as well that host bible studies and prayer groups.
Greek Life
There aren't any sororities or fraternities on campus.
Campus Safety
The Mount is a really safe and secure environment, and the public safety do routine checks all over campus throughout the day and night.

Fat M

a past student here
2 people found this review useful
CategoriesComments
In three sentences
My four years at the Mount were magical. Everyone at the Mount is so wonderful and welcoming that it is impossible to not make friends and feel special at the Mount. The Mount was my home for four years and I miss it terribly.
Tips for prospective students
It is small and there does seem like there is a lot to do but if you give a chance and a tank of gas you will find millions of activities to do. You just have to get creative. The Mount is amazing.
Academic Rigor
Depends on your major. The sciences are tough, just work hard and you'll go far.
Dorm Life
The RAs are great. They are really willing to do anything for you.
Food and Dining
Patriot is good, I actually really miss it.
What to do for fun
Skiing, shopping, DC, Frederick, bowling, and much more. AMP the campus activities program puts on some great events every weekend. I was never bored unless I was studying.
Bang for the buck
It was worth it
Share any unusual traditions or locations on campus
The Grotto is beautiful!
Great for these types of students
Just be open to having a good time and you'll have the time of your life at the Mount
Clubs and Activities
so many clubs on campus and all of them are really involved on campus and in the surrounding community.
Greek Life
no greek life
Campus Safety
Public Safety was really great. I never felt like I was in danger. The campus is really safe!

Junior, PA

a current student here
2 people found this review useful
CategoriesComments
In three sentences
Academics are great but prepare to work hard. It has a community feel! They have a great selection of clubs and club sports
Tips for prospective students
Make sure you do an overnight visit or a day at the mount to get a feel for the school.
Dorm Life
After Freshman year the dorms are awesome!
Food and Dining
Food is good.
What to do for fun
Parties, Movies, Outdoor trips, shopping trips, dances the list goes on!
Bang for the buck
They offer work study and tons of scholarship money!
Share any unusual traditions or locations on campus
Sledding with food trays in the winter
Great for these types of students
Outgoing, serious student, shy, students with learning disabilities, religious, non-religious, athletes.
Clubs and Activities
They have every club you can think of and the activities to do on campus go on forever
Greek Life
none
Campus Safety
You can walk around and feel safe at any time of the day

Stephanie from Gwynn Oak, MD

a current student here
1 person found this review useful
CategoriesComments
In three sentences
This institution is beautiful first of all. The students are very nice and open to new students. The class sizes are small, so it is easy to obtain that close relationship with your professors.
Tips for prospective students
Come visit the campus and take a tour. The students give the tours, so you can get a firsthand account on everything. Because if you are interested in going here, making a visit is the best thing you could do. Also, don't be afraid to email the Admissions office or Registrars and ask questions if you are not sure about something. They are all friendly and willing to answer anything.
Academic Rigor
This is my second institution and by far the education I have received here is the best. The professors are all top of the line. Because the class sizes are usually no bigger than 25,you can always find a few minutes after or before class to talk to your teacher. Also, you can be sure to build up a close relationship with professors because they want to know how you are doing not only in their class but your others classes. The course work is challenging, but in a good way. It challenges you not to only think about the course you are in, but to think outside of the box and into the future. Our 4 pillars are Community, Faith, Leadership, and Discovery. You can be sure that you will experience that here and then some.
Dorm Life
The dorms are nice and comfortable. I personally live in one of the apartments here and they are amazing. Residence life has a unique system in matching you up to someone to be your room mate. So you don't have to worry about being roomed with someone you won�t like. 9 times out of 10, anyone who is a roommate I have seen them become best friends.
Food and Dining
The food here is pretty good. It�s not like in high school where there is only a line and you have 2 choices. Nor is it like some colleges that have fast food contracts serving their students because that can be unhealthy. At the Mount there us a section for almost anything. A full salad bar so you can make your own fresh salad. A sandwich and wraps area, made to order just the way you want it. A home food section, were they will have good meals like mash potatoes, chicken, etc. Pizza area, some nights they let you make your own pizza. The grill of course with burgers fries, the usual. And the desert section with all sorts of things going on from cakes and pies, to fresh baked cookies. Another thing to note is separate from the cafeteria is the cafe. It has a lot of the similar foods and they are open till 12 and sometimes 2am.
What to do for fun
For fun, get involved! If you are the type to just sit in your room and maybe attend an event here or there you won�t have fun here. There are so many clubs and organizations here and someone is always throwing an event. So don't be afraid to get involved because you make friends that way. But we have an Outdoors activity office that always has something going on. They will do white water rafting, rock climbing, caving, camping, etc. I personally did the zip line and that was beyond fun.
Share any unusual traditions or locations on campus
Something maybe new to many students, is the fact that laundry is FREE! So don't worry about having to save up a bag of quarters.
Greek Life
I am sorry to say but because we are a Catholic institution there is no Greek life.
Campus Safety
Campus safety is always around. This campus is very very very safe. I can express that enough. If anything is going on that might be dangerous on campus or in the surrounding communities campus safety will always send out an email letting students know. If the weather may be dangerous be sure to get a text, a phone call, you parents might get a phone call, and both of you will get an email. So you can always feel comfortable knowing that they will have you informed.

Justin from Clarksburg, MD

a current student here
1 person found this review useful
CategoriesComments
In three sentences
this is a very good school with strong academics. however, if you want to be surrounded with things to do, then this school is not for you. there is a very tightly close-knit community.
Academic Rigor
the core curriculum is rigorous, yet easy to follow. the classes you take your freshman year can be fun or be boring, depending on the professor. you will be given a lot of work, including things like worksheets, weekly papers, journal entries, etc. i recommend that, if you come here, you study very hard and keep on track with work. don't let yourself get behind!
Dorm Life
as a freshman, you can either live in a nice dorm or a not-so-nice dorm. if you get placed in terrace, you will have a/c and a decent-sized room. if you get placed in pangborn or sheridan, you will have a relativelty smaller room without a/c compared to the terrace.
Food and Dining
the food is not the greatest, but it still tastes good. i have heard that they use food additives, but i am not completely sure. it is just a rumor. the desserts are awesome and they have plenty of choices to choose from, depending on what you're craving that day.
What to do for fun
if you like playing sports, i strongly recommend that you get involved with the division i athletics. if you do not think you will make any of the teams, then there are plenty of opportunities to play an intramural or a club sport. there is always something to do on the weekend, whether it is go hiking, go to a movie, go ice-skating, etc. they plan a lot of stuff to prevent the students from drinking/partying.
Greek Life
there are no fraternities or sororities.
Campus Safety
the public safety officers definitely do their job (sometimes taking it a little too seriously). most of the officers are very nice and easy to talk to; however, there are a couple of officers that believe they are superior to all of the students, which causes them to speak very condescendingly towards the students.

Jennifer from Westminster, MD

a current student here
1 person found this review useful
CategoriesComments
Am learning a lot
The Mount has a certain core curriculum for every particular major. The curriculum for my major challenges me to think outside the box and pull in knowledge from the other classes I am taking. Each of my classes seem to have at least one aspect they share. My professors are very good at their job and push everyone, including myself to do their best.
Am enjoying being here
The Mount is a fantastic place to go to college. Whether you live on campus or are a commuter, everyone is involved in everything. They just finished renovating a new housing building, which is quite nice. The overall atmosphere here is wonderful, we have such a great sense of family and community.
Bang for the buck
Although Mount St. Mary's is about 40,000 per year, you receive a lot for your money. The classes are rigorous and beneficial and the professors really push their students. You also get a great meal plan and housing options. MSMU also provides many extracurricular activities both during the week and on the weekends that everyone can participate in.
Tips for prospective students
Apply early. The Mount is a great school and very popular is all areas. Just make sure you're a pretty well-rounded student, cause everyone here seems pretty open to various types of activities.
Great for these types of students
The Mount is great for all types of students. There always is something for everyone to get into. Whether that be on a D1 or club sports team, to any sort of club you want to join. Being a liberal arts college, almost anyone can fit it!

Lesley from Baltimore, MD

accepted here and planning to attend soon
0 people found this review useful
CategoriesComments
In three sentences
The curriculum is challenging and allows each student to push themselves to excel throughout the year.
Everyone there is extremely nice and compassionate.
The campus is beautiful, it's truely picturesque.
Tips for prospective students
Attend the orientation to get a head start on meeting classmates and making new friends. Join a club and/or organization to get involve with those people who are going to be part of your family over the next few years.
Academic Rigor
I haven't started classes yet, I only have the knowledge of upper classmates.
Dorm Life
I'm enrolled to begin in the fall; therefore, I have not experienced the 'dorm life' except when I visited last spring. It gave me a sense of responsibility, yet a little overwhelming as to reality outside of my own home. It's an experience I'm looking forward to.
Food and Dining
During my visits to the campus, I have thoroughly enjoyed my meals. They have a wide variety of choices for all meals. The menu has encouraged me to try new things.
What to do for fun
Meet up with friends and explore our new home. I'm excited to try some new things. I understand there is skiing nearby, I can't hardly wait!