<p>I am thinking about applying to St. Mary's College. Do ND students look down their noses at these girls, annoyed when they are on the ND campus, or are they cool with that?</p>
<p>It is to my understanding that the ND students, especially the guys, like the St. Mary's girls. I've heard the ND girls might look down and not like them, but I'm not really sure about that one, so don't quote me.</p>
<p>Just from my experience of knowing ND people/spending a lot of time there, the saint mary's girls are sometimes looked down upon by the girls at ND, primarily because most of the ND guys hook up with them, and theres somewhat of a stereotype of them being ditsy/unintelligent. Holy Cross and SMC girls are pretty much accepted on campus tho. It's basically one big college/community, so I wouldn't be too worried about people judging you for going to SMC.</p>
<p>One saying is, "notre dame men date SMC girls and marry ND girls." As an ND female, I can tell you that the ND girls, who do not know any SMC girls other than the ones who stole the attention of that cute guy at the party, love to make rude comments about SMC girls. I've made a few jokes here and there, but nothing too harsh or serious. One of my roommates actually knows a few SMC girls from high school and they've hung out with us before--they're actually a lot nicer/easier to get along with than some of the ND girls I've met. </p>
<p>So from what I can tell, the jokes are made out of jealousy/tradition-but for the most part, that's all they are-jokes.</p>
<p>jonam, SMC is a wonderful school and being near ND has its +/-, as indicated there is and can be some off the wall bantering back and forth. The SMC alumni and the admin. are very proud of their tradition and history. My daughter loved her experiences there and found that many of the classes and courses were as challenging as ND. She only choose to transfer because ND had alway been her dream and she was waitlisted. She will graduate next May but will always tell you that SM gave her a great 1st year college experience that was very challenging. They give very good academic awards and even if ND was 100 miles away it would still be a very good school.</p>
<p>When you say Go irish it always includes SMC,HC....</p>
<p>Good luck and take care.</p>
<p>anyone have any idea why SMC/ND09 directed those comments towards me?</p>
<p>I encourage you to apply! I graduated from SMC and it was one of the best decisions I ever made. I have life-long friends from both schools and I was never treated poorly by the ND women. While I loved having a larger University across the street, I cherished my time on SMC's campus. I agree that there are some stereotypes on both campuses, but usually those are put to rest once students work side by side. SMC is a place where you will find out who you are -- I don't think you will be disappointed.</p>
<p>jonoam Sorry about that I had the wrong initials for the thread,my bad should have read stumblingthru .... please forgive ....senior moment :)</p>
<p>it's cool. i agree with mdcamw, apply away.</p>
<p>Thanks for everyone's opinions. I am not sure I will end up applying but this discussion was very enlightening!</p>
<p>SMC isn't as good academically as Notre Dame, but it is a good school, particularly for nursing and education, and is typically recognized at Notre Dame as such. As an ND girl, I have told my fair share of SMC jokes, but I also have several friends from SMC. A lot of the girls there do fall under the ditzy category and constantly come to ND just to scout for guys, but there are just as many who don't. It can be a bit weird freshman year when most guys meet more SMC girls than ND girls and the only interaction between the two groups of girls is at parties, but things get less weird with time as you meet more people through mutual friends. Don't let concerns about ND-SMC relations stop you from applying to SMC if you think its a good fit for you.</p>
<p>I would imagine that some percentage of SMC students had wanted to go to ND, but were rejected. So going to SMC may be considered next best thing. I personally think this is the wrong reason to go to SMC.</p>
<p>If you are telling SMC jokes, you are part of the problem with regard to perpetuating stereotypes.</p>
<p>Whenever I attend events at the college; it's common to hear parents ask each other how exactly their daughter found and selected Saint Mary's. This small women's college doesn't get nearly the attention it deserves. We all have a variety of stories ranging from family tradition, academic reasons, to online discovery . My two were heavily influenced by the academics and professors that go out of their way to encourage their students to be confident leaders. I have stated before that comparing the two schools is like apples and oranges. Different missions, different goals. Each does an outstanding job in their peer group. For my recently graduated senior - in a tough job market - every single classmate within my daughter's major had NO trouble landing a job before or shortly after graduation.</p>
<p>There is a percentage of students that were either rejected, waitlisted, or accepted at ND that attend Saint Mary's and for some; ND is part of the attraction. However, the vast majority of the students I have met were attracted to what Saint Mary's offers. My oldest daughter would have preferred NOT to be by ND; she could have cared less. I can't deny the advantage of having a small, beautiful, quiet college next to a larger one with more "big" school activities (which my youngest has taken full advantage of). In my eyes it's been a bonus and has truly been a best of both worlds situation. We have made lifelong friends with Saint Mary's AND ND students and parents.</p>
<p>I'm SMC '87 and married a ND '87 grad. We have a daughter who would turn down any other school to go to ND and years ago I turned down Univ of Chic for SMC. I can tell you one thing for sure - the music department at SMC is as good as you'll find anywhere. Jeffrey Jacob (piano performance) is a gem that the best of conservatories would be fortunate to snatch but he remains loyal to SMC for the same reasons that I did. For many of us, SMC is just a magical place. Not for my daughter. Nevertheless, I can say with absolute certainty that she would not waste one moment condemning SMC women and would not accept the reverse, either. Life is too short, and those four years unfortunately go by way too quickly. Live and let live.</p>
<p>It is a great school and well thought of on both sides on the road. My daughter went their and my son to Notre Dame. They both dated students from the other. They both agree that the campus, teachers and most of all, fellow students are the best. Good luck in your decision.</p>
<p>"If you are telling SMC jokes, you are part of the problem with regard to perpetuating stereotypes."</p>
<p>I would say the few dumb SMC students are more a part of the "problem" of perception.</p>
<p>And the few "less than bright" ND students are part of the perception of a problem. There is none.</p>
<p>I find it quite interesting that this thread started with someone asking what ND students though of SMC students. Then it turned to answers coming from SMC affiliated individuals or parents of both SMC and ND students. Obviously, if you have someone in your family that goes to SMC and another to ND, you're going to defend both schools--that's family. </p>
<p>Another thing to consider...a majority (not all) of the SMC students that ND students (specicially female ND students) encounter are on Notre Dame's campus for parties/to meet guys. In such a situation, no girl, regardless of her school, makes the best impression of herself. I think it's fair to say that the ND students would have less encounters with the, shall we say, studious SMC students.</p>
<p>I think there are better ways to go about spending our time than to come up with and/or care about hasty, trivial, and petty generalizations. </p>
<p>Do stereotypes exist ? Certainly. Do they for a reason ? Arguably so. But that this topic stirs the persistent interest of anyone is tedious at best, absurd at worst.</p>
<p>Wow, I had no idea I was asking a question that would cause such a debate.
I have decided not to apply to SMC for a number of reasons; including what I have learned from reading this board. I am currently applying to East Coast LAC's which I believe will be more in line with my interests.
I think it is only fair for you all to know that I posted the same question on the SMC board but received only one or two responses. Their board is very quiet.
Thank you for all of your replies; both the negative and positive. It has been very helpful.</p>