I've been accepted to both Notre Dame (ND) and Claremont McKenna College (CMC) and I'm really torn between these two. What are the main differences between them in terms of campus culture, academics, and extracurriculars? Any advice or experiences would be greatly appreciated!
Congratulations on your acceptances to both Notre Dame and Claremont McKenna College! Both are great schools, but they offer quite different experiences. I'll break down some of the main differences in terms of campus culture, academics, and extracurriculars to help you decide which might be a better fit for you.
Campus Culture:
Notre Dame, being a large private Catholic university in Indiana, has a strong sense of tradition and community with emphasis on faith and spirituality. Sporting events, particularly football games, play a significant role in campus life and help foster a spirited student body.
Claremont McKenna, on the other hand, is a smaller liberal arts college located in Southern California and is part of the Claremont Colleges consortium (together with Pomona, Scripps, Harvey Mudd, and Pitzer). The consortium allows students to take classes and participate in activities at any of the five colleges. CMC is known for having a somewhat pre-professional atmosphere, in part because its proximity to Los Angeles allows for easy access to internships and job options.
Academics:
At Notre Dame, there's a wide range of majors and academic programs available, from business and engineering to humanities and social sciences. The size of the university means that there are a lot of resources, research opportunities, and faculty expertise at your disposal. The Core Curriculum also creates a well-rounded academic experience for all students.
CMC, being a small liberal arts college, emphasizes close interaction between faculty and students, by promoting undergraduate research and offering small classes that foster discussion and collaboration. While CMC is most well-known for its programs in the social sciences, especially government and economics, you're hardly limited to those areas, especially since you can take courses at other Claremont Colleges.
Extracurriculars:
Notre Dame offers a wide range of extracurricular activities, from various sports and intramural leagues to numerous clubs and student organizations. The size of the university means there's likely to be a club for every interest, including academic and cultural societies, service clubs, and performing arts groups. However, as mentioned earlier, sports (especially football) sometimes overshadow other activities.
At CMC, extracurricular activities are also abundant, but they have a more intimate and close-knit feel. The smaller size of the college means many students actively participate in clubs, athletics, and leadership roles, which may lead to more opportunity for involvement and growth. Being part of the Claremont Colleges consortium also offers even more opportunities for joining activities with the other member schools.
Ultimately, the choice between Notre Dame and Claremont McKenna College depends on your preferences and values. If you value tradition, a strong campus community, and a breadth of academic programs, Notre Dame may be the right choice for you. If you're looking for a smaller, more intimate academic environment with a strong focus on social sciences and access to resources from multiple colleges (and great weather year-round!), Claremont McKenna College might be the better fit.
Consider visiting both campuses, connecting with current students and alumni, and reflecting on your academic and social goals to help you make your decision. Good luck!
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