<p>As another St. John’s alum, I most definitely want speak on behalf of the Program.
When applying to colleges, my decision came down to the Great Books Program at St. Johns, or a science degree from Agnes Scott. Ultimately, I made the decision to go to St. John’s because I did not trust myself at age 18 to know what I wanted to do with my life. The emphasis on the individual education and ‘learning to learn’ at St. John’s was very appealing. From my perspective, a student might have a highly employable science degree, but if that same student realizes a few years after graduation that they went into debt for a degree and job they can’t stand, that degree is ultimately less useful than the ‘unemployable’ liberal arts degree that might have helped them learn what makes them happy.<br>
I went to St. John’s because the Program promised to teach me to learn, and I feel the school has fulfilled that promise. I am very satisfied with the education I received, and with the graduate program I am currently in as a result. (Master of Divinity at Vanderbilt)</p>
<p>I will say that the financial aid is less than ideal at St. John’s. It is, in my opinion, the weakest aspect of the school. I do feel the education I got is well worth the price. I was prepared to accept debt as part of my college plan. My family is not very well off and I have always known that if I wanted a college education, I would need to take out loans and work my way through school.
In spite of the necessary debt, it is because of my experience at St. John’s that I am at Vanderbilt with a full ride. </p>
<p>@cywood,
I want to encourage you to apply to St. John’s, and not worry so much about what the admissions committee will think. As stated before, St. John’s is a very self-selective school, and your personal interest already raises your chances of acceptance. However, 100% of the people who don’t apply, don’t get accepted.
For your admissions essay, write about something you care about and don’t be afraid to let your passion come through. The education at St. John’s is unique because it is dependent on every individual in the classroom having a personal experience with the texts at hand. The more you engage with the texts on a personal level, the more you can engage with the class, the more you learn.
Also, you would not be alone. There has been a steady increase in international students at St. John’s, many (if not most) are from China and Korea. Many international students bring two copies of their readings to class, one in English and one in their primary language. Essays are written in English, but are not graded for grammatical perfection, but rather how the individual is progressing. If your writing shows genuine contemplation, effort, and steady improvement, your tutor will take this into account for your Don Rag. There are also writing tutors available specifically to help students edit and improve any essay they submit.
If you are very concerned with your language proficiency, you can ask the admissions office to put you in touch with one of the tutors who could specifically advise you on navigating St. John’s as a foreign student. Off hand, I know of at least two tutors at the Annapolis campus who speak Chinese. </p>
<p>In short, if you think St. John’s might be a good school for you, please apply! There are many tutors, students, and alumni ready to speak with you about the life and education available at St. Johns and you are encouraged to ask questions, even if you ultimately decide to pursue an education elsewhere.</p>