<p>I am a senior who is currently wrapping up the school year at a Catholic HS. This year I applied to many college, Notre Dame not being one of them, and after receiving all my decisions I decided to choose UCLA (OOS) over UVa (OOS), University of Michigan (OOS), Johns Hopkins, Cornell, Carnegie Mellon, New York University, UNC (OOS), and a few other schools. I won't go into detail as to why I chose UCLA over these other schools, but it just occurred to me that while searching for which colleges to apply to, Notre Dame was not in my radar and I completely overlooked it. It might be because I went to Catholic HS and desired a change, but anyways, today I was discussing college stuff with one of my friends (junior) and shes absolutely obsessed with both Notre Dame and UCLA. I told her to apply to both and that she should really look into UCLA because its a wonderful institution. However, while speaking to her, I could feel that she also had a strong attachment to Notre Dame. Since I didn't do any research on Notre Dame (because I didn't apply) I didn't have much to tell her about the school. So I guess my question to you guys is: why is Notre Dame such a great school? At this moment I kind of regret not applying to Notre Dame since I do enjoy being in a Catholic environment, but as of now I don't see how one can be obsessed with both Notre Dame and UCLA as I am pretty sure they are quite disparate schools. Personally, I don't think I would have chosen Notre Dame over UCLA if I had gotten in but can you guys tell me why you choose Notre Dame over your other schools? Would any of you choose UCLA over Notre Dame? Appreciate the help.</p>
<p>ND and UCLA are very different schools indeed. </p>
<p>It is hard to express the aura and tradition of ND in words, but I will try. For a Catholic who enjoys practicing and looking more into his/her beliefs (there are 2 mandatory theo and 2 mandatory philosophy classes), loves the sports environment, and like a community feel on campus there is no better school. ND’s campus is amazing, one of the best in the country, and the tradition that surrounds the school is awesome. There is also a great alumni connections (it was ranked #2 in the country). A lot of top academic schools (like ivys, MIT, etc) are ultra competitive and there is little community feel and a lack of social environment. ND offers superb academics with a great community feel and social environment without the competitive that can attack school spirit (there may be no college with more school spirit than ND students). </p>
<p>I would say what puts ND at the top of a lot of lists is the unique feeling of community and family that ND provides. Also, if anyone travels to ND, they will experience this. </p>
<p>However, ND is one of those schools that are great for some people, but others would be miserable there, so it is not for everyone, but for the people I mentioned above, it is the perfect school. </p>
<p>Finally, I don’t know much about UCLA but have heard it is a phenomenal school as well.</p>
<p>It’s a magical place, at least for me. I have been there about ten times since I was four years old. Every time I go this feeling comes over me, and I feel I belong there. But not everyone feels the same way. If you go and get that feeling, you are hooked for life.</p>