St. John's College Graduate Institute

Graduate School
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<p>(I've posted something similar in the specific St. John's forum section, but that part is rather dead, so I figured I'd try my luck here too. Please note, I have already contacted the college to request information, I'm looking for outside opinions.)</p>

<p>So I am a currently working towards a B.A. in History (with a smattering of random minors) at a small, fairly unknown, private school in upstate NY. Back when I was doing my undergraduate search SJC was one of my top interests. But for whatever reason (I can't remember clearly why, likely a fear of an "unknown" program type, concern over cost, etc) I never finished my application process with SJC. Now I've come back and I'm looking at SJC with more of an interest than ever before. Of particular interest to me is the Graduate Institute program. </p>

<p>I was wondering if anyone on here had any familiarity with the program, at either campus. Does it seem to be on par with the undergraduate program (with regards to the depth and value of the education)? Do the graduate students seem to be fairly socialable? (or, in general, what is the social scene like? Do undergrads and graduates mingle at all, or are things seperate. I've heard the atmosphere of both campuses [but especially Santa Fe] described as quirky...to what extent? And does that quirkiness extend to the graduate institute as well?) How is the transition from undergrad in a typical institution to SJC? Really just any information at all on the program would be fantastic. </p>

<p>Thanks!</p>

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<p>Hello mellorunner, I am an undergraduate (rising junior) at the Santa Fe campus. Here are some thoughts:</p>

<p>


EDITED TO ADD: GI stands for "Graduate Institute" and LA is "Liberal Arts (undergrad)".

</p>

<p>Does it seem to be on par with the undergraduate program (with regards to the depth and value of the education)?</p>

<p>We undergrads like to joke about the GI program being ‘undergrad-lite’, but that’s mostly because we’re angry and bitter. The GI program generally doesn’t go as ‘in-depth’ as the LA program, but that’s simply a restriction of time. Undergrads do very little history, but GI offers a ‘History Segment’ which is very cool from my perspective of afternoon beer chatter. Also, I notice that taking segments in GI (as apposed to a generally-temporal line as in the LA) gives a different sort of vibe to the thinking in general.</p>

<p>Do the graduate students seem to be fairly socialable? (or, in general, what is the social scene like? Do undergrads and graduates mingle at all, or are things separate?</p>

<p>There are some GIs that come to work and go home. But there are also plenty that will hang around and are very sociable. The school only has ~450 people on it at any given moment (maybe slightly higher), so there’s very little divide for many people. Some of the GIs don’t want to put up with our childish antics — and who can blame them? — but there’s much less tension between GI-Undergrad than there is in say Senior-Freshman. </p>

<p>St John’s has a lot of parties (both unofficial and sanctioned); Faust, Symposium, Reality, Junior and Senior skits, Ark Party, Reality periphery, hey-I’m-bored-and-it’s-Tuesday-lets-drink-in-the-courtyard, etc. GIs and LA represent equally in these scenarios. </p>

<p>You do need to account for the actual population difference (~80 GI? Maybe that’s high? ~320 undergrad). </p>

<p>Also, in Levan Hall (which is where the GIs have their seminars, and is a super-nice building), there’s a room which is only available to GIs, and there’s always food and wine up there. I see 10-15 people up there after every seminar (so, every Monday and Thursday night). I’m pretty sure they just sit up there and judge the rest of the school through their big-ass window, but whatever.</p>

<p>**> quirkiness **</p>

<p>That’s one word for it. Depends on what you’re looking for.</p>

<p>===</p>

<p>So, that’s one perspective (from an undergrad). Hope that helps.</p>

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<p>bringitout - Thanks for the reply, it’s very much appreciated. I’m trying to gather as much information as I can, from as many different sources as I can, as I don’t think I’ll be able to afford to visit either campus before deciding. Of course I have some time left before I have to make a decision, so maybe I’ll win a free plane ticket or something.</p>

<p>One other question, if you don’t mind. Do you have any opinion on the differences between the two campuses? I’m an east coaster but split between Annapolis and Santa Fe (leaning towards Santa Fe). Any tidbits you can share about the differences between the two? (LA or GI)</p>

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<p>Just bumping this up a bit. Interested in hearing anyones opinions on living in Annapolis or Santa Fe! Of course, information on St. John’s GI program is even more highly appreciated!</p>