<p>Just a quick disclaimer: this is not meant to offend anyone or be taken the wrong way also sorry if it sounds like I'm blabbering. I was recently accepted into ND EA, and I am so very excited about that. I visited once and really loved it and I will be doing an overnight visit soon. Despite all this I am beginning to reconsider whether or not I want to attend.. my biggest "concern" is that because ND is a religiously affiliated school many students may be more conservative. I've grown up my whole life catholic, but I have to admit that I have many beliefs that do not exactly "match" with the that of the church. One of the largest ones is that I am pro-choice, and support women's reproductive rights. Similarly I believe that some of catholic beliefs are a tad out-dated and some are a tad misogynist. AGAIN I DONT MEAN TO OFFEND. Despite these beliefs I am very open minded and willing to listen to anyones opinions, I am just worried that the majority of students (since it is a catholic school and i know a large portion of the students are catholic) might not be so open and accepting of mine... also it bothers me when people are ignorant and refuse to listen to anyone's beliefs other than there own.</p>
<p>While naturally most students are pro-life, I don’t see this being much of a problem for you, unless you’re a person who really loves to debate about those types of issues. Still, even if you are really outspoken, it’s not like all anyone talks about is religion around here. I’m sure you’d have no problem finding friends who share your interests.</p>
<p>If you haven’t already done your overnight, then these are the kinds of questions to explore on your visit. While the students are generally tolerant, one question to consider is how might you feel about your institution, your alma mater. Will you feel angry, betrayed? Or accept that institutional priorities are different from yours? ND is pursuing its legal argument that, as an exercise of religious freedom, it should not have to provide birth control coverage to employees as part of its health insurance. Similarly, buses of kids go to DC for the March for Life on the anniversary of Roe v. Wade. How do you feel about that? What about parietals in the dorms? Or the institutional reluctance to recognize a GLBT student organization? Is it a sticking point or something you can balance with all the other pluses about the university? Only you can sort this out</p>
<p>From the ND kids we know, they are generally a tolerant, welcoming group, and too well-mannered to make someone feel badly about their views. </p>
<p>Congratulations on your acceptance. You should be fine. Many Catholics, particularly college aged ones, share your views. But you should get a better feel during your overnight.</p>