<p>I was accepted EA to Villanova and had some concerns. I am a little worried that it is not really religious from what I read on these boards. I applied because I am interested in a Catholic school, but it worries me when you say that administrators from the school downplay the Catholicism at prospective student events. That defeats my purpose of going here. Are most of the kids really Catholic, or are most not really into their religion? Also, how generous are they with Scholarships to the average kid? I am more than a little concerned as even though I LOVED the campus, no one here in Texas has ever heard of Villanova when I mention I might go there. Even my GC wasn't sure where it was, although she had heard of it. So, I have no one to ask about these things. Thank you!</p>
<p>From my experience (twice now), some Catholic schools will go out of their way to downplay the Catholic nature of the school (or more precdisely an overriding Catholic influence) so as not to turn off non-Catholic prospectives. I would say that Villanova, at least IMHO (much like Notre Dame), was less apt to do that, though I am sure it does happen. The Jusuit univerisites and colleges (especiall places like BC and Georgetown) are much more open about trying to be more secular and in downplaying their Catholic ties.</p>
<p>Do not confuse statements by admins that a school is open to students of all faiths as downplaying Catholic connections, or being hostile to Cathoilcism. I just think the Catholic schools, by and large, like all schools want to attact a diverse population and not exclude anyone.</p>
<p>Most non-Catholic students will cetainly feel at home at schools like Villanova, but no one would ever confuse Villanova for being anything but Catholic affiliated. I truly belive that Villanova is very happy about and proud of its Catholic heritage, and there are many ways that students interested in Catholic things can fully participate (eg masses, Campus MInistry...). Villanova is overwhelmingly Cathoilic in terms of the student.</p>
<p>Catholic schools have a fine line to tow: trying to be respectful and proud of their Catholic heritage, and not turing off non-Catholics.</p>
<p>In terms of finaid, I don't think that thye are the most generous, but they do have a merit aid program, but you need ot file your finaid forms, even if you don't qulaify for need-based aid to get it.</p>
<p>Hmm...this is actually kind of interesting. Personally, I didn't think that downplayed the catholicism to prospective students at all. I think it's a big part of Villanova. They do however emphasize that you do not have to be catholic to go to the school and that anyone can feel comfortable. I think it's really what you want to make of it. If you want to go to church every on Sunday's the very respectable however I don't think you'll find that the majority of the students will do the same although there are some. I think most of the people here were raised catholic but don't really practice the religion. I'm getting this from my personal experiences here. If you're looking for a catholic school with very religious students it's probably not the place for you but if you just want to be religious yourself there that's fine and its def not hard to find religious things. And yeah I'm not really sure about the financial aid part of it because I didn't apply for it but I don't think they're that generous.</p>
<p>Watch out Katie! VNGirl called me a LIAR for saying noone I knew had ever heard of VN!! She said "Bandnerd, you really need to stop telling lies about Villanova. Don't tell me that no one in your area has heard of Villanova." Obviously, it is not known in DFW or Katy!! AND I am NOT a liar!!!</p>
<p>LOL bandnerd! Villanova is so small that not many people in the Houston area know of it either. Especially the kids, well, my friends, anyway. I think it is more known on the East Coast than out here.</p>
<p>Villanova is not as well known on the West coast as it is on the East, but it may be better known in Europe than in Texas. How's that, you say? Because it has an international reputation in track and field and has sent someone to the Olympics in every Olympiad since 1948, including tons of Irish runners, male and female. </p>
<p>Last time I looked, Villanova had students from 48 states, but most are from the East. Your Texas origin will be a plus in the admissions process.</p>
<p>Is Villanova Catholic? Of course it is. About 85% of the students are Catholic. It is owned and overseen by the Augustinian Order, which traces it's heritage St. Augustine, one of the founding fathers of the church. You can go to Mass on that campus a couple of times a day, every day, if you want to. I don't recall anyone doing that when I was there, but I do remember some daily communicants.</p>
<p>So, obviously it's a very comfortable place for Catholics. The trick is to maintain that atmosphere, while also making it a welcoming campus for non-Catholics. I don't believe they did that terribly well when I was there decades ago, but I think the campus makes huge efforts to do so now.</p>
<p>Thanks so much, y'all! I got worried with those kids posting from the EA weekend that the administration was avoiding/downplaying the religion.</p>