Chats » Regular Action Admitted Student Chat, 2009
Rosemary - Aliso Viejo, CA
Hi again! I was just wondering, what does it mean/ what are the advantages of being named a Notre Dame Scholar? Do I get to take honors classes? Thanks again.
ND Admissions
Hi Rosemary,
Congratulations on being named a Notre Dame Scholar, which is awarded to roughly 20% of our admitted students. It is mostly a designation, but if you applied for and qualified for financial aid it may slightly reduce the self-help portion of your package (loans and work study), which would then be replaced with University aid.
Calvin - Murphy, Tx
What is the exact reason for why the eateries on the first floor of Lafortune are closed but the basement is open 24/7?
ND Admissions
The lounge area of the basement of LaFortune is open to students for the whole day as part of the “24-hour” space on campus. Students use this area for study, socializing, and other activities. The eateries on the first floor close for the same reason any other business closes, for staffing, maintenance, etc.
Chris - Littleton, CO
Which school is considered Notre Dame's biggest football rival (Michigan? USC?)
ND Admissions
It depends on the week! Also, it really depends on who you talk to and what story they have about “The Michigan game that one year” or “when we came back to beat ‘SC”. For me, I think ‘SC would be the biggest rival, but my senior year was 2005 with the “Bush Push”, so that’s stuck in my mind forever!
Ramon - Tegucigalpa, HON
How will I know that my Confirmation card arrived at ND?
ND Admissions
Hi Ramon- After confirmation, we will mail you a response. The best way to send your cards from outside of the US is via a private service (ie., FedEx, UPS, DHL) so that you can easily track its progress and delivery.
Alexandria - Coral Springs, Fl
Are there significant grants and scholarships awarded to students who choose to continue on to Medical School both at Notre Dame and elsewhere? I'm worried that debt from my undergraduate years will hinder me in my ability to attend graduate and post graduate programs.
ND Admissions
Hi Alexandria,
The awarding of grants and scholarships for medical school really depends on where the student is accepted so we do not have specific information available this evening about what specific Notre Dame students have received.
We certainly understand your concern about undergraduate student loan debt and what your total debt may be if you attend graduate/professional school. We suggest you annually apply for financial aid and seek private scholarship assistance in an effort to keep your borrowing to only what you really need.
In terms of looking at debt levels, overall the default rate for our students who have borrowed from need-based loan programs is less than 1%. This suggests that our graduates are employed in positions which have allowed them to repay the loans they have taken.
Calvin - Murphy, Tx
Why did you decide to go to Notre Dame? Was there ever any doubt when you had decided what university you were going to attend?
ND Admissions
Calvin,
I think everyone has a different reason or a different story, but after hating Notre Dame for the first 17 years of my life (love ‘em or hate ‘em, and I was a hater), I knew this was the perfect place for me as soon as I stepped on campus. There was something about the campus, the people, the institutions and just Notre Dame in general that made me think-and know-that I belonged here.
After that day, I never had any doubt, and I still have never second-guessed myself. This was, by far, the best place for me to grow academically, personally and spiritually.
Teresa - Haddon Township, NJ
Coming from so far away, I know that I would not be coming home very often or have a car on campus. Do students typically go home, into Chicago, or take trips off-campus on weekends?
ND Admissions
Students do all of those things on the weekends, obviously dependent on how far they hail from. However, it is common for students to take a day trip to Chicago to see the city, attend concerts, or go to museums, etc. But that is not to say that campus empties out every weekend, and those trips to Chicago are not something that people do every weekend, but once in a while. There are many things to do on campus and around, so students do not feel the need to leave town.
Charlie - Omaha, NE
How likely is it to be accepted for graduate school at ND if you complete your undergrad there?
ND Admissions
Charlie, it depends on the specific graduation program you are applying to. Some programs look to fill with many ND grads, others want a balance between ND grads and outside students.
Stanislava - Mount Albert, ON
In comparison to the physics programs at other top schools, how does Notre Dame's physics department rank?
ND Admissions
I don’t know if there are ranks for undergraduate programs in physics, but I believe we hover around the 40’s for our graduate program.
Chiamaka - Union, NJ
Is it true that no matter where you go, you will meet someone who has ties to Notre Dame?
ND Admissions
I would say that’s is possibly likely. ND people are everywhere…and they are nice.
Chris - Littleton, CO
Is there intermural tennis at Notre Dame?
ND Admissions
There are inter-hall activities in all sorts of sports here, including tennis.
Joey - Crown Point, In
How is the food?
ND Admissions
Personally, I think the food is great and there are so many options that you can always find something you are in the mood for! There are always lots of hot options as well as regular-sandwich/salad/ceral type foods offered at every meal. If you are looking for more specifics about food, check out the website: food.nd.edu
Peter - Little Rock, AR
If I take an AP test can I have it so that the test does not count for me and I can still take the course it would replace? I ask because I am considering med school and would like to pad my GPA
ND Admissions
Peter, your AP credit will appear on your transcript, along with any courses you take at ND. In some cases, such as AP credit for CHEM 1071, pre-med students are told to take the course because medical schools want to see students take it in college.
Chiamaka - Union, NJ
If you want to attend medical school, which major would be better, pre-professional studies or biology?
ND Admissions
We encourage students to major in the area of which they are most interested. Regardless of major, our overall acceptance rate into medical school is nearly 80%.
Anthony - Las Vegas, NV
What types of food are served in the dining halls?
ND Admissions
There is a wide wide variety of food served in the dining hall. There is always a sandwich bar, a big selection of cereal and large salad bars. For hot meal options- each dining hall has an italian/pata station, a mexican station, a grill area (with hamburgers, fries, etc.), a “homestyle” section, a stir-fry bar as well as lots of other small selections. There are a lot of healthy options (vegetables and soups) and a variety of desserts offered at each meal. For more info and the actual menus of each dining hall you can check out the website: food.nd.edu
Steven - Buffalo, NY
What would be the most cost-effective and time-efficient way to travel to ND from Buffalo, NY?
ND Admissions
It’s pretty affordable to fly into Chicago and ride the bus down to campus.
Jared - Niles, MI
What types of things are in a typical lounge of dorms? i.e. TVs, game tables, etc.
ND Admissions
All dorms have a lounge with a TV of some sort, which is usually fairly current. Aside from this, it varies from dorm to dorm, but popular items are ping-pong, pool, and foosball tables. There are usually tables and nice chairs for doing homework, etc.
Meredith Angell - Mason City, IA
Do many people double major in pre-medicine and a language? Is it difficult to do?
ND Admissions
Hi Meredith,
That combination wouldn’t be an uncommon one. Usually the foreign languages have a number of classes offered to satisfy those second major requirements. If you are coming in with some AP credit that may give you some flexibility also.
Julia - Bakersfield, CA
Any insider tips for preparing for/dealing with the weather?
ND Admissions
Wear layers! Buy warm/waterproof boots and long underwear. A “warm” coat in California or Florida may not necessarily be “warm” in the Midwest, so make sure you ask some experts before you buy a coat.
Be positive! The weather may not always be warm and sunny, but approach it as a new experience.
Stanislava - Mount Albert, ON
What is the best payment method for international students to use when paying tuition/room and board fees? Is there a bank or credit union at which to set up an account?
ND Admissions
Hi Stanislava,
I actually e-mailed your dad about this today-I would contact the Office of Student Accounts to see if they have any suggestions.
Anthony - Long Grove, IL
What is the process of signing up for the bengal bouts? When are they held?
ND Admissions
There are number of opportunities to sign up. Training occurs throughout the year and the bouts are held in the spring.
Anthony - Long Grove, IL
My sister wants to attend ND next year, does my being a current student increase her chances of being accepted?
ND Admissions
Hi Anthony- Thanks for your email. We try to consider various family ties when we review an application, but also try to be fair to all who apply. After all, Anthony, it seems that you were admitted without that “sibling tie.” In short, it won’t be a huge factor.
Anne - Hoffman estates, IL
the 2009/2010 undergraduate COA on the financial aid contitions & information sheet is $51,300. Does that mean all the colleges in the ND pay the same COA even my daughter declare her interest in business. If the first year in ND are the same, how about Jr. and Sr. years after you decide your major?
ND Admissions
Hi Anne,
The undergraduate cost of attendance is standard for most undergraduate students. Some majors may incurr additional lab fees, but the cost of attendance is roughly the same for all undergraduate students.
Marcos - Seminole, Fl
I am currently involved in a program that will allow me to receive my AA degree by the time I finish high school. The colleges in Florida will all accept my AA degree, however, ND will only accept 9 credits. In Florida I could have my Bachelors degree in 2 years, but if I came to ND, I would have to take almost 4 years. If I finished my Bachelors in Florida, I could apply in 2 years to ND's graduate program. Why do you think I should consider giving up two years of undergraduate study and take 4 instead to be at ND?
ND Admissions
Marcos, if finances are a concern for you, then it would be a good idea to look closely at your options in Florida.ND has a lot to offer in its four year experience. A lot would depend on your intended major.
Teresa - Haddon Township, NJ
I ran competitively for my school's cross country team and would like to know if it is possible for me to try-out for ND's varsity team. I was also wondering what kind of commitment and competition the women's running club and intramural cross country involve as I did not know that intramural cross country teams in particular existed. Finally, what is the distance of the trails on campus and is it possible to run safely off campus?
ND Admissions
It is definitely possible to try to walk-on to the varsity cross-country team. I would check out the athletic website and get in touch with the coaches to find out more about that process. I am not as familiar with the other two clubs but they should have websites through Notre Dame with the names of the Presidents. My advice would definitely be to get in touch with these people to find out which situation would best fit what you are looking for. You can find most of this information on the recsports website: recsports.nd.edu and by clicking on the club sports link.
We have two beautiful lakes on campus and if you run in a loop around them the distance is 2 miles. A large majority of students run around these lakes, especially with the nice weather! There are lots of sidewalks around South Bend and I’ve known several students who run off-campus so there are definitely safe routes!
Christina - Oak Forest, IL
There seem to be so many great extra-curricular opportunites at Notre Dame. When do students sign up for clubs/intramurals, etc.? Also, how competitive are the club sports and are there different levels? Do most activities require a significant amount of experience or are there a lot of chances to try something new?
ND Admissions
At the beginning of each academic year, there is an activities fair that is very similar to a career fair in which clubs present themselves to students, and students put their name down on a non-binding list. Sports that fall under that category of “club sports” are somewhat competitive, and here is a list of those clubs:
http://recsports.nd.edu/programs/club/clubs.html
Most of those clubs have their own website and can give you a good idea of the competition.
Anne - Hoffman estates, IL
there are two scholarships offered in my daughter financial aid package,one is provost's and the other one is university scholarship, how they are different? What is the GPA requirements for those two scholarships to continue for the follwing years?
ND Admissions
Dear Anne,
Both scholarships are based upon financial need and eligibility is determined through the FAFSA and CSS/PROFILE. The Provost’s Scholarship also considers the student’s academic and leadership achievements in high school (see prior posting for additional information). The scholarships are renewable for a maximum of four years (eight semesters) based upon the annual demonstration of financial need and maintaining satisfactory academic progress (2.0 or higher cumulative GPA).
Jared - Niles, MI
Will I feel out of place if I am a Protestant? What percentage of the students are Protestant?
ND Admissions
Jared,
You will not feel out of place if your are not Catholic. We welcome all faiths. We hope that, whatever your denomination, you will mature in your faith. Our campus ministry will help you to find other students of your denomination and either provide worship space or transportation to a synagogue or mosque, if appropriate. Our philosophy here at Notre Dame is that a person must grow in intellect as well as spirit in order to become more fully human. Whatever your faith, you will thrive here!
Catherine - Rockville, MD
Is there any skiing close to Notre Dame?
ND Admissions
There are a number of ski “resorts” 1-2 hrs away from campus. Fridays are college days at Swiss Valley!
Vincent - Tucson, AZ
How will ND help pre-med students get into the medical school of their choice?
ND Admissions
An undergraduate education at Notre Dame prepares students well for the rigors of medical school or graduate school. Students are encouraged to participate in research in their particular field of interest beginning their freshman year. Along with the challenging coursework, students participate in hands on experiences throughout their time at Notre Dame. If you major in the pre-professional studies, you will be assigned an advisor in the department beginning your sophomore year.
Chris - Littleton, CO
What is the best thing about the University of Notre Dame? ...what is the worst thing?
ND Admissions
Chris,
The worst thing about Notre Dame is easy: the winter weather!
The best thing about Notre Dame is a bit more difficult to describe. In the end, I think all of us who have been blessed enough to attend school here would say the strong friendship that form in the context of an environment that is at once intellectual, rigorous, and spiritual. Our Notre Dame lives are lived in the midst of a beautiful campus, but the buildings are only secondary. The real magic to this place is found through the souls that inhabit the campus for four years of their college career, growing closer to God and others in the process. We believe that coming to Notre Dame is not just a four year committment; rather, it is a 64+ years committment; that is, the rest of your life will be tied in some way to Notre Dame.
Calvin - Murphy, Tx
Exactly what does separate ND from other top schools?
ND Admissions
Calvin, if you’re at Notre Dame, you don’t need words to describe it. If you’re not at Notre Dame, no words are enough to describe it. Anyway, I think that the combination of intellectual, social and spiritual are unmatched by any other college.
philip - ocoee, fl
What is the Provost Scholarship and how is it awarded?
ND Admissions
Dear Philip,
The Provost’s Scholarship is awarded in recognition of a student’s distinguished high school record and demonstrated financial need. This special scholarship allows us to reduce the self-help portion (loan/work) of the financial aid award; the amount varies dependent upon financial need. The Provost’s Scholarship is renewable for up to four years of undergraduate study based on continued demonstrated financial need.
Anthony - Las Vegas, NV
I am a triplet. One of my brothers was rejected, and the other was put on the waiting list. What is the probability of being admitted from the waiting list.
ND Admissions
Hi Anthony- Thanks for you email. Unfortunately, it’s a bit early to predict what might happen with our waiting list process this year. We really won’t know for sure until after our May 1 confirmation deadline. Your brother is free to give us later this month for an update.
Stefan - Stuart, FL
If you are not a part of the band, are there still opportunities to be included in some type of inter-collegiate jazz band?
ND Admissions
Yes! Jazz Band auditions will be held on Sunday, August 30th. Please stop by the Band Building when you arrive on campus to pick up music and sign up for an audition time. Contact Larry Dwyer (ldwyer@nd.edu) for more information.
Everistus - Abuja, Nigeria
As an international student, I would like to ask what other materials/forms I will be receiving (after I have sent in my deposit) and around what months I should expect them.
ND Admissions
Hi Everistus,
We’ll obviously send your visa application, but you’ll get information from the First Year of Studies, health services, and a number of other departments on campus. These will come throughout the summer.
Gaby - Harlingen, TX
Is there any type of storage building available for students that live very far away from South Bend to leave their belongings through transition months?
ND Admissions
Hi Gaby,
There are storage facilities in the local area that you can rent over the summer. Many dorms also have a service you can purchase that allows students to drop off their items in a semi truck behind the dorm, which then parks for the summer, and returns in the fall when students come back.
Joan - Ada, MI
Do students typically open a banking account with the Notre Dame credit union or are there a variety of ATMs on campus?
ND Admissions
Several students open a banking account with ND Federal Credit Union. It has a really convenient location on campus for making deposits in person and does not charge fees at any of the ATM’s on campus. I personally have my own banking account through Bank of America but I can take out money at any of the ATM’s on campus (they are all over the place) and some of them do not charge outside banks withdrawal fees!
Stefan - Stuart, FL
What are the weekends like at ND for freshman?
ND Admissions
Football weekends are filled with all sorts activities available to all students. The rest of the weekends throughout the year have activities that all students can participate in. A large part of what is different between freshman and other students is an affiliation with off-campus students who are friends. Generally though, it is difficult to go through a weekend where you won’t be able to find something to do.
Marcos - Seminole, Fl
I would love to go up there with my mom to visit before I make my final decision. When would be a good time and who would I schedule my visit with so I could get the best experience in the shortest time?
ND Admissions
Give our office a call at 574-631-7505. The receptionist will be able to schedule you for an overnight host, appointment with an admissions counselor, and/or a tour.
Rosemary - Aliso Viejo, CA
Hi again! I was just wondering, what does it mean/ what are the advantages of being named a Notre Dame Scholar? Do I get to take honors classes? Thanks again.
ND Admissions
Hi Rosemary,
Congratulations on being named a Notre Dame Scholar, which is awarded to roughly 20% of our admitted students. It is mostly a designation, but if you applied for and qualified for financial aid it may slightly reduce the self-help portion of your package (loans and work study), which would then be replaced with University aid.
Calvin - Murphy, Tx
What is the exact reason for why the eateries on the first floor of Lafortune are closed but the basement is open 24/7?
ND Admissions
The lounge area of the basement of LaFortune is open to students for the whole day as part of the “24-hour” space on campus. Students use this area for study, socializing, and other activities. The eateries on the first floor close for the same reason any other business closes, for staffing, maintenance, etc.
Chris - Littleton, CO
Which school is considered Notre Dame's biggest football rival (Michigan? USC?)
ND Admissions
It depends on the week! Also, it really depends on who you talk to and what story they have about “The Michigan game that one year” or “when we came back to beat ‘SC”. For me, I think ‘SC would be the biggest rival, but my senior year was 2005 with the “Bush Push”, so that’s stuck in my mind forever!
Ramon - Tegucigalpa, HON
How will I know that my Confirmation card arrived at ND?
ND Admissions
Hi Ramon- After confirmation, we will mail you a response. The best way to send your cards from outside of the US is via a private service (ie., FedEx, UPS, DHL) so that you can easily track its progress and delivery.
Alexandria - Coral Springs, Fl
Are there significant grants and scholarships awarded to students who choose to continue on to Medical School both at Notre Dame and elsewhere? I'm worried that debt from my undergraduate years will hinder me in my ability to attend graduate and post graduate programs.
ND Admissions
Hi Alexandria,
The awarding of grants and scholarships for medical school really depends on where the student is accepted so we do not have specific information available this evening about what specific Notre Dame students have received.
We certainly understand your concern about undergraduate student loan debt and what your total debt may be if you attend graduate/professional school. We suggest you annually apply for financial aid and seek private scholarship assistance in an effort to keep your borrowing to only what you really need.
In terms of looking at debt levels, overall the default rate for our students who have borrowed from need-based loan programs is less than 1%. This suggests that our graduates are employed in positions which have allowed them to repay the loans they have taken.
Calvin - Murphy, Tx
Why did you decide to go to Notre Dame? Was there ever any doubt when you had decided what university you were going to attend?
ND Admissions
Calvin,
I think everyone has a different reason or a different story, but after hating Notre Dame for the first 17 years of my life (love ‘em or hate ‘em, and I was a hater), I knew this was the perfect place for me as soon as I stepped on campus. There was something about the campus, the people, the institutions and just Notre Dame in general that made me think-and know-that I belonged here.
After that day, I never had any doubt, and I still have never second-guessed myself. This was, by far, the best place for me to grow academically, personally and spiritually.
Teresa - Haddon Township, NJ
Coming from so far away, I know that I would not be coming home very often or have a car on campus. Do students typically go home, into Chicago, or take trips off-campus on weekends?
ND Admissions
Students do all of those things on the weekends, obviously dependent on how far they hail from. However, it is common for students to take a day trip to Chicago to see the city, attend concerts, or go to museums, etc. But that is not to say that campus empties out every weekend, and those trips to Chicago are not something that people do every weekend, but once in a while. There are many things to do on campus and around, so students do not feel the need to leave town.
Charlie - Omaha, NE
How likely is it to be accepted for graduate school at ND if you complete your undergrad there?
ND Admissions
Charlie, it depends on the specific graduation program you are applying to. Some programs look to fill with many ND grads, others want a balance between ND grads and outside students.
Stanislava - Mount Albert, ON
In comparison to the physics programs at other top schools, how does Notre Dame's physics department rank?
ND Admissions
I don’t know if there are ranks for undergraduate programs in physics, but I believe we hover around the 40’s for our graduate program.
Chiamaka - Union, NJ
Is it true that no matter where you go, you will meet someone who has ties to Notre Dame?
ND Admissions
I would say that’s is possibly likely. ND people are everywhere…and they are nice.
Chris - Littleton, CO
Is there intermural tennis at Notre Dame?
ND Admissions
There are inter-hall activities in all sorts of sports here, including tennis.
Joey - Crown Point, In
How is the food?
ND Admissions
Personally, I think the food is great and there are so many options that you can always find something you are in the mood for! There are always lots of hot options as well as regular-sandwich/salad/ceral type foods offered at every meal. If you are looking for more specifics about food, check out the website: food.nd.edu
Peter - Little Rock, AR
If I take an AP test can I have it so that the test does not count for me and I can still take the course it would replace? I ask because I am considering med school and would like to pad my GPA
ND Admissions
Peter, your AP credit will appear on your transcript, along with any courses you take at ND. In some cases, such as AP credit for CHEM 1071, pre-med students are told to take the course because medical schools want to see students take it in college.
Chiamaka - Union, NJ
If you want to attend medical school, which major would be better, pre-professional studies or biology?
ND Admissions
We encourage students to major in the area of which they are most interested. Regardless of major, our overall acceptance rate into medical school is nearly 80%.
Anthony - Las Vegas, NV
What types of food are served in the dining halls?
ND Admissions
There is a wide wide variety of food served in the dining hall. There is always a sandwich bar, a big selection of cereal and large salad bars. For hot meal options- each dining hall has an italian/pata station, a mexican station, a grill area (with hamburgers, fries, etc.), a “homestyle” section, a stir-fry bar as well as lots of other small selections. There are a lot of healthy options (vegetables and soups) and a variety of desserts offered at each meal. For more info and the actual menus of each dining hall you can check out the website: food.nd.edu
Steven - Buffalo, NY
What would be the most cost-effective and time-efficient way to travel to ND from Buffalo, NY?
ND Admissions
It’s pretty affordable to fly into Chicago and ride the bus down to campus.
Jared - Niles, MI
What types of things are in a typical lounge of dorms? i.e. TVs, game tables, etc.
ND Admissions
All dorms have a lounge with a TV of some sort, which is usually fairly current. Aside from this, it varies from dorm to dorm, but popular items are ping-pong, pool, and foosball tables. There are usually tables and nice chairs for doing homework, etc.
Meredith Angell - Mason City, IA
Do many people double major in pre-medicine and a language? Is it difficult to do?
ND Admissions
Hi Meredith,
That combination wouldn’t be an uncommon one. Usually the foreign languages have a number of classes offered to satisfy those second major requirements. If you are coming in with some AP credit that may give you some flexibility also.
Julia - Bakersfield, CA
Any insider tips for preparing for/dealing with the weather?
ND Admissions
Wear layers! Buy warm/waterproof boots and long underwear. A “warm” coat in California or Florida may not necessarily be “warm” in the Midwest, so make sure you ask some experts before you buy a coat. Be positive! The weather may not always be warm and sunny, but approach it as a new experience.
Stanislava - Mount Albert, ON
What is the best payment method for international students to use when paying tuition/room and board fees? Is there a bank or credit union at which to set up an account?
ND Admissions
Hi Stanislava,
I actually e-mailed your dad about this today-I would contact the Office of Student Accounts to see if they have any suggestions.
Anthony - Long Grove, IL
What is the process of signing up for the bengal bouts? When are they held?
ND Admissions
There are number of opportunities to sign up. Training occurs throughout the year and the bouts are held in the spring.
Anthony - Long Grove, IL
My sister wants to attend ND next year, does my being a current student increase her chances of being accepted?
ND Admissions
Hi Anthony- Thanks for your email. We try to consider various family ties when we review an application, but also try to be fair to all who apply. After all, Anthony, it seems that you were admitted without that “sibling tie.” In short, it won’t be a huge factor.
Anne - Hoffman estates, IL
the 2009/2010 undergraduate COA on the financial aid contitions & information sheet is $51,300. Does that mean all the colleges in the ND pay the same COA even my daughter declare her interest in business. If the first year in ND are the same, how about Jr. and Sr. years after you decide your major?
ND Admissions
Hi Anne,
The undergraduate cost of attendance is standard for most undergraduate students. Some majors may incurr additional lab fees, but the cost of attendance is roughly the same for all undergraduate students.
Marcos - Seminole, Fl
I am currently involved in a program that will allow me to receive my AA degree by the time I finish high school. The colleges in Florida will all accept my AA degree, however, ND will only accept 9 credits. In Florida I could have my Bachelors degree in 2 years, but if I came to ND, I would have to take almost 4 years. If I finished my Bachelors in Florida, I could apply in 2 years to ND's graduate program. Why do you think I should consider giving up two years of undergraduate study and take 4 instead to be at ND?
ND Admissions
Marcos, if finances are a concern for you, then it would be a good idea to look closely at your options in Florida.ND has a lot to offer in its four year experience. A lot would depend on your intended major.
Teresa - Haddon Township, NJ
I ran competitively for my school's cross country team and would like to know if it is possible for me to try-out for ND's varsity team. I was also wondering what kind of commitment and competition the women's running club and intramural cross country involve as I did not know that intramural cross country teams in particular existed. Finally, what is the distance of the trails on campus and is it possible to run safely off campus?
ND Admissions
It is definitely possible to try to walk-on to the varsity cross-country team. I would check out the athletic website and get in touch with the coaches to find out more about that process. I am not as familiar with the other two clubs but they should have websites through Notre Dame with the names of the Presidents. My advice would definitely be to get in touch with these people to find out which situation would best fit what you are looking for. You can find most of this information on the recsports website: recsports.nd.edu and by clicking on the club sports link.
We have two beautiful lakes on campus and if you run in a loop around them the distance is 2 miles. A large majority of students run around these lakes, especially with the nice weather! There are lots of sidewalks around South Bend and I’ve known several students who run off-campus so there are definitely safe routes!
Christina - Oak Forest, IL
There seem to be so many great extra-curricular opportunites at Notre Dame. When do students sign up for clubs/intramurals, etc.? Also, how competitive are the club sports and are there different levels? Do most activities require a significant amount of experience or are there a lot of chances to try something new?
ND Admissions
At the beginning of each academic year, there is an activities fair that is very similar to a career fair in which clubs present themselves to students, and students put their name down on a non-binding list. Sports that fall under that category of “club sports” are somewhat competitive, and here is a list of those clubs:
http://recsports.nd.edu/programs/club/clubs.html
Most of those clubs have their own website and can give you a good idea of the competition.
Anne - Hoffman estates, IL
there are two scholarships offered in my daughter financial aid package,one is provost's and the other one is university scholarship, how they are different? What is the GPA requirements for those two scholarships to continue for the follwing years?
ND Admissions
Dear Anne,
Both scholarships are based upon financial need and eligibility is determined through the FAFSA and CSS/PROFILE. The Provost’s Scholarship also considers the student’s academic and leadership achievements in high school (see prior posting for additional information). The scholarships are renewable for a maximum of four years (eight semesters) based upon the annual demonstration of financial need and maintaining satisfactory academic progress (2.0 or higher cumulative GPA).
Jared - Niles, MI
Will I feel out of place if I am a Protestant? What percentage of the students are Protestant?
ND Admissions
Jared,
You will not feel out of place if your are not Catholic. We welcome all faiths. We hope that, whatever your denomination, you will mature in your faith. Our campus ministry will help you to find other students of your denomination and either provide worship space or transportation to a synagogue or mosque, if appropriate. Our philosophy here at Notre Dame is that a person must grow in intellect as well as spirit in order to become more fully human. Whatever your faith, you will thrive here!
Catherine - Rockville, MD
Is there any skiing close to Notre Dame?
ND Admissions
There are a number of ski “resorts” 1-2 hrs away from campus. Fridays are college days at Swiss Valley!
Vincent - Tucson, AZ
How will ND help pre-med students get into the medical school of their choice?
ND Admissions
An undergraduate education at Notre Dame prepares students well for the rigors of medical school or graduate school. Students are encouraged to participate in research in their particular field of interest beginning their freshman year. Along with the challenging coursework, students participate in hands on experiences throughout their time at Notre Dame. If you major in the pre-professional studies, you will be assigned an advisor in the department beginning your sophomore year.
Chris - Littleton, CO
What is the best thing about the University of Notre Dame? ...what is the worst thing?
ND Admissions
Chris,
The worst thing about Notre Dame is easy: the winter weather!
The best thing about Notre Dame is a bit more difficult to describe. In the end, I think all of us who have been blessed enough to attend school here would say the strong friendship that form in the context of an environment that is at once intellectual, rigorous, and spiritual. Our Notre Dame lives are lived in the midst of a beautiful campus, but the buildings are only secondary. The real magic to this place is found through the souls that inhabit the campus for four years of their college career, growing closer to God and others in the process. We believe that coming to Notre Dame is not just a four year committment; rather, it is a 64+ years committment; that is, the rest of your life will be tied in some way to Notre Dame.
Calvin - Murphy, Tx
Exactly what does separate ND from other top schools?
ND Admissions
Calvin, if you’re at Notre Dame, you don’t need words to describe it. If you’re not at Notre Dame, no words are enough to describe it. Anyway, I think that the combination of intellectual, social and spiritual are unmatched by any other college.
philip - ocoee, fl
What is the Provost Scholarship and how is it awarded?
ND Admissions
Dear Philip,
The Provost’s Scholarship is awarded in recognition of a student’s distinguished high school record and demonstrated financial need. This special scholarship allows us to reduce the self-help portion (loan/work) of the financial aid award; the amount varies dependent upon financial need. The Provost’s Scholarship is renewable for up to four years of undergraduate study based on continued demonstrated financial need.
Anthony - Las Vegas, NV
I am a triplet. One of my brothers was rejected, and the other was put on the waiting list. What is the probability of being admitted from the waiting list.
ND Admissions
Hi Anthony- Thanks for you email. Unfortunately, it’s a bit early to predict what might happen with our waiting list process this year. We really won’t know for sure until after our May 1 confirmation deadline. Your brother is free to give us later this month for an update.
Stefan - Stuart, FL
If you are not a part of the band, are there still opportunities to be included in some type of inter-collegiate jazz band?
ND Admissions
Yes! Jazz Band auditions will be held on Sunday, August 30th. Please stop by the Band Building when you arrive on campus to pick up music and sign up for an audition time. Contact Larry Dwyer (ldwyer@nd.edu) for more information.
Everistus - Abuja, Nigeria
As an international student, I would like to ask what other materials/forms I will be receiving (after I have sent in my deposit) and around what months I should expect them.
ND Admissions
Hi Everistus,
We’ll obviously send your visa application, but you’ll get information from the First Year of Studies, health services, and a number of other departments on campus. These will come throughout the summer.
Gaby - Harlingen, TX
Is there any type of storage building available for students that live very far away from South Bend to leave their belongings through transition months?
ND Admissions
Hi Gaby,
There are storage facilities in the local area that you can rent over the summer. Many dorms also have a service you can purchase that allows students to drop off their items in a semi truck behind the dorm, which then parks for the summer, and returns in the fall when students come back.
Joan - Ada, MI
Do students typically open a banking account with the Notre Dame credit union or are there a variety of ATMs on campus?
ND Admissions
Several students open a banking account with ND Federal Credit Union. It has a really convenient location on campus for making deposits in person and does not charge fees at any of the ATM’s on campus. I personally have my own banking account through Bank of America but I can take out money at any of the ATM’s on campus (they are all over the place) and some of them do not charge outside banks withdrawal fees!
Stefan - Stuart, FL
What are the weekends like at ND for freshman?
ND Admissions
Football weekends are filled with all sorts activities available to all students. The rest of the weekends throughout the year have activities that all students can participate in. A large part of what is different between freshman and other students is an affiliation with off-campus students who are friends. Generally though, it is difficult to go through a weekend where you won’t be able to find something to do.
Marcos - Seminole, Fl
I would love to go up there with my mom to visit before I make my final decision. When would be a good time and who would I schedule my visit with so I could get the best experience in the shortest time?
ND Admissions
Give our office a call at 574-631-7505. The receptionist will be able to schedule you for an overnight host, appointment with an admissions counselor, and/or a tour.
