Notre Dame vs Boston College: Deciding Between Them?

I'm seriously considering applying to both Notre Dame and Boston College, but I'm not sure which one would be a better fit for me. Can anyone share their experiences with these schools, or let me know about their academic and social differences?

It's great that you're considering both Notre Dame and Boston College, as they're both excellent institutions with strong academic programs and distinct campus cultures. Here are some differences between the two schools that might help you decide which one is a better fit for you.

Academics:

Notre Dame is known for its business, engineering, and liberal arts programs. The Mendoza College of Business at Notre Dame is highly ranked and offers a variety of business majors. On the other hand, Boston College has a strong emphasis on the liberal arts and social sciences, and its Carroll School of Management is also well-regarded. Consider your potential major or area of interest when evaluating the academic offerings at each school.

Campus location and size:

Notre Dame is located adjacent to South Bend, Indiana, a smaller college town, while Boston College is in Chestnut Hill, Massachusetts, near the bustling city of Boston. If you prefer a more urban environment with easier access to city amenities, then Boston College might have an edge for you. Additionally, Notre Dame has around 8,968 undergraduates, while Boston College's undergraduate population is about 9,575, so the overall campus size is fairly similar.

Catholic influence:

Both institutions have a strong Catholic identity, but Notre Dame is known to have a more traditional Catholic atmosphere than Boston College. Discussing and practicing religion is more central to life at Notre Dame, while Boston College has a more relaxed and contemporary Catholic influence. This might be an important factor to consider depending on your religious background and preferences.

Athletics and school spirit:

Notre Dame has a long-standing athletic tradition and is known for its Fighting Irish football program. School spirit at Notre Dame is strong, with many students participating in the various game day activities. Boston College also has a robust athletics program, and while there is plenty of school spirit, it might not be as all-encompassing as it is at Notre Dame.

Study abroad opportunities:

Notre Dame is known for its extensive study abroad program, with about 77% of students participating during their undergraduate years. Boston College also offers study abroad opportunities, but the participation rate is slightly lower at around 50%. Again, this may be worth considering if studying abroad is important to you.

Ultimately, the choice between Notre Dame and Boston College comes down to personal preferences and priorities, such as academic focus, campus culture, location, and extracurricular opportunities. It might be helpful to visit both campuses (if possible), speak with current students or alumni, and research each school further to get a better sense of which one would be the best fit for you.