The “January freshmen” in Santa Fe start their school year in January, continue through the summer term, and become sophomores in the fall. This accelerated schedule allows mid-year entrants to graduate in three and a half years, and is an excellent option for transfer students or anyone who does not want to wait until the following fall to enter the college.

Many students count the small size (usually 15 to 30 students) and the closeness of the January freshman class as its greatest advantage. Students get to know their classmates quickly and work closely with the faculty inside and outside the classroom. The program offers an intense and vibrant learning experience, and students make great strides in the first few weeks. With such concentrated studies, the words of Frank Bruni’s article in the New York Times about St. John’s ring even truer: “If digital devices and social media yank people from one trumpet blast to the next, St. John’s trains them to hold a note—to caress it, pull at it, see what it can withstand and what it’s worth.”

Being on campus for the summer semester is an added bonus. It’s a lively time on campus: the Graduate Institute is in session, as well as other on-campus summer programs. One of the nation’s top tourist destinations, Santa Fe is at its best this time of year—the world-famous opera house, lively downtown scene, and serene mountains that surround campus blend to a rich summer experience outside of the classroom.

For additional information, please contact the Admissions Office at admissions(at)sjc.edu or 800-331-5232.