@omnibusjeremius - what did you decide?
Just choose ND over Yale. I went through the same thing…everyone thought I was crazy for leaning toward ND over an Ivy League. My decision was based off my reaction to my acceptances. I was much more emotional about getting into ND over Yale. I’m also an Engineering major and have been an athlete for as long as I can remember. I think the ND community, the intramurals, are more appealing to me than Yale. Oh…my brother is graduating from ND in May…so I just see myself there…a better fit…and its a little closer to home / but still far enough away.
@gpnnynd89 I also just chose Notre Dame over Yale! Although it was a tough decision, Notre Dame has been my dream school for years, and the Notre Dame culture is everything I could ever want from a college. But really, it is an individual choice for everyone. Go to campus, ask to speak with students in your major (not just the tour guides who get paid to sell you how great the school is), and think more about which school you’d regret NOT going to. No matter which you chose, you will end up at an amazing school.
I always think that the reason kids work so hard in high school is to have MORE choices, not less. By having less choices, I mean that idea some families have that their kid should go to the best ranked school they get into. I have heard parents say that! That isn’t a choice. But what if the school the kid really likes isn’t the top ranked school? What if the school a kid really likes is the state school?
Hopefully, when applying, kids pick only schools they would be happy attending. Once the acceptances are in hand, then choosing the one that makes the most sense for that particular kid is the way to go, not necessarily just choosing the highest ranked or best reputation based on that alone. If you choose Princeton over ND, do so because it makes the best sense for YOU. If you choose ND over Princeton, do so because it makes the most sense for YOU. Frankly, with those two schools, there will be plenty of opportunities, excellent teaching, smart and talented classmates. Other aspects of the college experience then can come into the decision. Good luck!
hi everyone,
thanks for the input. I visited ND and then Princeton this week and it looks like I’ll be committing to Princeton. its hard for me to choose between two schools that feel like home but I just found there to be more opportunities at Princeton that will allow me to grow (small, intimate Catholic community, free instrumental lessons, certificate programs, etc.)
I’ll always love ND and will still cheer for the Fighting Irish but I feel like princeton is the better fit for me. again, I really appreciate everyone’s input!
signing off. PM me if you wanna get in touch
It’s great when you can’t go wrong with either choice. My D will be joining you this fall and probably will see you at Mass 
It is wonderful that the posters here: 1) had great options; 2) thoughtfully considered their top options; and 3) made the choice that felt right. Best of luck to everyone.