Chats » Prospective Student Chat
Brian - Fort Wayne, IN
I know there is a Glee Club, but are there any a cappella groups?
ND Admissions
There are two or three male a cappella groups on campus, as well as one female group.
Hannah - Cortez, CO
Thanks for all the help and guidance you have provided!! Hopefully things work out and i'll be at Notre Dame next year! Thanks again!
ND Admissions
Our pleasure!
Joe - Windsor, CA
Thanks, appriciate the answers.
ND Admissions
No problem!
Benjamin - Valencia, CA
I'm a community college student. If I applied as a freshmen, do I still need to submit my high school transcripts and SAT scores?
ND Admissions
If you apply as a freshman, you will need to supply your high school transcript, your test scores, as well as wave any credits that you may have earned at the community college level.
Benjamin - Valencia, CA
Since transfer students aren't guaranteed housing, what does a transfer student do if he doesn't get put in a dorm?
ND Admissions
If a transfer student is not awarded housing, there are a number of convenient and affordable apartment complexes within walking distance of campus.
Benjamin - Valencia, CA
What if I started working on the Notre Dame transfer requirements my junior year. Will I apply as a incoming sophomore?
ND Admissions
Yes, you would apply as a transfer student for second-year standing.
Andrea - Mission, TX
Thank you for all your help!
ND Admissions
You’re welcome!
JJ - Siler City, NC
What part of the application does Notre Dame consider to be the most important?
ND Admissions
All parts of our application are weighted equally in the review process. However, there is absolutely no substitute for your high school transcript. Strong grades in rigorous courses are imperative to being competitive in our applicant pool.
Jake - Union, KY
My guidance counsellor knows nothing about me, is it necessary for her to write a letter of recomendation?
ND Admissions
It is not necessary for your guidance counselor to write you a letter, especially if they do not know you very well.
Abhigyan - Plainsboro, NJ
What was your percentage of accepted applicants last year (Class of 2007) who applied regular decision? How many got wait-listed and deferred?
ND Admissions
Approximately 23% of our 14,500 applicants were admitted last year. At least half of these admitted students applied during the Regular Action process. Additionally, approximately 150 of these admitted students were taken from the waiting list. Finally, the number of students who are admitted after being deferred varies from year to year.
Chris - Pittsburgh, PA
What intramural sports and activities are offered and what is the student participation rate?
ND Admissions
A variety of intramural sports are offered here at Notre Dame, including: Football (full-contact for men, flag for women), basketball, soccer, baseball/softball, lacrosse, hockey, cross-country, swimming, horse-shoes, volleyball, any many others. Most students on campus participate in at least one intramural sport during their time on campus.
AGES - Wilton, MA
What would you say is the relationship between your sport superstars and your common students? Does being a nationally recognized school for athletics divide the school amongst the two?
ND Admissions
It is a Notre Dame characteristic to want it all; accordingly we are a school that excels both academically and athletically. Athletes fit into the general student population at Notre Dame. It is a very residential campus and each dorm will include athletes and freshmen through seniors as their residents.
J.R. - Hampton, MN
What type of access do undergraduates in business majors have to the Mendoza School of Business?
ND Admissions
Undergraduates are part of the Mendoza School of Business. While there is also an MBA program in Mendoza, the undergraduate program in Business is integral to Mendoza’s mission. Undergraduates have full access to Business professors and facilities.
Tyler - Pittsburgh, PA
How Catholic is Notre Dame? For example, are all professors faithful to Vatican teaching?
ND Admissions
While ND is certainly Catholic, we believe that part of being a strong Catholic university is to challenge our Catholicism with outside beliefs – whether from students, professors, or outsiders. As such, not all professors are “faithful” to Vatican teaching- there is much healthy discussion and debate on campus.
Mary Corelli - South Salem, NY
Will attending a public high school lower your chances of acceptance into Notre Dame? Also, if you have attended a Catholic elementary school, should this be included anywhere in your application or is it irrelevent?
ND Admissions
Where you attend secondary school is not a huge factor in admissions, and we do not necessarily give preference to students who come from Catholic schools.
Brian - Fort Wayne, IN
How involved are TA's (teaching, leading study sessions, etc.)?
ND Admissions
Hi Brian-
TAs are often involved in grading and leading study sessions and discussion sessions in introductory level classes. 90 percent of our classes, though, are taught by full professors.
Patrick - Walnut Creek, Ca
Does Notre Dame offer any dual-degree programs such as, engineering accompanied with business?
ND Admissions
Many Notre Dame students choose to double major; in addition to this there are dual-degree programs offered across the curriculum. In particular, there is a five-year Engineering/MBA dual-degree program.
Matt - Dubuque, IA
Does Notre Dame offer a sports management major?
ND Admissions
Unfortunately, ND does not currently offer a sports management major.
Matt - Johnson City, NY
Thank you for your previous answer. Would it be wise to wait for Regular Admissions instead of Early Action with an SAT score of 1380?
ND Admissions
Most likely. Please see previous answers for elaboration of our Early Action philosophy.
Stephanie - Wellington, OH
How much more of a chance does a "legacy" have of being accepted than a student who has never had a family member attend ND?
ND Admissions
There is some added consideration given to legacy cases. That said, it is not a free pass—only 40 percent of our legacy applicants are admitted, compared to a 24 percent admission rate in general.
Erica - Burlington, ON
As a Canadian citizen, how easy is it to be hired legally to work in the US after obtaining a degree from ND?
ND Admissions
99% of our graduates our employed within six months of graduating, regardless of citizenship (although you will have to abide by US laws in order to be hired). For more information regarding these logistics, please consult our career center, http://careercenter.nd.edu/.
Matthew - Williamsburg, VA
Will the fact that the top twenty percent of my graduating class is only 12 people (a class of 60) be considered in my application if I do not fall in that percentage?
ND Admissions
Yes, you will be considered in the context of your high school class and curriculum.
Winston - Fishers, IN
If you sent in an application for early action, but were held off until the regular action applications came in, would you have an advantage over if would have just sent it in at regular action?
ND Admissions
There is not an advantage or disadvantage in admission for students who are deferred from Early Action into Regular Action.
Tyler - Pittsburgh, PA
Can you tell me about the Study Abroad opportunities at Notre Dame? For example, is housing abroad actually a Notre Dame campus or is it affiliated with another university or do you stay with a host family?
ND Admissions
When studying abroad, housing depends on the individual country. Some programs afford the choice, some only have home stays, and some only have University housing.
Stephanie - Wellington, OH
I have taken honors/advanced classes all through high school, but my school does not use a weighted grade system. Also, we are on a 7 point grading scale instead of a 10 point. Will this be considered when looking at my GPA?
ND Admissions
Yes, you will be considered in the context of the high school from which you are coming.
Stephanie - Wellington, OH
How diffucult is it to double-major?
ND Admissions
Stephanie,
Many students double major, but the difficulty of designing a program depends on what the two majors are.
Tyler - Pittsburgh, PA
How does Notre Dame's Theology and Philosophy departments rank in the country? Secondly, are there any charismatic groups on campus?
ND Admissions
The theology and philosophy departments at Notre Dame are ranked within the best in the country and both are home to highly-esteemed faculty. There is a broad range of faith at Notre Dame and included in it are charismatic groups.
Patrick - Walnut Creek, Ca
Does Notre Dame require incoming freshmen to declare a major or is it beneficial to declare a major?
ND Admissions
Incoming freshman are asked to designate an “intended major” for the purposes of planning their first-year curriculum. This designation is not in any way binding and students need not declare a major until the end of their sophomore year. It is helpful, however, to have an idea if one wants to study a more technical major like architecture or engineering so the student can get started on that academic course.
Mary Kate - Pittsburgh, PA
I can't find Nutrition in your list of majors. Does ND not offer any Major in that field at all?
ND Admissions
Unfortunately, we do not offer a program in Nutrition.
Jack - Indianapolis, IN
Hi, thanks a lot for the time. I was just wondering, (and I don't want to give you a whole resume) but if I take around 3 IB Classes, 3.5 GPA, very good recommendations from both teacher and counselor, and an awesome essay, yet have lower SAT scores (beneath middle 50%), do I stand a chance? What I basically am trying to ask is if my one negative factor of my application can hurt me in the eyes of admission...
ND Admissions
In a highly selective environment the most competitive applicants will be strong across the board; although you can help yourself by retaking the SAT, there is not one factor that will outweigh the others in admission.
Rachel - , NJ
Does everyone who doesn't get accepted Early Action automatically get deferred to regular action or can you get rejected?
ND Admissions
Good question. Some students who are not accepted Early Action will be rejected if we believe they will not be competitive in the Regular Action pool. All others will be deferred.
Sondra - Annandale, NJ
I am a certified EMT and I volunteer at my local First Aid and Rescue Squad. Does Notre Dame have an EMS system that students can join?
ND Admissions
Yes, we do, but it is through the ND Fire Department. They can be reached at 574.631.6200.
Lynette - Bloomington, MN
Are there any departments that are expecting to increase their enrollment numbers because of market demand or otherwise in the near future?
ND Admissions
Departments will absorb students depending on interest but their size tends to be fairly consistent over the years. One’s intended major, however, is very rarely a factor in admissions.
Winston - Fishers, IN
How is ND's tennis team?
ND Admissions
Winston,
We’re good. Our team has two players ranked in the top 100 in singles and a doubles’ team ranked among the top 40 after the Intercollegiate Tennis Association’s (ITA) released its pre-season rankings.
Ryan Carr - Fishers, IN
I have visited some of the Ivy League Schools and people just don't seem to get involved. What can you say about Notre Dame Students and what they do outside the classroom? Is there time to do other things besides study?
ND Admissions
Notre Dame is not like the schools you mentioned. Students here are very involved, with sports, clubs, volunteering, and various other social activities. Notre Dame has the top intramural program in the country with over 84% of students participating, over 80% of students at Notre Dame volunteer either locally or across the nation and many clubs, and music opportunities. The Band of the Fighting Irish is the oldest college band in the country, and we have large percentage of students involved in student government.
Jim - Chicago, IL
I was wondering if you could tell me what percentage of the total applicants were legacies last year and what percentage of the legacy pool was admitted?
ND Admissions
Hi Jim! About 10% of last year’s total applicant pool were legacies and about half of them were admitted. For context, we admitted 24% of all applicants last year.
Andrew - New Richland, MN
Does a student with lower than a 30 ACT that isn't a recruited athlete or phenom in music, art, etc. have a chance of admission?
ND Admissions
Yes. Admission decisions are based on much more than test scores.
Victoria - Clearwater, FL
Does ND have a Model UN program?
ND Admissions
Good question. Unfortunately, we do not have model UN program at this time.
Erica - Burlington, ON
I have a GPA of 4.0, I am at the top of my class, my SAT score so far has been 1920 total....how do my chances look?
ND Admissions
It’s really hard for us to give any indication whatsoever until we see your entire application. The only way you know for sure that you won’t be admitted is if you don’t apply!
Shauna - Cataumet, MA
What does a female Notre Dame grad typically do with a theology or religious studies major?
ND Admissions
Graduates of the theology program are prepared for graduate study in theology or related disciplines. Some students pursue careers in lay or ordained ministry. Others go on to work in education, business, law, or a variety of other professional fields.
Brian - Fort Wayne, IN
I know there is a Glee Club, but are there any a cappella groups?
ND Admissions
There are two or three male a cappella groups on campus, as well as one female group.
Hannah - Cortez, CO
Thanks for all the help and guidance you have provided!! Hopefully things work out and i'll be at Notre Dame next year! Thanks again!
ND Admissions
Our pleasure!
Joe - Windsor, CA
Thanks, appriciate the answers.
ND Admissions
No problem!
Benjamin - Valencia, CA
I'm a community college student. If I applied as a freshmen, do I still need to submit my high school transcripts and SAT scores?
ND Admissions
If you apply as a freshman, you will need to supply your high school transcript, your test scores, as well as wave any credits that you may have earned at the community college level.
Benjamin - Valencia, CA
Since transfer students aren't guaranteed housing, what does a transfer student do if he doesn't get put in a dorm?
ND Admissions
If a transfer student is not awarded housing, there are a number of convenient and affordable apartment complexes within walking distance of campus.
Benjamin - Valencia, CA
What if I started working on the Notre Dame transfer requirements my junior year. Will I apply as a incoming sophomore?
ND Admissions
Yes, you would apply as a transfer student for second-year standing.
Andrea - Mission, TX
Thank you for all your help!
ND Admissions
You’re welcome!
JJ - Siler City, NC
What part of the application does Notre Dame consider to be the most important?
ND Admissions
All parts of our application are weighted equally in the review process. However, there is absolutely no substitute for your high school transcript. Strong grades in rigorous courses are imperative to being competitive in our applicant pool.
Jake - Union, KY
My guidance counsellor knows nothing about me, is it necessary for her to write a letter of recomendation?
ND Admissions
It is not necessary for your guidance counselor to write you a letter, especially if they do not know you very well.
Abhigyan - Plainsboro, NJ
What was your percentage of accepted applicants last year (Class of 2007) who applied regular decision? How many got wait-listed and deferred?
ND Admissions
Approximately 23% of our 14,500 applicants were admitted last year. At least half of these admitted students applied during the Regular Action process. Additionally, approximately 150 of these admitted students were taken from the waiting list. Finally, the number of students who are admitted after being deferred varies from year to year.
Chris - Pittsburgh, PA
What intramural sports and activities are offered and what is the student participation rate?
ND Admissions
A variety of intramural sports are offered here at Notre Dame, including: Football (full-contact for men, flag for women), basketball, soccer, baseball/softball, lacrosse, hockey, cross-country, swimming, horse-shoes, volleyball, any many others. Most students on campus participate in at least one intramural sport during their time on campus.
AGES - Wilton, MA
What would you say is the relationship between your sport superstars and your common students? Does being a nationally recognized school for athletics divide the school amongst the two?
ND Admissions
It is a Notre Dame characteristic to want it all; accordingly we are a school that excels both academically and athletically. Athletes fit into the general student population at Notre Dame. It is a very residential campus and each dorm will include athletes and freshmen through seniors as their residents.
J.R. - Hampton, MN
What type of access do undergraduates in business majors have to the Mendoza School of Business?
ND Admissions
Undergraduates are part of the Mendoza School of Business. While there is also an MBA program in Mendoza, the undergraduate program in Business is integral to Mendoza’s mission. Undergraduates have full access to Business professors and facilities.
Tyler - Pittsburgh, PA
How Catholic is Notre Dame? For example, are all professors faithful to Vatican teaching?
ND Admissions
While ND is certainly Catholic, we believe that part of being a strong Catholic university is to challenge our Catholicism with outside beliefs – whether from students, professors, or outsiders. As such, not all professors are “faithful” to Vatican teaching- there is much healthy discussion and debate on campus.
Mary Corelli - South Salem, NY
Will attending a public high school lower your chances of acceptance into Notre Dame? Also, if you have attended a Catholic elementary school, should this be included anywhere in your application or is it irrelevent?
ND Admissions
Where you attend secondary school is not a huge factor in admissions, and we do not necessarily give preference to students who come from Catholic schools.
Brian - Fort Wayne, IN
How involved are TA's (teaching, leading study sessions, etc.)?
ND Admissions
Hi Brian-
TAs are often involved in grading and leading study sessions and discussion sessions in introductory level classes. 90 percent of our classes, though, are taught by full professors.
Patrick - Walnut Creek, Ca
Does Notre Dame offer any dual-degree programs such as, engineering accompanied with business?
ND Admissions
Many Notre Dame students choose to double major; in addition to this there are dual-degree programs offered across the curriculum. In particular, there is a five-year Engineering/MBA dual-degree program.
Matt - Dubuque, IA
Does Notre Dame offer a sports management major?
ND Admissions
Unfortunately, ND does not currently offer a sports management major.
Matt - Johnson City, NY
Thank you for your previous answer. Would it be wise to wait for Regular Admissions instead of Early Action with an SAT score of 1380?
ND Admissions
Most likely. Please see previous answers for elaboration of our Early Action philosophy.
Stephanie - Wellington, OH
How much more of a chance does a "legacy" have of being accepted than a student who has never had a family member attend ND?
ND Admissions
There is some added consideration given to legacy cases. That said, it is not a free pass—only 40 percent of our legacy applicants are admitted, compared to a 24 percent admission rate in general.
Erica - Burlington, ON
As a Canadian citizen, how easy is it to be hired legally to work in the US after obtaining a degree from ND?
ND Admissions
99% of our graduates our employed within six months of graduating, regardless of citizenship (although you will have to abide by US laws in order to be hired). For more information regarding these logistics, please consult our career center, http://careercenter.nd.edu/.
Matthew - Williamsburg, VA
Will the fact that the top twenty percent of my graduating class is only 12 people (a class of 60) be considered in my application if I do not fall in that percentage?
ND Admissions
Yes, you will be considered in the context of your high school class and curriculum.
Winston - Fishers, IN
If you sent in an application for early action, but were held off until the regular action applications came in, would you have an advantage over if would have just sent it in at regular action?
ND Admissions
There is not an advantage or disadvantage in admission for students who are deferred from Early Action into Regular Action.
Tyler - Pittsburgh, PA
Can you tell me about the Study Abroad opportunities at Notre Dame? For example, is housing abroad actually a Notre Dame campus or is it affiliated with another university or do you stay with a host family?
ND Admissions
When studying abroad, housing depends on the individual country. Some programs afford the choice, some only have home stays, and some only have University housing.
Stephanie - Wellington, OH
I have taken honors/advanced classes all through high school, but my school does not use a weighted grade system. Also, we are on a 7 point grading scale instead of a 10 point. Will this be considered when looking at my GPA?
ND Admissions
Yes, you will be considered in the context of the high school from which you are coming.
Stephanie - Wellington, OH
How diffucult is it to double-major?
ND Admissions
Stephanie,
Many students double major, but the difficulty of designing a program depends on what the two majors are.
Tyler - Pittsburgh, PA
How does Notre Dame's Theology and Philosophy departments rank in the country? Secondly, are there any charismatic groups on campus?
ND Admissions
The theology and philosophy departments at Notre Dame are ranked within the best in the country and both are home to highly-esteemed faculty. There is a broad range of faith at Notre Dame and included in it are charismatic groups.
Patrick - Walnut Creek, Ca
Does Notre Dame require incoming freshmen to declare a major or is it beneficial to declare a major?
ND Admissions
Incoming freshman are asked to designate an “intended major” for the purposes of planning their first-year curriculum. This designation is not in any way binding and students need not declare a major until the end of their sophomore year. It is helpful, however, to have an idea if one wants to study a more technical major like architecture or engineering so the student can get started on that academic course.
Mary Kate - Pittsburgh, PA
I can't find Nutrition in your list of majors. Does ND not offer any Major in that field at all?
ND Admissions
Unfortunately, we do not offer a program in Nutrition.
Jack - Indianapolis, IN
Hi, thanks a lot for the time. I was just wondering, (and I don't want to give you a whole resume) but if I take around 3 IB Classes, 3.5 GPA, very good recommendations from both teacher and counselor, and an awesome essay, yet have lower SAT scores (beneath middle 50%), do I stand a chance? What I basically am trying to ask is if my one negative factor of my application can hurt me in the eyes of admission...
ND Admissions
In a highly selective environment the most competitive applicants will be strong across the board; although you can help yourself by retaking the SAT, there is not one factor that will outweigh the others in admission.
Rachel - , NJ
Does everyone who doesn't get accepted Early Action automatically get deferred to regular action or can you get rejected?
ND Admissions
Good question. Some students who are not accepted Early Action will be rejected if we believe they will not be competitive in the Regular Action pool. All others will be deferred.
Sondra - Annandale, NJ
I am a certified EMT and I volunteer at my local First Aid and Rescue Squad. Does Notre Dame have an EMS system that students can join?
ND Admissions
Yes, we do, but it is through the ND Fire Department. They can be reached at 574.631.6200.
Lynette - Bloomington, MN
Are there any departments that are expecting to increase their enrollment numbers because of market demand or otherwise in the near future?
ND Admissions
Departments will absorb students depending on interest but their size tends to be fairly consistent over the years. One’s intended major, however, is very rarely a factor in admissions.
Winston - Fishers, IN
How is ND's tennis team?
ND Admissions
Winston,
We’re good. Our team has two players ranked in the top 100 in singles and a doubles’ team ranked among the top 40 after the Intercollegiate Tennis Association’s (ITA) released its pre-season rankings.
Ryan Carr - Fishers, IN
I have visited some of the Ivy League Schools and people just don't seem to get involved. What can you say about Notre Dame Students and what they do outside the classroom? Is there time to do other things besides study?
ND Admissions
Notre Dame is not like the schools you mentioned. Students here are very involved, with sports, clubs, volunteering, and various other social activities. Notre Dame has the top intramural program in the country with over 84% of students participating, over 80% of students at Notre Dame volunteer either locally or across the nation and many clubs, and music opportunities. The Band of the Fighting Irish is the oldest college band in the country, and we have large percentage of students involved in student government.
Jim - Chicago, IL
I was wondering if you could tell me what percentage of the total applicants were legacies last year and what percentage of the legacy pool was admitted?
ND Admissions
Hi Jim! About 10% of last year’s total applicant pool were legacies and about half of them were admitted. For context, we admitted 24% of all applicants last year.
Andrew - New Richland, MN
Does a student with lower than a 30 ACT that isn't a recruited athlete or phenom in music, art, etc. have a chance of admission?
ND Admissions
Yes. Admission decisions are based on much more than test scores.
Victoria - Clearwater, FL
Does ND have a Model UN program?
ND Admissions
Good question. Unfortunately, we do not have model UN program at this time.
Erica - Burlington, ON
I have a GPA of 4.0, I am at the top of my class, my SAT score so far has been 1920 total....how do my chances look?
ND Admissions
It’s really hard for us to give any indication whatsoever until we see your entire application. The only way you know for sure that you won’t be admitted is if you don’t apply!
Shauna - Cataumet, MA
What does a female Notre Dame grad typically do with a theology or religious studies major?
ND Admissions
Graduates of the theology program are prepared for graduate study in theology or related disciplines. Some students pursue careers in lay or ordained ministry. Others go on to work in education, business, law, or a variety of other professional fields.
