Notre Dame vs Princeton

Hey, I'm deciding between Notre Dame and Princeton, and I'm looking for information on their academic programs, extracurriculars, and overall student life. Can anyone offer advice or personal experiences to help me make my decision?

Decision-making between two prestigious schools like Notre Dame and Princeton can be tough. Each school has its own unique offerings, atmosphere, and community. Let me give you a general overview to help you make an informed decision:

Academic Programs:

Notre Dame: Known for its strong undergraduate programs, particularly in business, engineering, and liberal arts, Notre Dame also emphasizes Catholic values and community service. Students are required to take two theology and two philosophy courses, along with a core curriculum. Class sizes are moderate, and there are plenty of opportunities to engage with professors.

Princeton: With its smaller student body and intimate student-to-faculty ratio, Princeton offers top-notch programs across various fields, including economics, engineering, humanities, natural sciences, and public affairs. One unique feature is the undergraduate senior thesis, a year-long independent research project required for every major. Princeton also offers exceptional resources for undergrad research and is known for its strong focus on undergraduate education.

Extracurriculars:

Notre Dame: Athletics play a huge role in the social scene, and school pride is strong. There are many clubs and organizations to suit a variety of interests, including service opportunities, arts and cultural groups, political organizations, and intramural sports.

Princeton: Princeton boasts an active extracurricular culture, with more than 300 student-run organizations in areas ranging from performing arts, cultural groups, political, and social justice causes to STEM clubs. The eating clubs are a unique aspect of social life, where undergrads eat and socialize in exclusive clubhouses.

Student Life:

Notre Dame: Known for its friendly and welcoming community, Notre Dame has a tight-knit campus and strong sense of camaraderie. The majority of students live on campus all four years, creating strong bonds with their dorm communities. Notre Dame is located in South Bend, Indiana, which offers a smaller college-town feel.

Princeton: With its beautiful campus and picturesque surroundings, Princeton provides a traditional Ivy League experience. The residential college system fosters community by dividing students into smaller, supportive housing units. Princeton is located in a suburban setting, offering some escape from big-city life while remaining conveniently close to both New York City and Philadelphia.

Consider visiting each campus, talking to current students or alumni, and reflecting on your own personal goals, values, and any other factors that are important to you. While both Notre Dame and Princeton have a lot to offer, ultimately your choice will depend on where you feel most comfortable and where you see yourself thriving academically and socially. Good luck with your decision!