<p>I was curious to see if anyone can offer any information about St. John's University (NY)? I don't know much about it, but was offered a full ride, which makes it difficult to turn down. How is it academically? What about graduate placement? My prospective major is political science.</p>
<p>Dear Janelle,
I may be a bit prejudiced, but I think I can offer you unique insights into SJU. I recently retired as a professor and chairperson of the Dept of Fine Arts in the Liberal Arts College, of which Poli-Sci is a part. I now live in Maine, but return to campus frequently. I just had a one-person exhibit in the University Gallery. A podcast of a talk I gave is on my website: [url=<a href="http://www.billronalds.com%5D.::www.billronalds.com::.%5B/url">http://www.billronalds.com].::www.billronalds.com::.[/url</a>].
St.John's. like most schools, has some incredibly strong divisions and others, not so. Any department in Liberal Arts College (St. John's College of Liberal Arts & Sciences - the original unit which grew into today's SJU, with many colleges) admits higher-than-average students. The university also has great opportunities for study abroad. I myself taught several art programs in Italy, and, as part of the study abroad committee, took poli-sci, Euro history, & language students to Budapest, when it was still Communist. Fascinating, and ground-breaking, as we were the first and only western university with a presence there.
Another advantage of SJU is it's many campuses. You'd be at the main campus in Queens. Ideal, in that it's idyllic and typically collegiate, while a subway ride away from Manhattan. I came to St. John's not knowing a thing about it. It has a way of insinuating itself into your heart. Everyone I know has had the same experience. They end up loving the place. It 'walks the walk' in terms of its Vincentian mission. It's welcoming, sophisticated, inclusive, diverse, and yet maintains its Catholic identity without making non-Catholics feel the least excluded. I recently read a piece in the Muslim Student Assn's newspaper saying exactly that.
I always recommend a campus visit. One gets a sense of the place, 'vibes,' if you will: an energy and a spirit one cannot feel from print or video propaganda. I'd be happy to point you to people to walk you through such an experience.
The Law School, BTW, it top notch.
If you have a full scholarship, I'd definitely give it a close examination. Please feel free to contact me if you'd like to communicate further. Prof. Bill Ronalds.</p>
<p>I attended SJU. It is known as an excellent school for business and pharmacy. Because of its law school, I imagine poli sci is a popular major. </p>
<p>The major disadvantage I found was that it is largely a commuter school and so lacked the traditional college feel. Most people disappear after classes for home or jobs.</p>
<p>I too was admitted to St. John's, albeit I only rec'd a 10k/year scholarship (trust me though, I am grateful enough for any aid). I plan to visit it in early March before making any final decisions, as I'm also considering Pace and am still waiting to hear on Hunter, Baruch, and City colleges. I have heard that the Queens area is not the greatest and that it is a commuter school. Also, diversity is something that I would really like to have in a college, as I am Jewish and have grown up in the affluent Caucasian neighborhood. Are academics at the school challenging if one doesn't enroll in the honors program? I plan on attending graduate school following undergrad and want to be competitive. Any further information anyone can give me before going to visit schools would be great so I know what to expect going in. Thank you!</p>
<p>SJU has a good rep for pharmacy.</p>