Hey everyone, alongside many other college seniors I have decided to make a post requesting information about the three schools listed above. I am planning to major in biochemistry and potentially go on the pre-med track.
To give you an idea of my views on each school:
Uva: Very highly regarded science programs with a lot of research opportunities, fun and aesthetically pleasing surrounding area, very greek oriented, work hard play hard, fairly good job placement. My concerns about the school are whether or not the social life will overshadow academics, because while everyone likes to kick back I think it is also important to stay focused on academics. (I am aware of the statistics that only 30% are in a greek, I would argue however that more than 30% take part in greek oriented activities… maybe that’s wrong to assume)
Notre Dame: I am aware that they have a very prestigious science program but need more insight into their social atmosphere as I am very concerned that it is in an area that is too remote for me. Another concern I have is the super catholic identity that everyone has, I am an atheist myself and tend to lean towards the liberal side.
Georgetown: Less known for its sciences, especially in the chemistry field, but amazing opportunities for internships and jobs in D.C. The surrounding area is unbeatable with nature and D.C. right on your doorstep. I have heard that Georgetown can create a somewhat stressful environment however and that the social scene revolves around clubs that are very selective.
All in all, I am looking for a school where I have the opportunities to learn in a prestigious school while maintaining a laid back relaxed environment. (As possible as that is being a biochemistry major. I realize that their is no such thing as total “relaxation”) If you guys could give me some more insight into these schools social atmospheres and the general attitudes of the student body, the things you can’t learn on tours, that would be much appreciated.
I would also just like to mention, I understand that social scenes should not determine where I go to school. This question is more geared towards the attitudes of students and the social environment because I feel that fitting into the right environment is key to success in college.
Additionally, I understand there is a price discrepancy, just ignore that for the time being. I merely want to assess the climates of the schools to see where I would best fit.
It sounds like you have misgivings about all three of these schools. Why these?
You can study biochem/pre-med just about anywhere.
What is your home state? Budget? GPA/test scores? Provide this information and you will probably get better suggestions.
Sounds like you want strong academics but not a cutthroat environment, secular atmosphere (you know that Gtown is also Catholic, right?), and not a crazy party school that is dominated by Greek life.
@mamaedefamilia Because I am a senior that has gotten into these three schools. I am not criticizing these schools I don’t know anything about their social atmospheres… that’s why I asked the question. Georgetown is not nearly as Catholic, and far more tolerant than Notre Dame.
All well-regarded, top schools. You mention you want a laidback vibe so maybe Georgetown won’t be the right fit. I heard that a lot of students are very ambitious and driven. Notre Dame is made up of super smart kids who also like to have fun. As for UVA, you will probably have a mix of people, but most will be from Virginia, so not the kind of diversity you would find at the other two schools. I think you can’t go wrong with any of these schools. Would you be happiest at a school that is more preppy(UVA) or more sporty (ND) or more preprofessional (G-town)?
ND is definitely a work hard/play hard mentality, and many people describe the residential hall life as analogous to greek life so that could be a lot closer to U VA experience than you imagine. Spiritual life and identity is a part of ND and affects campus life, with parietals, having sex being against the student code of conduct etc. Many students accept that as a fair trade-off for the benefits of an ND degree. It is a wonderful institution but may not be for everyone. We know a number of students at ND, and while South Bend is not Chicago, it is not the “sticks.” Georgetown and U VA would win on weather though, that’s for sure.
Have you visited all three? While visits can have a random component to them, you love or hate your tour guide etc., as a parent, I do think there is something to trusting your gut feeling when it comes to three such terrific schools as these.
@crazytaco7 Sorry, I misunderstood - I thought that you were a junior. With your correction in mind, and yes Gtown is much less overtly Catholic in culture than Notre Dame, I’d narrow it down between Georgetown or UVA.
I spent some time in Charlottesville a while back (dated a guy who went to school there) and I found the town to be kind of insular and conservative socially and politically. That may have changed but if your politics are moderate to left leaning, that might be something to investigate.
I would consider both what you want out of life on and off campus.
If you are a Virginia resident eligible for in-state tuition, it is an easy choice. I am not aware of any significant difference in prestige, programs and facilities between these three schools in the science areas you want to study. If you were going for a degree in foreign service or of course, there would be a difference. .
In atmosphere, both Notre Dame and UVa are fairly conservative, one in a “everyone was the class president at a midwestern Catholic high school” way and one in a Southern preppy way. Georgetown is perhaps the least conservative and least Catholic of the famous Catholic schools, and it tends to revolve heavily around the DC political scene. All three of them are very good schools, and all three of them have more of a “preprofessional” vibe than an “intellectual” vibe, if that makes sense to you.
I seriously would disagree with the comment that Notre Dame is a conservative Catholic institution. The school officially acknowledges a variety of student groups like LGBT groups and has made harmony among all students official policy. Yes there are age old policies like parietals and student chastity but the later is purely legacy and certainly not policed in any way. Also, South Bend is not remote at all. Chicago is pretty close as well if you need a big city fix.
OP, if you choose Georgetown because of DC you might be very disappointed with this choice once the romance wears off.
I have not been to UVA, but Georgetown’s campus is not in the same league with ND. ND has many, many times the endowment per student as Georgetown and its obvious when you visit.
Are you really going to leverage many meaningful DC connections related to biochem? If not (and my guess would be “no”), then no real advantage of Georgetown over ND or UVa.
ND and UVa are a toss-up. But since you’re concerned about the Catholicism at ND, unless you’re big on college football, go with UVa.
@OnTheBubble We know a number of recent and current students there at ND, and kids acknowledge the anxiety that goes with having an active sex life – it is different from a non-religious institution in that way. ND has come a long way, but the student GLBT organization was only recognized within the past couple of years, after long fights by students to get recognition which had been turned down in the past. As a community, students are absolutely supportive of each other, and many faculty will be as well. But the official position of the administration is that celibacy for all students on campus is expected.
ND is a superb institution, with great benefits for students. As a college run by the CSC order of priests, students, especially students who identify as atheist, should know what the parameters of the experience would include. Better to weight the pros and cons going into the decision rather than be surprised once committed and on campus.
Chicago is a 90 minute drive, or 2 1/2 commuter train ride from South Bend. South Bend is in something of a renaissance under a progressive (and gay) mayor. Weather will stink, no matter what though.
Thank you all for your input I would just like to clarify one thing. I am not anti-Catholic or concerned about Catholicism, in fact I attend a Catholic high school, I am only concerned about the lack of tolerance for other groups. I understand the “no sex before marriage” aspect of going to school their as well as the parietal rules.
I feel like I have gathered from what you guys have told me about Georgetown that it may be too high strung of an option for me. While the school is very attractive, I need the work hard play hard mentality in my college experience and similarly think that I need the sports aspect. The “professional” and “highly driven” attitudes are good qualities that I think are very necessary in life but at the same time I am a person who can become very stressed when put under a lot of pressure and may need that laid back environment at one of the other two schools mentioned.
At this point it really comes down to each ones social atmosphere.
@crazytaco7 Why don’t you ask on the ND section about the impact of parietals on student life. I believe they are 2 am on the weekends and midnight during the week. You may be overreacting to this.
ND probably has a much closer and supportive community than either Georgetown or UVA.
I have two kids at ND, one of whom had a final choice that came down to ND or UVA. I also have nephews at Georgetown. The three are very, very different. I could spend an hour discussing the differences, but you have to do what is right for you, and if “feel” is what you are looking for I would suggest doing overnights at all 3. I will say that while G’town and, to a lesser extent, UVA, is very connected inside the Beltway, Notre Dame probably has more of a “national” name, reputation, and alumni network.