<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>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>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>@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>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>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>