How big an issue is religion at Villanova........??

<p>I know that G-Town down plays the religion thing..... in fact, about 10% Jewish as I recall. Is Nova really into the religious thing that any non-Catholics might as well not apply ? Thanks. Best to all.</p>

<p>im jewish, i go to villanova, and i fit in pretty well. enough said haha</p>

<p>Think kbisus is right. Villanova is Catholic, but the school makes it very clear that non-Catholics are welcome.</p>

<p>I think the answer to your question "is Villanova so into the religious thing" that non-Catholics might as well not apply," would be: Of course not. You should apply. You'll be welcome.</p>

<p>But it's Catholic. In that sense, there's at least a religious dusting over the place. No one, not even the Catholics, are required to attend religious services. So that wouldn't be a problem. The curriculum requires a smattering of theology. I don't know if that applies to non-Catholics or not. You might ask the admissions office about that. It may not be required, or perhaps non-Catholic take a course in World Religions or something similar to satisfy the requirement. Or, you might be so interested in Mysteries of the Faith that you'd want to study them. Who knows? </p>

<p>A well-known story around Georgetown was that Bill Clinton was so enthusiastic about his theology course as an undergraduate that the Jesuit priest teaching the course invited him out to dinner to encourage him to enter the seminary. The Jesuit was shocked to learn Clinton was a Baptist.</p>

<p>I honestly dont know a Jewish person who's considered going to Nova. Before this year, the last person we sent to Nova was Muslim, though.</p>

<p>Villanova requires 2 courses in theology. One must be a course in Christianity and the other a course is some non-Christian religion such as Islam, Judaism,etc.<br>
The school does not require attendance at religious services, although the Catholic services are very well attended.</p>

<p>I traveled out to Villanova to tour the campus Sunday and Monday. First off, I absolutely loved the school and cannot imagine a more perfect school for me but the religion issue seemed to worry a lot of people on the tour. I, as a Catholic, was not worried and actually liked the Catholicism aspect of the school but I can understand why it would be awkward to attend if you were not Catholic. Though our tour guide reassured everyone that he was not Catholic and he does not feel pressured in any way.</p>

<p>I guess the same issue arises at Georgetown, BC.....</p>

<p>Not even close to Georgetown... BC yes--Georgetown, no way.</p>

<p>I was looking at something else and came across this: About 20% of the Villanova student body is non-Catholic. At Georgetown, the percentage approaches 50%. Boston College? I don't know.</p>

<p>Anyway, the point is this: if you attend Villanova, you need not worry that as you wander around campus students will point you out as the only non-Catholic in the place.</p>