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Question regarding religious schools

Posted: Tue Apr 03, 2012 10:08 pm
by isuperserial
I'm just a sophomore in undergrad right now, but I had a question about some of the more religious schools. A lot of the really cool schools like Notre Dame, Fordham and Georgetown, I have noticed are Catholic affiliated.

I'm an atheist. I currently attend a public university so this has never really been a problem, and I'm sure all these schools would claim to be indiscriminate on paper, but can anyone either confirm or deny for me if this could play a role in my future potential acceptance? Also if I happen to be admitted, will the religious affiliation of these schools have any drastic impact on my student life there?

Thanks for your responses!

Re: Question regarding religious schools

Posted: Tue Apr 03, 2012 10:12 pm
by Kikero
Question 1: It's anecdotal evidence, but I am Catholic, mentioned that faith was an important reason in applying to Notre Dame, had numbers above their medians (and 75th percentiles) and still got waitlisted. So I would say religion plays a minimal role in admission.

Question 2: See this thread for some info: http://www.top-law-schools.com/forums/v ... 5&t=177438

Re: Question regarding religious schools

Posted: Wed Apr 04, 2012 8:46 am
by Redamon1
Ask Sarah Fluke.

Re: Question regarding religious schools

Posted: Wed Apr 04, 2012 11:52 am
by vpintz
Redamon1 wrote:Ask Sarah Fluke.
...Sandra? FAIL.

Re: Question regarding religious schools

Posted: Wed Apr 04, 2012 11:57 am
by jrthor10
Georgetown doesn't give a shit. Went there for undergrad, but the law school doesn't seem to put much empahsis on faith (just don't forcefully say faith sucks or something like that).

ND is different. You should at least have an interest in learning about and discussing how faith is important to the study of law. Even if you personally don't have faith, you should at least recognize the imporatance it plays in the study and understanding of law since most people in America do. I base this off of my own visits to the school, as well as family who has attended there for undergrad and law.

Re: Question regarding religious schools

Posted: Wed Apr 04, 2012 10:52 pm
by isuperserial
jrthor10 wrote:Georgetown doesn't give a shit. Went there for undergrad, but the law school doesn't seem to put much empahsis on faith (just don't forcefully say faith sucks or something like that).

ND is different. You should at least have an interest in learning about and discussing how faith is important to the study of law. Even if you personally don't have faith, you should at least recognize the imporatance it plays in the study and understanding of law since most people in America do. I base this off of my own visits to the school, as well as family who has attended there for undergrad and law.
Okay, cool. I feel like I'd be fine with Georgetown, though ND might be a little iffy for me. I have no problem keeping my lack of faith to myself in order to receive a proper law education. I do get the sense that Notre Dame might not be the best choice, just because of how different my interests might be to the school's mission and that of my peers. I'm sure that I could find a similarly high quality education at a secular school. Thanks!