I went to Notre Dame, and I think it's definitely worth a look for OPs kid, IF it's the kind of school OP would want to attend. The kids at Notre Dame were the ones leading the pep rallies in high school and getting involved in a bunch of activities and enjoying belonging to clubs/groups/sports/etc. While ND students are smart, typically they aren't the uber-intellectual kids you'd find at a place like Chicago. There really isn't a competitive vibe on campus at all (outside of football... which... well... not competitive there either, turns out...) Obviously it's a Catholic school, so that may make it a no-go for OP's kid, but if that's OK it's a good option. |
This. You have to be driven/intense/goal-oriented to get into those schools. |
| SLACs are the way to go for this. |
+1 Parent of another miserable Columbia student |
Ok but Harvard and Columbia are not looking to be known for their great social atmosphere for young adults. Did any of you tour these places? They don't pretend that that are not in the business of academic excellence and achievement. |
There is a difference between understanding it’s an intense place and finding yourself surrounded entirely by Tracy Flicks. |
| Brown (grading policy helps) |
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Vanderbilt and Rice.
https://www.townandcountrymag.com/society/g11438356/happiest-college-students/ |
| These schools want perfect stats with a laundry list of extracurriculars. They get in by being hyper competitive, driven, and goal-oriented. Sounds like you need to stop seeking a name and status and go somewhere with a more diverse student body. |
Vandy is #13 in national universities UCLA is #20 in national universities UVA and USC (assuming you mean the one in California) are tied for #25 in national universities W&L is #11 in National Liberal Arts Colleges. |
I'd rank the "lowest a-hole percentage" among T20 as follows: Vandy Rice Northwestern UCLA most of the rest Harvard Duke |
| Who goes to a T20 thinking they won't come across their share of douchey jerks? Ignore and do your thing |
UCLA? Seemed like a barbie and Ken hellscape of eating disorders and who had a car that was deemed worthy from what I could see. Like all the Tracy flick energy was devoted to social life instead of academics. Opposite of laid back in my view but whatever floats your boat I guess |
| DD went to Rice and had a fabulous time. I met her friends and there was not one a-hole among them. They were -- and are -- supportive, friendly, and motivated. They helped each other and continue to help each other now, despite being all over the country in various grad school programs, work situations, etc. I'd highly recommend that your DC look into Rice. |
Guess you haven’t been following the Harvard Supreme Court case, and the emphasis Harvard admissions places on “personality.” |