<p>Huge classes could be avoided by tbeing in Honors. Honors classes are much smaller. Honors also has benefit of priority registration.</p>
<p>^ That might be relevant if the OP said she was in the Honors Program at either ND or UVA which, to the best of my recollection, she did not.</p>
<p>Just a note on bell curve grading… I’d take that any time over ‘cooperation’ with fellow students etc. and no curve. And, with all due respect to expensive schools in general, I would not expect anyone paying $50k/year would hold the elevator for me, let alone help me in a class. </p>
<p>Also, I’ve met my share of ND grads and worked with a few - the networking is good but I’m not sure I did not detect a bit of ‘disdain’ towards us graduates of ‘lesser’ schools (Purdue :)). Maybe I imagined it… My neighbor’s kid is there paying full fare.</p>
<p>Turbo93: “Just a note on bell curve grading… I’d take that anytime over “cooperation” with fellow students etc. and no curve.”</p>
<p>Could you explain your reasoning on that? Just curious, not arguing.</p>
<p>turbo93–funny–one ND grad friend has a son at Purdue, they still talk :D.</p>
<p>Curve is a way of life in some schools and especially undergrad. If a test is hard and everyone does ho-hum, then everyone benefits. </p>
<p>In my view, at least, cooperation is more likely in some majors, but not as much as one would think. I’m a much better computer whiz than I would have been if I had not taken many hours to help friends and buddies. But that was back in the early 80’s. Today, again, in my view, realities are different, and if one is paying serious tuition, it may seem as a dog eat dog world. </p>
<p>I saw a huge difference in cooperation between undergrad and grad school for example… In undergrad, it was not as much about getting thru. In grad school, if it was me or Johnnie getting the grade, it could be me or Johnnie going to Intel or Motorola… </p>
<p>I was in college for 14 years in the 80’s and 90’s and really even at Purdue for more grad school I did not see much ‘cooperation’. No backstabbing, obviously, but not cooperation either. </p>
<p>If I could editorialize for a bit, one can readily see this in the workplace as well. My company employs mostly geezers due to location (Fly Over Country) and we’re as helpful to each other as it gets. Younger workers are not as accustomed to being either at the helping or the receiving end of it, at least from my perception; friends at the west coast report the same…</p>
<p>Just my perception, tho. In Elbonia it would not be uncommon to get a call at 6 PM to go and help a friend with a studio project due the next day, work till early AM hours, then have a few too many beers and roasted pig feet or some such (Elbonian delicacy), then sleep over - if any - and stumble to class the next morning. In the US, with the tuition meter running, I seriously doubt it.</p>
<p>Thanks for your perspective, Turbo.</p>
<p>Because you are conflicted, and there are so many posts here, i am going to add some thoughts that seem pretty basic. The whole reason that you are going to college is to get an education. You want to have the opportunity to get a job, a really good one, when you are done.</p>
<p>The idea that you are supposed to have fun in college, that it is akin to more play time before you grow up all the way, has no merit. Fun is overrated. You need to think about the big picture. Besides the truth is that you have no idea if you are going to have a better time going to one of the full pay schools over the ones that are offering you money.</p>
<p>You don’t want to have your parents sacrificing. Their sacrificing will also be yours as well. To actually plan on that when there is another financial choice available is not a good idea. Not having enough money is not fun in any way.</p>
<p>Go to Tulane. The weather there is nice. The city and surrounding area is laid back and can be tons of fun. You could make some connections there that will last a lifetime. Plus if you go there, that means there will be extra money floating around at home when you need some help, or want to visit home, or want to buy a car…</p>
<p>I’m sure you’ve all had trouble sleeping at night, wondering what I decided (haha)… but in case anyone was wondering, I’ve decided on Notre Dame! I’m really excited and very grateful to my parents for giving me this opportunity. Thanks to all of you for your help and support!</p>