im considering BC for RD. how dominant is religion here? is it suffocating and omnipresent? or is it just something kids have in common? I would love to go to BC, but if it is mandatory that students attend masses, then that’s a red flag for me. i definitely am not prejudice with religions; i simply have been raised without following a particular one.
thank you!
There is a wealth of valuable information on this subject in this BC forum. Our son went from never wanting to set foot in a Catholic church again (during high school), to telling us he was so glad he went to a Jesuit college (BC).
There will be crucifixes in the classrooms and other Catholic iconography around campus and you will see the occasional priest or sister on campus. If you are OK with that you will be fine.
@jpm50 so, he never felt pressured into any religious events? also, how well of an environment does BC serve to the LGBTQ community? has your son mentioned any of that?
so, he never felt pressured into any religious events?
Sounds like you didn’t read through past replies from students.
how well of an environment does BC serve to the LGBTQ community?
Does BC foster open thinking and acceptance of everyone, including LGBTQ? Definitely.
Is that enough for you? Only you can answer that.
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If you really want to attend BC (and it’s an awesome school), I encourage you to spend time reading through past replies on this subject since it appears important to you. You should internalize why you want to attend BC, because when the adcoms read your application, it will better help them understand how you’ll add value to the student body.
There a a bunch of Catholic students who attend mass two times in four year: Orientation mass, since the 'rents are in town; graduation mass, since the 'rents are in town. 
The Jesuit philosophy is very welcoming – surprising number of atheists on campus who also believe in a liberal arts education and giving back to the community.
I don’t think your a good fit for a Jesuit university. If your focus is religion, then your essays won’t truly show why a Jesuit institution will admit you. Do you understand at all the Jesuit mission? Or do you just see BC and Notre Dame as highly ranked institutions and seek to go there. The Jesuit ideals are lifelong endeavors and if you have no idea what they are, probably best to apply somewhere else that is highly ranked. Are you willing to stare down a death squad with no fear because your social justice cause is more important than your own life? The Jesuits have a mission, and their schools reflect that mission. If you must, look up Professor Porter of Yale University. Mr. Porter knows well how the Jesuit education is superior.