<p>I just visited Notre Dame/South Bend and it was unlike any other college I have ever visited.The campus along with the admission counselours made it feel as though there is a real family atmosphere at the university.However I was concerned by the lack of diversity (I'm AA) do you think AA's dont get in purely because theyre scores arent par or they just dont want to go to ND. Thanks for your input</p>
<p>I'm glad you enjoyed your visit. I felt the exact same way when I first visited, and so did my sister when she visited last week. Regarding the diversity issue, I think African American students are underrepresented at Notre Dame mostly because they are more interested in other schools. I am not sure about this, but I think there is a smaller percentage of Catholics among African Americans than among Whites or Hispanics, and since ND is about 80% Catholic this may account for some of the difference. (This is all just speculation on my part, so take it with a grain of salt) I definitely hope Notre Dame becomes more diverse, and hopefully the applicant pool will become more diverse to allow that to happen.
Good luck with admissions and your college search!</p>
<p>Additionally, Indiana isn't the most diverse state so that doesn't help. Also, I think people look at the cost and don't even apply (even though ND does offer very good financial aid). Also, I think some of the reason we aren't as diverse is because of our lack of diversity (I know, that doesn't make sense) and people have similar concerns. However, ND seems to be very focused on becoming more diverse and I believe you will find it a very accepting place where they really try to help you with whatever you need. There are many cultural organizations and groups and I would assume that helps some but I don't know (I am sorry I am not more helpful on this, I just am a white male who admits that I have no idea what being a minority is like). </p>
<p>I certainly understand your worries but what I can say is that ND is working very hard to recruit minority applicants and also focuses on making it a welcoming, family atmosphere. I personally think you would do alright at ND, but see how you feel. Perhaps if you can come out again you can talk with a few minority students (I don't know if we have any on the boards anymore or I would refer you to them) and ask how their experience has been. I actually had my African American friends graduate last year and I don't have their contact info but if I come across it I will definitely ask them if they can help further. I hope that helps some.</p>
<p>Well, emswim and irish pretty much covered it I think. I believe the two big issues are that most Catholics are Caucasian or Hispanic (though I think both the Asian and African-American/immigrant populations are growing) and that many African-Americans are scared off by the supposed lack of diversity. Also, I know there was some black magazine that really ripped on ND for having so few African-Americans and argued that the lack of diversity couldn't be explained by the Catholic issue (they used Georgetown as an example- although Georgetown has a much lower percentage of Catholics in the student body than ND). Anyway, I wish you luck with your college search and the admissions process!</p>
<p>Not that this will help, but I would like to clarify a difference between Georgetown and ND. Whereas Georgetown has forsaken their Catholic identity and has become a private school with a distant Catholic history, ND embraces its Catholic roots and nature. Because of this, Georgetown is simply seen as a private university whereas ND is seen as a Catholic one.</p>
<p>Congrats on your 1,000th post Red! Also, a very good point made. I know many Catholics that don't consider Georgetown to be a Catholic school.</p>
<p>This response comes from an ND Alum, and current ND parent. I remain very active with the local Alumni Club and I can tell you that we are making a concerted effort, at the direction of the University, to get the word out to high schools in the local area that Notre Dame welcomes AA (and other minoruty) students. We work with high school guidance departments in inner city schools to get them to encourage minority students to apply to ND. Not being AA I cannot speak to the experience. But if I were you I would ask the ND Admissions Office if you could contact a member of the Black Alumni Assoc. of Notre Dame (BAND) in your area. They would welcome contact from a prospective student.</p>
<p>Thank you for all of your opinions regarding this issue as I said before this is the only thing that worried me about ND.</p>
<p>Hi everyone! This is my first post, but as a current Georgetown student (who almost attended ND) with a strong family presence at both GU and ND, I feel that I should respond. Georgetown prides itself on upholding its Catholic and Jesuit background. Georgetown was founded to be an "enlightened" Catholic school. For several posters to state that Georgetown is not "Catholic enough" needs only to visit with the Jesuits who reside on every floor, attend daily mass with the Jesuits, or walk around campus. While Georgetown's location in DC does bring in a more diverse and liberal student body, for one to say that GU has foresaken its identity has clearly never set foot on campus or he or she is afraid of attending a Catholic school which prides itself on accepting and introducing other religions to the Catholic mainstream. Sorry if this sounds strong, but as a devout Catholic, this is truly near to my heart.</p>