I had a great visit to Sacred Heart University in Fairfield Connecticut. Sacred Heart is an independent Catholic university with about 6000 full-time undergraduates and some fantastic programs. I would say that they're most known for their health majors; about 40% of their students are majoring in some aspect of healthcare. There's a direct admit PA program which is 4 years plus 27 months.They admit 40 students and make no mistake, they're looking for a high GPA, a lot of rigor and 4 years of math and science. Their nursing program enrolls 300 to 350 students each year; it's the largest nursing program in Connecticut. Again, they're looking for 4 years of math and lots of rigor to be competitive. The occupational therapy program offers a 4+2 or an accelerated 3 + 2 master's program.The physical therapy doctorate program is 4+3 or accelerated 3+3. My favorite part about this whole health program is that they have an undeclared pre-health major and if you figure out what you want to do after your first year, slots can open up in nursing, PT and OT (undergrad only) and you can transfer into those programs on a space-available basis. There's also a speech language pathology program that's a 4 + 2 or accelerated 3 + 2. Business is the second most popular school. The School of Media and the Arts is growing and they have just added a music program with majors in performance, production and education. By the way, Sacred Heart offers music scholarships for students pursuing any major And students can audition for those as late as the spring during accepted student days. Here are some fun facts: While you can study abroad anywhere, Sacred Heart has a campus in Dingle, Ireland. I've been there, it's absolutely stunning. Sacred Heart has a D1 women's bowling team, a nationally ranked figure skating team and a figure skating club. They also have an Irish dance team that competes in Ireland. How cool is that?

Sacred heart is very generous with merit scholarships. Students receive between $6K and $20K, and 99% of students get something. Demonstrated interest is extremely important here and they offer interviews, which are a great way to show your interest!

Sacred Heart is a regional school that is 67% Catholic. But they are on the move! The campus is stunning with amazing new buildings and facilities.You must visit to see for yourself. We had lunch with 2 admissions officers and were told that their next goal is to become an R2 research institution the next 5 to 7 years. I have no doubt they are doing everything they can to get there. This place is impressive.