Visiting college campuses is a great way for students to experience college life, check out classrooms and residence halls, and get their questions answered as they narrow down their college choices. To reward students who take this vital step in college discernment, we have instituted the Saint Mary's College Admission Visit Award.
What is the Visit Award and how does it work?
Students who make an official visit to the Saint Mary's College campus, and enroll at Saint Mary’s, are eligible for a $1,000 Visit Award. The student will have a scholarship added to their financial aid package.
Does it matter when I visit?
First year undergraduate students who officially visit campus as a junior or senior in high school (starting as early as June 1 before their junior year) are eligible. First year students must visit campus before May 1 (if applying to enter in the fall) or December 15 (if applying to enter in the spring) of the year they are enrolling at Saint Mary's to be eligible.
Transfer undergraduate students who visit while enrolled at another institution are also eligible. They must visit campus before July 1 (if applying to enter in the fall) or December 15 (if applying to enter in the spring) of the year they are enrolling at Saint Mary's to be eligible.
Graduate students (those seeking a graduate degree such as a masters degree or doctorate) who make an official graduate admission visit before July 1 of the year they are enrolling at Saint Mary's are also eligible.
What is an official visit?
The Office of Admission schedules all official visits for prospective first year and transfer undergraduate students. These can include, but are not limited to, in-person experiences such as a tour of campus; an information session with an admission counselor; a classroom visit; or a visit with a coach, faculty member, or other community member during an official individual visit. Official visits also include participating in on-campus events: Senior Preview Days, SMC Tailgate, Spotlight Saturday, Meet Me at the Avenue and Saint Mary's summer pre-college programs, among others.
The Office of Graduate Admission schedules all official visits for those seeking a graduate degree such as a masters degree or doctorate. Qualifying visits include on-campus visits with the Office of Graduate Admission or on-campus graduate admission events beginning in fall of 2025.
Do I have to apply for this award?
No, there is no separate application. The Office of Admission and the Office of Graduate Admission keep records of all official visits and will inform the Office of Student Financial Services as students are admitted to the College so the $1,000 award can be added to their financial aid package.
The fine print:
Enrolled new undergraduate and graduate students are eligible for no more than one Visit Award, regardless of how many times they visit campus. This is a one-time award; it is not renewable.