Catholic affiliation

[Phoebecaulfield]

I went to a Catholic high school and Catholic undergrad. Didn't really mean to, it just kind of happened that way. And hey, I just realized that the two grad programs I just applied to are both at Catholic universities. What a weird coincidence.

 

Anyway, do you think this gives me a better chance of being admitted?

 

I know that most professors at Catholic universities don't really care about the religious affiliation, so the admissions committee might not give a shit, plus technically even if they did, they most likely aren't supposed to discriminate based on religious affiliation. Even so, I imagine that on the level of intra-university politics, many catholic universities might have good reputations with one another-- I know it was like this between my high school and my undergrad. Wondering if this sort of thing might exist with grad school admissions as well? 

 

Sorry for the long and rambling way in which I asked that question. 

[peachypie]

i don't think so...depends on how closely related the ug and the grad institution is I would guess.  But grad school is typically fairly different makeup of students compared to their undergrads.  

[gingin6789]

My grandpop went to St. Francis for undergrad and Villanova for graduate school for History.  Yep, he was Catholic, going to Catholic-affiliated schools throughout his entire education.  He taught a Catholic high school for 36 years after that.

 

Contrast that with my thesis advisor who is Jewish and was considering a teaching position at Villanova at one point.  So they liked both my grandpop and my thesis advisor, too.

 

I think what matters most to them is the strength of your application.  Your question is a good one though.  Plus, some religiously affiliated graduate schools are SO selective that they simply don't have the room to be selective based on religious affiliation.  

[Phoebecaulfield]

Thanks guys. I didn't really think it would make a big difference... But you never know. I went to Villanova for undergrad! Maybe I knew your grand pop. Jk jk.

[gingin6789]

Thanks guys. I didn't really think it would make a big difference... But you never know. I went to Villanova for undergrad! Maybe I knew your grand pop. Jk jk.

 

Well it was good that you checked. Hahaha grandpop graduated ages ago! If you time traveled, perhaps, you could have met him. =p  He enjoyed his time there!!