<p>Tim: why wouldn't she/he be, they're all great schools. There really isn't an obvious one in the group. Some people make the mistake of being so into a school they are unwilling to recognize the strengths of other great universities. While ND offers a strong spiritual presence, it is often criticized for being very homogeneous and closed-minded about certain issues in comparison with other universities of similar academic status. ND is a great school, but has a long way to go in terms of the student body accepting people of all racial and socioeconomic statuses.</p>
<p>Michigan embraces diversity perhaps more than the other two, but its size catches many people off-guard. </p>
<p>UVA is immaculate in campus structure, yet its stereotypical preppiness-unwarranted or warranted-is a problem for some.</p>
<p>In the end, they are all awesome schools, with pros and cons to share. You can't go wrong, pick what feels right.</p>
<p>bdmrad: Interesting perspective! Funny you mention your non-existent ties to UM, all of the alums I know (and I know quite a few of them) couldn't say enough about their experience there. Neither can the ND grads. Glad your son is enjoying his time at ND though, it's a fabulous school!</p>
<p>its funny that you guys complain about Michigan's size. I don't see it as a big problem. Yes, I admit the classes are big, but that doesn't mean it's really affecting learning. Besides, for most of your big lecture classes, you also have discussion sessions which have 20-25 people. Size isn't a problem at all. -20F wind chills in February is.</p>
<p>I wouldn't say my ties are nonexistent. I still occasionally go to games, follow Michigan FB on TV, wear Michigan paraphernalia, and donate as an alumnus. The tie just doesn't seem the same emotional one that I see in former Domers. I shouldn't say former - once a Domer always a Domer.</p>
<p>1) Liberal vs conservative. Michigan students and faculty tend to be left of center. Not as radical as Cal or Reed, but still rather liberal. Notre Dame and UVa tend to be more conservative. </p>
<p>2) College towns: Ann Arbor, Charlottesville and South Bend are all college towns, but they are largely different. Ann Arbor is larger than the other two, with more variety and things to do. Ann Arbor is also more centrally located, with a major international airport within 20 miles of campus (one that can fly you home direct) and the amenities that come with one of the nation's 10 largest cities. South Bend and Charlottesville are not quite as centrally located. Also, like the University of Michigan, Ann Arbor tends to be quite liberal whereas Charlottesville and South Bend, like their universities, tend to be conservative.</p>
<p>3) Academics: All three are excellent universities. Michigan is larger than UVa and UVa is larger than Notre Dame but all of them provide great and individualized undergraduate experiences. All three have excellent programs accross the traditional academic disciplines.</p>
<p>4) Alum Loyalty. I disgaree with bdmrad. Some Michigan alums do not love Michigan, just as some alums who attended any school do not love their school. However, on average, Michigan alums are fiercely loyal, possibly more so than the alums of any university. The same can be said of UVa and Notre Dame alums. Furthermore, alums from all three schools are very successful and influencial.</p>
<p>5) Graduate school/professional placement: All three schools excel at both. </p>
<p>There really is no one right answer for you. You should visit all three schools and decide for yourself which school feels most "right" for you.</p>
<p>
[quote]
its funny that you guys complain about Michigan's size. I don't see it as a big problem. Yes, I admit the classes are big, but that doesn't mean it's really affecting learning.
[/quote]
Seriously...I agree with you. This isn't grammar school where you need close nurturing.</p>
<p>The larger classes are usually introductory math, science and econ courses. There is very little need to exchange ideas and debate. Facts are facts. The humanities courses usually have much smaller classes. Also, all of the larger classes have smaller discussion sections.</p>
<p>yea i agree too, i don't know why people make small class size such a big deal, and most elite schools have the same formats and class sizes in reality, they just advertise it differently to attract certain groups.</p>
<p>Have you spent time at each campus?Three unique places.UVA is very classy.Awesome Charlottesville.South Bend totally sucks.Yet ND is so special.The student body is virtually all super smart,Catholic,and very athletic.The networking and ties to the school and each other among Domers surpass that of any other school.To me it would be a choice between ND and UVA.You absolutely must spend time on each campus.</p>
<p>tigers: interesting input, perhaps it would be beneficial to the OP to explain why you left UM off your list? But I agree with what you wrote about those two schools.</p>
<p>my sister goes to UVA. she likes it alot. one of the biggest party schools so if you like that kind of stuff then youll have fun. if not youll still be able to find stuff to do. seems to have a high preppy kid percentage however. i still like the place alot tho.</p>