First-Year Student FAQs
We get asked many questions during the admissions process. So we're listing the answers here in case you're curious, too.
First-year applicants must submit:
- The Common Application
- Official High School Transcript(s)
- Optional: One letter of recommendation from a guidance counselor, teacher, or school principal
- Optional: Official SAT or ACT scores
For the fall academic semester, Early Action applications are due November 1, and Regular Decision applications are due January 15. For the Spring academic semester, Regular Decision applications are due January 1. However, if students apply late, we will still review their application once completed.
We require that candidates for the first-year admission have taken, and passed the course with a C- or better:
- 4 years of English
- 3 years of Mathematics (Algebra I, Algebra II, and Geometry)
- 2 consecutive years of a foreign language (3 years preferred)
- 2 years of Science (1 year of lab science)
- 3 years of social studies (at least 1 year of U.S. history)
Fall 2020 averages for incoming first-year students:
- GPA: 3.33 - 3.8
- SAT (M+CR): 1140
- ACT (composite): 25
*Note: Reporting test scores is optional
New student orientations are coordinated by the New Student and Family Programs Office. For details about orientation, please see their page.
The average class size is 19 students.
The student-to-faculty ratio is 11:1.
The most popular majors are Business, Communication, Psychology, Kinesiology and Biology.
None of our majors are impacted.
No. In fact, 95% of our full-time faculty have the highest degree in their respective field, as well as, all of our courses are taught by faculty members, not by teaching assistants.
You can study abroad in countries across the globe, including Argentina, China, England, Ireland, Mexico, South Africa, Spain, and more during the summer, fall or spring terms.
Participating in a SMC program will enable you to receive academic credit directly from Saint Mary's and retain California state grants along with the rest of your financial aid. The College also conducts a variety of travel courses during January Term.
All students are assigned a faculty advisor. It is required for all students to meet with their major-specific faculty advisor to be approved for registration and course planning.
Yes, all students have access to a variety of free academic resources. Some of the resources students have access to are:
- Career and Professional Development Services (CPDS)
- Counseling and Psychological Services (CAPS)
- Health and Wellness Center
- The Center for Writing Across the Curriculum (CWAC)
- Student Success Office
- High Potential Program
- Student Disability Services (SDS)
- Student Engagement and Academic Success (SEAS)
- Tutorial and Academic Skills Center (TASC)
All of our freshmen residences are located on the central campus. Residences may be singles, doubles or triples and are coed by building (single-sex floors). All rooms are WiFi ready. Check out our Virtual Tours of Campus Housing!
- Resident Dining, Catering, and other on-campus retail offerings are provided by the Good Eating Company. They offer a wide variety of foods to meet any student's needs. You can also purchase flex dollars for use at all campus retail food outlets and Oliver Hall.
- In addition, SMC has The GaelPantry which is available to all students who live on or off-campus. Every student is given 10-points a week and can redeem non-perishable food by bringing their SMC ID with them when picking up their items.
- On-campus at SMC students also have access to The 1928 Pub, which offers a full menu of foods and drinks to enjoy. The Pub is set up for dining, socializing, relaxing, or even studying with indoor and outdoor spaces. Various social events are also held at The Pub.
Since Saint Mary's is a residential college, there is a strong on-campus community. The Student Government, clubs and dorms sponsor parties, movies, comedy nights, dances and dinners. There are more than 40 clubs on campus ranging from the Pre-Law program to the Black Student Union. Campus Ministry and CILSA coordinate volunteer opportunities throughout the Bay Area.
Applicants must file the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA) online at www.fafsa.ed.gov. There is no fee associated with the FAFSA.
California residents who wish to apply for Cal Grants A and/or B must also ask their current school to fill out the Cal Grant GPA Verification Form.
91% of our undergraduates receive financial aid from a variety of sources, including institutional merit-based and need-based aid.
The average package is $32,000.
The priority deadline for all financial aid forms is February 15.
For more information, please visit our Financial Aid Office website
Students can qualify for up to $30,000 a year in merit-based scholarships at the time of admission.