St. John’s College loves students who attend United World Colleges. In fact, admitted Davis UWC Scholars are guaranteed a full-tuition scholarship to attend St. John’s for four years. Why? Because Davis Scholars thrive at St. John’s: our classes are small and discussion-based, the culture at St. John’s is intellectually adventurous and international, and the heart of the curriculum, much like Theory of Knowledge, is our passion for philosophy. In short: UWC students and St. John’s College are an incredibly good fit.
What is your favorite book?
Don Quixote, no doubt. Coming from UWC, we might face similar problems as the knight—we want to change the world to the better but keep running against windmills. We look at him as mad for thinking he can make a difference, but maybe we need some more of this utopian insanity today?
What is one of the most rewarding texts you’ve studied and why?
One of the most rewarding texts I’ve studied is Lucretius’ On the Nature of Things. It reshaped how I perceive and interact with the concept of death in a way that I’m incredibly grateful for.
How is St. John’s a good place for Davis Scholars?
Heaven and earth meet in Santa Fe, a place full of natural beauty. The college is a small community dedicated to a clear purpose, much like UWC campuses.
How is St. John’s a good place for Davis Scholars?
St. John’s provides continuity for the development of the academic and personal skills that we acquire at UWC. Academically, we were already on track to explore the world through philosophical lenses that this college provides. Meanwhile, this college allows for the personal growth that I deeply valued whilst at UWC. The things we discover here can have profound impacts on the way we live our lives, interact with our peers, and strive for further goals in our lives.
What is your favorite thing about being at St. John’s?
The manifold ways in which it testifies to the (ancient Greek) idea that school ought as well to be a place of leisure.
What is one of the most rewarding texts you’ve studied?
Ludwig Wittgenstein’s Philosophical Investigations. Difficult book, but still rewarding. He has completely changed the way that I think of language, has forced me to understand the different sorts of games that are involved in communicating—he calls them “language games”—and the different levels of interactions there are between people, and how we can truly use philosophy to enrich our lives.
How do the Davis scholars at St. John’s interact with and support each other?
When I came to the college, one of the UWC students helped me move in, settle down, and find my way around campus. Any time I have difficulties with classes, personal issues, or anything else, I always know I'll find support with the other UWC students on campus, regardless of whether we've had interactions before or not. It's something special.
Why do you think St. John’s is a good place for you and the other UWC scholars?
I think the mission of UWC is [to produce] global and thoughtful students. Although it’s not as internationally focused in the context of St. John’s, [it’s] that same focus of being a student who’s conscious of the world and the way we inhabit the world, and truly to think critically about things before having an opinion.
Do you have anything to say to the donors who make the Davis Scholar program possible?
I really cherish the opportunity I had at UWC, which gave me the chance to receive this fund to further my education at St. John’s.
Do you have a favorite book?
I’m gonna go with The Republic [by Plato]. I’m beginning to see the connections between Plato and the theological, political, and philosophical implications that Plato has for the entire Western canon. It’s a fascinating experience.
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Davis Scholars Globe Ceremony, November 2024.
Davis Scholars Globe Ceremony, November 2024.
Davis Scholars Globe Ceremony, November 2024.
Davis Scholars Globe Ceremony, November 2024.
President Demleitner visits UWC Japan
UWC students listening to presentation
UWC student Amias Watts
UWC students at presentation
UWC luncheon
UWC student Sarah Shafer
UWC student talking at reception
UWC student speaking with Dean Davis
UWC students talking at reception
UWC student Daniel
UWC scholar
UWC student speaking with President Demleitner
UWC student Sanyam
UWC student Nico speaking with President Roosevelt
Student nametags for UWC reception
UWC student Vanda speaking with President Roosevelt
UWC students talking together at a reception
UWC students Antonia and Sarah
UWC globe
UWC scholar
UWC gathering in Santa Fe
The low student-to-faculty ratio of 7:1 contributes to the No. 8 ranking for “Best Classroom Experience” by Princeton Review.
See more rankings and ratings
Johnnies study more than 200 great books, texts, and works in what is often called the most rigorous curriculum in America.
The St. John's College Reading List
Davis UWC Scholars receive a full-tuition scholarship worth $37,842, and St. John’s also meets additional demonstrated need.
Learn about the St. John's Financial Model
