Overview
St. John's College is a moderately selective private four-year institution in Santa Fe, New Mexico. The school accepts 54.1% of applicants and enrolls 369 students.
Admission Statistics
- Acceptance Rate
- 54.1%
- Average SAT
- 1,355
- SAT Range (25th–75th)
- 1,250–1,460
- ACT Composite (avg)
- 30
- Total Enrollment
- 369
Your Chances by SAT Score
Your score is above the 75th percentile. You are a competitive applicant.
Your score falls within the middle 50% of admitted students.
Your score is below the 25th percentile. Other parts of your application will need to stand out.
Admission Guide
St. John's College operates on a completely unique curriculum where every student reads the same Great Books and participates in seminar-style discussions rather than traditional lectures. Your application essay should address why you want to engage with primary texts from Plato to Einstein without the filter of textbooks or predetermined interpretations.
The college requires all applicants to write about a book that has influenced them, but avoid choosing something you think sounds impressive. Pick a book you genuinely wrestled with and can discuss thoughtfully. Admissions officers can spot superficial engagement immediately. Your essay should reveal how you think through complex ideas, not just what you think about them.
St. John's has no majors, no grades, and no tests. Instead, you'll spend four years in seminars, mathematics tutorials, science laboratories, and language study. If you need clear career paths or prefer specialized study in one field, this school will frustrate you. The curriculum works best for students who want to understand how different fields of knowledge connect.
The campus culture centers on intellectual conversation that extends well beyond the classroom. Students debate Aristotle over dinner and form study groups to tackle difficult mathematical proofs. You'll find yourself discussing the same reading assignment with classmates, tutors, and even the college president. This environment suits students who enjoy being challenged by their peers and don't mind admitting when they don't understand something.
St. John's uses a rolling admissions process, so apply early to improve your chances and demonstrate genuine interest. The college also considers demonstrated interest heavily, so visit if possible and attend virtual information sessions. Your interview matters more here than at most schools because admissions officers want to see how you engage in intellectual conversation.
Submit your application with careful attention to writing quality. Since St. John's emphasizes discussion and writing throughout the curriculum, weak writing skills will hurt your chances significantly. Proofread everything multiple times and have someone else review your essays for clarity and grammar errors.
What It Costs If You Get In
- Average Net Price
- $24,351/yr
- Tuition (in-state)
- $38,946
- Students Receiving Aid
- 24%
After You Graduate
- Graduation Rate (6-year)
- 60.0%
- Median Earnings (10yr)
- $44,985/yr
- Freshman Retention Rate
- 78.4%
Frequently Asked Questions
Does St. John's College require SAT or ACT scores for admission?
St. John's College is test-optional and does not require SAT or ACT scores for admission. Students can choose whether to submit standardized test scores as part of their application.
What makes St. John's College admissions different from other schools?
St. John's College uses a unique Great Books curriculum where all students follow the same program of study reading classic texts. The admissions process focuses heavily on essays and fit for this discussion-based learning approach rather than traditional metrics.
Can you transfer to St. John's College from another university?
St. John's College accepts transfer students, but they typically must start the four-year Great Books program from the beginning regardless of previous college credits. Transfer students enter as freshmen due to the integrated nature of the curriculum.
Does St. John's College offer Early Decision or Early Action?
St. John's College offers Early Action with a deadline in mid-November. The school does not offer binding Early Decision programs.