Good For Scholarships, If Nothing Else

Introduction
Anyone looking into St. John's should know that, while the school has improved academically a great deal, it is still primarily known for its athletics program. However, don't let that discourage you. The university has a great pharmacy program and liberal arts here is pretty good as well. As for more "professional" fields, there are both the good and the bad aspects of the programs here. And it all depends on who happens to be teaching. If you're lucky enough to be able to consider some of the more "respected" universities, you may not give St. John's a second glance, but you should. What the school lacks in some of its academic areas, it more than makes up for with generous scholarships and a great Honors program. Students who want to have the ability to get a good education but also want to be able to explore what college, and the world outside of college, has to offer should definitely look at this school. However, if you're looking for a place that focuses solely on academic growth, and not the growth of the individual as a whole, you might want to reconsider.

Campus Life and Social Life
As a Division I school, the sports teams here are amazing. Red Sox pitcher Craig Hansen got his start at St. John's and there are a number of professional soccer players and NBA players who passed through these halls. Greek life is also a huge part of what makes this university great, although there tends to be a division among the Greeks themselves that can dissuade. It's not for the faint of heart. The campus party scene is nothing to get excited over either, although there is a great local party atmosphere. Bars like Last Call and Traditions are within walking distance and some of the biggest and best bashes are held there. If you want to party hard on the weekends, those are THE spots to be. For the more reserved, there are the College Green and Galloping Green Bars, which tend to be more quiet. It's good to keep tabs on the parties hosted by frats and sororities though, as they tend to be the most fun, least expensive, and easiest to get into. Advertisement
Academics
Pharmacy is the number one academic department here, not in size but in quality. If you want to go into pharmaceutical work or any of the allied health professions, St. John's is a great place to start. The PharmD program is one of the best in the nation and the faculty really knows their stuff.

The liberal arts college is also pretty impressive, with a large number of full time faculty and programs that will actually teach you something. The business school also has a lot to offer, but programs offered in both of these colleges tend to overlap with others and can be confusing.

The college of professional studies, which is the largest sect of the university, has a lot to offer but tends to lose its appeal after a short time. The classes tend to be "easier" for the brighter in the bunch, but the excessive number of adjunct faculty members and the lack of knowledge that many of the deans and department chairs have regarding their school's offerings is a big turn off. You definitely have to be proactive about what you want and fight your way around the system in order to manufacture a program that works for you. Not something to consider if you just want to sit back, go through four years and graduate without having to lift a finger

Student Body
The majority of students here are from the tri-state area. It is still primarily a commuter school, although the six residence halls have been full since their construction. A lot of Queens and Long Island kids show up. Most are "preppy" or "average" though, as with any other school, there are various groups. There is a large number here solely for the fact that they received a great scholarship from what they consider a second-rate school. Most students are involved in at least one of the 150+ organizations, though the campus is largely apathetic and most people do tend to go home on the weekends if they are: (a) from within 3 hours of the school or (b) are not into the weekend party scene.

In Closing...
St. John's isn't necessarily a school that is someone's first choice, but if it's not...reconsider. A lot of people came here because they didn't want to be in debt after four years and though they could have gone to one of the Ivy League schools or an equivalent university, they chose St. John's for the money. However, most people who come for the money stay because the atmosphere grows on you. And if you want to have time to have a job or be involved or even just party, this school gives you that chance.