<p>That statment on their viewbook says it out. I went with my sister to move her in again this year. And oh wow....I think I fell in love w/ it. I always have liked Notre Dame, but that indescribeable feeling that I felt from the moment I stepped on campus....I was in love. So Penn was originally my first choice, but now, I'm not sure anymore. I'm coming up for a football game this year, and if it's as fun as just being on campus, then Notre Dame will definitely be my #1. There's more to this school than just the academics. The Notre Dame family, the faith-based mission of the school, the athletics ;). Anyone else felt this way immediately after visiting/revisiting campus?</p>
<p>I think a lot of people will agree with your feelings, and I can almost assure you that it will only be stronger after a football game. However, I think most of us, including myself, would argue that you would get a better education at Penn. Both are great schools with great faculties, and you will have all the resources you need...the rest is up to you. Go where you are most comfortable, but yes, this is truly an amazing place.</p>
<p>Daughter felt just like you two years ago after a summer law experience program....as luck would have it she was accepted to Penn (not State :) ) and did not really want to go there (great school... location is lets just say ugh,long story short she ended up on the waitlist for ND and finallly got the call this year as a transfer. She loved it so much she choose to go the SMC and loved her first year. There really is magic at ND and also in the sound of their name......... Go Irish..... Good luck KSAzN. Follow Irish 68178 threads he gives good advice and counsel he should be on the payroll for ND :)</p>
<p>Son is a freshman just starting ND. Dad went to Penn and son probably could have been accepted EA to Penn based on scores and legacy. But, it was ND for him as well. He is loving it!</p>
<p>So is it like religious? Very "faith-based"?</p>
<p>Thank you for the compliment SMC/ND09. Unfortunately I don't think admissions likes me too much; I was honest about what I do and they now won't return my emails, but I am glad to help or at least give my opinions. I hope they are helpful. Thanks again!</p>
<p>Enn, perhaps the best way to ask this is in a new thread so you get responses. That being said, if you are asking about ND, it is a faith-filled place but it is only as religious as you want it to be. Yes, you have to take Theology, but religion is not forced on you and you are not condemned if you are not Catholic. I hope that helps!</p>
<p>Regarding Faith-based--there is an availability of masses, priests, etc. Son is NOT catholic but is not the least bit intimidated by all of it. I know that he will probably attend services and it is up to him to find his way in faith. If he wants to convert because of his exposure at ND, we have no problem with it. Actually, in this day and time, we found the religious aspect to be somewhat comforting. Notre Dame makes it very clear that they are a Catholic University--85% of students are catholic.</p>
<p>You have to take theology? Do you study all religions?</p>
<p>It kind of scares me that there's a religious aspect at all. No offence to people of faith (whichever one it is) but I think I'd be more comfortable in a more.. liberal.. school, I guess.</p>
<p>Again, son is NOT catholic, and as of now is not the least bit intimidated. Don't know about the structure of his Theology class, but this is college! Learn something new, try to gain exposure to different things. I don't think Notre Dame has intentions of forcing the religious aspect on anyone. By the way, Philosophy is also required. Son took it in high school and I suspect that he is going to find the theology much more interesting as he thought that Philosophy was too deep--even at the high school level!</p>
<p>The religiosity of Notre Dame will only scare you if you are afraid of religion. I am Catholic but I would have to say I understand how you might be feeling, as I am intimidated (some might say afraid) of Evangelical Christians because many of them believe Catholics are hell-bound! I am a conservative Catholic, but the Catholic Catechism is pretty clear that Catholics are not to judge other people's salvation - as to who is "saved" or not. I do not claim to know the mind of God in these matters, and I like it that way.</p>
<p>That said, I think the mindset of Notre Dame is <em>very</em> open to other religions or even atheists/agnostics. In fact, some of my son's friends at ND are agnostic at this particular time in their lives. ND accepts you where you are.</p>
<p>Let me reassure you a thousand times over: while religion is a part of what ND is, and there is no doubt a presence there that is palpable for many, in no way is it ever, ever forced on anyone. It's almost the perfect place to explore that side of yourself, if you want, because while religion is not forced on anyone, it is acceptable to discuss it. In other words, you are not looked down on or dissed if you are digging into it. Other students don't think you're becoming a religious nut just because you're looking into Buddhism, for example. ND does not ever apologize for it's Catholicity, but it is extremely open minded about those of other faiths, or even those with none.</p>
<p>I know this is college and I should be exploring something new.. but I've done enough exploring of religion and honestly, I just want it out of my life for now.</p>
<p>But yes, ND seems like an alright school and as long as no one's forcing their beliefs on me, then why not? It's the education I want anyway.</p>
<p>...and some of your sons friends are still agnostic, but we are working on one in particular :). Just kidding, but we do joke around with him sometimes.</p>
<p>Anyways, I would echo what docmom said but also say that if the idea of a religious school scares or intimidates you then perhaps ND isn't the right place for you, you know? I am not saying it to be mean, just honest, it isn't for everyone. It is a very open and accepting place and I do not think you will be judged here. However, if you would be more comfortable at a university that does not have a religious affiliation, that is definitely something to keep in mind when you visit colleges! It isn't a bad thing, you just have to think about what is important to you and what will make you the most comfortable. Good luck!</p>
<p>Sorry, I wrote my last post before seeing your post, but some of it may still be true. Just think about where you will be most comfortable, where you click, because I think you will find in the long run that you can get a good education nearly anywhere, but it is important to that education that you are comfortable and feel like you are at the right place.</p>
<p>True.</p>
<p>I'm going to apply anyway. But I might have to tweak my essay a little bit, since I mentioned that I'm pro-gay rights and that might be a little too much for ND.</p>
<p>I don't know that I would tweak it if it is something you are passionate about. This is a University, albeit Catholic, and part of being a University is having a bunch of different views. The main thing I think is that people are passionate, regardless of what it is passionate about.</p>
<p>If it doesn't really matter too much to you, yes I would take it out. If you are passionate about it, however, I would keep it in there. It definitely may set you apart from the crowd.</p>
<p>Yup, it'll set me apart from the accepted crowd, lol. It was just a sentence mentioned in the essay -- no biggy.</p>