<p>Can anyone here describe what the students are like at ND, and not the politically correct "You will find all types of students here!"? I want to know what the typical student is like. Is it true that the average (male) student played football and wrestled in high school? Not that I'm against athletes or anything (I have 6 varsity letters myself and love sports) I was just wondering because I'm not so sure I'd want to go to a school where 75% of the student body had the same core activities in high school. Thanks in advance for any/all replies!</p>
<p>You want some straight-shootin', I see.</p>
<p>It's true that there is a very high percentage of incoming freshmen every year that participated in varsity sports. I don't know specifically about football and wrestling. Everyone on campus tends to be pretty fit, yes. But it's certainly not a bunch of Catholic meat-heads, but any stretch of the imagination. </p>
<p>ND students are not as diverse as other colleges in terms of race or religion but they come from all parts of the world. The reason a lot of students had the same "core activities" in high school is because students that do get admitted were generally very well-rounded in high school. That means athletics, the arts, community service, student body leadership, etc. </p>
<p>Sports are a big deal on campus - with the Fighting Irish and ND's excellent intramural programs and recreational facilities - but they're certainly not an all-consuming thing.</p>
<p>Overall the student body is very athletic due to the emphasis of sports letters, but there are those who didn't letter and you do have a good mix. I was a letterman in swimming and if you saw me now you wouldn't be impressed...though I am working on that this semester.</p>
<p>People overall are genuinely nice, and you do have a midwestern feel. There is a lot less pressure among students at ND and students are more likely to help each other. For example, students in a organic chemistry class often can be found studying in study groups whereas at other schools that doesn't happen because it may skew the curve. Students overall are very willing to help each other and I do think that defines us both during and after your time at ND.</p>
<p>Some people complain of gender tension...I personally don't see it. Yes we have single sex dorms but we do know where the other sex's dorms are. Beyond that, the students are going to be like those at a lot of other top universities...almost everyone here is a perfectionist. Most people are work hard and play hard and the same people you see out Friday night in the middle of the semester are the ones you see in the basement of the library come finals times. You have a lot of serious students and their studies do come first but they definitely have fun too with parties and sports and things like that.</p>
<p>Basically, long story short, if you want a school that is just focused on education and everyone takes that really seriously, go to an Ivy. If you are serious about your education but also would like to have a life outside of your studies and enjoy sports...ND could be perfect! </p>
<p>I wrote a bit more about this on my transfer website which may be helpful. It is at <a href="http://www.nd.edu/%7Emnadorff/transfer%5B/url%5D">www.nd.edu/~mnadorff/transfer</a></p>
<p>wow.... </p>
<p>the 80 percent athlete thing is one of my fav things about ND....</p>
<p>hmm its nice to see the other side of the spectrum</p>