My son has been accepted EA to UVA, Notre Dame (Business) and Georgetown (Business.) He is a very good student, works very hard but has issues with anxiety. We are trying to help him choose between these three fine schools, each with different appeal to him. He thinks he is interested in Business, yet is also strong in liberal arts. My biggest concern is that he choose the school with the greatest likelihood that he will succeed in a healthy, well-balanced way without needing to come home! Any thoughts on good fit for anxious personality will be greatly appreciated.
Congrats to your son. 3 fabulous choices.
A few things to consider. UVA is probably the most social, with a big Greek presence. Also the largest student body. Does that give him any concern?
Notes Dame is the most conservative and fosters a tight knit community with lots of school spirit and a sporty culture. Not as much going on in a South Bend and depending on where you are coming from, can be harder to get to. Probably has the strongest student-prof relationships of the 3.
G’town- the best location which is a plus, but also means a lot of the social life takes place off campus, so fostering connections and community can take longer. Also joining clubs is very competitive at G’town. But also a great option if you want to pursue internships during the yr. The most diverse student body of the three schools.
So those are just a few things for your S to consider as he weighs his options.
UVA McIntire is not a direct admit and very competitive. Will that increase his anxiety? He may chose UVA but get denied admission to McIntire. UVA is a great school but that is something to consider if he gets anxious about things like that. Good luck to him!
Only you can really know where the right fit will be, but that said, having had two kids go through Notre Dame (one a Senior this year), I can definitely speak on it. My husband and I have found ND to be very helpful and comfortable. Our one child had some early anxiety as a freshman, and they worked with him easily and nicely, helping him transition. It really is a family. All three choices you have are fantastic, academically. All will give your son a great education-no doubt. You need to find a home for him now-a place that he will thrive socially and emotionally. Without going on and on, I can not imagine sending a child off to a better place for the whole child/young adult than ND. When they say, “Welcome Home”, they mean it. Feel free to PM me if you have any direct questions. I’m happy to help. Best of luck!
Have you sought professional help?
Therapy or medication might make a bigger difference than the college choice
(as long as the treatment is equally available at any of the 3.)