Chats » Regular Action Admitted Student Chat, 2009
Meghan - Shelton, CT
Notre Dame doesn't have a neuroscience department, so I guess that means you couldn't be a neuroscience major. How difficult would it become well-versed in this field at ND?
ND Admissions
While we don’t offer a neuroscience major, students interested in that field often major in the biological sciences and concentrate on courses focused on the field of neuroscience. There are quite a few faculty in the College of Science who conduct research in the neurological sciences.
Fulanat - El Paso, TX
What is your financial aid like? is it possible to get enough so you have 5000 or less in loans?
how is child support considered if it's ended?
ND Admissions
Hi Fulnat,
The average financial aid package for 2008/2009 is $30,780, with the average need-based scholarship or grant award being $24,124. What a student’s individual package will look like mainly depends on the information provided on the financial aid applications (the FAFSA and the CSS/Financial Aid PROFILE). Each family’s circumstances are looked at on a case by case basis. If your parent was receiving child support but will no longer be receiving such funds, we would hope that such information was outlined on the financial aid application, so that infomration could be taken into consideration.
Rachel - Hurst, TX
Where do sick students go to get treatment?
ND Admissions
St. Liam’s Hall is the campus’s health service building. The site for the health services on campus follows…
http://uhs.nd.edu/
Mason - Bryant, IN
What sort of on campus jobs are offered and what is the pay range for different jobs?
ND Admissions
Hi Mason,
A wide variety of jobs are available from working in the library or computer cluster to clerical work in an academic department or acting as a tour guide in our office. You can take a look at the financial aid job board for more opportunities
The 2009/2010 Academic Year Pay Rates
Basic – $7.25 Intermediate – $7.65 Skilled – $8.15
We will send more detailed information about campus employment in early August.
Thomas - Chicago, IL
As the crazy year in college admissions continues to be highly unpredictable, does Notre Dame find itself in a position where they might be forced to rescind admission offers due to faltering grades?
ND Admissions
Thomas,
We do not anticipate rescinding any offers of admission because of the unpredictable admissions landscape. When we do rescind an offer of admission it is because a student has stopped working in the senior year and grades have plummeted to D/F.
Mayra - Bakersfield, CA
If we are intending to attend ND how do we go about housing, because I know at other colleges there is a separate housing deposit?
ND Admissions
Mayra, when you return your confirmation card to the admissions office, you will automatically be on the list for housing.
Marilia - Sao Paulo, SP
When completing the confirmation card should I write my parents name on this field: "I authorize discussion and mailing of billing information to: ..."?
ND Admissions
Hi Marlia- Thanks for joining us this evening. Most students do just as you suggest, so that their parents receive the most current billing information.
Vincent - Tucson, AZ
What are typical costs for students to join certain sports teams and clubs? Is there some sort fee for joining?
ND Admissions
Each club will have its own fees, commonly referred to as ‘dues’. These ‘dues’ pay for the activities of the club. For inter-hall sports, the only cost is usually the team shirt that serves as a uniform. Hall tax pays for the fees of a dorm sport.
Kate - Ellicott City, MD
How do you pursue a teaching certificate while studying at Notre Dame?
ND Admissions
Students interested in pursuing professional certification as teachers during their undergraduate studies may do so through our cooperative relationship with St. Mary’s College. Please refer to the Interdisciplinary Minor in Education, Schooling, and Society website for more information.
JS - ,
I have submitted add'l financial /Tax info to college board April 10. How/When will I hear back about financial options/assistance.
ND Admissions
Dear JS,
Please see prior postings on timing of financial aid awards and contacting our office for the status of your file.
I would anticipate given the information you shared you should hear within a few days.
Vincent - Tucson, AZ
When can I begin selecting my courses? Will ND course counselors contact us during the summer?
ND Admissions
Vincent, an academic guide will be mailed to you at the beginning of June. It will contain a course selection form that you will need to complete and return by June 22. An advisor will contact you if there are questions about your form.
Vincent - Tucson, AZ
Can we use flex points in the dinning halls if we run out of the allotted meals?
ND Admissions
Flex-points can be used at any food service location on campus. Because of the unlimited buffet style of the dining halls, the cost of a meal in the dining hall is more expensive than other places. However, there are many places for students to find a meal on campus using flex-points if they run out of meals.
Vincent - Tucson, AZ
How will payments for tuition and room and board work? When and how will I receive the financial aid and scholarship monies ND has offered?
ND Admissions
Dear Vincent,
Please see prior postings about timing of financial aid awards and how to contact our office to check the status of your file.
Statements for tuition, fees, room and board are sent in July for the fall semester and in December for the spring semester. Your financial aid will be applied to these charges and the remaining balance must be paid before the start of the semester. If you would like additional information, please visit the Student Accounts website at: http://www.nd.edu/~stdacct/
Meghan - Shelton, CT
What about womens club/interhall soccer?
ND Admissions
Same deal for women’s soccer. We do have interhall teams but no club team!
Brian - Neenah, WI
How large are the freshman dorm rooms? What are the chances that I could get tripled up with two room-mates instead of one?
ND Admissions
Freshman room sizes depend largely on the dorm in which a student is placed. These rooms can vary from what some people would consider to be a little tight to ones that some people would consider to be spacious. However, students are not put in rooms that are unhealthily cramped. The maximum number of students per room freshman year is four. Generally, the higher the number of students per room, the more spacious it will seem in order to accommodate the number of students.
Jeffrey - Downingtown, PA
Do students get free tickets to the games?
ND Admissions
Students do not get free tickets to football or basketball games. For football, every student is guaranteed season tickets in the student section, if they want them, at an extremely reduced price. Season tickets for basketball are also very very inexpensive. All other games are free of charge, you just have to show your Notre Dame ID! Let me know if you have any more questions!
Brian - Neenah, WI
Would earning college credits in high school in subjects such as US Gov't & Politics (POL 104), English Lit, and English Composition exempt me from any of the core curriculum in Social Science or Composition?
ND Admissions
Hi Brian- If the credit is earned while at your high school (i.e., not in a college classroom), the answer is no. Sorry, Brian.
Siobhan - Los Angeles, CA
Can you have dual majors and a minor?
ND Admissions
Siobahn, it is possible to have two majors and a minor. It is easier to do if you have earned some AP or IB credit.
Irene - Springfield, MO
I've heard that ND does not have very much diversity in the student body. Does this have any effect on students who may be a little "different"?
ND Admissions
Notre Dame admits a diverse group of students from various geographic regions, socioeconomic backgrounds, religious affiliations, and ethnic backgrounds. While many different perspectives are brought into the dorms and classrooms, Notre Dame constantly strives to improve the diversity among the student body and faculty/staff. The University’s mission is one of inclusion and we are open to welcoming students of all backgrounds. We encourage our students and faculty to approach each other with open-minds in order to create a vibrant learning atmosphere which is not only limited to the classroom.
Jim - Nutley, NJ
What are the career prospects for someone with a ND engineering degree?
ND Admissions
Hi Jim,
Students graduating from Notre Dame with an engineering degree are generally very successful in finding employment. I recently learned that over 90% of EG seniors seeking a job this year have one already. You can learn more details about the plans after graduation for the college and by major at the Career Center website
Joowon - Shanghai,
What are some popular student-run organizations or clubs on campus?
ND Admissions
There are so many choices! Student government, service clubs like Circle K, and our student-run newspaper (The Observer) are among the largest clubs. Please refer to the Student Activities Office’s website for a full listing.
Vincent - Tucson, AZ
What is the typical hourly wage for work study programs? Who can I contact about work positions on campus? When should I begin this search?
ND Admissions
Dear Vincent,
2The 009/2010 Academic Year Pay Rates
Basic – $7.25
Intermediate – $7.65
Skilled – $8.15
We will send more detailed information about campus employment in early August. If you are interested in learning more about the opportunities for employment on campus, please visit the student employment section of our website at: http://www.nd.edu/~finaid/student_employment/
Vincent - Tucson, AZ
What GPA will I have to maintain at ND to continue receiving the Financial Aid, and Scholarships that ND offered me?
ND Admissions
Hi Vincent,
First semester freshmen who receive University Scholarship need to maintain at 1.70 GPA; second semester freshmen need to maintain a 1.85 GPA. Sophomore, junior, and senior students need to maintain a 2.0 GPA. For more information on the Standards of Academic Progress and how they relate to financial aid, please visit our website at http://www.nd.edu/~finaid/undergraduate/.
Selina - Madison, AL
How's the dorm life, specifically living in the actual dorm rooms? Are they comfortable, roomy, etc?
ND Admissions
It really depends what dorm you are in and what type of room you have within it. We have very typical college dorm rooms here, so not enormous but definitely enough room to spread out. Some rooms will definitely be bigger than others. It is really up to the student to make it comfortable! So having lots of pillows, lamps, a carpet or a futon (if it fits) is a good way to cheer up a room! Also don’t worry too much about it because everyone is in the same boat! Let me know if you have any more questions!
Ji Yung - Shanghai, Shanghai
Hi, I was wondering how difficult it is to get a job in the States after graduating (as an international)?
Also I am aware that the Notre Dame community is quite homogenous. Will there be much discrimination (racial or otherwise?)
ND Admissions
I don’t think our international students have any difficulty finding jobs in the United States after graduation; we have a wonderful career center on campus that will help all students find positions throughout the world.
Statistically, Notre Dame is not as diverse as some other campuses out there, though it’s certainly something we address every year so we can become better and better. Though, if you ever visit or come to Notre Dame, you’ll find that there is not discrimination on campus. Students do not dislike each other because of racial, ethnic, national, religious or other backgrounds. When you come to Notre Dame, you’re a part of something that is much larger than yourself and much larger than just the sum of the people around you. You’re a part of a community, and the members of that community appreciate each other as they would family members.
Derek - Bloomington, IL
Is there a specific date or time period in which residence hall and roomate information will be released?
ND Admissions
Derek, residence hall and roommate info are usually released by mid-July.
Ji Hye - Wheeling, WV
What is the size of Korean community at the University of NotreDame?
ND Admissions
Ji Hye, we actually have a sizable Korean community on campus. Over 10% of our student body is Asian or Asian-American and a significant part of that is of Korean descent.
Ryan - Williamsburg, VA
I was invited to apply for the Engineering Scholars Program and I was wondering what the chances are of getting in. Also, is the 100 word essay the only thing they use to differentiate one applicant from another, as it is the only thing necessary for applying?
ND Admissions
Hi Ryan,
Our office doesn’t handle the application process for the EG Honors Program, but you may be able to contact Cathy Pieronek in Engineering at Catherine.F.Pieronek.1@nd.edu with questions about some of those details. Good luck!
Anna - Cincinnati, Ohio
If your financial aid package does not include student employment but you want to work anyway, can you?
ND Admissions
Yes, students who have not been offered campus employment may still work on campus. The Community Service positions, funded by the Federal Work Study program, would not be available.
TJ - Mesa, AZ
Is there any chance at all that I might be able to get a single room in my residence hall, or are singles just reserved for upper-classmen?
ND Admissions
Every first-year student at Notre Dame is assigned at least one roommate. The highest number of students per room is four. After freshman year, though, students may opt for a single room.
Joowon - Shanghai,
If English is a required course for first year students, and I already got a 5 on the AP Language exam, can I bypass the English class via AP credit?
ND Admissions
Joowon, your 5 on the AP English language will give you credit for the required First Year Composition course.
Tim - Pocatello, ID
Are audition times available for prospective freshman marching band candidates?
Are band scholarships available?
ND Admissions
If you are an incoming freshman at Notre Dame, Saint Mary’s or Holy Cross, you should be receiving band sign up information through the mail. If you wish to audition simply complete the online form. You will receive more information by mail and email throughout the summer. Marching Band auditions will be held Wednesday, August 19th, through Sunday, August 23rd. Additionally, I do believe the band provides a number of scholarships.
Ruoqing - Beijing, China
1. My financial packet says that $2,600 will come from Community Employment and students work 10 hours every week. I just want to know 1) what kind of on-Campus work students usually do.2) Is it up to the student to decide how many hours he want to work every week or the student has to work 10 hours per week?
2. What is the student-faculty ratio and the undergraduate class sizes in Notre Dame?
3. Does Notre Dame allow students to apply scholarship funds to study abroad opportunities?
ND Admissions
Dear Ruoqing,
The $2,600 in Campus Employment is an offer to work on campus. There are many different opportunities for work on campus. I suggest you visit the campus employment section of our website to learn more about the opportunities. The web link is: http://www.nd.edu/~finaid/student_employment/
In terms of the number hours of work, the $2,600 represents the maximum earnings and not a requirement. It is up to the student to decide how many hours they wish to work and therefore how much they will earn.
University Scholarship is available for students who choose to study abroad on a Notre Dame program.
The student-faculty ratio is 13:1 and the average class is 27.
Brittani - Effingham, IL
I know that the theatre program at ND isn't huge, but how competitive is it to gain roles in the productions? I know that anyone may audition, but is it difficult for a non-major to earn a role?
ND Admissions
Hi Brittani,
Good question. I’m sure the competitiveness varies from year to year and show to show in earning a role.But I don’t think you should worry about non-theater majors being handicapped in the process. There are many performances that occur during the year, including a musical revue starting tomorrow
Vincent - Tucson, AZ
What furniture is provided in the dorms? What do I need to bring?
ND Admissions
You will have a bed, desk, and some sort of space for clothing (a closet or set of drawers). Each dorm is slightly different so when you are assigned a dorm, check out their website and it will probably tell you what they have. Depending on how much clothing and extra belongings you bring, you may want to bring some extra storage space or collapsible shelves. I would recommend waiting until you get your room set up to buy anything additional so that you know exactly what you need and don’t buy things you won’t use! Let me know if you have any more questions!
Sara - Dallas, TX
How many classes in the first two years will possibly be taught by TA's?
ND Admissions
Hi Sara- Thanks for “chatting” with us tonight. While it might vary by intended major, I imagine that number to be 2-3. The vast majority of the time you’ll be taught by our outstanding tenured faculty.
Joowon - Shanghai,
Can we change roommates the first year? How do students at ND feel about the random assignment of roommates and dorm buildings?
ND Admissions
It is very uncommon for students to switch roommates during their first year, however, if circumstances permit, a student can apply for a switch through the Office of Resident Life and Housing. Most students either become good friends with their roommate or at the very least come to terms with them and find a balance where they are able to live with him or her.
Jack - Chicago, IL
Any tips on general courses and when to take what?
ND Admissions
Jack, all student who enter ND for fall 2009 will have a complete academic guide sent to them in early June. That will explain the overall curriculum in detail.
Javier - San Diego, CA
To what degree can scholarships be used for the student's financial contribution?
ND Admissions
Hi Javier,
Typically, outside scholarships first go toward replacing a student’s need-based federal loans and/or work study. Further adjustments can be made depending on the amount of outside aid a student receives. For more information on our outside scholarship policy, please see the outside scholarship section on our Undergraduate Financial Aid Conditions and Information at http://www.nd.edu/~finaid/undergraduate/publications/
Joowon - Shanghai,
How competitive do competitions between dorm buildings get?
ND Admissions
If you ask almost any student at Notre Dame, they will tell you that their dorm is the best on campus (sometimes in the country!). That being said, there is healthy competition between dorms, which often stems from proximity but also comes from things like inter-hall sports and traditions that pit dorms against each other. However, beyond a good-spirited rivalry, students at Notre Dame recognize that their bonds extend beyond their dorms and that everyone is a part of the Notre Dame family.
Meghan - Shelton, CT
Notre Dame doesn't have a neuroscience department, so I guess that means you couldn't be a neuroscience major. How difficult would it become well-versed in this field at ND?
ND Admissions
While we don’t offer a neuroscience major, students interested in that field often major in the biological sciences and concentrate on courses focused on the field of neuroscience. There are quite a few faculty in the College of Science who conduct research in the neurological sciences.
Fulanat - El Paso, TX
What is your financial aid like? is it possible to get enough so you have 5000 or less in loans? how is child support considered if it's ended?
ND Admissions
Hi Fulnat,
The average financial aid package for 2008/2009 is $30,780, with the average need-based scholarship or grant award being $24,124. What a student’s individual package will look like mainly depends on the information provided on the financial aid applications (the FAFSA and the CSS/Financial Aid PROFILE). Each family’s circumstances are looked at on a case by case basis. If your parent was receiving child support but will no longer be receiving such funds, we would hope that such information was outlined on the financial aid application, so that infomration could be taken into consideration.
Rachel - Hurst, TX
Where do sick students go to get treatment?
ND Admissions
St. Liam’s Hall is the campus’s health service building. The site for the health services on campus follows…
http://uhs.nd.edu/Mason - Bryant, IN
What sort of on campus jobs are offered and what is the pay range for different jobs?
ND Admissions
Hi Mason,
A wide variety of jobs are available from working in the library or computer cluster to clerical work in an academic department or acting as a tour guide in our office. You can take a look at the financial aid job board for more opportunities
The 2009/2010 Academic Year Pay Rates
Basic – $7.25 Intermediate – $7.65 Skilled – $8.15
We will send more detailed information about campus employment in early August.
Thomas - Chicago, IL
As the crazy year in college admissions continues to be highly unpredictable, does Notre Dame find itself in a position where they might be forced to rescind admission offers due to faltering grades?
ND Admissions
Thomas,
We do not anticipate rescinding any offers of admission because of the unpredictable admissions landscape. When we do rescind an offer of admission it is because a student has stopped working in the senior year and grades have plummeted to D/F.
Mayra - Bakersfield, CA
If we are intending to attend ND how do we go about housing, because I know at other colleges there is a separate housing deposit?
ND Admissions
Mayra, when you return your confirmation card to the admissions office, you will automatically be on the list for housing.
Marilia - Sao Paulo, SP
When completing the confirmation card should I write my parents name on this field: "I authorize discussion and mailing of billing information to: ..."?
ND Admissions
Hi Marlia- Thanks for joining us this evening. Most students do just as you suggest, so that their parents receive the most current billing information.
Vincent - Tucson, AZ
What are typical costs for students to join certain sports teams and clubs? Is there some sort fee for joining?
ND Admissions
Each club will have its own fees, commonly referred to as ‘dues’. These ‘dues’ pay for the activities of the club. For inter-hall sports, the only cost is usually the team shirt that serves as a uniform. Hall tax pays for the fees of a dorm sport.
Kate - Ellicott City, MD
How do you pursue a teaching certificate while studying at Notre Dame?
ND Admissions
Students interested in pursuing professional certification as teachers during their undergraduate studies may do so through our cooperative relationship with St. Mary’s College. Please refer to the Interdisciplinary Minor in Education, Schooling, and Society website for more information.
JS - ,
I have submitted add'l financial /Tax info to college board April 10. How/When will I hear back about financial options/assistance.
ND Admissions
Dear JS,
Please see prior postings on timing of financial aid awards and contacting our office for the status of your file.
I would anticipate given the information you shared you should hear within a few days.
Vincent - Tucson, AZ
When can I begin selecting my courses? Will ND course counselors contact us during the summer?
ND Admissions
Vincent, an academic guide will be mailed to you at the beginning of June. It will contain a course selection form that you will need to complete and return by June 22. An advisor will contact you if there are questions about your form.
Vincent - Tucson, AZ
Can we use flex points in the dinning halls if we run out of the allotted meals?
ND Admissions
Flex-points can be used at any food service location on campus. Because of the unlimited buffet style of the dining halls, the cost of a meal in the dining hall is more expensive than other places. However, there are many places for students to find a meal on campus using flex-points if they run out of meals.
Vincent - Tucson, AZ
How will payments for tuition and room and board work? When and how will I receive the financial aid and scholarship monies ND has offered?
ND Admissions
Dear Vincent,
Please see prior postings about timing of financial aid awards and how to contact our office to check the status of your file.
Statements for tuition, fees, room and board are sent in July for the fall semester and in December for the spring semester. Your financial aid will be applied to these charges and the remaining balance must be paid before the start of the semester. If you would like additional information, please visit the Student Accounts website at: http://www.nd.edu/~stdacct/
Meghan - Shelton, CT
What about womens club/interhall soccer?
ND Admissions
Same deal for women’s soccer. We do have interhall teams but no club team!
Brian - Neenah, WI
How large are the freshman dorm rooms? What are the chances that I could get tripled up with two room-mates instead of one?
ND Admissions
Freshman room sizes depend largely on the dorm in which a student is placed. These rooms can vary from what some people would consider to be a little tight to ones that some people would consider to be spacious. However, students are not put in rooms that are unhealthily cramped. The maximum number of students per room freshman year is four. Generally, the higher the number of students per room, the more spacious it will seem in order to accommodate the number of students.
Jeffrey - Downingtown, PA
Do students get free tickets to the games?
ND Admissions
Students do not get free tickets to football or basketball games. For football, every student is guaranteed season tickets in the student section, if they want them, at an extremely reduced price. Season tickets for basketball are also very very inexpensive. All other games are free of charge, you just have to show your Notre Dame ID! Let me know if you have any more questions!
Brian - Neenah, WI
Would earning college credits in high school in subjects such as US Gov't & Politics (POL 104), English Lit, and English Composition exempt me from any of the core curriculum in Social Science or Composition?
ND Admissions
Hi Brian- If the credit is earned while at your high school (i.e., not in a college classroom), the answer is no. Sorry, Brian.
Siobhan - Los Angeles, CA
Can you have dual majors and a minor?
ND Admissions
Siobahn, it is possible to have two majors and a minor. It is easier to do if you have earned some AP or IB credit.
Irene - Springfield, MO
I've heard that ND does not have very much diversity in the student body. Does this have any effect on students who may be a little "different"?
ND Admissions
Notre Dame admits a diverse group of students from various geographic regions, socioeconomic backgrounds, religious affiliations, and ethnic backgrounds. While many different perspectives are brought into the dorms and classrooms, Notre Dame constantly strives to improve the diversity among the student body and faculty/staff. The University’s mission is one of inclusion and we are open to welcoming students of all backgrounds. We encourage our students and faculty to approach each other with open-minds in order to create a vibrant learning atmosphere which is not only limited to the classroom.
Jim - Nutley, NJ
What are the career prospects for someone with a ND engineering degree?
ND Admissions
Hi Jim,
Students graduating from Notre Dame with an engineering degree are generally very successful in finding employment. I recently learned that over 90% of EG seniors seeking a job this year have one already. You can learn more details about the plans after graduation for the college and by major at the Career Center website
Joowon - Shanghai,
What are some popular student-run organizations or clubs on campus?
ND Admissions
There are so many choices! Student government, service clubs like Circle K, and our student-run newspaper (The Observer) are among the largest clubs. Please refer to the Student Activities Office’s website for a full listing.
Vincent - Tucson, AZ
What is the typical hourly wage for work study programs? Who can I contact about work positions on campus? When should I begin this search?
ND Admissions
Dear Vincent,
2The 009/2010 Academic Year Pay Rates
Basic – $7.25 Intermediate – $7.65 Skilled – $8.15
We will send more detailed information about campus employment in early August. If you are interested in learning more about the opportunities for employment on campus, please visit the student employment section of our website at: http://www.nd.edu/~finaid/student_employment/
Vincent - Tucson, AZ
What GPA will I have to maintain at ND to continue receiving the Financial Aid, and Scholarships that ND offered me?
ND Admissions
Hi Vincent,
First semester freshmen who receive University Scholarship need to maintain at 1.70 GPA; second semester freshmen need to maintain a 1.85 GPA. Sophomore, junior, and senior students need to maintain a 2.0 GPA. For more information on the Standards of Academic Progress and how they relate to financial aid, please visit our website at http://www.nd.edu/~finaid/undergraduate/.
Selina - Madison, AL
How's the dorm life, specifically living in the actual dorm rooms? Are they comfortable, roomy, etc?
ND Admissions
It really depends what dorm you are in and what type of room you have within it. We have very typical college dorm rooms here, so not enormous but definitely enough room to spread out. Some rooms will definitely be bigger than others. It is really up to the student to make it comfortable! So having lots of pillows, lamps, a carpet or a futon (if it fits) is a good way to cheer up a room! Also don’t worry too much about it because everyone is in the same boat! Let me know if you have any more questions!
Ji Yung - Shanghai, Shanghai
Hi, I was wondering how difficult it is to get a job in the States after graduating (as an international)? Also I am aware that the Notre Dame community is quite homogenous. Will there be much discrimination (racial or otherwise?)
ND Admissions
I don’t think our international students have any difficulty finding jobs in the United States after graduation; we have a wonderful career center on campus that will help all students find positions throughout the world.
Statistically, Notre Dame is not as diverse as some other campuses out there, though it’s certainly something we address every year so we can become better and better. Though, if you ever visit or come to Notre Dame, you’ll find that there is not discrimination on campus. Students do not dislike each other because of racial, ethnic, national, religious or other backgrounds. When you come to Notre Dame, you’re a part of something that is much larger than yourself and much larger than just the sum of the people around you. You’re a part of a community, and the members of that community appreciate each other as they would family members.
Derek - Bloomington, IL
Is there a specific date or time period in which residence hall and roomate information will be released?
ND Admissions
Derek, residence hall and roommate info are usually released by mid-July.
Ji Hye - Wheeling, WV
What is the size of Korean community at the University of NotreDame?
ND Admissions
Ji Hye, we actually have a sizable Korean community on campus. Over 10% of our student body is Asian or Asian-American and a significant part of that is of Korean descent.
Ryan - Williamsburg, VA
I was invited to apply for the Engineering Scholars Program and I was wondering what the chances are of getting in. Also, is the 100 word essay the only thing they use to differentiate one applicant from another, as it is the only thing necessary for applying?
ND Admissions
Hi Ryan,
Our office doesn’t handle the application process for the EG Honors Program, but you may be able to contact Cathy Pieronek in Engineering at Catherine.F.Pieronek.1@nd.edu with questions about some of those details. Good luck!
Anna - Cincinnati, Ohio
If your financial aid package does not include student employment but you want to work anyway, can you?
ND Admissions
Yes, students who have not been offered campus employment may still work on campus. The Community Service positions, funded by the Federal Work Study program, would not be available.
TJ - Mesa, AZ
Is there any chance at all that I might be able to get a single room in my residence hall, or are singles just reserved for upper-classmen?
ND Admissions
Every first-year student at Notre Dame is assigned at least one roommate. The highest number of students per room is four. After freshman year, though, students may opt for a single room.
Joowon - Shanghai,
If English is a required course for first year students, and I already got a 5 on the AP Language exam, can I bypass the English class via AP credit?
ND Admissions
Joowon, your 5 on the AP English language will give you credit for the required First Year Composition course.
Tim - Pocatello, ID
Are audition times available for prospective freshman marching band candidates? Are band scholarships available?
ND Admissions
If you are an incoming freshman at Notre Dame, Saint Mary’s or Holy Cross, you should be receiving band sign up information through the mail. If you wish to audition simply complete the online form. You will receive more information by mail and email throughout the summer. Marching Band auditions will be held Wednesday, August 19th, through Sunday, August 23rd. Additionally, I do believe the band provides a number of scholarships.
Ruoqing - Beijing, China
1. My financial packet says that $2,600 will come from Community Employment and students work 10 hours every week. I just want to know 1) what kind of on-Campus work students usually do.2) Is it up to the student to decide how many hours he want to work every week or the student has to work 10 hours per week? 2. What is the student-faculty ratio and the undergraduate class sizes in Notre Dame? 3. Does Notre Dame allow students to apply scholarship funds to study abroad opportunities?
ND Admissions
Dear Ruoqing,
The $2,600 in Campus Employment is an offer to work on campus. There are many different opportunities for work on campus. I suggest you visit the campus employment section of our website to learn more about the opportunities. The web link is: http://www.nd.edu/~finaid/student_employment/
In terms of the number hours of work, the $2,600 represents the maximum earnings and not a requirement. It is up to the student to decide how many hours they wish to work and therefore how much they will earn.
University Scholarship is available for students who choose to study abroad on a Notre Dame program.
The student-faculty ratio is 13:1 and the average class is 27.
Brittani - Effingham, IL
I know that the theatre program at ND isn't huge, but how competitive is it to gain roles in the productions? I know that anyone may audition, but is it difficult for a non-major to earn a role?
ND Admissions
Hi Brittani,
Good question. I’m sure the competitiveness varies from year to year and show to show in earning a role.But I don’t think you should worry about non-theater majors being handicapped in the process. There are many performances that occur during the year, including a musical revue starting tomorrow
Vincent - Tucson, AZ
What furniture is provided in the dorms? What do I need to bring?
ND Admissions
You will have a bed, desk, and some sort of space for clothing (a closet or set of drawers). Each dorm is slightly different so when you are assigned a dorm, check out their website and it will probably tell you what they have. Depending on how much clothing and extra belongings you bring, you may want to bring some extra storage space or collapsible shelves. I would recommend waiting until you get your room set up to buy anything additional so that you know exactly what you need and don’t buy things you won’t use! Let me know if you have any more questions!
Sara - Dallas, TX
How many classes in the first two years will possibly be taught by TA's?
ND Admissions
Hi Sara- Thanks for “chatting” with us tonight. While it might vary by intended major, I imagine that number to be 2-3. The vast majority of the time you’ll be taught by our outstanding tenured faculty.
Joowon - Shanghai,
Can we change roommates the first year? How do students at ND feel about the random assignment of roommates and dorm buildings?
ND Admissions
It is very uncommon for students to switch roommates during their first year, however, if circumstances permit, a student can apply for a switch through the Office of Resident Life and Housing. Most students either become good friends with their roommate or at the very least come to terms with them and find a balance where they are able to live with him or her.
Jack - Chicago, IL
Any tips on general courses and when to take what?
ND Admissions
Jack, all student who enter ND for fall 2009 will have a complete academic guide sent to them in early June. That will explain the overall curriculum in detail.
Javier - San Diego, CA
To what degree can scholarships be used for the student's financial contribution?
ND Admissions
Hi Javier,
Typically, outside scholarships first go toward replacing a student’s need-based federal loans and/or work study. Further adjustments can be made depending on the amount of outside aid a student receives. For more information on our outside scholarship policy, please see the outside scholarship section on our Undergraduate Financial Aid Conditions and Information at http://www.nd.edu/~finaid/undergraduate/publications/
Joowon - Shanghai,
How competitive do competitions between dorm buildings get?
ND Admissions
If you ask almost any student at Notre Dame, they will tell you that their dorm is the best on campus (sometimes in the country!). That being said, there is healthy competition between dorms, which often stems from proximity but also comes from things like inter-hall sports and traditions that pit dorms against each other. However, beyond a good-spirited rivalry, students at Notre Dame recognize that their bonds extend beyond their dorms and that everyone is a part of the Notre Dame family.
