AC419

So after I got rejected from Notre Dame, the next day I applied to Saint Mary's (its rolling admissions),

Today I got my acceptance package, with a significant scholarship.

Now I am stressed beyond belief. Should I go to Saint Mary's?

What do the current ND students feel about the Saint Mary's Girls?

Does SMC feel like part of the community of ND? Can I go to the games?

Or would it be like I was at a school next to my dream school, and that as a constant reminder that I was rejected.

ADVICE would be greatly appreciated. as I need to make this decision by, THURSDAY.

Irishcali

Congratulations on your acceptance! SMC is a fantastic school! If you would like more info, PM me. I graduated from SMC, as did my sister. I also have a freshman at ND now, with many friends at SMC, so I have a little insight into what the experience is.

Irishcali

I sent you a rather lengthy message~
all bias aside, good luck with your decision! I'm sure you will make an informed choice! Take care!

BobbyC

my mom went to SMC and i, as her son, can't wait to meet the SMC girls. She and my dad have repeatedly told me to look at classes I can take at SMC and hang out with those girls.

Overall, my mom said she felt like she would choose SMC for sure over ND even today because you're completely part of ND, but you have a whole other world of which you can be a part.

Good luck in your decision.

JCool

To be completely honest, ND girls have somewhat of a rocky relationship with SMC girls. They seem to fight over us awesome ND guys.

the job

I have always found SMC chicks to be very down-to-earth people.

westcoast1

My daughter graduated from Saint Mary's a couple of year's ago and to say the least, really enjoyed it. She was married this past summer (ND student) with a reception full of ND and Saint Mary's friends from all over the country. They were a wonderful group and have remained very close. Hopefully, that is indicative of what kind of institution you are about to attend and the friends you are about to meet. Good luck!

bpayne1

I just went jogging at St. Mary's over the weekend. I had never been there before so it was a bit of an adventure. I must say that I find that campus wholely more attractive than Notre Dame's. Fewer people. Better architecture. River rather than lakes. And when I was tooling around in the woods I saw two deer go by. Beautiful little place I must say. That's all I know though.

smcmom

AC - we've messaged before so you know my feelings about Saint Mary's. The two schools are very different yet their shared history will forever link the two communities. Each does an outstanding job fulfilling their mission. SMC's mission happens to be educating women so it's smaller and less well known. Our story is similar to westcoast in that my daughter has a terrific group of friends at both schools.

Yes - you can attend games, try out for various musical groups, work for The Observer, and take a class at ND if it works with your schedule. I don't think anyone can answer if being in the same community as your dream school will haunt you. I can tell you that the academics at Saint Mary's attract highly qualified students including those who 1) Applied to SMC with no regard to ND (We've met many and that list includes my oldest). 2) Waitlisted at ND and chose SMC 3) Rejected at ND and chose SMC 4) Accepted at ND, but chose SMC. In our experience many students that were strongly interested in ND enjoy being part of the ND/SMC/HC community. It truly is a best of both worlds situation.

Some questions to ask yourself: Do they offer the major you are interested in? Smaller college = less majors and choices. Did you visit and get a feel for the campus, professors, and students? Professors all four years and class size were a strong consideration for us. Is the winter weather a factor? Is it okay that you are not in a downtown/city area? Can you picture yourself living there for four years?

My only advice is to put the rejection behind you and move on to a school that wants you - whether that is Saint Mary's or one of your other choices. You have a bright future whatever school you decide to attend. Best wishes to you!

tmi

Good idea to apply to SMC! Smart thinking! My sister graduated from SMC a number of years ago and really enjoyed South Bend for all that it offers! What are you interested in studying?

Mombot

All I can tell you is that d. complains that the guys talk a lot about the SMC girls being "hotter."

I think it is just freshman stuff since she hasn't complained about it recently, but it seems as though SMC students are welcomed by 52% of the ND student body.

mdcamw

AC, I know I have posted before and you know my thoughts on SMC. I was one that went to SMC having not been accepted to ND -- my dream school. I can tell you , without hesitation, that it was a blessing. The benefits you receive from SMC (support, friendships, academics) are immeasurable. ND is fabulous -- but so is SMC. And even though I graduated a long time ago, I keep up with what is happening there and feel so strongly that I was President of our Alum club in town for 4 years.

Will you be accepted by ND students if you go to SMC? Absolutely. I had a friend who was an ND cheerleader, many were on the fencing team, Observer etc. Did some of the "boys" try and pit the "girls" against one another? Sometimes, but I never felt like the women of ND looked down on me. (We just thought the guys were ridiculous). In fact, a number of SMC girls transferred to ND and never treated their SMC sisters any differently. Check out a copy of the Courier (the SMC alum mag), and look at the death notices, marriages etc -- you will see a ton of ND and SMC legacies.

As a SMC student, you are a student of the community and get student tickets, sit in the student section etc. If you have been given the $$, I would go in a heart beat -- you will find that you are getting the best of both worlds. Dr. Mooney is working hard to move Saint Mary's into the top 50 liberal arts colleges in the country. Take some time to read her plans for the college. She is terrific.

And my last completely biased comment is this -- Saint Mary's was asked to become part of ND in the 1970's, when the school was planning to go co-ed. The Sisters of the Holy Cross cordially declined -- they wanted to stay true to SMC's founding tenets. They have done a great job in doing so --

I know you want to be under the Golden Dome -- well you can be as a SMC student. And always remember that Our Lady, that sits atop that Dome, was a gift from Saint Mary's.

Irishcali

MDCAMW...well said! I couldn't say it all any better! SMC is a wonderful place~full of their own traditions and true to themselves, but also part of the thriving Notre Dame community with a history tied together since the beginning. I think it's a great choice!

Ptbcath

AC419,
I have been reading this thread with great interest. What did you decide to do

AC419

Thank you so so so much for all your support/ answers! This has been very helpful! I think I am leaning towards Saint Mary's, although its hard because people are thinking that I'm going here just because of Notre Dame, which is partly true, but people who are ignorant think I'm just going to stare longingly at Notre Dame all the time.

I kind of have to choose by tonight. :O (going away and wont be back may 1st) I think a girl from SMC is going to call me tonight(my dad knows her?)

It's hard because I feel like the other school is a "safe option", i know I would like it, it's close to home, I would fit in and be happy. I feel like Saint Mary's is a huge risk. That I could potentially love it, and it would be amazing, and the best option. But I haven't visited, and if I don't fit in, then I'm stuck very far away, if that makes any sense?

My heart is leaning towards Saint Mary's right now.