Saint Michael’s College is a private, liberal arts college located in Colchester, Vermont, United States. It was founded in 1904 by the Society of Saint Edmund and has a current enrollment of approximately 2,000 students. The college offers over 30 majors and minors in fields such as business, education, humanities, natural sciences, and social sciences. In this essay, we will discuss the pros and cons of Saint Michael’s College based on its academic programs, campus life, student support services, and overall reputation.
Pros:
- Strong academic programs: Saint Michael’s College is known for its strong academic programs. The college is accredited by the New England Commission of Higher Education and offers over 30 majors and minors, including programs in business, education, humanities, natural sciences, and social sciences. The college’s rigorous curriculum and dedicated faculty provide students with a quality education that prepares them for success in their chosen field.
- Liberal arts education: Saint Michael’s College provides a liberal arts education, which emphasizes critical thinking, effective communication, and a broad understanding of the world. This type of education is valuable for students who plan to pursue graduate studies or careers in fields that require strong analytical and communication skills.
- Small class sizes: Saint Michael’s College has a student-faculty ratio of 12:1, which means that students receive personalized attention from faculty members. Small class sizes allow for more interaction between students and faculty, leading to better academic performance and deeper learning.
- Campus community: Saint Michael’s College has a close-knit campus community, and students feel a sense of belonging. The college offers a wide range of clubs and organizations, including academic clubs, service clubs, and social clubs. The campus also hosts a variety of events throughout the year, including concerts, lectures, and athletic events.
- Location: Saint Michael’s College is located in a beautiful area of Vermont, with easy access to outdoor activities such as hiking, skiing, and fishing. The college is also close to Burlington, a vibrant city with a strong arts and culture scene.
Cons:
- Limited diversity: Saint Michael’s College has been criticized for its lack of diversity. The student body is predominantly white, and there are few students from ethnic and racial minority groups. The college has made efforts to increase diversity in recent years, but more needs to be done to create a truly diverse and inclusive campus community.
- Limited course offerings: Saint Michael’s College offers a limited number of courses compared to larger universities. This may limit students’ ability to explore a wide range of subjects or to take advanced courses in their field of study. However, the college’s small size allows for more personalized attention and support from faculty members.
- Limited research opportunities: Saint Michael’s College is primarily an undergraduate-focused institution, and research opportunities for undergraduate students may be limited. However, the college does offer research opportunities for graduate students.
- Cost: Saint Michael’s College is a private college, and its tuition and fees are higher than those of public universities. However, the college offers scholarships and financial aid to help students afford the cost of attendance.
- Weather: Saint Michael’s College is located in a region with cold winters and snowy weather. This may be a drawback for some students who are not accustomed to such weather conditions.
In conclusion, Saint Michael’s College is a private, liberal arts college with a strong reputation for academic excellence. The college’s strong academic programs, liberal arts education, small class sizes, campus community, and location are all positives. However, the college’s limited diversity, limited course offerings, limited research opportunities, cost, and weather may be drawbacks for some students. Ultimately, the decision to attend Saint Michael’s College depends on individual priorities and preferences.
