<p>I would recommend checking out Loyola Maryland and Villanova. My son has been accepted at ND and both these schools. During our visits these are the two schools that both reminded us the most of Notre Dame in terms of community spirit, Catholic identity. Loyola Maryland was his favorite for a long time until we discovered Notre Dame recently added his intended major. </p>
<p>You could visit both in one trip, taking Amtrak between Philly and Baltimore. You would need to take a taxi to Loyola from the train station (Admissions will help you get a cab back) and there is a Villanova station on the Main Line.</p>
<p>One other smaller school you might check out is The University of Denver. Has swimming as well. Beautiful campus, we really liked the school and it remains high on my son’s list, although ND is clearly at the top.</p>