<p>I have heard many times about the community and alumni network Notre Dame has what other than this makes it different from other Catholic universities such as Villanova and BC (factors other than its incredible academics).</p>
<p>An important difference is the way that ND embraces its Catholic heritage. Mass is held daily in every dorm (which are all single sex, by the way). Priests live in the dorms and are committed to the development of students. There are many other subtle ways that faith is ingrained in the culture of the university in ways not found at other institutions.</p>
<p>Another difference is the campus. Villanova, BC, Georgetown and others are very much urban campuses that blend into their cities. Social life is generally split between campus and city. At ND however, students have no need to leave campus. Some might view this “bubble” as a drawback, but there are still opportunities to volunteer in South Bend and Chicago is not too far.</p>
<p>Everything said above is spot-on. I’d also add that service is a major passion of many students here. While I’m sure this is true of students at other Catholic schools, ND students have access to top-notch resources (such as the Center for Social Concerns) and our proximity to South Bend is a true blessing. </p>
<p>I’d also point out that ND and BC are the only Catholic universities with D1 football programs, and we all know who has the edge there 
. Go Irish!</p>
<p>My cousin went to Georgetown, and it just is non existent. The campus ministries are lacking, and the administration goes out of it’s way to almost not be Christian. These are all his words, but he said it’s not much different than a secular school, except less fun. So if that’s what you want you may as well go to the University of Spoiled Children and enjoy the weather.</p>
<p>Have you visited? I have heard (can’t remember where) that ND has one of the highest visit to application rates out there. I’m not sure what the best way to express it, small town neighborliness? Mid Western charm? The admissions office sums up the atmosphere at ND on the admissions letters, “Welcome Home”. When you talk to graduates, they didn’t want to leave. The students love being at ND, love ND. I’m not sure too many schools can match that.</p>
<p>There’s a lot of support for new students. The dorm RAs are looking out for you, and how you are doing. Kids that are homesick have someone to talk to. Great advising.Foreign students have a seminar that helps them adjust to American life.</p>
<p>The dorm food is ranked as being in the top 20 for best college food.</p>
<p>Beautiful campus. Really gorgeous. The town and locals love ND.</p>