<p>I am planning to apply to a university whose stated religious affiliation does not match my own. Is anyone in a similar situation or currently attending a school in which the majority practices another religion? Are there extreme drawbacks to this?</p>
<p>Going to a school where the majority practices another religion is no big deal... I'll face that no matter where I go and I'm not worried at all.</p>
<p>If it's a school where everything revolves around religion (I don't know of any colleges where this is the case), then I might think twice.</p>
<p>Many schools have religious affiliations that are somewhat obsolete. Like, a school was founded under X affiliation, but that was 200 years ago and now exists only in the school's history and name, not student body.</p>
<p>However, there are schools that have religion play an integral part of the college atmosphere and even admissions, and from my experience, if you are not part of the mainstream at one of these schools, it can be overwhelming. Some schools that come to mind are Grove City College, Geneva, Brigham Young, etc.</p>
<p>Really, you just have to research the school; visit, talk to students, talk to the admissions department, and read college guidebooks' takes on the college.</p>
<p>We're hoping it won't matter, as my son is applying at several. He put down "Methodist" on his applications and so far he's been accepted at all the schools. One school even had an optional essay about how his faith is influencing his choice of majors. He wrote up a crash course in Methodism for that one! Another school mentioned that they began the New Student Orientation with Mass. I guess we'd be sitting in the back of the church for that one. Most college web sites list the percentages of students from that denomination. I'd ask the STUDENTS a lot of questions when you visit about the religious aspects of the school.</p>
<p>Why do you want to go to a religious school to begin with? Don't we have enough of Madrassa's in the Gulf that we want to start having same in the US.
I think student should bycott applying to schools that practice any religion.</p>
<p>I think, as most others have said, that it depends on the school and what you are willing to go through as a student of another religion in that school. I'd say that if you think the presence of religion is so strong that it would interfere with your education, then obviously don't go.</p>
<p>And ParentofIvyHope, that was a very ignorant comment.</p>
<p>sunshineyday: Why the comment being ignorant?
I don't think religion does any good thing to a student life, it certainly do bad to individuals life as can be seen from present world events around the globe. The only problem that is keeping us from having peace in this world is religion. So why teach student something that has so negative an impact on their life.</p>
<p>um I don't mean to butt in, but I think that was a very unnecessary, unfounded personal generalization concerning religion. Especially since the OP was not asking whether or not religion is a positive thing, but if there were drawbacks to going to a religiously affiliated college of a different religion. </p>
<p>Next year, I will am going to Georgetown, a Jesuit school. I am quaker. Now the jump is not too big, both are Christian denominations. However it was important to me that the school called them selves a little c catholic school. They encouraged all faiths or no faith and saw the open discussion of theology as a positive. They are one of the few schools in the country who not only have campus ministers, but also campus rabbis and campus imams. The presence of Jesuit philosophy lay in their desire to "Educate the whole person" and teaching leaders to serve their communities. Ideals that appeal to many of us, not just the religious. I believe the religious influence is a positive one at Georgetown and not overwhelming. It fit who I am. That is really the point of all this. I found a place where I was comfortable with the school's philosophy- secular and non-secular. I agree that at certain schools (BYU being the first to come to mind) It would be very difficult to be a non-religious student, but I believe there are very few schools like that let in teh country. Where are you considering, maybe people will have more specific informations concerning the religious presence on creation campuses ?</p>
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The only problem that is keeping us from having peace in this world is religion.
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</p>
<p>HAHAHAHAHAHAHAHA</p>
<p>I'm a lifelong atheist and I think that's self-delusion.</p>
<p>To the OP: My impression is that for most schools affiliated with a denomination, it doesn't have much impact on anymore. There are many non-Catholic students at Boston College, for instance. But it's going to depend on the school.</p>
<p>In plain philosphy religion provides boundaries on the thought process. It is like viewing the real world thru a colored eye glasses or with filter on the side that will narrow your view. At a campus where there is no sign of religion you are still exposed to all the religions in the world as you have student practicing different religions but you don't have filter or colored glasses on.
I think that is a much better environment for any student then going to a particular religion affiliated school where it is being practice as it will narrow your life experiences.
Most people choose these school only to protect their beliefs.</p>
<p>In my opinion any person confound with in a set of man made beliefs is limited and that include atheists. </p>
<p>Religion is man made thing. It is like one person's dream that others are living thru.</p>
<p>I think it depends on what school you're applying to. If you're applying to, say, Georgetown, I think you can avoid religion for the most part, besides the required classes. On the other hand, if you're applying to, say, Catholic University of America, it'll be a different story.</p>
<p>Thanks for your feedback! I am planning to apply to Loyola Marymount University- a Catholic school in California. I'm a non-denominational Christian and considering the school because it is a good school and offers the oppurtunity to play on a Division I team. Does anyone have any specific info on the university?
P.S. ParentofIvyHope: My question leaves no place for an excessive and unwarranted criticism of religion in general. You're not convincing me with your unthoughtful arguments.</p>
<p>I know a couple of Jewish kids at Loyola Marymount - no problems for them. As a Christian, you should be just fine.</p>