<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>I am resurrecting my answer to this same question from 2006. Hope it helps a bit!</p>
<p>I have two daughters attending Saint Mary’s. My oldest doesn’t spend a lot of time at ND, but she does take pictures for the Observer, attends lectures and enjoys walks to the Grotto, etc. She made some friends (from ND) during her study abroad semester in Rome. It’s by choice that most of her free time is spent at SMC as she enjoys the quiet campus. She chose SMC without regard to ND being across the street. The youngest has a group of friends from ND that she spends a lot of time with…so much that she sings weekly at a mass in one of the guy dorms! She has participated in numerous activities from swing dance classes to being a member of the ND band. So to answer your question, yes you can make friends with students from ND. Your college experience at Saint Mary’s (with the Notre Dame community) will be what you make of it.</p>
<p>Is there a degree of being looked down on from some ND students? At times. Whether it’s a minority or more than that I don’t know, I only know this attitude rears it’s ugly head once in a while. While the schools share a history together that will forever link them, it is like comparing apples to oranges. They have completely different missions in higher education and each strives to be the best at what they do. I think if all incoming freshman were to read about the history of both schools…there would be more understanding from the beginning.</p>
<p>I have no idea what you are looking for with your college experience, but at Saint Mary’s there are small classes, professors all four years, and challenging academics. It has a beautiful campus with a secluded, peaceful feeling and a supportive atmosphere. My girls are very different, but both wanted to meet people from all over the country (as opposed to staying in state) and this has happened at SMC. This is a school I am very happy with as a parent and our girls are incredibly happy as students. Best of luck to you in your decision!</p>