OP here. Thank you for all the valuable insights. This information is even more important now because DD was deferred from ND, so Georgetown could possibly be where she lands. She's applying to BC and HC (RD) and a couple of secular reachy schools. She is also waiting for some other early action decisions.

Honestly, this may have been the best predicament because although ND has always been her dream school, this situation will allow her to explore options that she might have otherwise shut out.

We plan to look at Georgetown more closely, attend some masses, get connected to campus ministry, etc. The beauty here is that it is close by and we have time to explore before mid March when other decisions come.

Lots of pros for Georgetown too! Selfishly, I won't mind the 30 minute ride there vs. 9 hours to South Bend (but will miss Irish game days.) She won't have to worry about frigid lake effect weather. More convenient to shops, restaurants, and other services. Close to her brother who lives in DC. She got over the initial shock of being deferred by seeing the glass half full. Proud of her!

Parent of a current student at BC (presidential scholar) who was also accepted to and strongly considered Georgetown. DC's best friend is at Notre Dame and also pretty devout. I will say that Georgetown does not have the kind of Catholic community BC and ND have--it's there, of course, but it's not a faith-forward institution. BC is BIG on service. ND has a strong Catholic community but is not Jesuit, which we personally prefer. If faith and service matter to her, I will say that Georgetown is not at the top of that list. DC is incredibly happy with their choice--feels incredibly supported academically and spiritually. Good luck and congratulations to your daughter!

Anonymous wrote:OP, DC is at a SEC school and has been able to find a Catholic tribe there. My neighbor attends Texas A&M and say the same. Many colleges have a Neumann Center that supports a catholic community and service at secular schools.

Good luck!

Thank you, and yes, I realize secular schools support Catholic students. My daughter has friends who attend UMD which has a robust community. She is more interested in Catholic schools because Catholicism is woven into the school culture and curriculum. She wants to be able to take theology classes and participate in music ministry on campus. And what she loves about ND is the access to daily masses in so many chapels. Plus game days are awesome

She would be wise to look at non-Catholic schools that have active Newman Centers as well. Locally, UMD is phenomenal, and GW has a strong campus ministry too. Texas is another place where state schools have vibrant Catholic student offerings.

OP, DC is at a SEC school and has been able to find a Catholic tribe there. My neighbor attends Texas A&M and say the same. Many colleges have a Neumann Center that supports a catholic community and service at secular schools.

Good luck!