I’d really appreciate some advice from any current/former ND/SMC students or anyone who has been through the transfer process – is it worth it to attend Saint Mary’s for a year and then try to transfer the following year? I’ve been dead set on Notre Dame and was planning to attend SMC until I was admitted to Southern Cal a couple weeks ago. I would still try to transfer from USC to ND, but my parents are convinced that my chances of being admitted next year are much higher if I go to Saint Mary’s. I’m also not a big fan of attending an all women’s college, but my dad says my social life will revolve around ND so it won’t be an issue. Still pretty conflicted and would love some words of advice!! Thanks.
I’d go to the college where you think you can be happy for 4 years.
And here’s my unsolicited two cents – As a rule I think it is a terrible idea to start a college with the intention of transferring out in a year – especially if your target is one very competitive college. Starting college with the intent of transferring will stand in the way of your being able to develop relationships with your fellow students, with professors, and will hold you back from becoming fully engaged on campus. Then if the transfer doesn’t work out you will be really stuck. I’d recommend that you go to the school you feel you can be happiest at – if you want to throw in a transfer application that is fine, but transferring should not be your focus.
First, I would agree with above, that going to one school with the sole intention of transferring to another isn’t a great idea. But, it happens… So here is my advice…
I went to SMC. I also went with the intention of transferring to ND. It didn’t happen. I went to SMC and loved it. I met my lifelong friends. ( I have been out for over 30 years!) I didn’t miss being at ND and instead got really into SMC. I know that things can change, but I do know that there is nothing you can’t avail yourself of at Saint Mary’s, over at ND. You can take classes, join clubs, eat in the dining hall, dances, parties-nothing is left out.
If you are looking to be a part of the Notre Dame community, the culture and lifelong family, then attend SMC. Get into it, join clubs and meet great people. Try transferring if you want to, but you maybe surprised.
If you aren’t really interested in that ND family “mystique”, then go to SC. It’s a great school too. You really can’t go wrong unless you waste a year wishing you were somewhere else. Wherever you go, my advice it to jump in and enjoy the moments that it offers. As I said, you may be surprised and if not, you will have spent a great year, doing great things!
All the best to you! (and I privately hope you go to SMC!) 
When you try to transfer from SMC you’ll have to demonstrate that ND has something SMC doesn’t offer you. It’s not that easy to do since you can take classes at ND, use the libraries, and hang out there.
If you were at USC you could at least say you’re Catholic and want to attend a Catholic university, and/or find specific Clydesdale ND offers you can’t take at USC.
On the other hand, being at SMC you’re basically at Notre Dame and there’s no guarantee you will be able to transfer from usc, so would you rather be closing ND, attend the games, take classes there… But get a SMC degree - or would you rather attend USC and get the full fledged usc degree with no access to ND?
Hey there! I’m a current Saint Mary’s freshman looking to transfer to Notre Dame. This time last year, I was in the same shoes as you. I had my heart set on attending Notre Dame, but after getting rejected I had to decide between SMC and another small private college in Indiana. I want to transfer to Notre Dame, but I don’t regret choosing Saint Mary’s. I love all that Notre Dame has to offer, including its faith life and it’s unique community atmosphere. The people at Notre Dame are very welcoming of Saint Mary’s girls; people here sometimes forget that I’m not a Notre Dame student. My advice to you would be to pick a school first and foremost that fits your academic, social, and spiritual needs. Saint Mary’s offers a great liberal arts program, which was good for me beacaue I didn’t know what I wanted to major in. If you decide to attend Saint Mary’s, I would recommend gettting to know the people around you. I got involved exclusively in clubs at Notre Dame, and as a result a vast majority of my friends are Notre Dame students. It can be hard to maintain friendships.
If you have any questions, feel free to DM me!!