Saint Louis University Top Questions

It's a mixed bag, and it really depends on what department you're in and what you're looking for out of college. Generally I found classes to be stimulating and challenging, but none have been all that difficult. While some of my fellow students have been absolutely brilliant, a lot are also lazy and, well, kind of dumb. If you do your work, seem enthusiastic, and have even mildly worthwhile things to say in class, you'll stand out. Grade inflation is definitely real at SLU; you don't have to be exceptional to make A's. I have had one or two terrible professors at SLU, but also several excellent ones. Classes can be quite small; I once had a fascinating history class on heresy and inquisition where I was one of just two students! SLU requires all students to take several theology and philosophy classes. A lot of people gripe about this, but I think it's wonderful. Enjoy these classes and invest yourselves in them, and, regardless of your major, you'll get a lot out of them. Some of SLU's best professors are also in these departments. History at SLU is so-so. The faculty is overwhelmingly male, generally pretty old, and pretty politically conservative. There are a few great professors, many that are decent, and handful of stinkers. It's an excellent choice if you're interested in Late Antiquity and the Middle Ages, and, on the off chance you're interested in the Byzantine Empire, we're a world-class institution.

Academics at SLU is what you make it. It's really dependent upon which program you choose. The science, medical and allied health programs are pretty hardcore, along with a few other programs.

I have had personal conversations with almost every one of my professors and have benefited greatly from that. I've had classes as small as 4 students (Honors Theology 100) and as large as 60 (Intro to International Studies). Class participation is encouraged in 9 out of 10 of my classes and my professors have done their best to keep students engaged and interested in the material. If you're ever struggling, the first task ahead of you is to attend office hours and ask your professor to help you personally.

Academics at SLU are perfect for me. I love being right in the think of community, and I really feel that way here. I see most of my professors outside of class, some of them are now my friends. I trust the teachers that I have had. I really think that the faculty and staff are the best and brightest asset that SLU has.

One thing a person should know before entering SLU, wether a class is important or not, or whether you like it or not, you WILL have to study non-stop. The way the system is made and the sucess of all of the well educated professors one cannot get away with just glancing at the material. Lets just say youll spend at least 30 hours per week studying no matter what major or class you have.

The academic environment at SLU is phenomenal. I haven't had more than 30 students in any of my classes, so I've always gotten to know the professor, and learned a lot from them both inside and outside the classroom. Truthfully, I don't study much, but that's because I'm in the humanities, so I do a lot of outside reading. The sciences students study a lot, because they need to. SLU students definitely know how to have fun, but they can also learn from each other academically outside of the classroom. My freshman year, I stayed up every night having philosophical and theological discussions for 2 hours with different people over the course of 3 or 4 months.

Many classes are large and the professor won't get to know you unless you ask questions or visit them during office hours.

The professors at SLU are very willing to help you and they DO care if you pass or fail. At other colleges, many professors dont really care about the students, they just care about their paycheck. Professors at SLU are so enthusiastic about helping their students and making sure they succeed.

Sometimes you have to work really hard for the classes you think will be a breeze.

Half of my classes are lecture classes, and the other half have 25 or less students. My courses are challanging, but I really enjoy them. There is a lot of competition to do well, but I think that most students strive because of this. Finals are very stressful, but if you keep up with studying throughout the semester, you will be able to do well.