First-Year Student Admissions
Your next adventure starts here.
College should be a ‘must-do’ —not just a ‘to-do’. At Saint Mary’s College of California, an undergraduate education builds on the best of all worlds through meaningful, real-world experiences, thought-provoking classes, and friendships that’ll last a lifetime. We know better than anyone that student time outside the classroom is just as important as time inside it —so students have ample opportunities for study abroad, service learning, and internships that connect them with top employers across a variety of industries.
When Gaels graduate, they are equipped with powerful, career-ready experiences and skills and a deep, wholehearted knowledge of who they are. They know what they want, and how they can make the world better, just by being who they are.
Ready to take the next steps towards becoming a Gael?
1. Apply with the Common App
Start at the very beginning by filling out your Common Application.
2. Submit Transcripts
Next, have your counselor send your official high school transcript to the Office of Admissions via email at smcadmit@stmarys-ca.edu. You can also send it via mail at 1928 St. Mary’s Road, PMB 4800, Moraga CA 94575, or via fax at (925) 376-7193.
3. Check Applicant Status Page
Within about 48 hours of submitting your application, you’ll receive an email to log in to your status page —this is where you’ll be able to see updates on your application. Remember, though, that the Admissions Committee will not make a final admissions decision on your application until we’ve received all of your materials, including transcripts.
The chief qualities sought in a candidate are their intellectual preparation, purpose's seriousness, and moral integrity. The school record is considered the most reliable measure of potential college ability. However, extracurricular accomplishments may strengthen an application insofar as they indicate special talents, perseverance, and maturity.
Applications for admission are reviewed on an individual basis. Minor deficiencies in preparation may be waived if justified by superior marks, test scores, and recommendations.
All successful applicants are expected to complete at least 16 units of secondary school course work that will include the following:
- 4 years of English
- 3 years of Mathematics (algebra, advanced algebra or the equivalent, and geometry)*
- 2 years of the same foreign language
- 2 years of science (at least one laboratory)*
- 2 years of social studies (at least 1 year of U.S. history)*
*Students intending to major in a science or mathematics should show particular strength in that field.
Transcripts
Please have your counselor send your official high school transcript to the Office of Admissions via email at smcadmit@stmarys-ca.edu, via mail to 1928 St. Mary’s Road, PMB 4800, Moraga, CA 94575, or via fax at (925) 376-7193.
Letter of Recommendation
Letters of recommendation are not required but are encouraged. If you decide to request a letter of recommendation, make sure to give your counselor or teacher ample time to submit the letter by the postmark deadline. The letter may be written on a separate piece of paper or directly on the evaluation form provided by the Common Application.
SAT/ACT (Test Optional)
Saint Mary’s College of California will not require an SAT or ACT score for college admission. Students who have taken an SAT or ACT test and feel that their test scores enhance their admissions application may submit scores but are not required to do so. All students who apply, with or without test scores, will be reviewed holistically and be evaluated equally for admission and merit scholarships.
If you have taken the test and feel that your scores reflect your academic ability, you can submit them using the SAT school code 004675 and the ACT school code 0386.
Spring
Our Regular Decision deadline for spring entry is December 1.
Fall
Our Early Action deadline for fall entry is November 1. The Regular Decision deadline is January 15.
You have enough to think about —we automatically consider all first-year students for merit scholarships. No extra forms to think about or essays to write —we believe in rewarding you for your academic success, so once you’ve submitted your common app, we’ll take it from there. These awards are determined at the time of acceptance and are applied to each of your four years of undergraduate study.
Saint Mary’s welcomes students who’ve challenged themselves in the classroom, whether that’s through Honors, Advanced Placement (AP) courses, or International Baccalaureate (IB) courses. Once you’re accepted, you’ll have the chance to transfer credits earned through AP/IB examinations. Saint Mary’s grants up to a full year of college credit for AP examinations or higher-level IB courses.
We’re committed to providing our veteran students and their dependents access to all the benefits they’re eligible for (in addition to other financial aid options, including federal, state, and institutional grants, loans, and scholarships). Through our campus registrar, we provide a variety of benefits to veterans and eligible dependents.
Student Testimonials
My older sister went to Saint Mary's. I saw how Saint Mary’s enabled her to start a career right after she graduated and offered her opportunities to progress through her studies. I enjoy the small student-to-professor ratio, which has enabled me to learn, communicate, and build forever bonds with my professors and peers. Other schools were too big for me, so I know that I made the best decision by choosing SMC.
Leah Coale ’24, Biology
I’m a first-generation college student in my family. I applied to Saint Mary’s because it provided a strong Business Management program that would help me build my skill-set. On our tour, my family and I were amazed by how beautiful the campus was and how Saint Mary’s educational programs prepare students for the future.
Esteban Nunez ’24, Business Management
Saint Mary’s has already provided me with so many opportunities since I began. The College constantly reminds me that my possibilities for the future are limitless. I am so grateful for the empowerment and preparation that I have received.
Bridget Douglas ’24, Business with an emphasis on Entrepreneurship
Contact Us
Office of Undergraduate Admissions
Phone: (925)-631-4224
Fax: (925)-376-7193
Email: smcadmit@stmarys-ca.edu
Brother Jerome West Hall
8:30 a.m. - 4:30 p.m. Monday - Friday
1928 St. Mary's Road
PMB 4800
Moraga, CA 94575