<p>I've heard some very good things about this place; its beauty, its price, and depending on who you are, its location. I'm from Massachusetts and I'm guessing it's not too close to any airport, so would just driving to and from be the best option? I'm interested in majoring in either psychology, english, history, or philosophy. How strong are these departments? I love that outdoor activities are a big part of the school, but with such a secluded location, is drinking a big part of campus life? Alumns and current students, help me out.</p>
<p>I'm a junior at St. Mary's. Driving down is definetly not your best option. BWI and Reagan National are each about an hour away. If you want to visit, fly into one of those and then rent a car and drive down. </p>
<p>All four of the majors you mentioned are very popular. I've taken classes in all of them except psychology and was very impressed. The school is by no means a big party school, but drinking on the weekends is pretty common. That being said, I know plenty of people that don't drink and never have any problems socially. </p>
<p>Let me know if theres anything else I can help with.</p>
<p>Samonite16 I would love to know more about this school. My D's guidance counselor has suggested she look into it. Is there a town or is the campus self contained with the nearest major city an hour away? What is the social life like? How would you describe the personality of the school/student body? I liked the website and would like to know more. Thanks.</p>
<p>I am with movinmom. I started looking at this school yesterday-we start our senior year in 2 weeks- so I am thinking I need to find out as quickly as possible if the experience for students lives up to what I am reading. I understand the school is an entire 'Honors College". In addition to movinmom's questions, if the students are all honors students, then do you find it to be quite competitive between students?</p>
<p>Thanks so very much!</p>
<p>It's funny, I'm a tour guide at school and I can never seem to come up with a good answer for what an 'Honors College' is. The official explaination is that the school was designated Maryland's official 'Honors College' by the State Legislature, but that doesn't really mean anything because UMD draws as many top students as St. Mary's does . I think the real reason the school uses the designation is because it likes to market itself as an alternative to smaller honors programs within large universities. It's somewhat misleading though because the school is actually much more like a private liberal arts college than a self-contained honors program. By and large, the students here are very intelligent but there is no such thing as an 'honors student.' </p>
<p>The academic atmosphere is much more cooperative than competitive. Classes are so small that professors never use grade distributions, so there really is no need for competitiveness. Everyone works together and helps each other out. </p>
<p>The nearest town, Lexington Park, is about 10 minutes away by car. It has target, walmart, chain restaraunts, and all the 'essentials,' but not much else. People go into town now and then to buy food and whatever else, but nobody really leaves campus to go have fun. </p>
<p>Overall, the student body is more hippie than preppie. There are tons of outdoorsy people, neo-hippies, and quirky types. The preppy population is growing every year though. Most people are very liberal, unpretentious, and friendly. The social life is very relaxed. There are no greeks, so everyone sort of mingles together. Outdoor activities like sailing, kayaking, hiking, etc...are a big part of student life. Parties are free and open. </p>
<p>Hope this helps.</p>
<p>Thank you very much samonite. From both yours and others' descriptions, it seems most students are friendly, relaxed, and happy. With this in mind, I'm guessing out of state students would have no trouble fitting in despite the fact that the school is 80% in state students? Let me know if this is somehow not the case.</p>
<p>I've never heard of out of state students having any trouble. Even most instate students come in not knowing anyone, so its never really an issue.</p>