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Does anyone out there know a St. John's graduate or current student? A poster in another thread mentioned the school and it prompted a few thoughts. When my son was pondering college choices, I was curious about whether or not he would have found St. John's to have been the right kind of environment.

From what I've gathered, it appears to be an intensely cloistered and intellectual place with, naturally, a unique, self-selecting student body. I've often wondered what difference an education from the "great books" would have done for me.

Moving to a broader pondering, I'm wondering who our brightest college students are reading today. Are they reading "new" thinkers' musings or are they mostly still mining the great minds from the past?

Still another leap: Do we have any Kants, Einsteins, or Beethovens among us today, or is it still too early to tell? Were those minds part of "the good 'ol days" of intellectual wisdom or has a new, eclipsing era dawned? Call me a reactionary, but I have to wonder about just how much of our current worldly thought's value will be recalled, let alone studied, by students 100 years from now.

By amd on Friday, February 22, 2002 - 04:51 pm: Edit

I know a couple (neither very impressive).

By yulsie on Monday, December 23, 2002 - 12:26 am: Edit

I attended St. John's for two years and then went elsewhere to major in philosophy. It can be heavenly for those with a scholarly bent who have a strong personal interest in a tour-de-force of the foundations of western civilization through philosophy, literature, history, and scientific/mathematical discoveries.

It is definitely not for everyone, IMO especially not for scientists, techies or those who are already decided upon a career. What would you like to know?

By Wynknblynkn (Wynknblynkn) on Monday, March 03, 2003 - 04:38 am: Edit

*Is this thread still alive?*
Hmm...I'd also be interested in hearing anything about the school. I have applied already, but get the sense that it's somewhere you really have to visit to get a 'feel' for. Also, if anyone who lives in that area could comment on the traffic conditions and opportunity for travel to Baltimore and DC...I have a hobby (swing dance) that would require me to make the trip at least once a week if possible.

By Wert (Wert) on Monday, March 03, 2003 - 03:29 pm: Edit

I am a current St. John's Student, and both Baltimore and DC are fairly accessible. I have a friend who travels to Baltimore once a week by bus and DC is a fairly short drive by car, and buses also run there. It is funny that your hobby is swing dance, because they have weekly dance lessons, which often involve swing dance, right on campus, along with "Waltz Parties," which despite the name, play 90% swing music, and take place occasionally on saturday nights.

By Wynknblynkn (Wynknblynkn) on Tuesday, March 04, 2003 - 09:20 pm: Edit

Cool! And now that I've found someone I can wrest information from...do you have anything to say about the school itself? I've read all the information I could find (website, etc), but first-hand experience is always good. I'm especially interested in finding anything out about the acceptance rate, just because I haven't been able to. Thanks...

By Wert (Wert) on Wednesday, March 05, 2003 - 03:07 pm: Edit

I don't know the exact acceptance rate, but it must be fairly high, because the theory is that the school is self-selective, thinking that students apply because they are genuinely interested, and if they don't fit in or work well, they either leave or are asked to leave. Also, for me, visiting the school really set me on going to St. Johns, so I would recommend it if you have the chance. Coming as a Prospective Student is especially helpful because you get to sit in on classes and you can ask students any questions you have or about their opinion of the school in general.

By Wynknblynkn (Wynknblynkn) on Wednesday, March 05, 2003 - 09:44 pm: Edit

Yeah...I'm currently trying to work that out; my ASL class is going to Gallaudet (in DC) next month, and if I'm accepted I plan to find some way to incorporate a visit to the school;it'd be a shame to travel all the way across the country without taking advantage of the proximity. And if you wouldn't mind...what's your opinion of the school in general? Specifically, I seem to get the impression that the community is almost...cloistered, like a hermitage of some sort (well, maybe not to that extreme, but someone quoted in the mailer did say you have to get off campus or 'go crazy')

By Wert (Wert) on Thursday, March 06, 2003 - 09:25 pm: Edit

The campus is small, and you'll be seeing the same people all the time. I don't think that really is what makes it desirable to leave campus, but rather the fact that it is a dead zone on weekends until 8 or 10 pm. Also there isn't a whole lot to do in the first place, especially during the winter months when it is too miserable to be outside. Although this makes it sound bad, a small campus has benefits. We are right in historic Annapolis, so there are a lot of places to eat nearby and the city dock is very cool, especially in warmer months. All my classes and the dining hall are right next to my dorm, which is nice when I'm running late or when it is cold or rainy. Also, you tend to get to know most of your classmates and some upperclassmen because all the dormitories are so close and people are generally quite sociable.

By Wynknblynkn (Wynknblynkn) on Friday, March 21, 2003 - 12:38 am: Edit

Ok. I've scheduled a visit in early April. They told me to take a shuttle from our hotel, but we're actually staying at the university, so I might end up taking a bus, taxi, etc. I seem to be having trouble finding information on public transportation from D.C. into Maryland; do you know of any websites that would be helpful?

By Usna_Reject (Usna_Reject) on Saturday, December 27, 2003 - 11:26 pm: Edit

If it weren't for the lack of majors and degrees I would have applied. But hopefully I'll be next door at usna I LOVE BALLROOM/SWING DANCING!! That was one thing that got my attention on the brouchure.

By Offbeat_Ophelia (Offbeat_Ophelia) on Thursday, January 15, 2004 - 12:59 am: Edit

yeah, i don't like that you are limited to only two languages here. plus, what do you do if you are already fluent in one of the languages taught (french) while others learn it for the first time? i was into it for a while. debated it, ultimately decided that it's not for me, i think.

By Oceanblue52 (Oceanblue52) on Monday, March 01, 2004 - 11:48 pm: Edit

Has anyone else actually applied to St. John's this year???

I already sent my deposit in...

By Anhtrung_Dang (Anhtrung_Dang) on Monday, March 08, 2004 - 01:51 am: Edit

Hi,

Could anyone please tell me how does the reading-great-book program work?

Thank you.

By Oceanblue52 (Oceanblue52) on Monday, March 08, 2004 - 04:30 pm: Edit

The curriculum is designed around the "great books" or some of the greats in developing Western Thought. Class involves discussion and dissection of these great books and connection between the ideas of these books is encouraged. You read a wide range of subjects, everything from Plato, The Bible, Einstein, to Shakespeare and Karl Marx.
The benefits of it include developing a broad philosophical foundation and also developing critical thinking skills. Some people say this curriculum is too limited. It really depends on how much you enjoy reading and to what value you place on these espoused ideas.

By Anhtrung_Dang (Anhtrung_Dang) on Monday, March 08, 2004 - 09:58 pm: Edit

That sounds great. But why don't they read eastern books as well?

By Oceanblue52 (Oceanblue52) on Wednesday, March 17, 2004 - 04:32 pm: Edit

That's one of the complaints people have about the program, some feel its too limiting. They do offer a masters degree focusing on the Eastern Classics.

The curriculum is packed with books, if you've seen the lists, they go pretty quickly. They make their selections based on how the books fit together thematically, structurally, historically etc. Eastern literature is in a whole other realm. Its unfortunate, but I'm willing to overlook that, and just study the Eastern Classics on my own while attending.

If you have any questions at all, I would be more than glad to answer them, I'm very excited about attending this school and have a pretty good feel for the college as a whole

By Lomelinfhbrazil (Lomelinfhbrazil) on Tuesday, April 06, 2004 - 07:59 pm: Edit

Is this thread still alive?
I would just like to know if anyone has been admitted and has decided to attend...?
I have already sent in my deposit for the fall semester.

By Oceanblue52 (Oceanblue52) on Tuesday, April 06, 2004 - 11:36 pm: Edit

Oh goody, someone else to talk to I have checked this thread everyday in hopes that others had sent their deposit in. So which campus will you be on? I'll be at Annapolis. It's all very exciting, one of my friends is a freshman there and loves it.

By Chopsticks (Chopsticks) on Wednesday, April 07, 2004 - 07:44 pm: Edit

I've been accepted to st. john's annapolis, and while I'm not sure if I'm going or not, I can tell you that the school is awesome! I've lived in annapolis for about 9 years (alot of that time just down the street from the school). Annapolis is a small town but there's alot to do if you're into theatre and the arts, and it's a beautiful location...quaint..but friendly, and baltimore and d.c. are good escapes when it gets too familiar (don't count on being able to bring a car though-- downtown is tight on space). Several of my friends have gone to St John's and while it isn't for everyone, I hear alot of good comments about the profs and the their accessibility. Don't know that this helped anyone but if you have any questions about annapolis, I can try to help out.

By Oceanblue52 (Oceanblue52) on Thursday, April 08, 2004 - 01:42 am: Edit

What do you do for fun around there?

By Oceanblue52 (Oceanblue52) on Thursday, April 08, 2004 - 11:32 pm: Edit

Shoot, they wont let me add to my previous post.

What about public transportation?

Are there affordable things to do? When I visited, it looked really upscale.

And keep us informed as to where you go. Even if you dont choose St. Johns

By Chopsticks (Chopsticks) on Tuesday, April 13, 2004 - 03:40 pm: Edit

Oceanblue52- Sorry I've been a slacker on responding to your questions
Anyway, what we "do for fun around here": Down town is a mix of historic district and wayyy too many coffee shops. Also, several local bars host concert series. Some of them such as Ramshead bring decent names to town, but they are pricy and card. 49 West is a more representative hangout-- local jazz musicians in a cramped back room several nights a week for a $5 cover charge. If your looking for bigger names, you have to head into baltimore or d.c., whichcase you can find just about anything.
I'm pretty big into boating, and even if you are inexperienced, Annapolis is one of the sailing capitals of the world so it's easy to find opportunities to sail, water ski, kayak. Pretty good community theatre. There are two downtown, one outdoor and the other a theatre in the round.
Great places to get involved!

Public transport: Underfunded and sketchy. I never really use the bus system, but it is technically possible to get a ride to the mall, etc. The school doesn't have a station nearby and I don't think many Johnnies or Midshipmen use it.

Good news is that there is a decent grocery store/basic shopping strip walking distance from the campus (a bit of a hike, but doable if you like to walk )

Affordability: Annapolis is definitely overrun by yuppies. Sadly, they take it's coolness and raise all the prices. I don't want to mislead you, there is no 'city vibe'. It's low key, and some students complain that it's boring here. Being stuck downtown might get old, but I've vistsied colleges with worse settings.
Back to yuppies and tourists. Lots of kitschy shops, but they are offset by several budget restaurants (Chick and Ruth's Deli!!! get their milkshake!!) and affordable shops- hippy jewelry, cheap music shop, eclectic instrument store, etc.
If you head onto West street things get very affordable, but it's a kind of rough neighborhood.

It's only one perspective (sorry for the length) but I hope it gives you some idea.

Best of luck-- hope to see you around here!

By Chopsticks (Chopsticks) on Tuesday, April 13, 2004 - 10:12 pm: Edit

all in all I love annapolis. It's a good college town!

By Oceanblue52 (Oceanblue52) on Wednesday, April 14, 2004 - 09:54 pm: Edit

Thank you so much! I'm going to print out all your tips.

Have you decided where you're going?

By Usunkmyb_Ship (Usunkmyb_Ship) on Tuesday, June 01, 2004 - 11:37 pm: Edit

Hi Johnnies! Heh, I love SJs so much even though I'm not going there! Annapolis sounds so beautiful. See you guys next door, in 2005:/

By Willywonka (Willywonka) on Saturday, June 05, 2004 - 05:01 pm: Edit

I can remember the last time I was in downtown Annapolis. We usually don't go in to the historic area, even though it's beautiful, but in sixth grade when I was at the National Spelling Bee, one of the programs was a tour of that area of the city. We had only walked around there before, never really learned about any of it, so I thought it was in our best interest to learn more about our state capital.

Anyway, I'm pretty sure the college they showed us was St. John's. It was so long ago, but it was such a nice place. I'm really interested in the college now that it's time to decide soon, but I'm not sure if it's for me yet.

By Shelly147 (Shelly147) on Friday, July 02, 2004 - 10:38 am: Edit

Hey, Oceanblue and Lomelinfhbrazin, I have a question for you:

My friend is going to St. John's College, Maryland next year. We have long discussed the fact that we can't wait to go to college and get the student ID, because whenEVER we try to get a student rate down here, for movies, they ask to see a student ID and we have to have this really annoying conversation, like the one we had last night:

Her: Hi, 1 student to see The Terminal
Ticket Guy: Ok, can I see your student ID?
Her: Our school doesn't give them (talking about our High School that we just graduated from)
TG: Well, I have to have a student ID in order to give you the student discount
Her: Um, we don't have them?
TG: $7.50 please (regular price!!)

Now, later, we were talking, and my dear friend was a little worried. As I had already sent my picture in for the student ID at Hopkins, she had done no such thing for St. John's, and because the school is so small, she's worried they won't have any student IDs at all.

Question: Do you know if St. John's, Annapolis, has student IDs.

Thank you!

By Bluebutterfly (Bluebutterfly) on Saturday, July 17, 2004 - 08:17 am: Edit

I am currently a rising Senior at SJCA. Yes we do have student IDs. They are actually really important because they are electronic and you use them as key cards to get into buildings. I also wanted to say welcome to the new Johnies who have been posting on this site. I am going to be a RA this year so I will probably get to know your class. If anyone has any other questions feel free to ask.

By Ejpowers87 (Ejpowers87) on Monday, September 06, 2004 - 10:30 pm: Edit

While I don't know about St. Johns yet, I think it sounds very, very interesting. I like the idea of reading the great works of literature, and a St. John's seems like a good base for education.

Now, I don't really know if this school is for me, yet. First of all, what kind of job can you get with a BA in Great Books, and how does St. John's prepare you for "real life". In Barron's, it says that something like 17% go onto grad school and ~40% are employed after graduation. What about the other ~40%? While I would love to get an education based around these books, I also want to be able to pay the bills when I'm out of college.

Also, a much smaller concern of mine is whether or not their are any political groups on campus (spec. Republican/conservative groups).

Thanks guys.

By Limon (Limon) on Thursday, September 09, 2004 - 03:51 pm: Edit

Two of my teachers are St. John's graduates (I'm not sure where they did their undergrads), they are both more knowledgeable about every subject than any other teacher is about his particular field. I'm under the impression that Johnnies are taught how to "think" through things so well that they have an easy time getting jobs in most areas.

It really depends what you're looking for. St. John's promises the same end as most other liberal arts colleges. What kind of job do you want?


I know this is a common question, but does anyone have any opinions about the two campuses?

By Zenohockey (Zenohockey) on Friday, September 24, 2004 - 09:28 pm: Edit

A question related to ejpowers' -- what is the student body's political bent? Are there political groups on-campus? More generally, is there somewhere I can find a list of all the clubs at SJCA?

Thanks.