<p>Actually, I was reading a thread earlier today to help me decide between my own (UPenn vs. Notre Dame) dilemma — I decided to attend ND so long as my FA package is reasonable — and, what do you know, the topic of discussion was UVa vs. ND:</p>
<p><a href=“http://talk.collegeconfidential.com/university-notre-dame/168271-how-nds-prestige-2.html[/url] ”>http://talk.collegeconfidential.com/university-notre-dame/168271-how-nds-prestige-2.html</a></p> ;
<p>To quote from one of the posts:</p>
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As someone who lived in Cville when husband worked at UVa for seven years - and whose son currently attends ND - I can tell you these are two <em>very</em> different experiences. </p>
<p>UVa is southern, although many of the kids are from Northern Virginia/DC. It has a very southern “proper” atmosphere. There is a lot of school pride, but it is more for going to Mr. Jefferson’s university than it is a bonding experience. At football games the boys wear shorts, flip flops, and ties, and the girls are in sundresses. They do not have the basketball following of Duke or UNC, nor do they have the football following of Florida State or Virginia Tech. They do very well in athletics, but it’s not like the students pride themselves on that - it’s just kind of an expected thing, business as usual.</p>
<p>At ND, the atmosphere is family, family, family. The day you set foot in your dorm, you have thousands of new family members waiting to help you. Academically, ND is as tough as UVa, if not more so in some areas, and the kids definitely are work hard/play hard. I have to say, overall the students I have met are more unique and definitely more clever. I know, you probably think that’s a weird assessment, but it’s just true. I guess I’d say they have a quicker wit, and a broader sense of humor. They definitely take people where they are and accept them. They also appreciate each other’s differences. I’m not sure you’d see that as much at UVa.</p>
<p>Just some thoughts - rambling at best. I’m sure I could come up with more comparisons if you need it (like UVa being much more recognized regionally, and ND being recognized nationally, and the alumni factor, etc.). Good luck.
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