Academics
“Professors expect a lot from you†at the University of St. Thomas, a modest-sized Catholic school with a liberal arts flavor. “There is no spoon-feeding,†attests a junior, “but you actually learn! There are no multiple-choice tests, but this guarantees that you learn the subject. Students are competitive but very helpful to each other. I love it!†These students also rave about the small-school feel at UST: “Having grown up attending large public schools, there’s something to be said for smaller schools, where you’re not treated like a number but a real person. Each of my professors, advisors, etc. knew me personally before the end of my first semester. They are truly concerned with making sure that you fully understand the material and are getting the most out of your academic experience.†The experience is enhanced by a requirement that demands all students take a philosophy and a theology course each academic year. For all the pluses, there are a few minuses worth preparing for---particularly, “the Financial Aid Office and the Business Office.†But overall, “The experience at UST is amazing,†says an undergrad. “That sums it up.â€
Student Body
“There are several different social groups at the school,†explains an econ major. “One is comprised of those who love to party and party hard. Then there is the religious sect, which is involved in various aspects of Campus Ministry. . . . Then the rest of us basically stick to ourselves.†Another student says that it’s even more complicated than that: “We have commuters, homeschoolers, varsity players, introverts, perfectionists, clubbers---and they all interact quite well.†Indeed, friendliness is the name of the game at UST. A sophomore tells us, “Fitting in for any type of student is as easy as walking up to a friend and striking up a conversation.†Yes, there are many Catholics here (“It is a Catholic school, after allâ€), many who are “conservative,†and many who “come from wealthy families.†But rest assured that “diversity is welcomed, embraced, and celebrated†at the University of St. Thomas.
Campus Life
“Life at UST is pretty chill,†despite the fact that the campus sits near the bustling heart of America’s fourth-largest metropolitan area. According to a vocal performance major, “On-campus life is extremely intimate and personal. There is only one dorm, and people meet and get to know each other quickly. The campus is small, and people run into each other all the time.†A psych major adds that for such a small school, UST hosts “a lot of events as well (date auctions, hunger banquets, free musicals/theater productions, movie screenings, etc.).†Additionally, “The athletic side of life is getting better . . . as UST just moved up from all intramurals to a few intercollegiate sports.†Nonetheless, the majority of UST’s activity takes place during the school week, largely because “Most people are from Houston and go home on the weekends.†For those who live on campus, making the most of Houston’s distractions is easy: “We are in the middle of the Montrose area, which is filled [with] great restaurants, coffee shops, and thrift stores.â€
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