<p>hey guys. i was talking to my coach the other day, and i was telling him about the two schools that i've narrowed it down to. And he brought up an interesting point. he told me that if he was in my position he would choose notre dame because "Notre Dame is THE true college experience, it has all the football spirit, and the friendly atmostphere while still being a top university." And i thought about it, and it really is a true college experience.</p>
<p>and that's a secret how?</p>
<p>This may only be true for me but having gone to a college that doesn't have football, I can tell you that it feels like you are missing out on a big part of college life. Perhaps that was just because I was such a big football fan, however. If you are a good student who loves sports, ND does pretty much have it all... there aren't many other schools that can mix excellence in so many sports with academics (Stanford, Duke and North Carolina come to mind but there aren't many). It just makes college life a bit more interesting and certainly more fun (for me at least, but again, I am a sports nut)</p>
<p>i would include usc and mich with those. but yes, good point. alot of the ncaa march madness schools werent really good.</p>
<p>I would not include USC or Mich in the academic elite, but perhaps that is just my own bias :). I will have to go look at the US News rankings...</p>
<p>You are right, they should be included though I don't like it (Michigan is number 25 and USC is 30). I should specify only top 20 universities, lol. However, if UNC is on the list (27) then the other two should be as well.</p>
<p>Michigan, USC, and Virginia are extremely good state schools (and I am an Ohio State fan)</p>
<p>An Ohio State fan? You of all people should know that Michigan isn't good at anything :)</p>
<p>USC isn't a state school...</p>
<p>An Ohio State fan? You of all people should know that Michigan isn't good at anything</p>
<p>I've been an Ohio State fan from birth and attended OSU for a time. When my son was admitted to Notre Dame, I told him a bonus for me was the fact that I could hate Michigan twice. :)</p>