Which Catholic college(s) ?

<p>Does anyone have any insight to offer on Providence College (RI), or St. Michael's College (VT) ?</p>

<p>Both very good schools ^^ - very different atmospheres - PC is right in Providence - St Mikes is more rural - close to Burlington VT tho. Both a bit preppy. Both have some unique programs - would consider either for a good education and experience.</p>

<p>Bookcases, I think this is whom sunshadow was talking about:</p>

<p><a href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Mary_Daly%5B/url%5D"&gt;http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Mary_Daly&lt;/a&gt;&lt;/p>

<p>Thanks for the reference. (sigh, can't we all just get along in the world......lol)</p>

<p>Loyola Marymount University</p>

<p>I have a friend going to Thomas Aquinas College (she is a practicing Catholic), another friend going to Loyola Marymount University (she is not Catholic, but is a very religious Christian), and my father attended law school at Georgetown University (he is not religious). They are all very different, and are all great schools. TAC is a great books school, meaning they rely on firsthand accounts and classics by famous and ancient thinkers. mathematicians, writers, philosophers, etc. My friend said that the majority of people at this school are very religious, and their is a big family vibe at this school; many students are 3rd generation, etc. at the school. Basically, she said it is religious, very scholastic and academic, not very conservative, small town (Santa Paula, CA), and very friendly. Everyone knows eachother in this small school. Although the vast majority of students are very academic and the school has a pretty rigorous curriculum, the school does not rely on SAT scores, and instead choses applicants on fit. My other friend going to Loyola Marymount has not said much except that she is going there for basketball; I suppose the team is top notch as she is an excellent player. Perhaps slightly less selective and less rigorous, this school still is an excellent choice and is located in the Marina del Rey area of Los Angeles, so there will be the benefits of this university being in a large, metropolitan city. Georgetown University is probably the most selective of this bunch, and is known to be a fantastic school. My father has told me that religion is not pushed on those who are not religious, but is welcomed and encouraged for those who are. The academics, both undergrad and graduate levels, are excellent in all areas, and this school again, being located in Washington DC, has the benefits of the large city and of being in the US's capital city.
These are just some personal things I have heard about these three very different but very capable Catholic schools. I hope this helps you on your quest to find the perfect place!</p>

<p>For the serious student who wants a great liberal arts education the University of Dallas and Christendom College lead the pack.</p>

<p>A couple that I don't think have been mentioned, but are still good options: U of St. Thomas (MN), Stonehill (MA), St. Mary's (CA), U of Dayton (OH), U of Portland (OR), and Duquesne (PA).</p>

<p>Also, an interesting observation that doesn't really jibe with the rankings: amongst older Boston area residents (i.e. those that are often responsible for hiring and grad school admissions), Holy Cross usually enjoys a superior reputation to BC, since historically HC was the more difficult admit of the two. BC's rise to prominence is fairly recent, over the last 25 years or so (post Flutie-mania), and reputations sometimes die slowly.</p>

<p>The Holy Cross rep and the BC rep academically would be good choices - the BC rep has risen very quickly because of the athletic ambitions of the school - especially over the past 10 years. </p>

<p>Both great schools tho - different personalities tho</p>

<p>1) G-Town
2) ND
3) BC
4) HolyCross
5) Fordham
6) Nova
7) Loyola Maryland</p>

<p>Holy Cross has a very strong alumni network and athletic relations with Harvard, Dartmouth, Yale, and Brown that is well over 100 years. HC resembles Colgate, Davidson and Bucknell-strong LAC'S with good sports programs.</p>