<p>Could anyone give me a bit of a synopsis (in your own words, not their admission officer's) about each school? Anyone have a preference? I know a lot about schools but not very much about these 4... Thanks!</p>
<p>All provide students with a nice balance of academics and fun college experience. Emory does not have the big time sports programs of the others (but for many students that experience grows old after freshman year). Northwestern and Emory are close to major cities which is an obvious advantage. Emory and Duke students don’t have to endure harsh winters. Northwestern students enjoy a lakefront campus (in early fall and spring).
Admissions is difficult for all with Duke notably tougher.</p>
<p>Other significant difference would depend on intended major I’d say.</p>
<p>You have to take into account that ND has a religious affiliation than the others don’t. That may or may not be a big deal for you, but it is a difference.</p>
<p>These 4 choices are all so very different in terms of size and location! </p>
<p>My son & I did the Notre Dame campus tour this summer (unfortunately ND is a serious reach school for him academically & if he were actually accepted the cost would bankrupt us since we qualify for zero “needs-based” financial aid). That said, he LOVED it and if I were a magic genie who could grant any wish, I’d grant that for him.</p>
<p>The campus is gorgeous, well-laid out and has many lovely places for individual reflection (Basilica, the Lourdes grotto, lakeshore, etc.). Signs of ND’s religious connection are all around (various statues, crucifixes, “touchdown Jesus”, vigil lights, etc.) but the effect is subtle. Since there is no “Greek” presence on campus, the various dorms serve as the social nerve - each dorm has its own mascot and colors (kind of like “Hogwarts”). It was interesting hearing about the “boat wars” where each dorm had to build some floatable device and compete to see which one could get across the lake the quickest without sinking. (BTW - all incoming freshmen are required to prove they can swim. Those that can’t have to take swimming lessons). Evidently they have many dorm competitions of various types throughout the school year which gets kids involved in lots of activities. The dining facilities are first-rate with food that was delicious. There appears to be a great emphasis on community service; the upperclassmen we met were from many diverse places and it seems everyone has done something extraordinary outside of school (a little intimidating to my son who’s above average but not stellar).</p>
<p>The overall impression is that ND cares a great deal for its students and is painstakingly selective with who they accept - they appear to want a well-rounded CLASS rather than well-rounded individuals. You need to really stand out with something unique and special to get accepted; however, those who are accepted appear to become family. The close-knit community of highly-motivated and talented students in a setting that felt safe & secure made this an extremely attractive (albeit impossible) college choice.</p>
<p>I don’t know anything about Northwestern or Emery. I have a brother-in-law who did post-graduate medical studies at Duke. He & his wife both rave about the time they spent there. Some of the best times we as a family have are razzing them when our Wis. Badgers beat their Blue Devils in basketball!</p>