<p>I know this sounds a little crazy, but let me explain... </p>
<p>Notre Dame was always my first choice college, but then I got into Stanford (unexpectedly, of course). I am Catholic, from the Midwest and interested in political science. I want to make good political connections, and I want to go to a top law school (Harvard, Yale, Columbia). </p>
<p>Here are my pros and cons for each choice. I am getting desperate as the May 1 deadline looms. Please, please give your thoughts!!!! I want a good college experience, but I also want to set myself up for a successful future! </p>
<p>Thanks!!</p>
<p>Stanford:</p>
<h1>5 US News (most selective college this year)</h1>
<h1>2 Political Science US News</h1>
<p>Well-known professors (Condoleezza Rice, etc)
Shifting towards quantitative side of political science (I prefer theory)
Connections based in Silicon Valley, but very important people
Grad student centered
The Polisci Department seems bureaucratic (limited opportunities)
The department doesn't hold very many events/programs/speaker series
Related clubs are small, so I would have more leadership opportunities
Great chances for admission to top law schools I want to attend (but maybe harder to distinguish myself from other applicants from my college)
Great reputation for career/future in politics</p>
<p>Engineering/science focus
Quarter system (this is a huge plus for me)
Spread out campus, definitely less sense of community
Far away from home and culturally different than what I'm used to (I'm from the Midwest)
More intellectual, less party culture (good)
Beautiful campus outside
Safety.. bike theft is a problem, and multiple kids go to the hospital every day in bike accidents
Great weather</p>
<p>Notre Dame:</p>
<h1>18 US News</h1>
<h1>36 Political Science US News</h1>
<p>Accessible, caring faculty
Connections with Catholic leaders (maybe exclusively??)
Focused more on political theory (good)
Undergrad centered
I have gotten to know the undergraduate director of the department, and he is very, very nice
Many events and programs in the department
Related clubs are huge, so I wouldn't have as many leadership opportunities
Very few students admitted to top law schools I want to attend
Not as impressive of a reputation outside of the Midwest/Catholic community (but great alumni network) </p>
<p>Social Studies focus
Semester system (I prefer quarters)
Smaller campus and stronger sense of community
Near home (6 hours) and familiar culture (Midwest)
More party culture (not something I really want)
Nicer buildings inside
Very safe, but rather controlled (strict parietals, etc)
Lake effect snow </p>