Chats » Regular Action Admitted Student Chat, 2009
Jessica - Chicago, IL
Are all first-year students required to have a roommate in a double room, or is it possible to end up in different set up, such as a single or a two-person suite?
ND Admissions
Hi Jessica,
Almost all freshmen will live in a double. Some might be in a triple or a quad, but I can promise you that no freshman will be in a single. We think the community here on campus and among our students is very important, and want freshmen, at least, to have a roommate.
Everistus - Abuja, Nigeria
I would like to know more about the swim test and if it's compulsory to take it?
ND Admissions
The swim test is compulsory. The structure of the swim test is not such that you need to be an accomplished swimmer, but simply tests whether or not you are able to swim competently. It consists of two laps of 25m distance using the stroke of your choice followed (if necessary) by another test of the same length to ensure your ability to swim. The point of the test is to ensure that you are able to swim, and if not, that you will be able to take a section of physical fitness that will teach you to swim.
Lucille - Shreveport, LA
Our daughter would love to be a part of Notre Dame, but we are in need of financial questions and aid...
#1. If our assets have decreased significantly due to the economy since the form was filed, do I resubmit? If so, please provide your fax.
#2. Are scholarships available if she tries out and becomes part of the band's danceline...assuming there is one.
#3. She is a National Merit Finalist, are there any merit based scholarships we can apply for?
Thank you.
Rosie Woodley
ND Admissions
Hi Ms. Woodley,
Typically, federal aid regulation states that the asset value used in financial aid evaluations must be the asset value at the time the financial aid application was submitted. However, in light of the recent economic downturn, the Department of Education is allowing financial aid offices to consider substantial changes to asset value. In order to consider this substantial change, a financial aid office must have documentation from a family on the previous value of the asset and the current value of the asset.
At this time, we are unaware of scholarship funds allocated for members of the band’s danceline.
Congratulations on your daughter being named a National Merit Finalist! The Office of Financial Aid at Notre Dame does not match any funds a student may be awarded from organizations due to a student’s National Merit status. We will, however, accept and credit to a student’s account outside aid that a student has been awarded due to their National Merit status.
Blake Breslau - San Diego, CA
I received a scholarship from the National Football Foundation, is there a form that I need to fill out ? And is there a deadline for this type of Scholarship when paying my tutition?
ND Admissions
Hi Blake,
Congratulations on the receipt of an outside scholarship! There is not a specific form that needs to be completed. When a student receives an outside scholarship, we ask that they contact the Office of Financial Aid with the name of the scholarship, the amount per academic year, and whether or not the award is renewable from year to year. Once this information is received, the award will be added and your financial aid package will be adjusted, if necessary.
There is not a deadline for the Office of Financial Aid to receive this check by. Typically, most outside scholarship checks arrive in our office at the beginning of each semester (August and January). However, scholarship checks are accepted on behalf of students throughout the year; it is important to note that the check should be received during the academic year it is assigned for.
Nick - ,
If my parent loses his/her job in the next two months, can my financial aid be increased for the second semester of freshman year?
ND Admissions
Hi Nick,
Thank you for your question. Unfortunately, in today’s economy this is not an uncommon question. We hope that all turns out well with your parent’s employment situation.
When a parent first experiences loss of employment, there most likely will not be an immediate change to a student’s financial aid package. If within a few months the parent has not found a new position with equal earning power, we encourage the family to contact the Office of Financial Aid with details of the family’s new financial situation. While we cannot guarantee what the outcome of such a situation would be, we are more than willing to work with families who are experiencing financial difficulties due to the current economy.
Gabe - LaPlace, LA
Hi, I'm waiting on my financial aid package. Is there a date set for when we get that? How much of it is usually loans rather than grants?
ND Admissions
Dear Gabe,
Please see prior postings for information on when you will get your package.
The amount of financial aid and the type offered is based upon demonstrated financial need.
Joseph - Oak Park, MI
I had submitted FAFSA and other financial (IDOC) info for financial aid. When will I hear back, so I can finalize my decision?
ND Admissions
Dear Joseph,
As stated in the prior two postings, we continue to send financial aid awards out on a daily basis. You are welcome to write or call our office to check the status of your application.
Julie - Clovis, Calif
Hello, I attended the Diversity Weekend last month and didn't receive my estimated financial aid package because I had turned in my tax documents that week to IDOC. I still have not received the information. When do you think I will?
ND Admissions
Dear Julie,
We are sending financial aid award letters on a daily basis. You are welcome to email our office at finaid@nd.edu or call our office at 574-631-6436 to check on the status of your application.
Julie - Clovis, Calif
Hello, I am still waiting on the financial aid options--who do I call...................thanks, Julie
ND Admissions
Dear Julie,
We continue to send financial aid awards out on a daily basis. I would suggest you write to finaid@nd.edu or call our office at 574-631-6436 to check on the status of your file. One of our staff will be happy to talk with you.
Aaron - Burleson, TX
Hello Admissions!
I was super excited when I was invited to go up for Spring Vis in March, and thanks for it all, it was AMAZING! My only concern, and the only thing holding me back from going to Notre Dame is the whole money issue. The difference between my family's EFC and what we can actually pay (ya know, the economy and all) is VERY different. I was wondering if Financial Aid would change my package much, if at all.
Thanks!
ND Admissions
Dear Aaron,
If you have new information to share with the Financial Aid Office that you do not believe was considered when we evaluated your application, you should submit a written appeal to our office. The appeal needs to include documentation of the circumstances you believe need further consideration. Our goal in our initial evaluation is to consider all information and to prepare the best financial aid package possible based upon that information.
Sherry - Knoxville, TN
My son received his financial aid package last week. He was devastated when he saw the amount of aid he will get. We as a family would have to dedicate 45% of our families' net income each month, or take out a substantial loan to pay the tuition. I do not understand, and am more than a little angry in the fact that we were told during our campus visit and on your website that a students financial needs would be met and that ND does not want it's students to leave with an overwhelming debt. It should be stated in plain language that aid will include how much the financial aid office figures the parents can possibly borrow against their home. I did not expect my son to receive full tuition at ND, but of the three other universities where he was accepted your financial aid was the worst. On average him being a merit scholar only increased his aid at the other colleges by $1000. These other universities are not as big as ND, are all private institutions, and do not have the endowment that ND has. Can you please explain how in good consciousness you can do this? Leaving out that bit of critical information is lying, it would have been easy enough to tell us during our campus visit how exactly "financial need" is calculated, and that an overwhelming debt will not be incurred by the students, just by his parents.
ND Admissions
Dear Sherry,
The concerns you express here would be most appropriately discussed directly with a counselor in our office as I am not able to view (or share) the specific information related to your situation. With that stated, I would share that it is not our intention to mislead any family regarding the determination of financial need, the process we use to determine financial need or our policy of meeting full demonstrated financial need.
The federal and institutional methodologies used to determine financial need is based upon family income, assets, size of family, number in college as well as allowances for non-discretionary expenditures (e.g., federal, state, FICA taxes) and protection of assets for retirement, emergencies and future educational expenses. We evaluate each family individually and try to understand their specific situation.
The challenge of the evaluation for need based aid is that it is not a cash flow analysis—it does not assume that you will dedicate 45% of current income to educational expense. Like any other major purchase (such as a home), there is an assumption of multiple methods of financing. The evaluation is based upon the philosophy that a family will structure the financing of education from three resources: saving in advance of college, current income possibly supplemented with financial aid and future income (loans).
Notre Dame does meet the demonstrated financial need of each applicant. As I understand your situation, your family did not demonstrate financial need and therefore did not receive need-based scholarship assistance from Notre Dame.
Joanne - ,
Will the amount of financial aid awarded for the freshman year be the same amount received the next three years if your parents financial status is the same?
ND Admissions
Hi Joanne,
Typically, a student’s financial aid package will remain the same if their family’s financial situation remains the same throughout the student’s four years at the University. Remember, applying for financial aid is an annual process; if you decide to come to Notre Dame, you will want to complete a new FAFSA and CSS/Financial Aid PROFILE each year by February 28.
If a family’s financial situation changes (i.e. loss of employment, substantial decrease or increase in income) from one year to the next, our office will take these changes into consideration and the student may see a change in their financial package.
Jessica - Chicago, IL
Are all first-year students required to have a roommate in a double room, or is it possible to end up in different set up, such as a single or a two-person suite?
ND Admissions
Hi Jessica,
Almost all freshmen will live in a double. Some might be in a triple or a quad, but I can promise you that no freshman will be in a single. We think the community here on campus and among our students is very important, and want freshmen, at least, to have a roommate.
Everistus - Abuja, Nigeria
I would like to know more about the swim test and if it's compulsory to take it?
ND Admissions
The swim test is compulsory. The structure of the swim test is not such that you need to be an accomplished swimmer, but simply tests whether or not you are able to swim competently. It consists of two laps of 25m distance using the stroke of your choice followed (if necessary) by another test of the same length to ensure your ability to swim. The point of the test is to ensure that you are able to swim, and if not, that you will be able to take a section of physical fitness that will teach you to swim.
Lucille - Shreveport, LA
Our daughter would love to be a part of Notre Dame, but we are in need of financial questions and aid... #1. If our assets have decreased significantly due to the economy since the form was filed, do I resubmit? If so, please provide your fax. #2. Are scholarships available if she tries out and becomes part of the band's danceline...assuming there is one. #3. She is a National Merit Finalist, are there any merit based scholarships we can apply for? Thank you. Rosie Woodley
ND Admissions
Hi Ms. Woodley,
Typically, federal aid regulation states that the asset value used in financial aid evaluations must be the asset value at the time the financial aid application was submitted. However, in light of the recent economic downturn, the Department of Education is allowing financial aid offices to consider substantial changes to asset value. In order to consider this substantial change, a financial aid office must have documentation from a family on the previous value of the asset and the current value of the asset. At this time, we are unaware of scholarship funds allocated for members of the band’s danceline. Congratulations on your daughter being named a National Merit Finalist! The Office of Financial Aid at Notre Dame does not match any funds a student may be awarded from organizations due to a student’s National Merit status. We will, however, accept and credit to a student’s account outside aid that a student has been awarded due to their National Merit status.
Blake Breslau - San Diego, CA
I received a scholarship from the National Football Foundation, is there a form that I need to fill out ? And is there a deadline for this type of Scholarship when paying my tutition?
ND Admissions
Hi Blake,
Congratulations on the receipt of an outside scholarship! There is not a specific form that needs to be completed. When a student receives an outside scholarship, we ask that they contact the Office of Financial Aid with the name of the scholarship, the amount per academic year, and whether or not the award is renewable from year to year. Once this information is received, the award will be added and your financial aid package will be adjusted, if necessary. There is not a deadline for the Office of Financial Aid to receive this check by. Typically, most outside scholarship checks arrive in our office at the beginning of each semester (August and January). However, scholarship checks are accepted on behalf of students throughout the year; it is important to note that the check should be received during the academic year it is assigned for.
Nick - ,
If my parent loses his/her job in the next two months, can my financial aid be increased for the second semester of freshman year?
ND Admissions
Hi Nick,
Thank you for your question. Unfortunately, in today’s economy this is not an uncommon question. We hope that all turns out well with your parent’s employment situation. When a parent first experiences loss of employment, there most likely will not be an immediate change to a student’s financial aid package. If within a few months the parent has not found a new position with equal earning power, we encourage the family to contact the Office of Financial Aid with details of the family’s new financial situation. While we cannot guarantee what the outcome of such a situation would be, we are more than willing to work with families who are experiencing financial difficulties due to the current economy.
Gabe - LaPlace, LA
Hi, I'm waiting on my financial aid package. Is there a date set for when we get that? How much of it is usually loans rather than grants?
ND Admissions
Dear Gabe,
Please see prior postings for information on when you will get your package.
The amount of financial aid and the type offered is based upon demonstrated financial need.
Joseph - Oak Park, MI
I had submitted FAFSA and other financial (IDOC) info for financial aid. When will I hear back, so I can finalize my decision?
ND Admissions
Dear Joseph,
As stated in the prior two postings, we continue to send financial aid awards out on a daily basis. You are welcome to write or call our office to check the status of your application.
Julie - Clovis, Calif
Hello, I attended the Diversity Weekend last month and didn't receive my estimated financial aid package because I had turned in my tax documents that week to IDOC. I still have not received the information. When do you think I will?
ND Admissions
Dear Julie,
We are sending financial aid award letters on a daily basis. You are welcome to email our office at finaid@nd.edu or call our office at 574-631-6436 to check on the status of your application.
Julie - Clovis, Calif
Hello, I am still waiting on the financial aid options--who do I call...................thanks, Julie
ND Admissions
Dear Julie,
We continue to send financial aid awards out on a daily basis. I would suggest you write to finaid@nd.edu or call our office at 574-631-6436 to check on the status of your file. One of our staff will be happy to talk with you.
Aaron - Burleson, TX
Hello Admissions! I was super excited when I was invited to go up for Spring Vis in March, and thanks for it all, it was AMAZING! My only concern, and the only thing holding me back from going to Notre Dame is the whole money issue. The difference between my family's EFC and what we can actually pay (ya know, the economy and all) is VERY different. I was wondering if Financial Aid would change my package much, if at all. Thanks!
ND Admissions
Dear Aaron,
If you have new information to share with the Financial Aid Office that you do not believe was considered when we evaluated your application, you should submit a written appeal to our office. The appeal needs to include documentation of the circumstances you believe need further consideration. Our goal in our initial evaluation is to consider all information and to prepare the best financial aid package possible based upon that information.
Sherry - Knoxville, TN
My son received his financial aid package last week. He was devastated when he saw the amount of aid he will get. We as a family would have to dedicate 45% of our families' net income each month, or take out a substantial loan to pay the tuition. I do not understand, and am more than a little angry in the fact that we were told during our campus visit and on your website that a students financial needs would be met and that ND does not want it's students to leave with an overwhelming debt. It should be stated in plain language that aid will include how much the financial aid office figures the parents can possibly borrow against their home. I did not expect my son to receive full tuition at ND, but of the three other universities where he was accepted your financial aid was the worst. On average him being a merit scholar only increased his aid at the other colleges by $1000. These other universities are not as big as ND, are all private institutions, and do not have the endowment that ND has. Can you please explain how in good consciousness you can do this? Leaving out that bit of critical information is lying, it would have been easy enough to tell us during our campus visit how exactly "financial need" is calculated, and that an overwhelming debt will not be incurred by the students, just by his parents.
ND Admissions
Dear Sherry,
The concerns you express here would be most appropriately discussed directly with a counselor in our office as I am not able to view (or share) the specific information related to your situation. With that stated, I would share that it is not our intention to mislead any family regarding the determination of financial need, the process we use to determine financial need or our policy of meeting full demonstrated financial need.
The federal and institutional methodologies used to determine financial need is based upon family income, assets, size of family, number in college as well as allowances for non-discretionary expenditures (e.g., federal, state, FICA taxes) and protection of assets for retirement, emergencies and future educational expenses. We evaluate each family individually and try to understand their specific situation.
The challenge of the evaluation for need based aid is that it is not a cash flow analysis—it does not assume that you will dedicate 45% of current income to educational expense. Like any other major purchase (such as a home), there is an assumption of multiple methods of financing. The evaluation is based upon the philosophy that a family will structure the financing of education from three resources: saving in advance of college, current income possibly supplemented with financial aid and future income (loans).
Notre Dame does meet the demonstrated financial need of each applicant. As I understand your situation, your family did not demonstrate financial need and therefore did not receive need-based scholarship assistance from Notre Dame.
Joanne - ,
Will the amount of financial aid awarded for the freshman year be the same amount received the next three years if your parents financial status is the same?
ND Admissions
Hi Joanne,
Typically, a student’s financial aid package will remain the same if their family’s financial situation remains the same throughout the student’s four years at the University. Remember, applying for financial aid is an annual process; if you decide to come to Notre Dame, you will want to complete a new FAFSA and CSS/Financial Aid PROFILE each year by February 28. If a family’s financial situation changes (i.e. loss of employment, substantial decrease or increase in income) from one year to the next, our office will take these changes into consideration and the student may see a change in their financial package.
