University of Notre Dame

It is a very competitive school so I haven't found a great work-life balance here.

The chemistry courses here are accelerated compared to typical state schools. For example, my general chemistry 1 class was composed of the material my brother and friends at a state school learned in gen chem 1 and gen chem 2.

The community is the best part. There are some seriously amazing students, professors, advisors, and alumni at this school. Everyone is always willing to support you and it's very easy to get involved in anything you are interested in.

To be honest, I do not like some of the student attitudes on campus. There is racism and sexism at this university, which I am sure can be said for all universities. I have been fortunate enough to find a friend group away from all this, but I still experience it as a woman of color. Just be aware that you are entering a predominantly white institution, and some white men have very traditionalist views. However, overall there are some really great people and the bad ones don't take over your entire experience.

I love the community. Everyone is so kind and helpful. Professors want you to do well and are willing to be there for you no matter what. Mental health is important at the university as well.

Some of the dorms are pretty gross and there is a big culture of drinking that permeates everyday life pretty much.

I like that the teachers on a whole are masters at their subjects and can be extremely kind and helpful. The academics at this school really push students to do their best and learn as much as they can. In addition, there are opportunities for funding.

It is not racially diverse and can be difficult to integrate if you are not white, Catholic, or rich.

Notre Dame is a great place for students who are not necessarily into the fraternity/sorority culture but still want a great social life. Besides the culture of the residential halls at the school, the academics, though rigorous, have challenged me at an intellectual level, and forced me to push myself harder than I thought I could be pushed. The neuroscience department specifically has extremely accommodating professors who apply aspects of neuroscience to their grading rubrics and real-life lessons.

Students coming to Notre Dame should be wary that at first, it may be tough to find your group of people, but eventually, you will! Between residential halls, classes, and clubs, there is someone for everyone.

Notre Dame quickly became a home to me. I can't imagine any other school providing the level of connection between students, relationships with professors, and academic rigor that I've found at Notre Dame. I know that the alumni network and friendships I've found will help me so much in the long run. Even though classes are hard, there's still plenty of time to have fun and make memories that will last forever.

It isn't a very culturally diverse school.