D has narrowed choices to USD and LMU. OOS. Has received merit aid to both–a bit more from USD, but not enough to swing the decision. Likely starting undeclared, with interests in psychology, environmental programs, religious studies and peace studies, but not a clear idea of what she wants to do career wise. Hard worker (and straight A student) but not overly into academia for academia’s sake (if that makes sense). Strong desire to be involved in community service and study abroad. Also interested in greek life (or service orgs with similarities to that), club soccer, snow boarding clubs, yoga, possible Peace Corps interest. Fairly social, but also likes her alone time. Sees herself as a bit of a hippie with a love for shopping thrift stores. Got accepted EA to LMU and thinks that maybe having that in her head for such a long time before receiving USD acceptance has her naturally leaning that way. Visited both again this week and LOVED LMU. She said hoped to not like USD the next day, but ended up liking it too and is now torn. So sorry for the long post, but appreciate any insight as to whether one school might offer better guidance/environment/fit given her situation. She thinks USD supposedly (by reputation) has a more relaxed/chill vibe, but found the LMU campus to be pretty peaceful and welcoming.
My D is a sophomore at LMU. She fell in love at the visit and has loved it ever since, and we do too. Your D sounds like a Jesuit school would be a good fit for her, with her strong desire to be involved in community service. (There is not religious pressure at all, but there is a culture of service to the community and “cura personalis”…care of the whole person. My D no longer practices our family faith but is community service minded…and she is very happy there). I think my D has experienced and enjoyed the Jesuit culture all the way up to the Deans and her professors…she has great relationships with her professors, and we met with her Dept dean at move in…all incredibly warm, helpful, and show a true passion for education and care of the students. LMU has some amazing stats for community service hours. D is a good student, hardworking, not into heavy partying, and has definitely found her crowd…ambitious (but not competitive), hard working, fun students who like to explore local food stuff, museums and yes thrift shops. She’s made many acquaintances of different types of kids too. I personally think the size is perfect.
I don’t know anything about USD but can say that LMU seems quite chill and friendly. We all went to family weekend last year so got to be around a lot of students and families…all friendly, helpful, happy. I know there is a good fitness center with group classes, also yoga academic classes if that makes sense (for credit, not at the fitness center), off campus Greek life (D’s roommate is involved); I know there is a surf club so would imagine there must be a snowboarding club and club soccer. Oh and D is studying abroad this summer, which I love (one month as opposed to a whole semester), many of her friends are doing semesters abroad so it seems quite common.
That should say “non residential Greek life”, not “off campus.”
@TS0104 Thanks much! Very helpful!
they are both good schools there isn’t a wrong choice - even if she’s got to use a coin toss
Congrats
My D is a current sophomore at LMU. She chose LMU over USD and is very happy she did. It is a wonderful school. My S, on the other hand, is currently in graduate school at USD and it is not what he had hoped. The administration is wildly disorganized and the classes are lacking. Obviously under grad and grad school are very different, but that has been our experience. Good luck with your decision.