Chats » Early Action Admitted Student Chat 2007/2008
Julia - Rye, NY
Could you please tell me a little bit about the general atmosphere on campus? I feel like all the info sessions I hear tell me the same thing--maybe you could offer a little insight into what college life is really like? Thanks!
ND Admissions
Hey Julia,
Well I’m not sure what everyone else has told you, but I’ll give it my best shot. The atmosphere on campus for the majority of the semester is fairly laid back. Because courses on campus are very demanding, many students do spend a lot of time stressing out over homework and grades, so we try to keep things light as much as we can.. so things on campus are pretty spontaneous.
Last year we made a giant slip ‘n slide down the third floor hallway of my dorm with black tarp, oil, soap and water during the middle of exams week just to relieve some stress.
Just know that you’ll be stressed at times and definitely have lots of fun in between classes. Hope this helps!
Maxx - Frankfort, IL
I do not know if scholarships are considered based on one's submitted application. Thus, if not, are there any scholarships the University of Notre Dame offers that I would be able to apply for?
ND Admissions
Hi Maxx -
All scholarships at Notre Dame are awarded based upon the student’s financial need. There are no non-need-based scholarships available.
Caroline - Battle Creek, MI
Can you explain the application process for financial aid? I've just submitted my FAFSA and CSS documentation. Is there anything else I need to do?
ND Admissions
Hi Caroline,
Please visit the application section of our website to find the details of what other documents are required: http://www.nd.edu/~finaid/apply/.
We will communicate with you directly in the upcoming weeks if there is anything we would need beyond the items listed on the webpage.
Tim - Minneapolis, MN
What do students in the John and Barbara Glynn Family Honors Program get to study & partake in which is different from the rest of the Notre Dame student body?
ND Admissions
Hi Tim,
Being in the Honors Program likely affects a student’s freshman and senior years the most. In the freshman year, there are a few smaller classes that you may take and in the senior year there is a final project or thesis paper required. There is also money available to Honors Program students to do research during the summer. You can find more information about the problem here .
Caroline - Battle Creek, MI
Do alumni clubs offer scholarships?
ND Admissions
Hi Caroline -
Many of the Notre Dame Alumni Clubs do offer scholarships to students from their areas. These scholarships, like all financial aid at ND, is awarded based upon the student’s need. You will automatically be considered for Club scholarships when you complete Notre Dame’s financial aid application process.
Kathy - Sudbury, MA
Are Reilly Scholars a subset of ND Scholars?
ND Admissions
Yes—all Reilly Scholars are ND Scholars and will be invited to the Honors Programs. Being named an ND Scholar is a special designation from our office designating the top quintile of our admitted students, and Reilly Scholars are highly selective within that pool.
Don’t worry about the ambiguities—if you’ve been admitted to ND, you have a lot to be proud of!
Anne - Carmel, IN
I took a composition class through Indiana University last semester, and was wondering if it would be possible for me to skip first year composition.
ND Admissions
Anne, we only use AP scores to allow students to place out of First Year Composition.
Andrew - Carmel, IN
Hello again. Making the assumption that your acceptance letter should have included the Notre Dame Scholars, Glynn Scholars in it already to be one? I am making the assumption, but just want to make sure!
ND Admissions
Notre Dame Scholars were notified of that distinction in their admission letter. The Glynn Honors Program sends out invitations to select students in April.
belen - san antonio, tx
For students who are musical, but who are not pursuing a major in music, are there places around campus where they can play their instruments, like the piano, or take private lessons?
ND Admissions
There are places on campus for students to play and to take lessons. Also, the chapel in your dorm will have a piano that you can play at any point.
Casey - Villa Park, IL
Does the Notre Dame Alumni Club of Chicago only provide scholarships for students in Cook County? Is there a club that provides them for DuPage County?
ND Admissions
Hi Casey,
We are not 100% sure with the information we have access to right now what areas the Chicago Club Scholarship program cover. I would ask that you email your question to finaid@nd.edu and we will forward it to the Club Scholarship coordinator for a response.
Megan - Glen Ellyn, IL
Is there a language placement test that I should take if I want to continue taking French at Notre Dame?
ND Admissions
Megan, we can use AP and SAT II scores for placement in French. If you have not taken these we have another placement test which you’ll learn about in your summer mailings. You must take some type of placement test (possibly AP and SAT II) to continue in the French language.
Will - Chesapeake, VA
How many Air Force ROTC slots are available?
ND Admissions
There is no limit into the number of AFROTC cadets we may have any given year. As long as a student passes all of the requisites given by the Air Force’s Cadet Command they will be admitted into the program.
Will - Chesapeake, VA
What exactly is a Reilly Scholar, and how does the selection process work? Also, is it only open to certain majors?
ND Admissions
Reilly Scholars are selected by the admissions department with help from the academic departments, deans and honor programs from the very upper echelon of our admitted pool—students are nearly perfect academically and extremely strong in their extra-curricular activities. They are invited to visitation weekends in the spring, and are only open to students who intend to major in certain areas. If you weren’t invited, don’t sweat it!
Scott - Defiance, OH
Is it common for classes to be taught by Graduate Assistants, or are all classes taught by professors?
ND Admissions
Hi Scott,
Good question – all courses that I am aware of are taught by the professors themselves. The teaching assistants are often used for extra help, running labs, or holding discussion sections. Professors at Notre Dame are committed to teaching and are usually very accessible and willing to help.
Brian - Red Wing, MN
I have been accepted to Notre Dame, and I was wondering about the phrase "A significant decline in your academic record...could result in a possible withdrawl of our offer of admission." I was wondering if I could get a more in depth definition of this. My calculus teacher curved the class, which actually was a detriment to my grade, resulting in a C+ instead of a high B.
I have another question. I am currently taking a "College in the Schools" spanish class through the University of Minnesota. I was wondering if the credits transfer to ND, and if the gpa contributes towards my gpa at ND?
ND Admissions
Watch out about contracting “senioritis”! We will withdraw our offer of admission if you decide to finish high school early and stop working. If your final high school transcript is riddled with C’s, D’s, and F’s in the final semester, you should plan on spending your college years somewhere else other than at Notre Dame. One C won’t be too much of a problem.
College credits do not automatically transfer to Notre Dame. You will need to present your syllabus and class work to your First Year advisor so he/she can determine if Notre Dame will accept the credits for transfer.
Jillian - Buffalo, NY
I'm not a music major but can I still be involved in muscial groups and how hard would it be to get in?
ND Admissions
Yes, you can audition for a number of choirs and different bands and orchestras without being a music major, and those select groups are the ones who decide who makes it in.
Drew - Vallejo, CA
Does ND have any programs in nanotechnology, and if so, what majors would this fall under?
ND Admissions
Yes, Notre Dame is actually one of the nation’s pioneers in Nanotechnology. We are right now in the process of creating a brand new center for Nanotechnology research. Broadly, it falls under Electrical Engineering and it is offered as a concentration for graduate students. Undergraduate students though may have the opportunity to do some research under the discretion of a Professor either during the summer or academic year.
Caroline - Battle Creek, MI
What is the difference between Reilly Scholars and Notre Dame Scholars?
ND Admissions
Hi Caroline,
Roughly the top twenty percent of this year’s admitted class will be named Notre Dame Scholars. It is a designation of a student’s high achievement and for students who apply for and qualify for financial aid, it may have a small impact on the financial aid package.
There is also a Reilly Visitation Weekend in which a small number of admitted students are invited to visit campus for a weekend.
You can contact me at brown.170@nd.edu or 574-631-7505 with further questions.
Laura - Broadview Heights, OH
What kind of speakers/concerts come to campus?
ND Admissions
You name it! Notre Dame regularly hosts comedians, politicians and scholars, as well as nationally performing acts, ranging from U2 to the New York Philharmonic. There is a very vibrant on-campus social life, and the nice part is that most events are very cheap or free!
tim - ramsey, nj
What is the language requirement for the international business certificat eprogram at the mendoze college of business?
ND Admissions
It’s up to whatever you want to study. All you have to do is take a certain number of classes in international studies and any number of foreign language classes. You just have to have demonstrated a general focus on international business/policy/relations classes and languages help fulfill that requirement. If you tried really hard to convince the program directors you could probably even get away with not taking any language classes.
tim - ramsey, nj
Hi, I go to high school in Ramsey, New Jersey, however, I am a Canadian citizen living in America. That means I'm an international student right? Can I still receive any financial aid?
ND Admissions
Hi Tim,
Yes, you would be considered an international applicant even though you attend school in the United States. The international financial aid process is explained here
Hannah - Cortez, CO
I have already taken one semester of college through my high school's fast track program. Can I take a summer course and live in the dorms this summer?
ND Admissions
Hannah, we prefer for all Notre Dame students to start in the fall semester after going through orientation. Our programs depend heavily on the advising and support of the First Year of Studies and this support is not available for summer courses.
Carly - Westford, MA
What is a Reilly weekend?
ND Admissions
Reilly Weekend is a weekend hosted in the spring for the a VERY selective and small number of our admitted students to expose them to all aspects of campus life.
Mary - Fishers, IN
Is it difficult to get football tickets for non-family members? How available/expensive would they be for students attending the opposing team's school?
ND Admissions
The availability of football tickets really depends on the team we are playing against. For some of the smaller games tickets will be sold at the Stadium beginning at 8:00 am while available until game time. Also, students are able to exchange a student-ticket for a general-admission ticket for a small fee.
Tom - Avon Lake, OH
We will be on campus next week for the Engineering Open House. How do we go about getting tix to the basketball game on Saturday?
ND Admissions
Contact the ND ticket office: (574) 631-7356
Go Irish!
Emily - Fairfield, CT
Can you please explain the program of liberal studies, typical classes, the workload (i've heard its a lot more difficult) and what majors usually do after graduation.
ND Admissions
The Program of Liberal Studies (or PLS) is a comprehensive, somewhat “Great Books”, program that closely examines major works of literature, philosophy, theology and the sciences. PLS majors follow a structured course of study that includes 1-3 departmental courses a semester, one of which will be a “seminar” class. These classes are very small and are rich in discussion. The workload is comparable to the other majors in Ars and Letters, which require plenty of reading and writing. Expect to focus closely on texts while also getting through books rather quickly. Majors can enter any number of fields – teaching, advertising, publishing, writing, service or grad school. I have four good friends who were PLS majors – one is working as a consultant in Chicago, one is doing University Administration in Ireland, one is teaching high school in South Bend and the other is pursueing an MFA in Manhattan.
Michael - Covington, GA
Do I have to apply to be considered for a scholarship from the Monagram club (as the child of Monagram members)?
ND Admissions
Dear Michael,
We understand that the Monogram Club has distributed information to their membership asking that eligible members write the Monogram Club expressing interest in the scholarship. The Monogram Club will verify the student’s eligibility and notify the Office of Financial Aid of their eligibility.
Because of NCAA regulations, all Monogram Club Scholarships are based upon demonstrated financial need. Your family needs to complete the financial aid application process as outlined on this chat previously.
Michael - Covington, GA
How easy is it to work with the professors? I know some colleges advertise the "openness," if you will, of their professors. Is it the same at ND?
ND Admissions
All professors have what are called “office hours” which is a specific time of the week that professors have their doors open and students are welcome to drop in. If this time slot does not work, professors are more than willing to make appointments to meet with students!
James - Houston, TX
Where do I send the W-2 and tax return forms to?
ND Admissions
Hey James -
You can either fax the forms to (574) 631-6899, or mail them to:
Office of Financial Aid
University of Notre Dame
115 Main Building
Notre Dame, Indiana 46556
Walker - Raymond, MS
So I'm about ready to throw my old high school laptop down a well and buy a new one for college. Does ND Engineering require certain specs for laptops?
ND Admissions
Hi Walker,
If you bring your old laptop to campus we can help you recycle it instead of chucking it down a well. Although the sound of the splash would probably be pretty satisfying.
You can bring either a Mac or PC and specification recommendations can be found here . It’s also possible that the College of Engineering can give you a more detailed answer and they can be contacted at 574-631-8320 or Engineering.engineer.1@nd.edu .
Caroline - Battle Creek, MI
Are there opportunities available for non-music majors to accompany choirs, etc.? I am a piano accompanist at my school, and would like to continue in college, if possible.
ND Admissions
Hi Caroline! Yes, students can accompany our choirs. This is especially needed in the dorms—each dorm has a chapel, and mass is celebrated, with music, every Sunday. They are always looking for students to play.
Maxx - Frankfort, IL
Currently, I am deciding between two schools. The University of Illinois offers a diverse student-body with an intriguing social atmosphere. Since I am going to be spending the next four years at the school, does the University of Notre Dame offer much of the same?
ND Admissions
Hi Maxx,
I suggest you make a visit to our campus and stay overnight with a student to see if Notre Dame is a college community in which you could thrive. After the visit, you should be able to compare ND’s scene with the Univ. of Illinois and determine which school best suits your needs.
Julia - Rye, NY
How far is the nearest ski mountain from campus? Do students ever take weekend trips to go skiing?
ND Admissions
I usually go snowboarding 2 times a season. I dunno about ski mountain, but there are two ski resorts that are close and frequented by students on the weekend. Swiss Valley (a.k.a. “Swiss ditch”) is in Jones, MI and is about an hour away. Bittersweet (much better in my opinion) is in Otsego, MI and is about an hour 30 away. SV is cheaper at $20-25 lift+rentals on Fridays w/ student I.D. whereas BS is $35 on Thursdays with I.D.
Sharon - Fairfax, VA
Is it possible to major in math through the Arts & Letters College rather than the college of Science?
ND Admissions
Sharon, we do have an Arts and Letters Math major but the most common math major is through the College of Science. Most of our math majors have the heart and soul of a liberal arts major (even though they’re taking math in the College of Science). So if you like math but tilt towards the liberal arts we can take good care of you. Make sure your first year advisor knows your interests.
Mary - Chicago,
Can you talk a little bit about health services that are available at ND
ND Admissions
Hi Mary,
The University Health Services is available to all students and faculty. There nursing staff is available 24/7 and they take both appointments and walk-ins. Additionally, there is a pharmacy available in the facility. Click here for more information.
Mary - Fishers, IN
Is there a website where I can find student opinions on specific courses or professors?
ND Admissions
Yes, Mary. We use www.ndtoday.com. Hope that helps!
Ann - Carmel, IN
Is there a foreign language requirement for business majors? To be quite honest, I don't want to take a language if I don't have to...
ND Admissions
Well you’re in luck. The Mendoza College of Business does not currently have a foreign language requirement for its students. Many do wish to participate in the International Business Certificate Program, in which case they’d have to, but other no.
Kathy - Sudbury, MA
Of the admitted freshmen, how many are designated as ND Scholars?
ND Admissions
We reserve the Scholar status for the top 20% of admitted students.
timothy - ramsey, nj
Hi, I was just wondering if international students could possibly receive financial aid..?
ND Admissions
Hey Timothy -
Notre Dame does award limited financial aid to international students based upon the student’s financial need. I recommend that you visit the following web-site for more information:
http://www.nd.edu/~finaid/undergraduate/other/international_student_financial_aid.shtml
Kevin - East Northport, NY
Could you describe the typical ND student? What's the student body like-a lot of pretty girls, tons of preppy people, any snobby people, a lot of diversity?
ND Admissions
You can’t really characterize a typical Notre Dame student cause we’re such a diverse student body, but I’ll give it my best shot.
In general students were very involved in their high schools and local communities through things like volunteer work and participating in clubs. In terms of “snobby” and “preppy” people, we may have a couple, but every college does. In general, students are pretty laid back and like to where comfortable clothing.
Julia - Rye, NY
Could you please tell me a little bit about the general atmosphere on campus? I feel like all the info sessions I hear tell me the same thing--maybe you could offer a little insight into what college life is really like? Thanks!
ND Admissions
Hey Julia,
Well I’m not sure what everyone else has told you, but I’ll give it my best shot. The atmosphere on campus for the majority of the semester is fairly laid back. Because courses on campus are very demanding, many students do spend a lot of time stressing out over homework and grades, so we try to keep things light as much as we can.. so things on campus are pretty spontaneous.
Last year we made a giant slip ‘n slide down the third floor hallway of my dorm with black tarp, oil, soap and water during the middle of exams week just to relieve some stress.
Just know that you’ll be stressed at times and definitely have lots of fun in between classes. Hope this helps!
Maxx - Frankfort, IL
I do not know if scholarships are considered based on one's submitted application. Thus, if not, are there any scholarships the University of Notre Dame offers that I would be able to apply for?
ND Admissions
Hi Maxx -
All scholarships at Notre Dame are awarded based upon the student’s financial need. There are no non-need-based scholarships available.
Caroline - Battle Creek, MI
Can you explain the application process for financial aid? I've just submitted my FAFSA and CSS documentation. Is there anything else I need to do?
ND Admissions
Hi Caroline,
Please visit the application section of our website to find the details of what other documents are required: http://www.nd.edu/~finaid/apply/.
We will communicate with you directly in the upcoming weeks if there is anything we would need beyond the items listed on the webpage.
Tim - Minneapolis, MN
What do students in the John and Barbara Glynn Family Honors Program get to study & partake in which is different from the rest of the Notre Dame student body?
ND Admissions
Hi Tim,
Being in the Honors Program likely affects a student’s freshman and senior years the most. In the freshman year, there are a few smaller classes that you may take and in the senior year there is a final project or thesis paper required. There is also money available to Honors Program students to do research during the summer. You can find more information about the problem here .
Caroline - Battle Creek, MI
Do alumni clubs offer scholarships?
ND Admissions
Hi Caroline -
Many of the Notre Dame Alumni Clubs do offer scholarships to students from their areas. These scholarships, like all financial aid at ND, is awarded based upon the student’s need. You will automatically be considered for Club scholarships when you complete Notre Dame’s financial aid application process.
Kathy - Sudbury, MA
Are Reilly Scholars a subset of ND Scholars?
ND Admissions
Yes—all Reilly Scholars are ND Scholars and will be invited to the Honors Programs. Being named an ND Scholar is a special designation from our office designating the top quintile of our admitted students, and Reilly Scholars are highly selective within that pool.
Don’t worry about the ambiguities—if you’ve been admitted to ND, you have a lot to be proud of!
Anne - Carmel, IN
I took a composition class through Indiana University last semester, and was wondering if it would be possible for me to skip first year composition.
ND Admissions
Anne, we only use AP scores to allow students to place out of First Year Composition.
Andrew - Carmel, IN
Hello again. Making the assumption that your acceptance letter should have included the Notre Dame Scholars, Glynn Scholars in it already to be one? I am making the assumption, but just want to make sure!
ND Admissions
Notre Dame Scholars were notified of that distinction in their admission letter. The Glynn Honors Program sends out invitations to select students in April.
belen - san antonio, tx
For students who are musical, but who are not pursuing a major in music, are there places around campus where they can play their instruments, like the piano, or take private lessons?
ND Admissions
There are places on campus for students to play and to take lessons. Also, the chapel in your dorm will have a piano that you can play at any point.
Casey - Villa Park, IL
Does the Notre Dame Alumni Club of Chicago only provide scholarships for students in Cook County? Is there a club that provides them for DuPage County?
ND Admissions
Hi Casey,
We are not 100% sure with the information we have access to right now what areas the Chicago Club Scholarship program cover. I would ask that you email your question to finaid@nd.edu and we will forward it to the Club Scholarship coordinator for a response.
Megan - Glen Ellyn, IL
Is there a language placement test that I should take if I want to continue taking French at Notre Dame?
ND Admissions
Megan, we can use AP and SAT II scores for placement in French. If you have not taken these we have another placement test which you’ll learn about in your summer mailings. You must take some type of placement test (possibly AP and SAT II) to continue in the French language.
Will - Chesapeake, VA
How many Air Force ROTC slots are available?
ND Admissions
There is no limit into the number of AFROTC cadets we may have any given year. As long as a student passes all of the requisites given by the Air Force’s Cadet Command they will be admitted into the program.
Will - Chesapeake, VA
What exactly is a Reilly Scholar, and how does the selection process work? Also, is it only open to certain majors?
ND Admissions
Reilly Scholars are selected by the admissions department with help from the academic departments, deans and honor programs from the very upper echelon of our admitted pool—students are nearly perfect academically and extremely strong in their extra-curricular activities. They are invited to visitation weekends in the spring, and are only open to students who intend to major in certain areas. If you weren’t invited, don’t sweat it!
Scott - Defiance, OH
Is it common for classes to be taught by Graduate Assistants, or are all classes taught by professors?
ND Admissions
Hi Scott,
Good question – all courses that I am aware of are taught by the professors themselves. The teaching assistants are often used for extra help, running labs, or holding discussion sections. Professors at Notre Dame are committed to teaching and are usually very accessible and willing to help.
Brian - Red Wing, MN
I have been accepted to Notre Dame, and I was wondering about the phrase "A significant decline in your academic record...could result in a possible withdrawl of our offer of admission." I was wondering if I could get a more in depth definition of this. My calculus teacher curved the class, which actually was a detriment to my grade, resulting in a C+ instead of a high B. I have another question. I am currently taking a "College in the Schools" spanish class through the University of Minnesota. I was wondering if the credits transfer to ND, and if the gpa contributes towards my gpa at ND?
ND Admissions
Watch out about contracting “senioritis”! We will withdraw our offer of admission if you decide to finish high school early and stop working. If your final high school transcript is riddled with C’s, D’s, and F’s in the final semester, you should plan on spending your college years somewhere else other than at Notre Dame. One C won’t be too much of a problem.
College credits do not automatically transfer to Notre Dame. You will need to present your syllabus and class work to your First Year advisor so he/she can determine if Notre Dame will accept the credits for transfer.
Jillian - Buffalo, NY
I'm not a music major but can I still be involved in muscial groups and how hard would it be to get in?
ND Admissions
Yes, you can audition for a number of choirs and different bands and orchestras without being a music major, and those select groups are the ones who decide who makes it in.
Drew - Vallejo, CA
Does ND have any programs in nanotechnology, and if so, what majors would this fall under?
ND Admissions
Yes, Notre Dame is actually one of the nation’s pioneers in Nanotechnology. We are right now in the process of creating a brand new center for Nanotechnology research. Broadly, it falls under Electrical Engineering and it is offered as a concentration for graduate students. Undergraduate students though may have the opportunity to do some research under the discretion of a Professor either during the summer or academic year.
Caroline - Battle Creek, MI
What is the difference between Reilly Scholars and Notre Dame Scholars?
ND Admissions
Hi Caroline,
Roughly the top twenty percent of this year’s admitted class will be named Notre Dame Scholars. It is a designation of a student’s high achievement and for students who apply for and qualify for financial aid, it may have a small impact on the financial aid package.
There is also a Reilly Visitation Weekend in which a small number of admitted students are invited to visit campus for a weekend.
You can contact me at brown.170@nd.edu or 574-631-7505 with further questions.
Laura - Broadview Heights, OH
What kind of speakers/concerts come to campus?
ND Admissions
You name it! Notre Dame regularly hosts comedians, politicians and scholars, as well as nationally performing acts, ranging from U2 to the New York Philharmonic. There is a very vibrant on-campus social life, and the nice part is that most events are very cheap or free!
tim - ramsey, nj
What is the language requirement for the international business certificat eprogram at the mendoze college of business?
ND Admissions
It’s up to whatever you want to study. All you have to do is take a certain number of classes in international studies and any number of foreign language classes. You just have to have demonstrated a general focus on international business/policy/relations classes and languages help fulfill that requirement. If you tried really hard to convince the program directors you could probably even get away with not taking any language classes.
tim - ramsey, nj
Hi, I go to high school in Ramsey, New Jersey, however, I am a Canadian citizen living in America. That means I'm an international student right? Can I still receive any financial aid?
ND Admissions
Hi Tim,
Yes, you would be considered an international applicant even though you attend school in the United States. The international financial aid process is explained here
Hannah - Cortez, CO
I have already taken one semester of college through my high school's fast track program. Can I take a summer course and live in the dorms this summer?
ND Admissions
Hannah, we prefer for all Notre Dame students to start in the fall semester after going through orientation. Our programs depend heavily on the advising and support of the First Year of Studies and this support is not available for summer courses.
Carly - Westford, MA
What is a Reilly weekend?
ND Admissions
Reilly Weekend is a weekend hosted in the spring for the a VERY selective and small number of our admitted students to expose them to all aspects of campus life.
Mary - Fishers, IN
Is it difficult to get football tickets for non-family members? How available/expensive would they be for students attending the opposing team's school?
ND Admissions
The availability of football tickets really depends on the team we are playing against. For some of the smaller games tickets will be sold at the Stadium beginning at 8:00 am while available until game time. Also, students are able to exchange a student-ticket for a general-admission ticket for a small fee.
Tom - Avon Lake, OH
We will be on campus next week for the Engineering Open House. How do we go about getting tix to the basketball game on Saturday?
ND Admissions
Contact the ND ticket office: (574) 631-7356
Go Irish!
Emily - Fairfield, CT
Can you please explain the program of liberal studies, typical classes, the workload (i've heard its a lot more difficult) and what majors usually do after graduation.
ND Admissions
The Program of Liberal Studies (or PLS) is a comprehensive, somewhat “Great Books”, program that closely examines major works of literature, philosophy, theology and the sciences. PLS majors follow a structured course of study that includes 1-3 departmental courses a semester, one of which will be a “seminar” class. These classes are very small and are rich in discussion. The workload is comparable to the other majors in Ars and Letters, which require plenty of reading and writing. Expect to focus closely on texts while also getting through books rather quickly. Majors can enter any number of fields – teaching, advertising, publishing, writing, service or grad school. I have four good friends who were PLS majors – one is working as a consultant in Chicago, one is doing University Administration in Ireland, one is teaching high school in South Bend and the other is pursueing an MFA in Manhattan.
Michael - Covington, GA
Do I have to apply to be considered for a scholarship from the Monagram club (as the child of Monagram members)?
ND Admissions
Dear Michael,
We understand that the Monogram Club has distributed information to their membership asking that eligible members write the Monogram Club expressing interest in the scholarship. The Monogram Club will verify the student’s eligibility and notify the Office of Financial Aid of their eligibility.
Because of NCAA regulations, all Monogram Club Scholarships are based upon demonstrated financial need. Your family needs to complete the financial aid application process as outlined on this chat previously.
Michael - Covington, GA
How easy is it to work with the professors? I know some colleges advertise the "openness," if you will, of their professors. Is it the same at ND?
ND Admissions
All professors have what are called “office hours” which is a specific time of the week that professors have their doors open and students are welcome to drop in. If this time slot does not work, professors are more than willing to make appointments to meet with students!
James - Houston, TX
Where do I send the W-2 and tax return forms to?
ND Admissions
Hey James -
You can either fax the forms to (574) 631-6899, or mail them to:
Office of Financial Aid University of Notre Dame 115 Main Building Notre Dame, Indiana 46556
Walker - Raymond, MS
So I'm about ready to throw my old high school laptop down a well and buy a new one for college. Does ND Engineering require certain specs for laptops?
ND Admissions
Hi Walker,
If you bring your old laptop to campus we can help you recycle it instead of chucking it down a well. Although the sound of the splash would probably be pretty satisfying.
You can bring either a Mac or PC and specification recommendations can be found here . It’s also possible that the College of Engineering can give you a more detailed answer and they can be contacted at 574-631-8320 or Engineering.engineer.1@nd.edu .
Caroline - Battle Creek, MI
Are there opportunities available for non-music majors to accompany choirs, etc.? I am a piano accompanist at my school, and would like to continue in college, if possible.
ND Admissions
Hi Caroline! Yes, students can accompany our choirs. This is especially needed in the dorms—each dorm has a chapel, and mass is celebrated, with music, every Sunday. They are always looking for students to play.
Maxx - Frankfort, IL
Currently, I am deciding between two schools. The University of Illinois offers a diverse student-body with an intriguing social atmosphere. Since I am going to be spending the next four years at the school, does the University of Notre Dame offer much of the same?
ND Admissions
Hi Maxx,
I suggest you make a visit to our campus and stay overnight with a student to see if Notre Dame is a college community in which you could thrive. After the visit, you should be able to compare ND’s scene with the Univ. of Illinois and determine which school best suits your needs.
Julia - Rye, NY
How far is the nearest ski mountain from campus? Do students ever take weekend trips to go skiing?
ND Admissions
I usually go snowboarding 2 times a season. I dunno about ski mountain, but there are two ski resorts that are close and frequented by students on the weekend. Swiss Valley (a.k.a. “Swiss ditch”) is in Jones, MI and is about an hour away. Bittersweet (much better in my opinion) is in Otsego, MI and is about an hour 30 away. SV is cheaper at $20-25 lift+rentals on Fridays w/ student I.D. whereas BS is $35 on Thursdays with I.D.
Sharon - Fairfax, VA
Is it possible to major in math through the Arts & Letters College rather than the college of Science?
ND Admissions
Sharon, we do have an Arts and Letters Math major but the most common math major is through the College of Science. Most of our math majors have the heart and soul of a liberal arts major (even though they’re taking math in the College of Science). So if you like math but tilt towards the liberal arts we can take good care of you. Make sure your first year advisor knows your interests.
Mary - Chicago,
Can you talk a little bit about health services that are available at ND
ND Admissions
Hi Mary,
The University Health Services is available to all students and faculty. There nursing staff is available 24/7 and they take both appointments and walk-ins. Additionally, there is a pharmacy available in the facility. Click here for more information.
Mary - Fishers, IN
Is there a website where I can find student opinions on specific courses or professors?
ND Admissions
Yes, Mary. We use www.ndtoday.com. Hope that helps!
Ann - Carmel, IN
Is there a foreign language requirement for business majors? To be quite honest, I don't want to take a language if I don't have to...
ND Admissions
Well you’re in luck. The Mendoza College of Business does not currently have a foreign language requirement for its students. Many do wish to participate in the International Business Certificate Program, in which case they’d have to, but other no.
Kathy - Sudbury, MA
Of the admitted freshmen, how many are designated as ND Scholars?
ND Admissions
We reserve the Scholar status for the top 20% of admitted students.
timothy - ramsey, nj
Hi, I was just wondering if international students could possibly receive financial aid..?
ND Admissions
Hey Timothy -
Notre Dame does award limited financial aid to international students based upon the student’s financial need. I recommend that you visit the following web-site for more information:
http://www.nd.edu/~finaid/undergraduate/other/international_student_financial_aid.shtml
Kevin - East Northport, NY
Could you describe the typical ND student? What's the student body like-a lot of pretty girls, tons of preppy people, any snobby people, a lot of diversity?
ND Admissions
You can’t really characterize a typical Notre Dame student cause we’re such a diverse student body, but I’ll give it my best shot.
In general students were very involved in their high schools and local communities through things like volunteer work and participating in clubs. In terms of “snobby” and “preppy” people, we may have a couple, but every college does. In general, students are pretty laid back and like to where comfortable clothing.
