<p>I was thinking of applying to Georgetown, but am intimidated by the fact that it's a Jesuit school. I've never visited and can't afford to because I live far away, but one of my good friends visited and decided not to apply because she said the "religious environment" was too overwhelming for her. I was brought up in a very secular environment and I think I would feel a little uncomfortable in a school that was ultra-religious and would not fit in. Is the Church a big presense on campus? Are the students very religious? Are there crosses everywhere?</p>
<p>Thank you!</p>
<p>This was a concern of mine as well, as I'm agnostic (and the whole christianity/bible thing is not the scene I want to be a part of). Although I haven't visited either, from what I've read (and heard etc.) the religious factor is not a big issue at all in Georgetown compared to most religious schools. Yes, there are a number of Catholic students, but it is overall a very lenient atmosphere. They don't make you go to church/mass or anything, and the student body is fairly moderate in political views. There is also a sizeable population of jewish students/non-religious. The only truly catholic thing they have is that you can't buy condoms on campus. And they have some Jesuit professors, but I've heard that they are great, interesting teachers. Overall, don't let the religious preference deter you from applying.</p>
<p>The environment is only religious if you want it to be. For example, one of my roommates is super-catholic and super-involved in things like Catholic Daughters and the right to life group, but I'm not involved with anything religious, and there's absolutely no pressure to do so. </p>
<p>There are crosses in classrooms and things like that, but I've never had a professor try to push religion on me or anyone else (including in my theology classes). It's a very religiously tolerant environment here. I'd say about 1/3 of the student population is actually practicing Catholic, 1/3 is practicing Protestant/Muslim/Jewish/etc., and the other 1/3 is atheist/agnostic/non-practicing (although this 1/3 actually might be underestimating it).</p>
<p>Nowadays, most Catholic colleges are barely Catholic; its not good for business. A.M.D.G., indeed.</p>
<p>I visited and could barely tell. The most noticible part of the Jesuit thing that I saw was the Jesuit principles for education and hard work, etc that they follow. Also, in my interview I asked about it. My interviewer isn't Catholic and he said it wasn't an issue.</p>
<p>OP, I go to Georgetown now, and let me tell you, as someone who is not religiously affiliated, I keep on forgetting I go to a Jesuit Catholic University... it honestly is as religious as you want to make it... except for the theology requirement (2 semesters), Georgetown does not impose religion on you at all... and even my theology courses are more philsophy than anything...</p>
<p>Thanks a lot guys! this was a big help.</p>