Schools that are one step below Villanova?

[Anonymous]

I went to Villanova, my kid goes to Marquette.

These schools are sooooo similar. Similar vibe, similar kids.

MU a much easier admit from this area. Milwaukee a terrific starter city. Lots of career placement in Milwaukee and Chicago. Regional school but plenty of kids from all over (my son's floor is 30% east coast, but that's unusual)

Couldn't be happier. Latest YCBK episode has info on Marquette.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:. One of the things that gives Catholic college campuses a different vibe than a lot of other privates IMO is not the influence of religion, which is waning, but the lack of Greek life.

Greek life is huge at Villanova. I thought it would be a good reach for my kid but he was turned off by that.

We were surprised by that as well. Over 30%-much higher than non Jesuit schools DC was looking into. The frat parties are held off campus - so something else to consider. Typically on campus frats are a bit safer since the school has more oversight.

Fordham is right below Villanova without Greek life. Fairfield in CT is another option.

There is another Jesuit university in Philadelphia - St. Joseph’s University. It is a much easier admit (70% acceptance rate) but there are a lot of familial overlaps between the two universities, such as one kid at Villi and two at SJU, alumni of Villi w kid at SJU, etc.


Villanova is NOT Jesuit.

[Anonymous]

Loyola MD

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:I’m a non-traditional first year college student. I applied to both Georgetown and Villanova’s respected Continuing studies schools for a Bachelors degree fully online. I was admitted to both schools for the Fall of 2024 class. I’m struggling because Villanova’s program matches my boxes a lot more than Georgetown’s program. Georgetown’s program is a lot cheaper tuition wise which is why I’m probably choosing that route instead unfortunately.

Good luck to you, PP, those are great admits. From the perspective of a metro NY suburb like mine, Georgetown would be a much much stronger option than Villanova. FWIW

[Anonymous]

Marist in New York
Fairfield in CT
Providence College RI



Another notch down but still good
Stonehill in MA
Assumption in MA

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:College of Holy Cross although I don't consider it a step below. Beautiful campus.

I'd say most would consider Holy Cross to be a "better" school than Villanova.

Maybe 20 years ago, not now.

Yes, still

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:Marist in New York
Fairfield in CT
Providence College RI



Another notch down but still good
Stonehill in MA
Assumption in MA

Merrimack, Stonehill, Assumption - three hidden gems!!!!

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:I went to Villanova, my kid goes to Marquette.

These schools are sooooo similar. Similar vibe, similar kids.

MU a much easier admit from this area. Milwaukee a terrific starter city. Lots of career placement in Milwaukee and Chicago. Regional school but plenty of kids from all over (my son's floor is 30% east coast, but that's unusual)

Couldn't be happier. Latest YCBK episode has info on Marquette.

Yes, very similar vibe and attracts a similar type of student. But the locations are quite different. Villanova's in a very affluent suburb 20 miles outside the city, Marquette is urban - right on the fridges of downtown Milwaukee and the neighborhood is pretty gritty (but improving).

My child did not like Villanova's location.

[Anonymous]

Fairfield

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:St Joe's is regional

It's also Jesuit. Providence College is the obvious answer if you're looking for a junior varsity Villanova.

I agree. Providence is one step below, Fairfield is a step and a half, and St. Joe's, Scranton, Loyola, and Dayton are two steps below, but still good schools!

[Anonymous]

Fordham and Loyola MD

[Anonymous]

Villanova is not a good school. So pretty much anything?

[Anonymous]

Marquette

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:Villanova is not a good school. So pretty much anything?

My kid is at an Ivy and WL at Villanova. Got into UVA, Hopkins, BC and Pomona.

I wouldn’t count on it.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:Any suggestions for a school similar to Villanova, but not quite as hard to get in? Like if Villanova was a “reach”-what would be a “target?” Because I think that (the “target”) would be my kid’s reach.

-no further south than VA, no further west than Colorado

Will probably study some type of science, but not engineering.

Catholic a plus, but doesn’t have to be

Thanks!

Maybe Creighton? Omaha is surprisingly pleasant and livable, with many things to do. The downtown is charming and has many great restaurants and boutique stores. And the river is lovely.