Harvard vs. Notre Dame? HELP PLEASE

<p>Hi,
I'd really appreciate your guys's help. You guys are more knowledgeable than me about these schools, so your input would be awesome.
I got into U of Chicago, Cornell, Dartmouth, Notre Dame, Harvard.</p>

<p>Right now it's between Harvard and Notre Dame. I went out to Harvard and thought it was alright; it's very urban. (I'm from a small town in Nebraska). My reservation is that Harvard is a lot of work and not a lot of fun.</p>

<p>Notre Dame appeals to me because I am Catholic and looking to continue this into college. However, Notre Dame's resources can't compare to the insane amount of opportunities/connections that Harvard offers.</p>

<p>I feel a lot of pressure to choose Harvard because I have been told countless times that it would be crazy to say no to Harvard. I'm really torn between which school would be better.</p>

<p>I also have UNL (University of Nebraska at Lincoln). However, after all of this UNL would be a tough pill to swallow. I hope I will not have to attend UNL.</p>

<p>UNL cost = free
Harvard = 20/yr
Notre Dame = 24/yr</p>

<p>Cost is important. At this point, though, I am willing to go into debt at the hope that Harvard or Notre Dame will be a better fit for me and that the investment will pay off in the long run. Thoughts?</p>

<p>Thanks so much</p>

<p>If I were you I would choose Harvard because it’s cheaper.</p>

<p>I’d vote for Harvard as well.</p>

<p>Why not Dartmouth or Cornell. Excellent schools in beautiful, non urban environments.</p>

<p>The Catholic bubble will burst sooner or later; you aren’t going to work for Catholic church after Notre Dame, are you? This is an opportunity to get intellectually challenged and get out of your comfort zone at probably the most famous institution in the world. Think twice before you give it away.</p>

<p>Haha harvards cheaper???!?!?! Thats great then</p>

<p>There is a [Catholic</a> church very close to Harvard](<a href=“http://www.stpaulparish.org%5DCatholic”>http://www.stpaulparish.org), so you can easily participate in religious services and activities there.</p>

<p>Are you’re parents willing to go into debt as well since they’ll need to sign loans to cover $20,000 per year?</p>

<p>Try to get ND to give you more money (send them your Harvard package) – if they dont come up significantly you should go to Harvard.</p>

<p>$80k is alot for undergrad though - are there any other schools that gave you full rides?</p>

<p>@Sam Lee, I agree and know that the bubble will burst. I’m fine with the prospect of going to a non-Catholic college. (Especially since Harvard does have some great opportunities within their Catholic Student Association). However, I got the feeling that Harvard would be a somewhat hostile environment towards my faith, whereas Notre Dame would feel very comfortable.</p>

<p>@Waverly, good point. Both Dartmouth and Cornell were not awesome offers financially. Dartmouth promised to match Harvard for the first year, but no guarantees beyond that. Also, I’m not sure if I can justify being so far away from home/spending so much money for either of those schools vs. Harvard.</p>

<p>@sadilly and @timetodecide12, you bring up good points about financials. I am very concerned about how this is all going to work out. I’d hate to be dug into a debt I can’t get out of, but I also feel trepidation about turning down these opportunities. Bottom line: Is it worth it to go to Harvard or Notre Dame? I was beginning to think “yes” (that I’d be able to make the money back pretty quickly, etc.) Now I’m second guessing it. UNL is not a great fit for me; I could make it work if I have to though. No other full ride options that I’d fit in at.</p>

<p>Harvard is a hostile environment because you have the most intelligent students battling it out to prove themselves in an environment where expectations are through the roof. Just because not everyone is Catholic that does not mean that you’ll feel alone, just go to a catholic church on Sundays you’ll be fine. </p>

<p>My only argument for Notre Dame is that if your a big sports fan then your dumb not to go to Notre Dame. Also I think if academics are not as high a priority as having a fun college experience i think Notre Dame is right for you.</p>

<p>From city-data.com:

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<p>Are you able to defer your admission for one year? If so, I would try to work and build up some savings. Also, schools ranked 20-50 in USNEWS could give you a full ride if you have Harvard stats.</p>

<p>I would probably go Harvard and work hard and pay off my loans. You can do it.</p>

<p>Hi,
Thanks guys.
My question: Is Harvard’s amount of connections/resources that much more valuable than Notre Dame’s?</p>

<p>For investment banking or consulting, yes. Other fields the difference is negligible. Employers will be impressed by both schools, but Harvard has more “wow” factor.</p>

<p>Nebraska or Harvard - Tough choice - What would Buffet do? hmm</p>

<p>20k in loans a year is a lot… I’m surprised that Harvard wouldn’t give you better aid.</p>