frequently asked questions
- What do I need to apply as a transfer student?
- What are your application deadlines?
- What is the average class size of all traditional undergraduate courses?
- What is the traditional student-to-faculty ratio?
- What are the most popular majors among the undergraduate student body?
- Do you have articulation agreements?
- Are SAT/ACT scores required for admission?
- Are high school transcripts required for admission?
- Is on-campus housing guaranteed?
- How will my courses be evaluated for admission to Saint Mary's College?
- How will my courses transfer to Saint Mary's College?
- Is there a maximum number of units I can transfer into Saint Mary's College?
- What is the average grade point average (GPA) for incoming transfers?
- Are any of your majors impacted?
- Do I have to be Catholic to attend Saint Mary's College?
- What percentage of your student body receives financial aid?
- How do I apply for Financial Aid?
- When is the financial aid deadline?
Q: What do I need to apply as a transfer student?
A: For admission consideration transfer candidates should have:
- a minimum of 23 transferable academic semester units or 34.5 transferable academic quarter units
- a minimum academic grade point average of 2.3
- the math admissions requirement of 1 year each of high school equivalent algebra one, geometry, and algebra two, with a grade of C or better prior to enrolling.
Students who have fewer than the minimum number of units may be eligible for admission if they were eligible out of high school.
Q: What are your application deadlines?
A: Fall Term - February 1 (priority, for financial aid consideration) and July 1 (regular)
Jan Term - Dec 1
Spring Term - Jan 1
Q: What is the average class size of all traditional undergraduate courses?
A: 19.6 students.
Q: What is the traditional student-to-faculty ratio?
A: 11 to 1.
Q: What are the most popular majors among the undergraduate student body?
A: Business Administration = 25%, Social Science = 14%, Communication = 11%, Psychology = 10%, Liberal & Civic Studies = 8%
Q: Do you have articulation agreements?
A: We currently have general education articulation agreements with 34 California Community Colleges.
Q: Are SAT/ACT scores required for admission?
A: If you have completed at least 23 transferable academic semester units at time of application, you do not need to submit test scores as part of the admissions process.
Q: Are high school transcripts required for admission?
A: All students must submit official high school transcripts or the results of a high school graduation equivalency exam.
Q: Is on-campus housing guaranteed?
A: Transfer students are guaranteed housing if entering in the fall term, as long as the commitment deposit is submitted by May 1st.
Q: How will my courses be evaluated for admission to Saint Mary's College?
A: All transferable academic coursework is considered in determining eligibility for admission. When courses are repeated, only the most recent grade will be computed into the grade point average in determining the minimum admission standard.
Q: How will my courses transfer to Saint Mary's College?
A: Courses that are transferable to the University of California (UC) system from California Community colleges or another accredited college or university, with completion of letter marks (rather than, Pass, Satisfactory, or Credit) will be applied for advanced standing credit toward graduation. Upon transfer, only courses with grades of C- and above are acceptable for advanced standing toward graduation. Courses in remedial subjects, vocational fields, secondary school mathematics, and non-academic areas are not acceptable for transfer credit to Saint Mary's College.
Q: Is there a maximum number of units I can transfer into Saint Mary's College?
A: The maximum number of lower division units, which are transferable to Saint Mary's College from any college, is 64 semester units (95 quarter units). If you are enrolled in a 4-year college, upper division units (beyond the 64 lower division) will be evaluated may be accepted for credit toward graduation.
Q: What is the average grade point average (GPA) for incoming transfers?
A: For the class entering in fall 2008, the average grade point average for transfer students is a 3.2.
Q: Are any of your majors impacted?
A: No
Q: Do I have to be Catholic to attend Saint Mary's College?
A: No. 59% of our students identify themselves as Catholics, while many choose to pursue faiths of other denominations.
Q: What percentage of your student body receives financial aid?
A: 71% of the undergraduates receive significant financial aid from a variety of sources. Federal Pell Grants, Federal Supplemental Educational Opportunity Grants, Federal Perkins Loans, and Federal Stafford Student Loans are often part of an applicant's financial aid package.
Q: How do I apply for Financial Aid?
A: Applicants must file the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA), which is available online at http://www.fafsa.ed.gov and is also distributed to high schools and colleges by the U.S Department of Education. Applicants who are residents of California and wish to apply for Cal Grants A and/or B must fill out the G.P.A. Verification Form in conjunction with the FAFSA.
Q: When is the financial aid deadline?
A: All financial aid forms are due by February 15 for entry in the fall term, and by December 1 for entry in January Term or the spring term.
