<p>S will graduate from ND in 2 weeks. 4 years ago he was deciding between ND, Duke, and Yale. He has never regretted choosing ND over those schools. He has had incredible experiences and opportunities at ND.</p>
<p>ND has all your preferences. I do not know the degree to which Duke does. Your last statement resonated with me. S was one of those kids who stepped foot on ND’s campus and “knew”. I understand. There isn’t a time I turn from Angela Blvd. onto Notre Dame Avenue that I don’t feel my heart leap a little when I look up at the Dome. I can’t explain it, but I know we are not alone.</p>
<p>The two things which I think ND will have over Duke is the sense of community/family and faith. Not being legacy, we thought surely the “family” hype was at least partially hype. It’s not.</p>
<p>One other advantage ND enjoys over many/most schools is that it is/was the #1 choice of the students who are attending. (I think second to Harvard in this regard). IMO, that translates into a real difference in the attitude of the student body. They are where they want to be.</p>
<p>Good luck in your decision!</p>