Level of Academic Challenge

Challenging intellectual and creative work is central to student learning.

Here's how Saint Michael's students responded to questions in this category:

  • 89%
    of first-year students feel that Saint Michael's places substantial emphasis on academics vs. 83% for all NSSE Schools.

How many students study a foreign language?

  • 83%
    of students by their senior year have some completed foreign language coursework in pursuit of second-language proficiency vs. 40% for all NSSE Schools.

Do faculty hold students to high standards?

  • 68%
    of first-year students frequently work harder than they thought they could to meet faculty expectations vs. 60% for all NSSE Schools.

What types of thinking do assignments require?
First-year students report substantial emphasis on the following activities:

  • Analyzing basic elements of an idea or theory: 93% vs. 81% at all NSSE Schools.
  • Synthesizing and organizing ideas: 76% vs. 70% at all NSSE Schools.
  • Making judgments about value of information: 75% vs. 70% at all NSSE Schools.
  • Applying theories or concepts: 82% vs. 76% at all NSSE Schools.

Do exams require students to do their best work?

  • 53%
    of first-year students report that their exams strongly challenge them to do their best work

Learn more about out Saint Michael's faculty on our outstanding faculty page.