<p>I am currently a freshman at the University of Notre Dame. I am getting mostly all As, but am struggling a bit with my Calc class (probably will end up with a low B or high C). My high school record is very strong, I got a 32 ACT as well as a 4.1 weighted GPA (somewhere in the top 5% of my class). </p>
<p>I am not loving it at Notre Dame. The lack of a big city is getting to me more than I thought--there's nothing to do that isn't university-sponsered. I'm not Catholic (or religious for that matter). I thought this wouldn't be an issue, but I find it hard to relate to many people, because 85% of the student body is Catholic. Furthermore, nearly everyone has the same interests and there really isn't much diversity regarding beliefs, hobbies, etc. Basically, I want to have more fun in college and be at a place that is less sports-oriented and has more diversity (not necessarily racial/ethnic, but diversity of, as I said, beliefs and hobbies). I would like to live in a city (a big city, not Southbend), and would like a school with a bigger party scene (as far as academically elite/strong schools go). Here are some schools I am considering. I am willing to sacrifice at least some prestige for fun/a city/diversity:
Georgetown University
Vanderbilt University
Boston College
University of Southern California
University of Miami (Florida)
George Washington University</p>
<p>Yes, I know Georgetown and Boston College are Catholic, but based on what I have heard, they are not nearly as Catholic as Notre Dame (in student body or in school policy). Also, are there any other schools I should look into? Thanks very much.</p>
<p>One final note: I am a humanities major, at Notre Dame (provided I stay) I will be majoring in probably political science and history--I would like to major in international relations if it is provided at a school (Georgetown was my number one choice while in high school, but I did not get in).</p>
<p>I’m not sure why you are posting on this forum. Most responses here will be from people who are enthusiastic about ND. I noticed you posted the same information on the College Selection forum and have received some responses.</p>
<p>I am sorry that your college selection did not work out as you hoped. I might humbly suggest that your statement, “I am willing to sacrifice at least some prestige for fun/a city/diversity” points to a huge potential problem. Reconsider the factors you use in making your selection. Opting for the prestige of ND did not work out and I don’t think sacrificing prestige for fun/a city/diversity will work much better.</p>
<p>I agree with rmldad that this is primarily filled with people who are happy with their ND experience. My best advise would be to: 1) use the rest of this semester and next semester and make a real effort to find your niche at ND be it through clubs, academics or anything else 2) if you are still unhappy at ND carefully analyze what you don’t like about ND and if you consider transferring look for schools that will be different enough to satisfy what you want in your college experience – I’m not sure that some of schools you picked (Georgetown, BC) are significantly different from ND other than that they are in or near cities. I think the suggestion of Emory makes sense. 3) keep in mind that the “grass is not always greener” – it can be hard to transfer into a school – a great many friendships are made freshman year when people are seeking out new friends and it can be harder to break into a group when you transfer into a school 4) if you need merit aid to go to college, that is much harder to come by as a transfer student 5) in the end you should do what is the right thing for you.</p>
<p>Most people here love the school. I don’t but I stuck it out, and my opinion of the place improved the closer I got to senior year. As a senior, I’m ready to leave but I’m glad I stuck it out, it was worth it. I don’t think the same will happen for you, as I wasn’t really upset about the lack of fun or the city size. It was the really square and homogenous people, the weather and poor dorm living conditions that upset me- when I moved off and got a car that fixed itself. </p>
<p>Therefore, I would advise you to transfer based on what you said about looking for more of a fun time and diverse people. Focus on the DC area or the east coast, preferably somewhere with a bit milder climate as well. That would be my advice. Also, don’t let anyone catch wind of the fact you want to transfer, keep it on a need to know basis. Don’t tell any kids in your dorm because it will spread like wildfire and they may try to ostracize you. Transferring from ND is almost considered a Mortal Sin.</p>
<p>to the ND students on here, how diverse is Notre Dame? I’m an African American applicant I’ve heard myths about how Blacks don’t belong at ND…will this be an issue for me??</p>