Chats » Prospective Student Chat 2007/2008
Bridget - Toronto, ON
Hi,
I am interested in your Program of Liberal Studies. Do I need to apply to it separately?
Also, will a representative from Notre Dame be visiting Toronto?
Thanks
ND Admissions
Once you are admitted to the University you will not have to reapply to a particular program of studies. The PLS program does things a little differently and has you fill out an application of sorts before you formerly enter the program, but they rarely, if ever, will turn down prospective majors.
There will not be an ND representative in Toronto this year, but you can check the map on our website, admissions.nd.edu to see if there will be a rep nearby, perhaps in Michigan…
Benjamin - Valencia, CA
Is Notre Dame biased against transfer students from community colleges rather than a four year university?
ND Admissions
I wouldn’t say that it’s a bias. The Transfer Committee feels that a four-year institution better prepares students for Notre Dame. Of the 159 fall 2007 transfers about 95% came from four-year schools. If a two-year school is your best option, just be sure you complete all of Notre Dame’s academic requirements.
Dan - Cranford, NJ
Will my October 6th SAT scores be able to be a part of my online application under early action?
ND Admissions
Yes, we will receive your October tests in time to make early action decisions. Please make sure to note the test date on the application so we will know to keep an eye out for it!
Su - Redtown, CA
I'm not Irish. Can I still go to Notre Dame?
ND Admissions
We may be the Fighting Irish but we were actually founded by French priests.
No, you do not have to be Irish to attend Notre Dame.
Milena - Rice Lake, WI
What would you consider a good GPA?
ND Admissions
This is a tough question to answer since we get applications from all over the country and the world. Some GPAs are weighted, some are non-weighted, some are 4 point scales, some are 100 point scales. We do not report average GPA, rather, we look at other measures of how competitive you are within your school. Specifically, we look at class rank or percentile/decile rank if exact rank is unavailable. We are looking for top students in their schools.
Nick - Oak Hill, VA
Are all Freshman admitted in First Year Studies Program, including Engineering Majors? If so, will you be enrolled in introductory engineering course the first semester?
ND Admissions
Hi Nick- Yes- all students enter the FYS program. Your classes that year (as an engineering intent) will include a two-semester course intro course in engineering.
Sean - Southampton, NY
Do you look at weighted or unweighted GPA's?
ND Admissions
We look at both weighted and unweighted GPAs and do not recalibrate them to a standardized ND-scale. We will look at you in the context of your high school and consider the GPA that is provided from it.
Arnela Sulovic - Redlands, CA
1) Does declaring "undecided or undeclared" as a major hinder acceptance chances?
2) I am personally not a very creative writer, however, my GPA, class rank, other scores are really good, leadership and extracuricular activities. Would having a decent (not magnificent essay) hinder admissions.
ND Admissions
1) Your intended major will not play into the admissions process-even if you are undecided.
2) Those who are most successful in the admissions process are strong in all areas of the application. However, you do not have to be an outstanding creative writer to write a good personal statement.
Robert - Fort Wayne, IN
What is the minimum GPA and SAT score considered, how does a third generation factor into the admission process, what abouth the golf program
ND Admissions
Hi Robert,
There is no specific minimum GPA or SAT score considered. Students tended to have strong GPAs (among the best in their classes). In addition, the middle 50 percent on the SATs last year was 1360 to 1490 (out of 1600).
To your other questions: “third generation” students are not given any special preference (unless the “second generation” also went to ND).
And the golf program at ND is strong. We have a very competitive varsity golf team, as well as an interhall golf tournament, physical education classes in golf, and two golf courses on/near our campus.
Wendy - Toronto, ON
How do practice tests in SAT prep books compare to the actual SATs?
ND Admissions
The SAT prep books are extremely similar to the actual SATs. However, remember that once you’re taking the actual test, there’s much more pressure. Don’t worry though, with enough practice you’ll do fine.
Pat - Plymouth, MN
In the First Year of Studies, is it required to take a foreign language? Also, Do you have to continue the language you took in high school?
ND Admissions
Hi Pat,
A foreign language is not required in the First Year of Studies. However, depending on your major, you might have to take a foreign language in order to graduate. If you do take a language, it does not have to be the language you took in high school.
Monica - Wilmington, NC
Is a 29 ACT competitive (top 5% unweighted 3.96??
ND Admissions
A 29 on the ACT will be a bit low for the average student admitted to Notre Dame but is not too far off the mark – the middle-50% of incoming freshmen scored between a 31-33. If you have the chance to retake the test it may be helpful, but keep in mind that the standardized test is not the only factor we consider in the application process.
Kaitlin - Newtown, PA
Does financial aid transfer over for study abroad?
ND Admissions
Good question. Yes, your financial aid will go abroad with you.
Sarah - Chesapeake, va
Say I apply Early Action and then continue taking the SAT and SAT II after my application is in. If I am deffered to Reg. Admission, will you guys still get my later test scores and consider them in Reg. Decision?
ND Admissions
Yes, if you are deferred, we will see those additional scores and take those into consideration. However, if you plan on taking additional tests after the November 1 deadline, I would encourage you to wait and apply during Regular Action. Only apply Early Action if your application is complete by November 1 and you cannot make ANY improvements between November 1 and December 31.
Benjamin - Valencia, CA
If I am applying for transfer admissions, will I still need to submit my high school transcripts and SAT scores?
ND Admissions
Yes. We require an official high school transcript and an SAT or ACT score. Your college grades and courses will carry more weight in the evaluation process.
Mike - Little Silver, NJ
What is the party scene like?
ND Admissions
Hey, Mike! Great question. Students here on campus study and work hard, but we definitely know how to have fun! A lot of students choose to hold parties in the dorms. Walking around campus on any Friday or Saturday night, it’s easy to tell where the party is. Other students choose to go off-campus to friends’ houses to party, but it’s more likely to find people having a good time in the dorms. Campus does a great job letting the students have a good time while keeping everyone safe. It is rare to see parties broken up unless people are spilling into the hallways. Just for your information, we do not have a “dry” campus, so those over the legal drinking age in Indiana, 21, can have and drink alcohol in their rooms with the door closed, provided the beverages are under 14% alcohol by volume (28 proof). Hard liquor is banned. I also would mention that all illegal drugs in the state of Indiana are illegal on campus, and severe penalties await those caught using them. As a result, there is hardly any drug scene on campus at all. Students do a fairly good job complying with most of the rules on campus, and campus authorities in turn allow our students to have a good time.
Pat - Plymouth, MN
My high school transcript includes all of my standardized test scores. Do I still have to send my test scores directly to Notre Dame?
ND Admissions
Hi Pat! If your high transcript includes all of your standardized test scores then you do not need to send us your test scores from either ACT or SAT, your scores will be considered official so long as they are on an official transcript.
lauren - wilkes-barre, pa
how many applications do you receive each year?
ND Admissions
Hi Lauren,
The number of applications increases each year. Last year we had 14,500 applications. This year we are expecting about 17,000.
Mike - Mullica Hill, NJ
Hello. I am a homeschooled senior, and would like to know how being homeschooled affects my application and my chances of admittance.
ND Admissions
Hi Mike,
Notre Dame receives about 5 dozen applications from home-schooled students each year. To help us evaluate your application, we ask that you take 3 SAT II subject tests in history, foreign language, and science.
Kelly - Clarksville, MD
What is intramural soccer like?
ND Admissions
Intramural soccer gets pretty competitive. There’s a very high participation rate!
Kelly - Millwood, NY
Do you accept art/photography portfolios along with Undergraduate applications? If so, what format is preferred? (slides, cd, dvd etc.)
ND Admissions
You are welcome to send a portfolio and we will forward it on to the art department to review and return to you. They do prefer slides, but will accept other formats.
Dan - Cranford, NJ
In the online application, the final "Additional Information" section allows the applicant to fill out "A Final Note".
Does it help to add a personal comment about the reason(s) I feel that Notre Dame is right for me and I am right for it?
ND Admissions
Dan,
That is great way to use the “Final Note” section. In fact, we would rather have applicants use the Final Note to express their ND desire rather than using the Personal Statement for that purpose.
Jake - Union, KY
I got a 27 Composite ACT and a 10 out of 12 on Writing. Should I save my $50 application fee?
ND Admissions
Hi Jake- One thing is certain, if you don’t apply, you won’t be admitted. Now that we got past the obvious, we do encourage students to apply to some colleges that might be “longshots” in terms of admission. Nothing ventured…
Holly - Trenton, TX
Thank you so much for this chat session. It's very helpful. I love Accounting and hope to pursue my studies in college, but I'd like to get a firm foundation in the liberal arts. Is it possible to earn a liberal arts degree, but still take Accounting classes so that I could get into a graduate Accounting program?
ND Admissions
Hi Holly,
When you come to Notre Dame, you will receive a well-rounded liberal arts education, no matter what you choose as your major. You can major in Accounting, but you will also be required to take some General University Requirements.
Sarah - Chesapeake, va
I have taken dance for the past 14 years and plan to continue in college...Could you tell me anything about dance programs or companies at ND or around the area?
ND Admissions
Dance classes are available for credit for Notre Dame students across the street at St. Mary’s College. There are numerous student-run troupes and companies on ND’s campus and they perform throughout the year. Additionally, national performing acts dance at our 3-year old Debartolo Performing Arts Center.
Andrea - Mission, TX
I was looking at housing, and I noticed that most do not have air conditioning. Does it ever get uncomfortable? (where I live AC is a must because it's so hot)
ND Admissions
I currently live in a dorm with no AC, and though it sometimes gets somewhat hot, realize that most of the year it’s pretty cold around here. It never gets unbearably hot.
Daniel - Brooklyn, NY
If our school does not weight our grades, will Notre Dame take that into consideration when considering the application?
ND Admissions
With each application comes a profile of your high school detailing the school’s grading policies and other relevant information. We will take all of this into consideration when reviewing an application.
Jake - Union, KY
How do you recommend setting your application apart from others? What makes you stand out from the rest of the 15000 + applicants?
ND Admissions
Jake,
The essays are what you can really use to set yourself apart from other applicants. Up until your essays you’re essentially just numbers to a counselor. Your essay is really the one chance you have to let the counselor get to know you. Write about something you are passionate about-that will come through the strongest in your essay. Make your essay the one essay the counselor talks about at lunch with the other counselors.
Carl - Chagrin Falls, Ohio
Can AP scores only help you, not hurt you in the admissions evaluation?
ND Admissions
Yes, they will only help you. If you do well on them they will be taken into consideration and if you score a 4 or a 5 you will be given credit for them. If you do not score well, they will be ignored and not hurt you in the admissions process.
Deanna - Northville, MI
Since a First Year student cannot declare a major, what is the acceptance rate for Freshman students desiring a music major being accepted into the program? What option would a student have for the second year if not accepted into the desired major?
ND Admissions
Although you cannot declare a major your freshman year, you can decide your major. There are no requirements, restrictions or quotas for the specific programs. If you want to be a music major, you will be a music major.
Eduardo - Phoenix, AZ
About how many percent of minorities attend Notre Dame and is there any clubs affiliated with minorities?
ND Admissions
Notre Dame is a very diverse university. Most, if not all, minorities have clubs. Plus, most of them have special events with extremely high attendance rates.
Kaitlin - Newtown, PA
There isn't a place on the application to mark if we have family members who have attended Notre Dame. Are alumni connections/legacys a factor in the appliaction process?
ND Admissions
Kaitlin,
An Alumni connection/legacy is considered during the decision making process. However, we only consider an applicant as a legacy if their mother and/or father graduated from Notre Dame. An applicant can indicate that fact by entering their parents educational background under the “Family informations” section of the application. If an applicant has had many family members attend Notre Dame and would like us to know, they may enter that information in the “Final Note” section of the application.
Liz - Kensington, CT
What resources are available for first year students to transition to collegiate life?
ND Admissions
Hi Liz! There are a number of resources that are available to our first year students to help them make the transition to collegiate life. On the academic side, all of our first year students are assigned to a first year advisor who is a faculty member on staff that is devoted solely to helping our first year students make the transition from high school to college. Additionally, all of our first year students are assigned to a peer advisor who is a current senior, this individual is a great resource for first year students as they can ask their peer advisor for class recommendation or teacher recommendation. These are two individuals that are directly tied to our first year students. We also have a number of other resources that our first year students are welcome to take advantage of. We have a writing center on campus that students in any year can take their papers to get edited prior to handing them in. We also have a Learning Resource Center on Campus that offers free tutoring to first year students as well as a number of seminars on things like note taking skills, stress management, time management, etc.
Hannah - Cortez, CO
What is the admission rate into top Law schools, such as Harvard, Princeton, Yale, etc.?
ND Admissions
Hello Hannah,
The overall admission rate to law school is 90%. To find the specific answer to your question, I suggest you email Asst. Dean Ava Preacher at preacher.1@nd.edu. She is ND’s pre-law advisor.
Nathaniel - Sonoma, CA
What level of intramural sports are available for those of us who aren't ready to challenge Jimmy Clausen?
ND Admissions
Notre Dame offers the top intramural program in the country. Roughly 83% of students take part in the intramural program. We also offer a variety of sports from kickball and dodgeball to all of the major sports such as basketball and football. Many of the intramural sports at Notre Dame center around the residence halls. Every dorm fields one football team – guys dorms play full contact and girls play flag – as well as several basketball, tennis, soccer, teams, etc. There are a variety of levels as well. There are usually an “A” team, “B” team, “C” team, etc. So there is something for every skill level.
Eric Tainsh - Barrington, RI
Does the Admissions Office take into consideration, the actual high school that you went to, and how that high school stacks up against high schools
ND Admissions
We do not rank high schools but we will look at you in the context of the high school that you are coming from. We work closely with high school counselors and understand that some curriculums are more rigorous than others.
Shauna - Cataumet, MA
What is the relationship like among Notre Dame and St. Mary's students?
ND Admissions
The relationship is great between students at St. Mary’s and Notre Dame students. St. Mary’s students often spend time on the Notre Dame campus-in dorms, at the dining halls, etc. In addition, Notre Dame students make the walk (or take the shuttle) to St. Mary’s. St. Mary’s and Holy Cross students go to the football games. Finally, students at St. Mary’s make take some classes at ND and ND students may take certain classes at St. Mary’s.
Sean - Berlin, CT
Does Notre Dame have a ROTC program?
ND Admissions
Sean,
Yes, Notre Dame has a good relationship with the service academies. We have Army, Navy, Air Force, and Marine ROTC programs.
William - Eugene, OR
I'm interested to know about how long it takes to graduate with a joint J.D./MBA degree assuming the person attended ND as an undergrad.
ND Admissions
The length of the J.D./MBA program would not be determined by where a student completed his or her undergraduate education. It is a four year graduate program completed after one has received his or her undergraduate degree-whether from ND or another institution.
Sarah - Poughkeepsie, NY
Hi, I'm a prospective Medieval Studies undergrad major. Can you highlight some of the credibility of the Medieval Department at Notre Dame?
ND Admissions
Hi Sarah,
That’s great. I think the fact that it draws faculty from several of Notre Dame’s strongest departments is a distinctive quality of the department. I encourage you to contact the department directly :http://www.nd.edu/~medinst/
Bridget - Toronto, ON
Hi, I am interested in your Program of Liberal Studies. Do I need to apply to it separately? Also, will a representative from Notre Dame be visiting Toronto? Thanks
ND Admissions
Once you are admitted to the University you will not have to reapply to a particular program of studies. The PLS program does things a little differently and has you fill out an application of sorts before you formerly enter the program, but they rarely, if ever, will turn down prospective majors.
There will not be an ND representative in Toronto this year, but you can check the map on our website, admissions.nd.edu to see if there will be a rep nearby, perhaps in Michigan…
Benjamin - Valencia, CA
Is Notre Dame biased against transfer students from community colleges rather than a four year university?
ND Admissions
I wouldn’t say that it’s a bias. The Transfer Committee feels that a four-year institution better prepares students for Notre Dame. Of the 159 fall 2007 transfers about 95% came from four-year schools. If a two-year school is your best option, just be sure you complete all of Notre Dame’s academic requirements.
Dan - Cranford, NJ
Will my October 6th SAT scores be able to be a part of my online application under early action?
ND Admissions
Yes, we will receive your October tests in time to make early action decisions. Please make sure to note the test date on the application so we will know to keep an eye out for it!
Su - Redtown, CA
I'm not Irish. Can I still go to Notre Dame?
ND Admissions
We may be the Fighting Irish but we were actually founded by French priests.
No, you do not have to be Irish to attend Notre Dame.
Milena - Rice Lake, WI
What would you consider a good GPA?
ND Admissions
This is a tough question to answer since we get applications from all over the country and the world. Some GPAs are weighted, some are non-weighted, some are 4 point scales, some are 100 point scales. We do not report average GPA, rather, we look at other measures of how competitive you are within your school. Specifically, we look at class rank or percentile/decile rank if exact rank is unavailable. We are looking for top students in their schools.
Nick - Oak Hill, VA
Are all Freshman admitted in First Year Studies Program, including Engineering Majors? If so, will you be enrolled in introductory engineering course the first semester?
ND Admissions
Hi Nick- Yes- all students enter the FYS program. Your classes that year (as an engineering intent) will include a two-semester course intro course in engineering.
Sean - Southampton, NY
Do you look at weighted or unweighted GPA's?
ND Admissions
We look at both weighted and unweighted GPAs and do not recalibrate them to a standardized ND-scale. We will look at you in the context of your high school and consider the GPA that is provided from it.
Arnela Sulovic - Redlands, CA
1) Does declaring "undecided or undeclared" as a major hinder acceptance chances? 2) I am personally not a very creative writer, however, my GPA, class rank, other scores are really good, leadership and extracuricular activities. Would having a decent (not magnificent essay) hinder admissions.
ND Admissions
1) Your intended major will not play into the admissions process-even if you are undecided.
2) Those who are most successful in the admissions process are strong in all areas of the application. However, you do not have to be an outstanding creative writer to write a good personal statement.
Robert - Fort Wayne, IN
What is the minimum GPA and SAT score considered, how does a third generation factor into the admission process, what abouth the golf program
ND Admissions
Hi Robert,
There is no specific minimum GPA or SAT score considered. Students tended to have strong GPAs (among the best in their classes). In addition, the middle 50 percent on the SATs last year was 1360 to 1490 (out of 1600).
To your other questions: “third generation” students are not given any special preference (unless the “second generation” also went to ND).
And the golf program at ND is strong. We have a very competitive varsity golf team, as well as an interhall golf tournament, physical education classes in golf, and two golf courses on/near our campus.
Wendy - Toronto, ON
How do practice tests in SAT prep books compare to the actual SATs?
ND Admissions
The SAT prep books are extremely similar to the actual SATs. However, remember that once you’re taking the actual test, there’s much more pressure. Don’t worry though, with enough practice you’ll do fine.
Pat - Plymouth, MN
In the First Year of Studies, is it required to take a foreign language? Also, Do you have to continue the language you took in high school?
ND Admissions
Hi Pat,
A foreign language is not required in the First Year of Studies. However, depending on your major, you might have to take a foreign language in order to graduate. If you do take a language, it does not have to be the language you took in high school.
Monica - Wilmington, NC
Is a 29 ACT competitive (top 5% unweighted 3.96??
ND Admissions
A 29 on the ACT will be a bit low for the average student admitted to Notre Dame but is not too far off the mark – the middle-50% of incoming freshmen scored between a 31-33. If you have the chance to retake the test it may be helpful, but keep in mind that the standardized test is not the only factor we consider in the application process.
Kaitlin - Newtown, PA
Does financial aid transfer over for study abroad?
ND Admissions
Good question. Yes, your financial aid will go abroad with you.
Sarah - Chesapeake, va
Say I apply Early Action and then continue taking the SAT and SAT II after my application is in. If I am deffered to Reg. Admission, will you guys still get my later test scores and consider them in Reg. Decision?
ND Admissions
Yes, if you are deferred, we will see those additional scores and take those into consideration. However, if you plan on taking additional tests after the November 1 deadline, I would encourage you to wait and apply during Regular Action. Only apply Early Action if your application is complete by November 1 and you cannot make ANY improvements between November 1 and December 31.
Benjamin - Valencia, CA
If I am applying for transfer admissions, will I still need to submit my high school transcripts and SAT scores?
ND Admissions
Yes. We require an official high school transcript and an SAT or ACT score. Your college grades and courses will carry more weight in the evaluation process.
Mike - Little Silver, NJ
What is the party scene like?
ND Admissions
Hey, Mike! Great question. Students here on campus study and work hard, but we definitely know how to have fun! A lot of students choose to hold parties in the dorms. Walking around campus on any Friday or Saturday night, it’s easy to tell where the party is. Other students choose to go off-campus to friends’ houses to party, but it’s more likely to find people having a good time in the dorms. Campus does a great job letting the students have a good time while keeping everyone safe. It is rare to see parties broken up unless people are spilling into the hallways. Just for your information, we do not have a “dry” campus, so those over the legal drinking age in Indiana, 21, can have and drink alcohol in their rooms with the door closed, provided the beverages are under 14% alcohol by volume (28 proof). Hard liquor is banned. I also would mention that all illegal drugs in the state of Indiana are illegal on campus, and severe penalties await those caught using them. As a result, there is hardly any drug scene on campus at all. Students do a fairly good job complying with most of the rules on campus, and campus authorities in turn allow our students to have a good time.
Pat - Plymouth, MN
My high school transcript includes all of my standardized test scores. Do I still have to send my test scores directly to Notre Dame?
ND Admissions
Hi Pat! If your high transcript includes all of your standardized test scores then you do not need to send us your test scores from either ACT or SAT, your scores will be considered official so long as they are on an official transcript.
lauren - wilkes-barre, pa
how many applications do you receive each year?
ND Admissions
Hi Lauren,
The number of applications increases each year. Last year we had 14,500 applications. This year we are expecting about 17,000.
Mike - Mullica Hill, NJ
Hello. I am a homeschooled senior, and would like to know how being homeschooled affects my application and my chances of admittance.
ND Admissions
Hi Mike,
Notre Dame receives about 5 dozen applications from home-schooled students each year. To help us evaluate your application, we ask that you take 3 SAT II subject tests in history, foreign language, and science.
Kelly - Clarksville, MD
What is intramural soccer like?
ND Admissions
Intramural soccer gets pretty competitive. There’s a very high participation rate!
Kelly - Millwood, NY
Do you accept art/photography portfolios along with Undergraduate applications? If so, what format is preferred? (slides, cd, dvd etc.)
ND Admissions
You are welcome to send a portfolio and we will forward it on to the art department to review and return to you. They do prefer slides, but will accept other formats.
Dan - Cranford, NJ
In the online application, the final "Additional Information" section allows the applicant to fill out "A Final Note". Does it help to add a personal comment about the reason(s) I feel that Notre Dame is right for me and I am right for it?
ND Admissions
Dan,
That is great way to use the “Final Note” section. In fact, we would rather have applicants use the Final Note to express their ND desire rather than using the Personal Statement for that purpose.
Jake - Union, KY
I got a 27 Composite ACT and a 10 out of 12 on Writing. Should I save my $50 application fee?
ND Admissions
Hi Jake- One thing is certain, if you don’t apply, you won’t be admitted. Now that we got past the obvious, we do encourage students to apply to some colleges that might be “longshots” in terms of admission. Nothing ventured…
Holly - Trenton, TX
Thank you so much for this chat session. It's very helpful. I love Accounting and hope to pursue my studies in college, but I'd like to get a firm foundation in the liberal arts. Is it possible to earn a liberal arts degree, but still take Accounting classes so that I could get into a graduate Accounting program?
ND Admissions
Hi Holly,
When you come to Notre Dame, you will receive a well-rounded liberal arts education, no matter what you choose as your major. You can major in Accounting, but you will also be required to take some General University Requirements.
Sarah - Chesapeake, va
I have taken dance for the past 14 years and plan to continue in college...Could you tell me anything about dance programs or companies at ND or around the area?
ND Admissions
Dance classes are available for credit for Notre Dame students across the street at St. Mary’s College. There are numerous student-run troupes and companies on ND’s campus and they perform throughout the year. Additionally, national performing acts dance at our 3-year old Debartolo Performing Arts Center.
Andrea - Mission, TX
I was looking at housing, and I noticed that most do not have air conditioning. Does it ever get uncomfortable? (where I live AC is a must because it's so hot)
ND Admissions
I currently live in a dorm with no AC, and though it sometimes gets somewhat hot, realize that most of the year it’s pretty cold around here. It never gets unbearably hot.
Daniel - Brooklyn, NY
If our school does not weight our grades, will Notre Dame take that into consideration when considering the application?
ND Admissions
With each application comes a profile of your high school detailing the school’s grading policies and other relevant information. We will take all of this into consideration when reviewing an application.
Jake - Union, KY
How do you recommend setting your application apart from others? What makes you stand out from the rest of the 15000 + applicants?
ND Admissions
Jake, The essays are what you can really use to set yourself apart from other applicants. Up until your essays you’re essentially just numbers to a counselor. Your essay is really the one chance you have to let the counselor get to know you. Write about something you are passionate about-that will come through the strongest in your essay. Make your essay the one essay the counselor talks about at lunch with the other counselors.
Carl - Chagrin Falls, Ohio
Can AP scores only help you, not hurt you in the admissions evaluation?
ND Admissions
Yes, they will only help you. If you do well on them they will be taken into consideration and if you score a 4 or a 5 you will be given credit for them. If you do not score well, they will be ignored and not hurt you in the admissions process.
Deanna - Northville, MI
Since a First Year student cannot declare a major, what is the acceptance rate for Freshman students desiring a music major being accepted into the program? What option would a student have for the second year if not accepted into the desired major?
ND Admissions
Although you cannot declare a major your freshman year, you can decide your major. There are no requirements, restrictions or quotas for the specific programs. If you want to be a music major, you will be a music major.
Eduardo - Phoenix, AZ
About how many percent of minorities attend Notre Dame and is there any clubs affiliated with minorities?
ND Admissions
Notre Dame is a very diverse university. Most, if not all, minorities have clubs. Plus, most of them have special events with extremely high attendance rates.
Kaitlin - Newtown, PA
There isn't a place on the application to mark if we have family members who have attended Notre Dame. Are alumni connections/legacys a factor in the appliaction process?
ND Admissions
Kaitlin,
An Alumni connection/legacy is considered during the decision making process. However, we only consider an applicant as a legacy if their mother and/or father graduated from Notre Dame. An applicant can indicate that fact by entering their parents educational background under the “Family informations” section of the application. If an applicant has had many family members attend Notre Dame and would like us to know, they may enter that information in the “Final Note” section of the application.
Liz - Kensington, CT
What resources are available for first year students to transition to collegiate life?
ND Admissions
Hi Liz! There are a number of resources that are available to our first year students to help them make the transition to collegiate life. On the academic side, all of our first year students are assigned to a first year advisor who is a faculty member on staff that is devoted solely to helping our first year students make the transition from high school to college. Additionally, all of our first year students are assigned to a peer advisor who is a current senior, this individual is a great resource for first year students as they can ask their peer advisor for class recommendation or teacher recommendation. These are two individuals that are directly tied to our first year students. We also have a number of other resources that our first year students are welcome to take advantage of. We have a writing center on campus that students in any year can take their papers to get edited prior to handing them in. We also have a Learning Resource Center on Campus that offers free tutoring to first year students as well as a number of seminars on things like note taking skills, stress management, time management, etc.
Hannah - Cortez, CO
What is the admission rate into top Law schools, such as Harvard, Princeton, Yale, etc.?
ND Admissions
Hello Hannah,
The overall admission rate to law school is 90%. To find the specific answer to your question, I suggest you email Asst. Dean Ava Preacher at preacher.1@nd.edu. She is ND’s pre-law advisor.
Nathaniel - Sonoma, CA
What level of intramural sports are available for those of us who aren't ready to challenge Jimmy Clausen?
ND Admissions
Notre Dame offers the top intramural program in the country. Roughly 83% of students take part in the intramural program. We also offer a variety of sports from kickball and dodgeball to all of the major sports such as basketball and football. Many of the intramural sports at Notre Dame center around the residence halls. Every dorm fields one football team – guys dorms play full contact and girls play flag – as well as several basketball, tennis, soccer, teams, etc. There are a variety of levels as well. There are usually an “A” team, “B” team, “C” team, etc. So there is something for every skill level.
Eric Tainsh - Barrington, RI
Does the Admissions Office take into consideration, the actual high school that you went to, and how that high school stacks up against high schools
ND Admissions
We do not rank high schools but we will look at you in the context of the high school that you are coming from. We work closely with high school counselors and understand that some curriculums are more rigorous than others.
Shauna - Cataumet, MA
What is the relationship like among Notre Dame and St. Mary's students?
ND Admissions
The relationship is great between students at St. Mary’s and Notre Dame students. St. Mary’s students often spend time on the Notre Dame campus-in dorms, at the dining halls, etc. In addition, Notre Dame students make the walk (or take the shuttle) to St. Mary’s. St. Mary’s and Holy Cross students go to the football games. Finally, students at St. Mary’s make take some classes at ND and ND students may take certain classes at St. Mary’s.
Sean - Berlin, CT
Does Notre Dame have a ROTC program?
ND Admissions
Sean, Yes, Notre Dame has a good relationship with the service academies. We have Army, Navy, Air Force, and Marine ROTC programs.
William - Eugene, OR
I'm interested to know about how long it takes to graduate with a joint J.D./MBA degree assuming the person attended ND as an undergrad.
ND Admissions
The length of the J.D./MBA program would not be determined by where a student completed his or her undergraduate education. It is a four year graduate program completed after one has received his or her undergraduate degree-whether from ND or another institution.
Sarah - Poughkeepsie, NY
Hi, I'm a prospective Medieval Studies undergrad major. Can you highlight some of the credibility of the Medieval Department at Notre Dame?
ND Admissions
Hi Sarah,
That’s great. I think the fact that it draws faculty from several of Notre Dame’s strongest departments is a distinctive quality of the department. I encourage you to contact the department directly :http://www.nd.edu/~medinst/
