Chats » Prospective Student Chat 2007/2008
Hannah - Cortez, CO
Right now I am in the fast track program at my highschool (I am taking classes at a nearby college). How will these transfer to Notre Dame?
ND Admissions
It is unlikely that your credits will transfer to Notre Dame. In order for your credit to be considered it must not have been counted for high school credit and must be have been taught in a college setting with other college students. No more than nine credits can transfer. The deans will grant credit on a case-by-case basis, but in order to preserve the integrity of the Notre Dame degree more times than not they decide against granting it. One way around this is to sit for the AP exams—we DO grant credit for 4 or 5s on these.
Nathaniel - Sonoma, CA
No question, just a big thanks for the ND football answer, it really picked me up, and I haver a lot of friends who will be seeing your response.
ND Admissions
Go Irish!
Andrea - Mission, TX
How much time will you/should you spend on studying? Is there an ample amount of time to relax?
ND Admissions
Hi Andrea,
The general rule of thumb is to study three hours for every hour that you spend in class. This is, of course, a guideline and can vary for the specific classes that you take. The coursework in college requires more studying than what you would normally do in high school. Yes, you do have to study, but if you manage your time well, you will also have time to relax. Stay on top of things and you will be fine.
Andrew - New Richland, MN
What is the usual ACT range for applicants admitted early action?
ND Admissions
Hi Andrew- Since we’re a bit more conservative in admitting students in EA, that range is roughly 32-34.
Barbara - Williamstown, NJ
Do you use the writing portion of the SAT in your evaluation for admittance, and if so, how much weight do you place on the writing score in comparison to the reading and math?
ND Admissions
Since the writing portion of the SAT is still so new, we do not yet have the data to know how that test will predict future college success. At this time, we are looking at the writing, but we are looking at it separately from the total SAT. We will look at the math and reading portions primarily, and then the writing can add support in close cases.
Stevie - Manhattan Beach, CA
Are there oppertunities for students to showcase art, like in student-run art galleries or theaters?
ND Admissions
Stevie,
There are many opportunities for students to showcase art. Riley Hall is the main hall where student art is show cased. We also have an art museum on campus (which is free to students every day) that will show-case student art as well.
Steven - Jakarta, Indonesia
Hello! I am a U.S. citizen but I have lived overseas in Asia my entire life. Will I be applying as an international student or just a U.S. citizen?
ND Admissions
If you are a citizen of the U.S. you will be applying as a citizen of the U.S. If you are a citizen of another country, you will apply as a citizen of that country.
Liz - Kensington, CT
How competitive is the application process for study abroad?
ND Admissions
Hi, Liz! The competitiveness varies widely from program to program. The more popular locations such as London are often more competitive than others. We have a lot of options from which to choose, and I would encourage you to check out the Office of International Study’s website, http://www.nd.edu/~ois/. Another option to keep in mind is that we offer an exchange program with Saint Mary’s College, so a select group of students each year also studies abroad through SMC. At Notre Dame, we have 32 programs in over 17 different countries, and over half of our students travel abroad at some point during their Notre Dame careers, so you’ll want to work hard your first two years to keep your GPA up, but a lot of students are accepted each year.
Pat - Plymouth, MN
I compete on my high school's Cross Country Ski team, and I would like to continue skiing after high school. Does Notre Dame have any cross country skiing clubs or programs?
ND Admissions
There is a Notre Dame Ski Club. They take trips and you can find contact info at http://www.nd.edu/~sao/studentgroups/listing/athletic.shtml
Robert - Los Altos, CA
Although far off, if one is interested in becoming an Irish Guard, how can he or she do so?
ND Admissions
Robert,
Great question. To try out for the Irish Guard, students must attend band tryouts in August, before classes begin. Once there, students spend considerable time learning to march, turn, and stand at attention. At the end of the tryouts, students must perform a routine they have learned in the course of their practicing.
Eric - New Orleans, LA
How is transportation out of South Bend if I want to take a plane home or a trip to visit family in Chicago?
ND Admissions
Travel in and out of South Bend is easy. If you are flying, the South Bend Airport can be anywhere from cheap to expensive depending on where you are flying to. However, if you are willing to take the train or bus to Chicago, it is usually much cheaper. Notre Dame is 90 miles from Chicago and there are both trains and buses that run hourly. The bus ride – one way – is $35 and round trip is $55. The bus drops you at either O’Hare or Midway airports. The train costs $10 each way and takes you directly downtown. Both take roughly 2 hours to get to their destinations.
Meghan - West Homestead, Pa
How many letters of recommendation should I include with my application? I know someone who is an ND grad, close friend, and former teacher that is willing to write me a letter of recommendation. Because they are an ND grad, should I have them write a letter of recommendation for me instead of having a current teacher write one for me? Or can I them both write a letter for me and send them both in?
ND Admissions
Hi Meghan,
We’re really asking you to keep it to two letters of recommendation. We ask for the letter of recommendation because we want to hear about your academic capabilities. This is why we generally suggest that you ask for a letter from a teacher who has taught you in a core subject in your junior or senior year. The second letter should be from your guidance counselor. This gives us an idea of how you are doing within the context of your school. Those two letters should be enough to let us know whether or not you would be capable of succeeding at Notre Dame.
Dan - Bradenton, FL
Hi, I have taken the SAT twice and my high score is a 1420. Do you recommend that I take it again?
ND Admissions
A score of 1420 (out of 1600) will be competitive but it would be worth it to take it again—every point can help in a highly selective applicant pool.
Sarah - Chesapeake, va
When admitting students, do all applicants compete against each other, or do only applicants of the same major compete against each other for a spot?
ND Admissions
Hi Sarah,
All applicants will be admitted or denied based on their own merits. Your intended major will not determine whether you are accepted or denied to Notre Dame.
Matt - Dubuque, IA
Could a good student with a 24 ACT score get into Notre Dame
ND Admissions
While a 24 ACT composite is low for typical students being admitted the University and may warrant retaking the test, we review numerous aspects as part of the application and the standardized test is just one factor. Although the most competitive candidates will be strong across the board, we do not have a cutoff with regard to test scores.
Dennis - McLean, VA
During my visit to the school, I learned that there is a chapel in every dorm. How often are massess held in the dorm chapels?
ND Admissions
Yes, every dorm has its own chapel where Mass is celebrated regularly. Many of the dorms offer daily Mass, while others are two or three times a week. The basilica also offers daily mass. There are plenty of opportunities for you to participate in Mass!
Kelly - Clarksville, MD
What was the full range of SAT scores in this year's freshman class?
ND Admissions
Hi Kelly- Don’t know that full range but the middle 50% of SAT scores for the admitted students last year was mid-1300s through the upper 1400s.
Wendy - Toronto, ON
As a Canadian, I'm unfamiliar with personal statements of experience...how should I approach this portion of the application?
ND Admissions
Wendy,
Your personal statement is the chance for you to really tell the counselor something about you or about something you are passionate about. Some students would use this part of their application to talk about a particular experience in their life while others may write something about a future goal they hope to achieve. Write something that speaks to who you are.
Nirali - Basking Ridge, NJ
Are interviews offered?
ND Admissions
Yes, interviews are offered.
Nathaniel - Sonoma, CA
Are students allowed to attend Sunday Mass held in the main Cathedral?
ND Admissions
Yes, students can attend Sunday mass in the Basilica. Students may also attend daily mass in the Basilica. In addition, many dorms offer daily Mass and all dorms offer Mass on Sunday evenings.
Nate - Providence, RI
What do students think about the single-sex dorms and the parietal system? How does it affect relationships (both male-male and male-female)?
ND Admissions
Although at first the single-sex dorms with the parietal system might not sound too fun, at the end you actually enjoy them. First, there’s privacy. After parietals you can walk comfortably around your dorm without beeing worried about someone from the opposite sex being there or seeing you.
Also, living with with people from the same sex all the time (especially for guys) increases the brotherhood between everyone and you get to know most of the students.
Arnela Sulovic - Redlands, CA
For seniors what is the latest SAT date you will except when considering a students for Admissions? (Dec 1 SAT?)
ND Admissions
For Regular Action applicants (deadline Dec. 31), we will see at least through the January SAT and most likely the February test as well. If you apply Early Action (deadline Nov. 1), we can only promise you that we will see your October score.
Nathaniel - Sonoma, CA
What opportunties are there for internships while at Notre Dame?
ND Admissions
Hello Nathaniel,
Many! Notre Dame’s Career Center has thousands of links to internships and the career fairs on campus also offer opportunities to earn internships. Our alumni network is also a resource.
Christina - Glendora, CA
Which AP scores on which AP exams qualify as credit at this college?
ND Admissions
Hi Christina,
AP test scores of a 4 or 5 on most tests will earn you credit and placement, a 3 on the Calculus test will. You can learn the details here.
Christina - Glendora, CA
Roughly around how many people get accepted into your accounting program?
ND Admissions
Christina- Since we don’t admit students directly into our accounting program, there really isn’t an answer to your question. You’ll be admitted to the First Year of Studies Program as a freshman and then move into the Mendoza College of Business.
Kelsie - Chicago, IL
If there are so many qualified applicants, how does Notre Dame decide on who is accepted? What sets them apart?
ND Admissions
Hi Kelsie,
Admissions is not black and white, it is not a perfect science. We consider a number of factors: the rigor of your classes, your grades/GPA/rank in class, and your standardized test scores in terms of academics. Outside of the academic arena, we also consider your extracurricular activities, teacher evaluation and a personal statement. The students who are most successful in the application process are those who excel in all of these areas and have few-if any-weaknesses in their application.
Milena - Rice Lake, WI
What does your GPA have to be to be accepted?
ND Admissions
Hi Milena! Thanks for your question. There is actually not an exact GPA that is needed to apply or to be admitted to Notre Dame. Because we have students applying from all over the country and all over the world that are coming from different educational backgrounds, there is not a target GPA. To answer your question though, about 88% of last year’s admitted students fell in the top 10% of their class.
Casey - Bloomington, IL
Can you tell me about dorm life?
ND Admissions
Hi Casey,
Great question! Dorm life is one of the best things about Notre Dame. We have 27 single-sex residence halls (14 male, 13 female). You are randomly assigned to a hall when you enter the University. Each hall has its own signature event and they usually invite the entire campus to participate. Students often form strong relationships with the individuals in their halls. For most students, the residence hall becomes a home away from home.
Academic, athletic, social, and spiritual events are organized by individuals living in the hall. Interhall sports are also a popular pasttime for Notre Dame students.
You’ll find that students are very loyal to their halls – even after they graduate.
Nathaniel - Sonoma, CA
At what level are students involved in national politics at Notre Dame. Are there campaign offices in South Bend that students can volunteer at?
ND Admissions
Most students are involved in politics in some form, whether it be just keeping up on the national trends or becoming involved in volunteering at the local campaign offices. There are both Republican and Democrat student clubs on campus and there are volunteer opportunities at local campaign offices. The last election year several students volunteered at both the Republican and Democratic campaign offices that are located in South Bend.
Eric - New Orleans, LA
Does the intended major that I selected on my application (Business-Finance) affect my chances of admission?
ND Admissions
Hi Eric,
The choice of major on the application is mostly used for tracking purposes. We know that usually more than half of admitted students change their major at least once during their time here, so we do not admit students into a particular program. All students are admitted into the First Year of Studies program and do not officially choose their College until the end of their first year. Then they still have until the end of sophomore year to select their major.
Arnela Sulovic - Redlands, CA
How big of a role does religion play in the admissions classes, lets say a student is Muslim, Hindu, or does not have a decision. Will that in anyway hinder their chances of getting in to Notre Dame (since it is a Catholic school).
ND Admissions
Great question. Religion does not play a part in Admissions. While our student body is approximately 84 percent Catholic, that roughly lines up with the demographics of our applicant pool (that is, Catholics and non-Catholics get in at approximately the same rate).
Lauren - Norton, MA
Is it possible to minor in a business discipline,such as marketing? I only see majors listed under the Mendoza College of Business.
ND Admissions
Lauren,
The business department does not offer any minors. But as a business major myself, it is very easy to double major in business and another subject outside of the business school (you also cannot double major in 2 business subjects). The business department requires you to take 18 credits outside of the college between your sophomore and senior year in addition to university requirements. Most students use those 18 credits to major in something else. I am not a marketing major myself, but I know a lot of people who are marketing and psychology majors for instance.
Kate - Ocean City, NJ
Since Notre Dame is a Catholic university, do they put any special weight on a prospective student's church involvement, Catholic or otherwise?
ND Admissions
Hi Kate,
That’s a good question. No special weight is put on church involvement, but I think it’s safe to say that many applicants are interested in Notre Dame because of the opportunities to explore to their faith in our community.
Chris - Pittsburgh, PA
Are there a lot of opportunities for community service in and around South Bend?
ND Admissions
Chris,
There are numerous ways to get involved on service around the local South Bend community.
The Notre Dame Center for Social Concerns (CSC) organizes the student effort to help serve locally, nationally and even internationally.
The Center facilitates transportation to community engagement sites locally. Also, see on this site a regularly updated listing of current volunteer needs in the area.
The CSC maintains relationships with approximately 50 local organizations, and has formalized relationships with eight to ten community organizations, which are called Community-Based Learning Coordinator (CBLC) agencies. The Center was influential in the creation of the Robinson Community Learning Center (RCLC) in 2001 in the northeast neighborhood of South Bend, just south of the campus.
The Center also participates in a number of local coalitions, including The St. Joe Valley Project, Bridges Out of Poverty, and 4 Community. Some of these involvements center on area community and economic development and on labor and work issues. Occasionally the Center initiates and nurtures a coalition developing to address a social challenge. For example, it was the initiator of The Lead Alliance. Center staff members also work closely in various capacities with area faith communities.
When Notre Dame undergraduates enroll in community-based learning courses, the Center often facilitates their placements with area organizations where their contributions are requested. Increasingly, the CSC also assists local organizations that have research needs to connect with students, graduate students, and faculty who are interested in community-based research opportunities.
The Center helps students, faculty, and other university constituents find non-curricular service, advocacy, community organizing, and other means of becoming engaged locally in addressing social concerns. Also, staff of the Center are involved personally in their own forms of civic participation, some of which cross over into their professional lives. For example, staff members are present on the boards of local organizations, such as the RCLC, the Near Northwest Neighborhood Association, and the Northeast Neighborhood Council.
The Center has a strong Justice Education focus which initiates and functions collaboratively with departments of the university, local organizations and faith communities to provide the campus and local area with speakers, debates and other avenues for exploring current social issues.
The CSC identifies and provides various forms of support for representatives from each residence hall. These social concerns commissioners facilitate community engagement and education about social concerns. In addition, the Center offers space and other forms of support for about 35 student service and social action groups involved in service, advocacy, and education related to social concerns locally.
For more information browse the CSC web site
Carl - Chagrin Falls, Ohio
When looking at a prospective student's grades, do you considering the grades they received in technology courses or courses such as ceramics?
ND Admissions
We will consider the entire student record when reviewing an applicant’s transcript.
Holly - Trenton, TX
Hello, I'm applying through Questbridge this month, and I was so happy to see that the U of Notre Dame joined this year. If my application should be forwarded to the Regular Decision process, would my chances of being admitted decrease because the first wave of applicants have already been admitted? Is the Regular Decision pool of applicants much larger?
ND Admissions
Hi Holly- Not to worry- your chances for admission would not be hurt if you “move” to Regular Action. That pool accounts for about 75% of our applicants.
Sondra - Annandale, NJ
Does Notre Dame have a swim team? if so what divison are they? and is there club swimming and other sports?
ND Admissions
Hello, Sondra! Yes, we have a varsity men’s and women’s swim team. They compete in the Big East Conference, Division I. Each year, both teams are consistently ranked in the Top 30 in the nation.
There is not Club swimming, nor is there an athletic Club for any varsity sport offered here at the University. However, there is intramural swimming offered through our Department of Recreational Sports. If you have questions, check out http://www.und.com for varsity information or http://recsports.nd.edu/ for RecSports info. If you have any further questions, post them, or e-mail cbeesley@nd.edu! Thanks!
Victoria - Clearwater, FL
I have an ACT composite score of 32. Would you recommend me taking SAT II subject tests?Will they increase my chances of being accepted?
ND Admissions
An ACT composite of 32 will be competitive but the higher the test score, the better, so you may even want to try it again if it is convenient. SAT IIs are purely optional—if you submit them we will use them only to supplement your application; that is, they can only help you but will not be the most significant part of your application.
Daniel - Brooklyn, NY
1) How many teacher recommendations are needed when applying to Notre Dame?
2) Does Notre Dame have a Bagpipe Band?
ND Admissions
Hi Daniel-
Two good (and different) questions! We require just one Teacher Evaluation in our application. AND, we do have a bagpipe band!
Wendy - Toronto, ON
Are international applications considered independent of US applications?
ND Admissions
International applicants are considered along with US applicants although there are some separate requirements for international applicants. You can find more detailed information about international admissions here:
http://admissions.nd.edu/admission-and-application/international-students
Hannah - Cortez, CO
Right now I am in the fast track program at my highschool (I am taking classes at a nearby college). How will these transfer to Notre Dame?
ND Admissions
It is unlikely that your credits will transfer to Notre Dame. In order for your credit to be considered it must not have been counted for high school credit and must be have been taught in a college setting with other college students. No more than nine credits can transfer. The deans will grant credit on a case-by-case basis, but in order to preserve the integrity of the Notre Dame degree more times than not they decide against granting it. One way around this is to sit for the AP exams—we DO grant credit for 4 or 5s on these.
Nathaniel - Sonoma, CA
No question, just a big thanks for the ND football answer, it really picked me up, and I haver a lot of friends who will be seeing your response.
ND Admissions
Go Irish!
Andrea - Mission, TX
How much time will you/should you spend on studying? Is there an ample amount of time to relax?
ND Admissions
Hi Andrea,
The general rule of thumb is to study three hours for every hour that you spend in class. This is, of course, a guideline and can vary for the specific classes that you take. The coursework in college requires more studying than what you would normally do in high school. Yes, you do have to study, but if you manage your time well, you will also have time to relax. Stay on top of things and you will be fine.
Andrew - New Richland, MN
What is the usual ACT range for applicants admitted early action?
ND Admissions
Hi Andrew- Since we’re a bit more conservative in admitting students in EA, that range is roughly 32-34.
Barbara - Williamstown, NJ
Do you use the writing portion of the SAT in your evaluation for admittance, and if so, how much weight do you place on the writing score in comparison to the reading and math?
ND Admissions
Since the writing portion of the SAT is still so new, we do not yet have the data to know how that test will predict future college success. At this time, we are looking at the writing, but we are looking at it separately from the total SAT. We will look at the math and reading portions primarily, and then the writing can add support in close cases.
Stevie - Manhattan Beach, CA
Are there oppertunities for students to showcase art, like in student-run art galleries or theaters?
ND Admissions
Stevie, There are many opportunities for students to showcase art. Riley Hall is the main hall where student art is show cased. We also have an art museum on campus (which is free to students every day) that will show-case student art as well.
Steven - Jakarta, Indonesia
Hello! I am a U.S. citizen but I have lived overseas in Asia my entire life. Will I be applying as an international student or just a U.S. citizen?
ND Admissions
If you are a citizen of the U.S. you will be applying as a citizen of the U.S. If you are a citizen of another country, you will apply as a citizen of that country.
Liz - Kensington, CT
How competitive is the application process for study abroad?
ND Admissions
Hi, Liz! The competitiveness varies widely from program to program. The more popular locations such as London are often more competitive than others. We have a lot of options from which to choose, and I would encourage you to check out the Office of International Study’s website, http://www.nd.edu/~ois/. Another option to keep in mind is that we offer an exchange program with Saint Mary’s College, so a select group of students each year also studies abroad through SMC. At Notre Dame, we have 32 programs in over 17 different countries, and over half of our students travel abroad at some point during their Notre Dame careers, so you’ll want to work hard your first two years to keep your GPA up, but a lot of students are accepted each year.
Pat - Plymouth, MN
I compete on my high school's Cross Country Ski team, and I would like to continue skiing after high school. Does Notre Dame have any cross country skiing clubs or programs?
ND Admissions
There is a Notre Dame Ski Club. They take trips and you can find contact info at http://www.nd.edu/~sao/studentgroups/listing/athletic.shtml
Robert - Los Altos, CA
Although far off, if one is interested in becoming an Irish Guard, how can he or she do so?
ND Admissions
Robert,
Great question. To try out for the Irish Guard, students must attend band tryouts in August, before classes begin. Once there, students spend considerable time learning to march, turn, and stand at attention. At the end of the tryouts, students must perform a routine they have learned in the course of their practicing.
Eric - New Orleans, LA
How is transportation out of South Bend if I want to take a plane home or a trip to visit family in Chicago?
ND Admissions
Travel in and out of South Bend is easy. If you are flying, the South Bend Airport can be anywhere from cheap to expensive depending on where you are flying to. However, if you are willing to take the train or bus to Chicago, it is usually much cheaper. Notre Dame is 90 miles from Chicago and there are both trains and buses that run hourly. The bus ride – one way – is $35 and round trip is $55. The bus drops you at either O’Hare or Midway airports. The train costs $10 each way and takes you directly downtown. Both take roughly 2 hours to get to their destinations.
Meghan - West Homestead, Pa
How many letters of recommendation should I include with my application? I know someone who is an ND grad, close friend, and former teacher that is willing to write me a letter of recommendation. Because they are an ND grad, should I have them write a letter of recommendation for me instead of having a current teacher write one for me? Or can I them both write a letter for me and send them both in?
ND Admissions
Hi Meghan,
We’re really asking you to keep it to two letters of recommendation. We ask for the letter of recommendation because we want to hear about your academic capabilities. This is why we generally suggest that you ask for a letter from a teacher who has taught you in a core subject in your junior or senior year. The second letter should be from your guidance counselor. This gives us an idea of how you are doing within the context of your school. Those two letters should be enough to let us know whether or not you would be capable of succeeding at Notre Dame.
Dan - Bradenton, FL
Hi, I have taken the SAT twice and my high score is a 1420. Do you recommend that I take it again?
ND Admissions
A score of 1420 (out of 1600) will be competitive but it would be worth it to take it again—every point can help in a highly selective applicant pool.
Sarah - Chesapeake, va
When admitting students, do all applicants compete against each other, or do only applicants of the same major compete against each other for a spot?
ND Admissions
Hi Sarah,
All applicants will be admitted or denied based on their own merits. Your intended major will not determine whether you are accepted or denied to Notre Dame.
Matt - Dubuque, IA
Could a good student with a 24 ACT score get into Notre Dame
ND Admissions
While a 24 ACT composite is low for typical students being admitted the University and may warrant retaking the test, we review numerous aspects as part of the application and the standardized test is just one factor. Although the most competitive candidates will be strong across the board, we do not have a cutoff with regard to test scores.
Dennis - McLean, VA
During my visit to the school, I learned that there is a chapel in every dorm. How often are massess held in the dorm chapels?
ND Admissions
Yes, every dorm has its own chapel where Mass is celebrated regularly. Many of the dorms offer daily Mass, while others are two or three times a week. The basilica also offers daily mass. There are plenty of opportunities for you to participate in Mass!
Kelly - Clarksville, MD
What was the full range of SAT scores in this year's freshman class?
ND Admissions
Hi Kelly- Don’t know that full range but the middle 50% of SAT scores for the admitted students last year was mid-1300s through the upper 1400s.
Wendy - Toronto, ON
As a Canadian, I'm unfamiliar with personal statements of experience...how should I approach this portion of the application?
ND Admissions
Wendy, Your personal statement is the chance for you to really tell the counselor something about you or about something you are passionate about. Some students would use this part of their application to talk about a particular experience in their life while others may write something about a future goal they hope to achieve. Write something that speaks to who you are.
Nirali - Basking Ridge, NJ
Are interviews offered?
ND Admissions
Yes, interviews are offered.
Nathaniel - Sonoma, CA
Are students allowed to attend Sunday Mass held in the main Cathedral?
ND Admissions
Yes, students can attend Sunday mass in the Basilica. Students may also attend daily mass in the Basilica. In addition, many dorms offer daily Mass and all dorms offer Mass on Sunday evenings.
Nate - Providence, RI
What do students think about the single-sex dorms and the parietal system? How does it affect relationships (both male-male and male-female)?
ND Admissions
Although at first the single-sex dorms with the parietal system might not sound too fun, at the end you actually enjoy them. First, there’s privacy. After parietals you can walk comfortably around your dorm without beeing worried about someone from the opposite sex being there or seeing you. Also, living with with people from the same sex all the time (especially for guys) increases the brotherhood between everyone and you get to know most of the students.
Arnela Sulovic - Redlands, CA
For seniors what is the latest SAT date you will except when considering a students for Admissions? (Dec 1 SAT?)
ND Admissions
For Regular Action applicants (deadline Dec. 31), we will see at least through the January SAT and most likely the February test as well. If you apply Early Action (deadline Nov. 1), we can only promise you that we will see your October score.
Nathaniel - Sonoma, CA
What opportunties are there for internships while at Notre Dame?
ND Admissions
Hello Nathaniel,
Many! Notre Dame’s Career Center has thousands of links to internships and the career fairs on campus also offer opportunities to earn internships. Our alumni network is also a resource.
Christina - Glendora, CA
Which AP scores on which AP exams qualify as credit at this college?
ND Admissions
Hi Christina,
AP test scores of a 4 or 5 on most tests will earn you credit and placement, a 3 on the Calculus test will. You can learn the details here.
Christina - Glendora, CA
Roughly around how many people get accepted into your accounting program?
ND Admissions
Christina- Since we don’t admit students directly into our accounting program, there really isn’t an answer to your question. You’ll be admitted to the First Year of Studies Program as a freshman and then move into the Mendoza College of Business.
Kelsie - Chicago, IL
If there are so many qualified applicants, how does Notre Dame decide on who is accepted? What sets them apart?
ND Admissions
Hi Kelsie,
Admissions is not black and white, it is not a perfect science. We consider a number of factors: the rigor of your classes, your grades/GPA/rank in class, and your standardized test scores in terms of academics. Outside of the academic arena, we also consider your extracurricular activities, teacher evaluation and a personal statement. The students who are most successful in the application process are those who excel in all of these areas and have few-if any-weaknesses in their application.
Milena - Rice Lake, WI
What does your GPA have to be to be accepted?
ND Admissions
Hi Milena! Thanks for your question. There is actually not an exact GPA that is needed to apply or to be admitted to Notre Dame. Because we have students applying from all over the country and all over the world that are coming from different educational backgrounds, there is not a target GPA. To answer your question though, about 88% of last year’s admitted students fell in the top 10% of their class.
Casey - Bloomington, IL
Can you tell me about dorm life?
ND Admissions
Hi Casey,
Great question! Dorm life is one of the best things about Notre Dame. We have 27 single-sex residence halls (14 male, 13 female). You are randomly assigned to a hall when you enter the University. Each hall has its own signature event and they usually invite the entire campus to participate. Students often form strong relationships with the individuals in their halls. For most students, the residence hall becomes a home away from home.
Academic, athletic, social, and spiritual events are organized by individuals living in the hall. Interhall sports are also a popular pasttime for Notre Dame students.
You’ll find that students are very loyal to their halls – even after they graduate.
Nathaniel - Sonoma, CA
At what level are students involved in national politics at Notre Dame. Are there campaign offices in South Bend that students can volunteer at?
ND Admissions
Most students are involved in politics in some form, whether it be just keeping up on the national trends or becoming involved in volunteering at the local campaign offices. There are both Republican and Democrat student clubs on campus and there are volunteer opportunities at local campaign offices. The last election year several students volunteered at both the Republican and Democratic campaign offices that are located in South Bend.
Eric - New Orleans, LA
Does the intended major that I selected on my application (Business-Finance) affect my chances of admission?
ND Admissions
Hi Eric, The choice of major on the application is mostly used for tracking purposes. We know that usually more than half of admitted students change their major at least once during their time here, so we do not admit students into a particular program. All students are admitted into the First Year of Studies program and do not officially choose their College until the end of their first year. Then they still have until the end of sophomore year to select their major.
Arnela Sulovic - Redlands, CA
How big of a role does religion play in the admissions classes, lets say a student is Muslim, Hindu, or does not have a decision. Will that in anyway hinder their chances of getting in to Notre Dame (since it is a Catholic school).
ND Admissions
Great question. Religion does not play a part in Admissions. While our student body is approximately 84 percent Catholic, that roughly lines up with the demographics of our applicant pool (that is, Catholics and non-Catholics get in at approximately the same rate).
Lauren - Norton, MA
Is it possible to minor in a business discipline,such as marketing? I only see majors listed under the Mendoza College of Business.
ND Admissions
Lauren, The business department does not offer any minors. But as a business major myself, it is very easy to double major in business and another subject outside of the business school (you also cannot double major in 2 business subjects). The business department requires you to take 18 credits outside of the college between your sophomore and senior year in addition to university requirements. Most students use those 18 credits to major in something else. I am not a marketing major myself, but I know a lot of people who are marketing and psychology majors for instance.
Kate - Ocean City, NJ
Since Notre Dame is a Catholic university, do they put any special weight on a prospective student's church involvement, Catholic or otherwise?
ND Admissions
Hi Kate, That’s a good question. No special weight is put on church involvement, but I think it’s safe to say that many applicants are interested in Notre Dame because of the opportunities to explore to their faith in our community.
Chris - Pittsburgh, PA
Are there a lot of opportunities for community service in and around South Bend?
ND Admissions
Chris,
There are numerous ways to get involved on service around the local South Bend community.
The Notre Dame Center for Social Concerns (CSC) organizes the student effort to help serve locally, nationally and even internationally.
The Center facilitates transportation to community engagement sites locally. Also, see on this site a regularly updated listing of current volunteer needs in the area.
The CSC maintains relationships with approximately 50 local organizations, and has formalized relationships with eight to ten community organizations, which are called Community-Based Learning Coordinator (CBLC) agencies. The Center was influential in the creation of the Robinson Community Learning Center (RCLC) in 2001 in the northeast neighborhood of South Bend, just south of the campus.
The Center also participates in a number of local coalitions, including The St. Joe Valley Project, Bridges Out of Poverty, and 4 Community. Some of these involvements center on area community and economic development and on labor and work issues. Occasionally the Center initiates and nurtures a coalition developing to address a social challenge. For example, it was the initiator of The Lead Alliance. Center staff members also work closely in various capacities with area faith communities.
When Notre Dame undergraduates enroll in community-based learning courses, the Center often facilitates their placements with area organizations where their contributions are requested. Increasingly, the CSC also assists local organizations that have research needs to connect with students, graduate students, and faculty who are interested in community-based research opportunities.
The Center helps students, faculty, and other university constituents find non-curricular service, advocacy, community organizing, and other means of becoming engaged locally in addressing social concerns. Also, staff of the Center are involved personally in their own forms of civic participation, some of which cross over into their professional lives. For example, staff members are present on the boards of local organizations, such as the RCLC, the Near Northwest Neighborhood Association, and the Northeast Neighborhood Council.
The Center has a strong Justice Education focus which initiates and functions collaboratively with departments of the university, local organizations and faith communities to provide the campus and local area with speakers, debates and other avenues for exploring current social issues.
The CSC identifies and provides various forms of support for representatives from each residence hall. These social concerns commissioners facilitate community engagement and education about social concerns. In addition, the Center offers space and other forms of support for about 35 student service and social action groups involved in service, advocacy, and education related to social concerns locally.
For more information browse the CSC web site
Carl - Chagrin Falls, Ohio
When looking at a prospective student's grades, do you considering the grades they received in technology courses or courses such as ceramics?
ND Admissions
We will consider the entire student record when reviewing an applicant’s transcript.
Holly - Trenton, TX
Hello, I'm applying through Questbridge this month, and I was so happy to see that the U of Notre Dame joined this year. If my application should be forwarded to the Regular Decision process, would my chances of being admitted decrease because the first wave of applicants have already been admitted? Is the Regular Decision pool of applicants much larger?
ND Admissions
Hi Holly- Not to worry- your chances for admission would not be hurt if you “move” to Regular Action. That pool accounts for about 75% of our applicants.
Sondra - Annandale, NJ
Does Notre Dame have a swim team? if so what divison are they? and is there club swimming and other sports?
ND Admissions
Hello, Sondra! Yes, we have a varsity men’s and women’s swim team. They compete in the Big East Conference, Division I. Each year, both teams are consistently ranked in the Top 30 in the nation.
There is not Club swimming, nor is there an athletic Club for any varsity sport offered here at the University. However, there is intramural swimming offered through our Department of Recreational Sports. If you have questions, check out http://www.und.com for varsity information or http://recsports.nd.edu/ for RecSports info. If you have any further questions, post them, or e-mail cbeesley@nd.edu! Thanks!
Victoria - Clearwater, FL
I have an ACT composite score of 32. Would you recommend me taking SAT II subject tests?Will they increase my chances of being accepted?
ND Admissions
An ACT composite of 32 will be competitive but the higher the test score, the better, so you may even want to try it again if it is convenient. SAT IIs are purely optional—if you submit them we will use them only to supplement your application; that is, they can only help you but will not be the most significant part of your application.
Daniel - Brooklyn, NY
1) How many teacher recommendations are needed when applying to Notre Dame? 2) Does Notre Dame have a Bagpipe Band?
ND Admissions
Hi Daniel-
Two good (and different) questions! We require just one Teacher Evaluation in our application. AND, we do have a bagpipe band!
Wendy - Toronto, ON
Are international applications considered independent of US applications?
ND Admissions
International applicants are considered along with US applicants although there are some separate requirements for international applicants. You can find more detailed information about international admissions here: http://admissions.nd.edu/admission-and-application/international-students
