<p>Hi everyone!</p>
<p>I have been accepted EA to the College of Arts and Letters at ND and the Lynch School of Ed at BC. I had that college moment at Notre Dame and cried when I was accepted, but I am not sure if BC is a better choice for what I want to study. I am hoping to teach special ed or become a behaviorist for special needs children in the future, and can major in Human Development at BC or Psychologhy/ NeuroScience and Behavior at ND. I am from the Boston area, but I have a sister at ND so the distance doesn't really bother me. As far as alumni network, I think ND's is stronger but maybe not since I have an interest in Special ed? Would you say the overall experience at one will be better than the other? What are the benefits of each? Any information would be helpful in making this decision! </p>
<p>Thanks! </p>
<p>Notre Dame is not only a great school already, but it’s constantly getting better thanks to its massive endowment of nearly 10 Billion. Psychology is one of the largest majors (147 bachelor degrees awarded) at ND and has 4 great concentrations (including developmental). And with an ND degree you would stand a good chance at getting into a great graduate program later on if you decide to go down the path. Parchment.com has 91% of students choosing ND when admitted to both, and the only person I personally know who chose BC over ND did it for financial reasons. While both are great schools Notre Dame is usually the better option academically. </p>
<p>I would take the “usually” there pretty carefully: I’m not sure Notre Dame is the best choice if you’re an education major. One of my best friends is an english major who has to take classes at St. Mary’s College (about a mile down the road) to get her teaching degree. She’s going to have to overload seven of her terms in order to do the education+english major, if she wants to be certified when she graduates. Notre Dame does have the ACE program(ace.nd.edu), but that may not be what you’re looking for. </p>
<p>This anecdote may be a moot point if Notre Dame does offer the actual path you want, but I would definitely research what Notre Dame has, and see if admissions can get you in contact with someone who is pursuing a similar track. </p>
Hi @ariexiet13! I know I’m chiming in late, but I am in a similar position! I hope to pursue secondary education, and I am torn between BC and ND. What I love about the Lynch School of Education is the opportunity to have a wide variety of teaching experiences while still an undergraduate. With Boston so close, opportunities in different types of classrooms, be they inner city, parochial, or private, abound. The significant service component of a BC education also provides ample avenues to develop practical skills while volunteering as a tutor, afterschool mentor, etc. But ND seems to have such an amazing sense of community and spirit! I wish you the best of luck with your decision–both are fantastic options!
ND is a great place if it is a fit but it is not a fit for everyone for various reasons including a desired major / course of study that is not offered. Be aware that many students change their majors during the course of their studies. If you are confident in your choice of major, then have confidence in choosing the school that offers the best fit for that major. BC is a good school and you should enjoy 4 years in Chestnut Hill if that is your choice. Congratulations on your acceptances.