My son was recently accepted at both Notre Dame and University of Michigan and is trying to decide between the two. Aside from cost, what are the pros and cons of each school and which would you choose? He is planning on majoring in neuroscience and is a smart quietly social kid. Thoughts?
Congrats on two great choices. Probably the first question has to be about religion: does your son want to go to an actively Catholic school? Some Catholic schools are relatively secular and even non-Catholics would be comfortable (Georgetown, BC), but Notre Dame is actually pretty serious about its Catholicism. It’s not “background noise.” Catholicism permeates daily life there.
I agree with sheepskin00. Academically, both are stellar. But they offer vastly different college experiences. Go for fit.
I agree that the religion thing will be a major consideration, as it transcends onto social and cultural atmosphere among other things.
Ann Arbor is a nicer college town than South Bend, and Michigan has more biological/medical research. Academics overall are superb at both universities. Both have very active alumni networks, though I’d give a slight edge to ND. Both have great sports cultures. Michigan is more left leaning than ND, and about half of the students are from the state of Michigan. I’d attend accepted student days and take another tour while campus is in session to help solidify your choice.
Is there a significant price difference?