St John's College

Date: Jan 03 2005
Major: Philosophy (This Major's Salary over time)
So far, I possess firsthand experience of the Annapolis campus, yet it is clear that generally speaking, the two campuses possess many more similarities than differences. Firstly, the specificity and difficulty of the program should be considered. Not only does the entirely dicussion based curriculum require a person to continually devote their utmost energy to all of their classes, but the predetermined curriculm, while resulting in well-rounded thinkers, is certainly not for everyone. In some cases, it is just a person's learning style that makes St. John's no longer a feasable option for them, some people prefer to be lectured to. While the curriculum could be considered to produce those people who are most free in this world, it is also limiting mainly becuase there are no electives. Like everything, the St. John's education requires some sacrifices, but clearly pays off if a person cares to do the work and follow through with the education. A campus visit, mostly to get an idea of the quirky student body and feeling of such a small campus is essential. One of the most important things that a person must understand is that the intellect is valued above all at this school. Socially, a person will come across conversations about the curriculum everywhere, and it is becuase of this that it is sometimes overwhelming and hard to get away from the intensity of the school. Parties many times require one's personal initiative to get going, and do not occur nearly as often or on as large of a scale as they would at your average university. With that said, school is still fun, the difference really lies in the fact that most the students value education over the stereotypical college social scene. If you think talking about Aristotle on a Friday night with friends sounds like fun, this might be the place for you. If you like to read, to discuss things in groups, don't mind a college of 400 people or having to explain the school to all the people who have no idea where it is or what it is like, then you might like it here. If you don't mind almost guaranteeing yourself another 4 years after St. John's simply becuase you desire to be well-educated, then you are at least beginning with the necessary priorities.