It's down to Notre Dame or Northwestern for me, and it's a tough one! They're both amazing but in different ways. Can I get some opinions from you all?
Both Notre Dame and Northwestern are prestigious institutions with strong academics and vibrant communities. Your decision might depend on your intended major or career path, location preferences, and the type of campus culture you're seeking.
Northwestern, located in Evanston just outside Chicago, is known for its strong programs in Journalism through the Medill School of Journalism, Theatre through the School of Communication, Music through the Bienen School of Music, and Economics, among others. It's also part of the Big Ten conference, so there's a good amount of school spirit surrounding athletics. Additionally, Northwestern's quarter system allows for more course variety, but it can also mean a faster pace of learning.
On the other hand, Notre Dame is located in South Bend, Indiana, a smaller city but the school has a strong community feeling on-campus. The Mendoza College of Business is particularly reputed, particularly for Finance and Accounting. Notre Dame is also a Catholic university, which informs its identity and principles, so if you're religious (or specifically Catholic), this might align well with you. Moreover, Notre Dame's Fighting Irish football team brings a lot of school spirit.
Visit both campuses (virtually if you can't go in person), talk to current students and alumni, and think about where you see yourself fitting in best. Each school has a unique vibe and you might find that one feels more like home than the other. Don't forget to also consider financial aid and scholarship offers in your decision-making process.
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