<p>I posted this on the ND forum, and I just wanted to post it on this forum to get some other opinions:</p>
<p>I have been accepted to both...and I must make a very tough decision between the two of them. Both are top schools. Both have incredibly good academics, food, and quality of life for students. WUSTL does not have D1 sports, but other than that...what are the differences? and which, in your opinion, is better?</p>
<p>I believe that WashU is definitely more prestigious academically. However, these are clearly both excellent schools, so I would just go with your gut and were you feel like you'll be the happiest for four years. Also, check into the specific academic program you are looking at. If you are looking at premed, I think ND would be hard to justify. Good luck with your choices and congratulations!</p>
<p>I think you have it pretty well figured out already: they ARE both great schools, and DI sports is the biggest differentiator to me. What a wonderful dilemma to have!</p>
<p>I suggest you visit each again. As you visit, You are likely to get a gut feel one way or the other, and I would follow it, i.e. do not over think it. </p>
<p>On the top of my head, these are the factors where you might find the most differences. You may find your do not care about some of these, and you can cross them from the list. </p>
<ol>
<li>DI sports</li>
<li>Size</li>
<li>Proximity to major city</li>
<li>Strengths in your chosen program of study</li>
<li>Student demographics, especially as it relates ro religion</li>
</ol>
<p>So, Notre Dame is REALLY religious. My S thought about applying, but decided he wouldn't be comfortable there. And he's Jewish and is an accepted student at Marquette, where the Jewish population of the school will go up like 50% if he decides to attend. But we liked Marquette a lot and thought he would be comfortable at Marquette.</p>
<p>The first question on Notre Dame's student life FAQ's is What is spiritual life like at ND? Would be surprised if that was very many students' first FAQ :)</p>
<p>I applied to and was admitted both and i've visited ND, but look forward to visiting WashU in April. So far with my experience at ND, I can elaborate on HartinGA's outline
1. sports - ND is the better opportunity in my personal viewpoint
2. ND is bigger of course (i think almost double), don't know if size is an issue for you. another thing is that the campus is a family oriented one, so you'll often find people from south bend strolling the campus (with their kids) so there often is more than just students on campus. i think they come for the pretty darn good food :)
3. St. louis is obviously bigger than south bend, which is the saddest town i've ever seen (i've grown up in a big city), but south bend is about 2 hours from chicago. haven't been to st.louis but chicago is pretty awesome. personally, i would take that drive. the question of course is, how often will you go off campus?
4. as far as academics as a whole- WashU hands down. their flexibility in programs (you can major and double minor if you spend the time) are more facilitated. I'm all into the flexibility in scheduling so one thing i dislike about ND is their 1st year college where all freshman pretty much take the same courses and seminars
5. ND is very very Catholic. no joke. but you can deal. no big if you don't go to mass. but as long as you're conservative, then you can survive. I am personally a Catholic so I don't mind, but they even enforce parietals which I think is a little too much. If you're a minority, you'll stick out like a sore thumb and it might take a while to adjust. </p>
<p>so that's mine on notre dame</p>
<p>ND is Catholic. They have, I think, required theology classes, etc. It also very much influences general "vibe". Most students who go there are looking for that vibe. If you are comfortable with it - great, but you have to be aware of it.</p>