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Can a Jewish kid fit in at ND? I really like what I see, but I'm kind of concerned about the religious part.

By Dave Berry on Saturday, August 25, 2001 - 06:47 am: Edit

Hi, Dave. You SHOULD really like what you see because ND is a great national university with tremendous tradition and school spirit. Although its roots are Catholic, the diversity of the student body there is strong.

Don't be concerned about your faith fitting in. There's plenty of room for everyone.

I suggest that you check out a fine book that will help you understand how those of the Jewish faith can find like fellowship at Notre Dame. It's the Princeton Review's "Hillel Guide to Jewish Life on Campus." I wrote a review of it here on College Confidential. See:

http://www.collegeconfidential.com/college_search/hillel_guide.htm

The book also discusses details of Jewish campus life on many other campuses around the country. That may help you with your candidate-selection process. Just a general comment: In today's college world, "diversity" tends to be the name of the game. That quality allows students of almost every background and tradition to find a place among their peers.

If we can offer you further help, Dave, please let us know. Check back with us and keep us posted. Best wishes.

By Roger (Roger) on Thursday, September 06, 2001 - 09:52 am: Edit

Hi, Dave2K. Dave B is on the money with his comments. I'm fairly well acquainted with ND, and I think a person of your faith won't have a problem fitting in. In fact, you might find the environment more supportive than a totally secular campus. The only complaints I've heard about less than ideal tolerance and diversity at ND have been from outspoken gay rights activists. The school hasn't been highly receptive to supporting formal organizations of this type in the same way some other top colleges do, and there are periodic public spats with activists/organizers.

On the plus side for a person of any faith, I think there is a general awareness of the spiritual and ethical realms that may not exist at many schools. This isn't heavy-handed doctrinal instruction, but rather a recognition that in business, law, and other areas there are ethical issues that should be discussed rather than ignored. The faculty itself is far from lock-step thinking, with a wide variety of ideas represented. (Whenever the Vatican issues some kind of statement, the news media usually end up talking to a Notre Dame theologian for an independendent, and sometimes contrary, viewpoint.)

Having mentioned the spiritual dimension of ND, I'd hasten to add that ND students are a pretty typical mix of bright kids, and the school copes with the same alcohol issues, etc., that most colleges must deal with.

By sgandhi on Wednesday, July 10, 2002 - 11:09 am: Edit

Does Notre Dame require all undergraduates to take religion courses? If so, is there a way to opt out?

By Dadster on Wednesday, July 10, 2002 - 11:20 pm: Edit

I don't know of such a requirement, Sgandhi, but I'm pretty sure they don't attempt to indoctrinate non-Catholics. They probably offer comparative religions, etc., in addition to more theological courses.

By Kelias (Kelias) on Saturday, September 07, 2002 - 12:15 am: Edit

I am ND class of 2000. Yes, every student is required to take 2 theology and 2 philosophy classes in addition to many other academic requirements. You must take a general intro class for both theology and philosophy and then for the 2nd class you can choose from any of the classes offered. The intro theology class is a general old testament, new testament theology class. I am Catholic but not religious and went to a private non-religious high school but it was fine. I actually think every educated person should be aware of the bible stories because so many great works of literature and works of art are based on the bible and if you dont know them then you really miss out on the symbolism.
As for being a student of a different faith at ND, I would advise against it. Again I am catholic but not very religious and grew up in New York with many Asian and Jewish friends. I must say I missed the diversity and different opinions. ND was my safety school (I was waitlisted at an ivy-leauge school and top liberal arts college and didnt apply to many other schools), and I really wished that the students at ND were more concerned with academics rather than football, community service, and Catholicism. It is a shame because I really enjoyed my classes there and was very happy with the education. The best thing ND can do is encourage more students of other faiths and backrounds to apply and make a more interesting and diverse student body.

By Congocross (Congocross) on Tuesday, March 04, 2003 - 01:39 am: Edit

I agree with the response above. However, accodring to Notre Dame's own magazine, the University wants 85% of its student to be Catholic.

By Creedthang (Creedthang) on Saturday, March 08, 2003 - 04:09 am: Edit

ok im an indian catholic student.
does being catholic qualify u for any aid at nd?

sat1-1450 760 math
690 verbal.
im international so i have a whole different grading system.
ive taken the toughest courses in my school tho and am placed in the smartest class .id say i was in the top 10% on my class.

my ecs are
school leader nominated by the principal elected by students.
school debating team.
participation in national quiz competition
member of science club
interschool dramatics
interschool elocution
volunteer work at local church .
volunteer work at spastic foundation.
organiser of peace campaign.
interschool table tennis,tennis,swimming.
interschool cycling.
acheived a high distinction at the international ETC exam and a distinction in maths at the same exam.
member of the rotaract club and national social service.
intern at the countries largest human resources and recruitment company.
there are a few more ecs which i could list.


so is there any chance for aid or do i just go for another school.
the only reason i may apply to nd is if it offers aid.btw im gonna major in business.

By Congocross (Congocross) on Tuesday, March 11, 2003 - 02:42 am: Edit

Creedthang, you stats looks good but if you want aid attend a different school because it is very difficult to get aid in University of Notre Dame. I am saying this despite I love this school. apply to UMich, its business program is rank second in the nation and it is a state school which means a lot of money available for aid and especially minority.

By Congocross (Congocross) on Tuesday, March 18, 2003 - 11:27 pm: Edit

Wait...you are an international that means no F. Aid at all. I just realize that took me quite a while.