College of Saint Benedict Top Questions

Professors get to know your name within the first couple weeks. Class sizes are relatively small with around 30 students in the room. Students usually are studying in the libraries for classes.

CSB has strong academics and professors who want you to succeed. Help is always within reach, and small class sizes make it easy to ask for help in class.

The academics at College of St. Benedict and St. John's University are challenging, however you learn a lot. As a political science major, I have had great experiences in all of my classes. There is always great discussion in class that leads to conversations outside of class between students and professors. In classes you know the professors and the professors know you on a first name basis. They want to see you achieve, and they are very helpful. With a liberal arts education, the school offers you the ability to try all aspects of education. Students here are studious because they want to do well and be prepared for class.

The classes here are pretty small and your professor knows your name, even the next semester when your not taking that prof again if they see you they will say Hi to you. My favorite class is the management class i took. The teacher always had us doing crazy group activities to get us out of our seats and learning from a more hands on perspective. one day we used play dough to make a business structure, mine consisted of a castle, a dragon, and peasant. Another time she made us all get up and move to a different spot in the classroom to demonstrate how change affects your ability to perform. My least favorite class was Theology, I am not a very religious person so it just wasn't interesting at all. But even though I didn't like the material I loved the professor becasue every Monday and friday we would talk about our weekend plans or what happened over the weekend. Class participation is required in almost all classes, but it's not like only the nerds speak up and talk, everyone says something when they know the answer, have a question, or just want to comment on what we are talking about. Outside of class there is "intellectual" conversations, not everyone talks about what happened on Jersey Shore last night. but not everyone comes out of the class so enthused by the material they want to talk about it more. If something is interesting it will probably continue outside the classroom, but if it isn't it pretty much dies at the teachers lips. I am a Political Science major and I love the programs we have here. There are so many opportunities to get experience in other places such as Washingtion D.C. and Bosnia. And all of my professors so far have been very interesting, and they like to keep the material relevant to current topics. Students here I would say are fairily competitive, it's not like everyone studies non stop, but for the most part students look to get good grades, not just pass their classes. The most unique class I have taken is Exercise Sports Science. It's just weird to be able to take classes where you get to talk about sports every day. And they have a program for not just sports medicine, but they also have a coaching certificate course, so that's cool. I think the school's academic requirements are achievable, you have to get your work done but if you don't spend all your time on facebook it gets done. And the education is very geared towards getting a job. Almost every class has some component of it where they talk about how what your learning in class will be used in a real life situation once you get a job.

The professors here actually care to get to know their students on a personal level. Just the other day my first semester chemistry professor stopped me in the hallway, called me by name and asked how I was doing- I am a senior, so that was 3 years ago yet he still cared enough to remember.

The academics at St. Ben's are extremely competitive. The science program is extremely challenging, but I also have music classes that I absolutely love! The teachers in the arts are fantastic. Participation is required because of the small sizes of the classes. It's much better than being in a huge lecture hall.

All my professors know me by name. They are always willing to help out and want you to succeed in the classes.

The academics here are challenging but the profs are here to help you and they want you to succeed.

St. John's is well known for its academic rigor. The biology department is well known, and their are numerous students involved in the sciences (math, chemistry, computer science etc). The university also requires students to expand their horizons by taking a variety of classes in other fields as part of the liberal arts background.

Professors take the time to learn your name. I have two professors this semester that took the time to take our pictures so they could study our faces in order to put a name to the face. My least favorite class was FYS. I felt that the professor I had was highly unqualified, extremely biased, and horribly rude. If you walk through the library, there is always a multitude of students studying. I think it is completely fair to say that Bennies are incredibly studious. i, personally, do not have intellectual conversations outside of class because I like to keep school and my social life separate so I don't get overloaded. Students at CSB are quite competitive but only about their own goals. I have never had someone turn me down when I ask for help.

The academics are challenging, but not overwhelming. Class's are really small (only like 25 people per class), so you really get to know your classmates and professors. All of my professors know my name and are happy to work with me. Students are somewhat competitive, but there's not an enormous amount of pressure. as long as you put in effort, the work is doable. fulfilling The core curriculum along with major requirements does get a little stressful, it's totally doable. Lots of opportunities for study abroad and different types of learning experiences outside of class.

Class at CSBSJU is challenging, exciting, and interesting. Most students work hard in their classes and professors expect the best. Coming from a private school, I have found that CSBSJU has helped me grow in the study habits that I already had. I study in the library and work hard in my classes, but still feel like I have enough time to go out, meet new people, and attend events on and off campus.

All my professors know my name. All of our classes are taught by actually professors, no student teachers or teacher assistants. Classes sizes are kept under 30 people but I have never had a class over 25 people. People are able to take a variety of classes and because of the small class sizes, students are encourage to interact, discuss, and ask questions in class. Most of my classes focus on learning in a discussion rather than lecture style. Professors are always available to help students outside the classroom. They are never too busy to answer your questions. Even if their office hours don't work on your schedule, they will stay late in order to make sure you get the help you need.

students are competetive and classes are academically challenging

I was nervous that the academics at St.Ben's/St. John's (CSB/SJU) were going to be too hard for me, but after finishing a year here, I can say that it is manageable. The professors challenge us to use our critical thinking skills. My professors do know my name. My favorite class is Gender and Communication. We break up into small groups every day and discuss the topics that my prof. lists on the board. We also have group conversations about the topics and issues that we read about for class. My lease favorite class is a science class I have to take for my major (Elementary Education). My professor is old and doesn't know how to teach. He always indirectly answers our questions and will never just tell us the answer. He is retiring next year, thank goodness.

The professors at CSB know everyone by name. With average class sizes of 20-22, its very easy to get one on one attention with the teachers. It is also pretty common to have a lot of class discussion due to the fact that the sizes are so small which gets everyone active and involved in the lectures. Professors are really good with meeting outside of class during office hours or even setting up a time outside of office hours if their hours don't work for you. This teachers at CSB genuinely want the students to succeed and do everything they can to make that possible. It is expected for students to spend two hours outside of class either studying or doing homework. With two classes a day thats 4 hours a day for 5 days a week not incuding weekends, students should typically be studying 20 hours a week. The library is not a foreign place to students at CSB.

Professors get to know your name within the first couple weeks. Class sizes are relatively small with around 30 students in the room. Students usually are studying in the libraries for classes.

If you want to know your professors and have a close relationship with them, then you definitely will. My favorite class I would say would have to be spanish, my prof made the class so fun(and easy) that it was actually a joy to go to. Here at CSB/SJU class sizes are very small, the average class side is somwhere around 24 and the max a class can have is 30. Class participation for most classes is part of your final grade. My major here at CSB is Leadership Management and I love it! All of the profs are super friendly and helpful with any questions I have concerning my schedule, or planning my four year plan. The only thing that I disagree about with the academics at this school is that you are required to take 2 theology courses when you go to school here. Being that it is a private Catholic school it makes sense, but I am not Catholic so I dislike it some. Alot of business like to see "College of Saint Benedict" as your college, it has alot of networks and alot of alumi's that come back to the school to help out after they have gotten jobs.

If you want to know your professors and have a close relationship with them, then you definitely will. My favorite class I would say would have to be spanish, my prof made the class so fun(and easy) that it was actually a joy to go to. Here at CSB/SJU class sizes are very small, the average class side is somwhere around 24 and the max a class can have is 30. Class participation for most classes is part of your final grade. My major here at CSB is Leadership Management and I love it! All of the profs are super friendly and helpful with any questions I have concerning my schedule, or planning my four year plan. The only thing that I disagree about with the academics at this school is that you are required to take 2 theology courses when you go to school here. Being that it is a private Catholic school it makes sense, but I am not Catholic so I dislike it some. Alot of business like to see "College of Saint Benedict" as your college, it has alot of networks and alot of alumi's that come back to the school to help out after they have gotten jobs.

It is challenging, however, the class sizes are very small and each of the professors have strong relationships with the students.

Yes! Professors always know your name here. The "General" classes cap at 35 and don't have any Teacher's Assistants, so they are very intimate. My Greek class only has 7 students and caps at 10! My favorite class has to be Chem Lab 201. The professor is extremely friendly and funny, and lab is fun. He is helpful and so are the lab assistants. My least favorite class is my flute lesson, but that's just because I don't want to practice. Students study every day. Usually the homework load isn't insane, but it's enough to be doing a bit every night to keep up to date on the coursework. Class participation is very common. In my First Year Seminar (similar to English) class, we often have such good discussions that we end up debating and discussing past the end of the class period. Intellectual conversations outside of class are also popular. Especially so within First Year Seminar classmates. We often talk about a book we have been reading or a point our teacher made outside of class. Students are somewhat competitive, but I have never been in or heard of a situation where there are any negative feelings towards each other. My most unique class is Ancient Greek. We translate Greek myths, along with the gospel of Luke and some of Plato's works. My major is an American Chemical Society Certified Chem Major. Our chemistry department is phenomenal, and all of the professors offer research opportunities, even to first years. Also, as chemistry majors, we are guaranteed a research opportunity our senior year. I sometimes go see my professors after class, but they do a very good job teaching inside of class so I never feel like I need much help. I think the academic requirements to come here should be higher. It is obviously a prestigious school, and the expectations from students should also be high. Some students change their major to an "easier" one, and I don't think that that's the right mentality to have when studying for your future. The education at this school is more geared towards learning for its own sake. With a liberal arts education, students have so many more opportunities in this world because they know so many different things. This in itself helps a student be more competitive in the job market. The school realizes that 18 year olds coming into college don't know what they want to do for a job, and even seniors might not know what they want to do, and young people shouldn't always have to worry about working right when they come into college. The school does a good job of helping to educate students so they can make the right decisions when it comes to graduate school.

As a Biology major with a minor in Pre-Pharmacy, my first semester of classes have been challenging. The professors are very willing to help you in any way possible and are very approachable! Overall, the classes are difficult but if you put time and effort into them you can do very well! Also, at St. Bens and St. Johns, you get to know your professors on a more personal level and you aren't just a number--they will know your name and keep up on how you are doing in the class!

We have a great sense of community that all the students, professors, and faculty participate in. Classes are capped at 35 students, so no big lecture hall settings. You get to know not only your classmates, but your professor as well. Most professors here like to be called by their first name. At the end of your 4 years at CSB/SJU when applying to graduate schools or jobs you'll have up to 32 professors you can go to as a reference. They welcome students into their offices to chat about anything, they'll get coffee with you, they love that interaction with their students. Most classes have a participation grade, but the professor takes into account the type of class and their teaching style when it comes to weight of the participation grade, if it's a primarily lecture based class where the only participation would come from asking questions, they won't punish for not asking questions. When it comes to competitive students it really depends on whether they're competitive in nature or not, but it isn't much of a problem here. I am a psychology major which provides me with a lot of opportunities to not only learn but to help my professors with their own research, getting practice in the field as early as a sophomore. We do have a requirement of two theology courses (one lower division and one upper division), since we are a catholic school, but the upper division courses cater more to personal interest within religion, whether it be islam or women in the bible, or just learning about other religions.

As a Biochemistry Major, I am in Bio, Chem, FYS (First Year Seminar-a Freshman Class which focuses on writing, discussion, research, and public speaking), and Gender Studies. The Science department has been changed especially in the Chem department. Instead of just having Gen Chem your first year, they also incorporate Organic Chem with Gen Chem in the Freshman class. I have loved my science profs--McIntee for Chem and Jensen for Bio, they are very helpful and great teachers.

First starting school, I thought that I would be way behind the game just because I wasn't sure what I wanted to do, I thought I wanted to be a physical therapist but I was dead set on it. But coming here, it's almost better to come undecided because then you get to experience all the courses here at St. Ben's. I believe that no matter where you go to college, it's going to be different then high school. It's all about time management and CSB helps our students out with any kinds of questions they may have. We're also a small school and professors are super easy to contact and meet with. It's nice that our professors know us by name and not a number. We can easily get access to any resource to help us get through any trials.

The academics are realistic and can apply to our daily lives. The academic curriculum is doable but yet challenging where it creates a positive learning environment. Professors are always willing ot meet outside of class to further explain topics.

College is the best four years of your life, at least that is what everyone has been telling me. How I wondered can 70 minutes of class twice a day everyday provide for some of the best times ever had? Obviously those people meant the experiences outside of class would be giving me the most fun, however withing my experience at these schools I have had some of my most memorable times within the classroom. The class sizes are small enough to provide you with what I think to be a necessary professor to student and well as student to student ratio and closer relationships. Professor availability is huge and my prof's know who I am and are always willing to give me the tools to get where I need to be. There is also a definite feel among students on campus to do well. The general consensus is that we are here for academics first and that is something that I really like. It provides for a nice push from your peers on the days you aren't always feeling so motivated.

Awesome, because there are small class sizes and great conversations with professors. Most classes often are engaged in meaningful and critical discussions about current issues and the future! The small class allow you to build a connection with your professor and encourages students to ask for help and questions when they encountered difficulties! It is a comforting atmosphere filled with joy of learning and helping others!

The academics here are definitely challenging. It was a big jump coming from a college-prep high school, but after about a semester I learned many new studying techniques and time management skills. It's all about managing your time and using your resources. I have taken advantages of many resources here on campus, especially the writing and math centers. IN addition, I frequently meet with professors to get the help that I need in certain classes. Professors are so available and willing to help, which makes it much easier to ask for assistance when struggling. In addition, they'll set you up with a tutor if you need frequent help. Although I have been challenged in many ways, it has paid off because of the academic growth that I have noted within myself. I am very proud of the writer and reader I've become here at CSB/SJU. As an Elementary Education major, I feel VERY confident in my future career path because of the academic preparation that I have experienced here at CSB/SJU.

I have to say the advantage of going to a liberal arts school is that sense of a well-rounded education that you just can't get anywhere else. I think that students leaving here are more marketable that others because they have taken college courses in nearly every subject. Furthermore, the professors here WANT you to succeed and WANT to get to know you! I have never gone more than a week in class without being on a first name basis with my professors. They are friendly and willing to help. Without the guidance of some of my teachers, I can honestly say I wouldn't be where I am academically today. As a Hispanic Studies (Spanish) major, I think the most valuable academic experience has been study abroad (which nearly everyone does here). There's nothing like learning a language from the country itself!

Average class size is 22. All classes are taught by professors and they all know my name. My favorite class is Modern philosophy. Our professor is very passionate about the topic and cares to hear about what we think about the topic as well. He invests a lot of time in grading our assignments and making sure we understand. Class is discussion based and everyone is pretty involved in participating. It's easy to participate with a small class size. I personally have intellectual conversations outside of class all the time; especially after philosophy. My classmates and i further the discussion over lunch. I am a psychology major. i don't spend much time with my professors outside of class but i know that if i ever need them i can stop by their office anytime or set up an appointment. I feel that the school requirements are reasonable and help me study other academic areas.

It is very "hands on". The professors know all the names of their students. They are very accessible and really care about their students educational experience.

Classes on the two campuses are wonderful. The average number of students in my classes this semester accounts to about 25 students and it's a perfect. I have the opportunity to really get to know my professors both on a formal level, because they are my professor, but also on a personal level because I'm able to build friendships with them. All of my professors know my name during the semester, but they also remember after I am no longer in their class. I know I can approach them with my questions and feel comfortable asking for verification on anything.

The academics at CSB/SJU are amazing. Professors make class interesting and worth going to. Professors are also fabulous at making time to meet with students outside of class and helping them with anything.

Academics here are pretty intense. I have a lot of tough classes at the same time, and I need to spend a lot of time studying in order to keep up. Classroom time is always spent well, and the classroom participation is fabulous. My professors know my name and a lot about me. I tend to spend time with them even outside of class.

Last semester, all of my professors knew my name (usually learn them by making photo flashcards, and know them by a few classes in). Students study at different levels, depending on major and desire/motivation. The library is usually quite busy on week nights, but you can always find a place to study. Students are fairly competitive, especially in the nursing, pre-med, and other pre-professional areas of study. However, it is very common to see study groups throughout campus. I didn't spend a whole lot of time with professors outside of class, but was able to have coffee with my theology professor, which was a great experience.

I've never had a class with more than about 30 students and I love this about our school. Professors have always encouraged me to come see them if I need help, and you are hurting yourself if you don't! I feel that this goes both ways; if you don't participate in class or get help when necessary, then you are asking to get a less-than-stellar grade. Most students double major and it's great that they make graduating in 4 years a priority. I am able to double major, I studied abroad and I still have wiggle room in my schedule (and none of my AP credits transferred). The Career Resource Center is a great place to take advantage of. They are always offering seminars on majors you may be interested in, and bring in major companies like Target to conduct interviews on campus. You can leave CSB with a job if you'd like, but I think that many students leave with wanderlust to travel the world because so many of us have studied abroad!

Do profs know your name?: yes, usually by the second or third class My favorite class: First Year Seminar was a blast! Least Favorite class: physics for life sciences How often do students study?: depends LARGELY on your major and also your worth ethic/desire Are students competitive: in my experience with the pre-med and pre-dent students, YES Most unique class I have taken: FYS I am a chemistry major. At CSB-SJU this is a very difficult major. The profs are extremely knowledgeable about their subject and very devoted to it. The CSB-SJU chem majors are kind of like a family. We spend so much time in lab and class that we all get to know each other really well.

I know all of my professors by name, and they know me. I even have some of their home phone numbers! The school is filled with intellectual conversation inside and outside the classroom. The liberal arts requirements seem cumbersome at times, but employers know that when they hire a bennie or a johnnie, they are truly hiring a well rounded student!

CSB academic life is awesome. While no school has 100{4a082faed443b016e84c6ea63012b481c58f64867aa2dc62fff66e22ad7dff6c} amazing professors, CSB/SJU comes pretty darn close. So many times in my four years at St. Ben's I've had professors go out of their way to make my education sensational, with no personal gain for themselves other than the satisfaction of seeing another student succeed and take his or her education beyond the classroom. Across the board, CSB/SJU profs are awesome at having an open door policy and being willing to answer questions. Classes themselves are kept very small--my largest ever was 30 kids--and they're challenging but interesting. Communications and Management majors bear the brunt of the school's jokes as they are considered the slack majors but other than those, the majors here are highly respected and challenging in a fair, educational way. If you go to school here, you MUST study abroad--the programs are AWESOME and you're definitely missing out if you don't take advantage of the opportunity.

Since the class sizes are so small, it easy to get to know your classmates and professors. The professors are always willing to help and so are your classmates. In class, students are able to work in small groups and receive individual attention.

Academics at CSB are wonderful! Class sizes are small and the professors really do get to know you. Every class seems to form a bond with one another. Classes are rigorous but CSB provides the tools to help students manage. This school really knows how to help guide students towards academic success. There are many programs and groups available to help such as Academic Advising (helping with four year plans) and various tutors/resource centers.

CSB/SJU has small class sizes with personal attention from the professors. They are always willing to help out and take the time to make sure you know the material. They know everyone's name and try to make relationships with the students. It is not a completive atmosphere; all the students work together and help each other succeed.

Classes at CSB are small, around 20-25 students per class. Thus, because of the small class sizes professors know you name. Most classes are discussion based and students often have a say in what they want to learn and/or get out of the class. While the classes are challenging and rigorous, but the help offered by your professor, fellow classmates, and the various tutor centers on campus allow any student to succeed. Lastly, the liberal arts education require students to take a class in a variety of subjects. While this may seem daunting, some of my favorite classes are one's outside of my major.

There are so many classes available so everyone's interests can be satisfied. My favorite class so far has been my Honors European Experience (History) class. We had discussions every class and I enjoyed being able to hear the input of a variety of students because it helped me further understand the material. All first-years are required to take a First Year Seminar (FYS), which introduces students to college writing and helps with the transition from high school to college. You have the same professor all year, which is nice because this professor is your advisor until you pick an advisor within your major. You also get to know your classmates because you are with them in FYS all year. It's a unique foundation. Our class schedule runs on a 6 day cycle, so you don't have the same classes every day. There aren't weekend classes, and there are very few night classes. Students are active and involved in classes and do spend a good deal of time studying. The library and study lounges have all the necessary resources for efficient studying.

There are certainly easy classes and easy majors, but their is a pervasive ethos of 'you get out of this what you put into it.' The professors are insightful, and the classes are tiny (my largest one ever was 32 which was highly unusual) so they know if you're BSing. They may not care, and they may not call you on it, but they know. The professors who teach intro classes also teach upper level classes so they really know how to prepare you to move on. Overall my classes have been very good, lots of rigor and very interesting. The History and Political Science departments really focus on writing, which has been so useful as I've moved into internships. The Political Science department has a great internship program and the Public Policy Center really knows how to work their connections. The core requirements aren't too bad, I really like the upper level theology requirement, there is a great variety of interesting classes on different kinds of religions and spiritual issues.