Chats » Early Action Admitted Student Chat 2007/2008
Jason - Orland Park, IL
I am presently torn between going to either Notre Dame or St louis U. I want to do premed. Can you make it simple or easier to choose?
ND Admissions
Hi Jason,
Congratulations on your recent acceptance to both schools. The easy answer is to say “choose ND.” Of course, we’re biased here, but you should select whatever school is the best fit for you and wherever you can see yourself being successful and happy for four years. This information is a little outdated, but it gives you an idea of how successful Notre Dame graduates are at being accepted to medical school.
If you can, talk to current students, alumni or parents of students at these two schools to get an idea of the experience. We feel that we offer an experience that’s second to none.
Best of luck in your decision process and feel free to contact us at admissions@nd.edu or 574-631-7505 with any questions.
Sarah - Chesapeake, VA
Do I have to take PE? If I do, what can I take?
ND Admissions
Yes, one year of Physical Education is a University requirement for graduation. Most students fulfill this requirement in their first year. When I was a First Year student, I took rotations like golf, tennis, and ballroom dancing! To find out more, visit Physical Education
Liza - Charleston, SC
If my family does not qualify for financial aid, should I still fill out the FAFSA? Thank you for your help
ND Admissions
Hi Liza -
We recommend that all students file the FAFSA form, as families often times feel they won’t qualify for aid even when they might. Keep in mind also that the FAFSA is required if you are interested in receiving any federal aid, including the federal Stafford loan (subsidized or unsibsidized).
Katie - Okemos, MI
Do students apply for the Program of Liberal Studies after their freshman year?
ND Admissions
Yes, all of our students first go through our First Year of Studies program in which they don’t have to declare a major. However, you still have to declare an “intent” so that we may place you in the appropriate mathematics level that will prepare you for the Program of Liberal Studies for example. At the completion of your first year with the help of your Academic Advisor you will then declare one of our four colleges and consequently a major within that college.
Eric - Lake Forest, IL
Are there any ways to get involved with the football team?
ND Admissions
Hi Eric,
The football team usually holds tryouts every spring. If you’re not all that athletically inclined, you can also be a manager or trainer for the team.
Tom - Avon Lake, OH
How long will these questions and answers be posted?
ND Admissions
Tom,
We will be taking questions until 9:30 p.m. (EST). The chat will then be archived so anyone can review the questions and answers at his or her convenience.
Liza - Manlius, NY
Hey There! I am so excited about Notre Dame. Is the major that we put on our applications the one we must start out with or can we change it at the beginning of our freshman year?
ND Admissions
Hi, Liza. I’m glad you’re excited about Notre Dame. We’re excited that you’re coming here. We don’t require you to stay with the major you indicated on your application. People often change their majors when they choose their course for the fall (which they do in the summer).
Drew - Vallejo, CA
Random:
Do you happen to know how hard is it to get a spot on the men's club waterpolo team?
ND Admissions
Drew,
Men’s club waterpolo along with crew and rugby are among the most competitive club teams on campus that compete against other varsity teams.
What is cool though is that club sports at Notre Dame aren’t allow to do cuts, so everyone will make the team with or without lots of experience. Your performance during practice is what determines your playing time. Check the ND website for waterpolos webpage, they definitely have one!
Carly - Westford, MA
Can you tell me anything about the Washington program and how many students typically participate in it?
ND Admissions
Hi Carly,
Well, there is a lot to say about the Washington program! It is a well established program that many students choose to do if they are interested in politics, journalism, or just love D.C. If you haven’t visited already, check out the Office of International Studies’ website, and click on the Washington D.C. program, all the information will be there. In terms of participants, I believe there are about 20 or so every semester.
Paolo - Bangkok, Thailand
Are there any financial aid or academic scholarships available for international students?
ND Admissions
Hi Paolo -
Scholarship assistance for international students is very limited and, like all aid at Notre Dame, is awarded based upon the student’s family’s demonstrated need. For more information, I recommend that you visit our website at:
http://www.nd.edu/~finaid/undergraduate/other/international_student_financial_aid.shtml
Lauren - Monroe, NJ
What kinds of research opportunities are available for undergrads?
ND Admissions
Lauren,
In its quest to provide an excellent undergraduate education, Notre Dame is promoting independent research among undergraduate students. Empirical and anecdotal evidence suggest such opportunities encourage a more profound intellectual awakening and inspire in students a greater passion for their discipline—while providing a distinct competitive advantage as students apply to graduate programs.
The recently launched Undergraduate Research Opportunity Program (UROP) permits students to engage in self-directed research projects under the guidance of a faculty mentor by furnishing small grants to underwrite research and related travel expenses. UROP also offers summer fellowships, which allow students to forego the typical summer job in favor of furthering a research project.
Research opportunities are available regardless of field of study or discipline.
Hannah - Cortez, CO
Can I come to Notre Dame earlier than the scheduled move-in date?
ND Admissions
Hi Hanna,
Residence halls are not open to students before the scheduled move-in date, so no, your cannot move into the residence hall before that date.
Allison - Sudbury, MA
Is the extra financial aid given to Notre Dame Scholars need-based?
ND Admissions
Hi Allison,
All financial aid at Notre Dame is based upon demonstrated financial need. Notre Dame Scholars who demonstrate financial need will typically have less loan in their financial aid package.
Nancy - New York, NY
I have never been to Notre Dame before, so what is the general vibe of the school?
Also, how difficult is it to travel between ND and New York City?
ND Admissions
I would say the vibe of campus seems to change as you progress through your years here. When I first arrived, I thought the campus was huge! I later came to think of ND as a small gem tucked away from all the world. I remember once thinking that my experience was freakishly close to all the brochures that I had seen as a high school student: I had class outside on the quad with autumn leaves falling, I had sat on the steps of the student union chatting with a group of friends, and I had even cloistered myself away from the world in the library hard at work, brow furrowed.
Travel between ND and NYC has always been pretty stress free for me. I usually get between destinations under 2 hrs. Flying out of LGA is always kind of a hassle though…
Paolo - Bangkok, Thailand
Recently, I have checked on google earth and the campus seems very large. What are the modes of transportation inside the campus?
ND Admissions
Yes our campus is quite large, however the most popular form of transportation is walking! We are primarily a pedestrian campus and it usually takes no more than 15 minutes to get from one end to the other. Some students choose to bring bikes to make their daily commute to class a little easier. Students can bring cars to campus beginning their second semester of freshman year, but it is not necessary to have one in order to get around.
Sarah - Chesapeake, VA
When will I be assigned my first year advisor? How do I sign up for classes?
ND Admissions
Sarah, you will be assigned an academic advisor this summer almost randomly. They’re all great advisors so you can’t go wrong. We’ll send you information in early summer about signing up for classes and by early July you’ll have to send or fax in your choices. We’ll work with you this summer if needed.
Pat - Raymond, MS
ND meets 100% of the "demonstrated need," as stated. Does the remaining cost include student loans or is that included in the "100%"?
ND Admissions
Hi Pat -
Notre Dame meets the demostrated need of the family through loans, workstudy and University gift. So, loans are included in meeting the need.
Erik - Holland, MI
Hey, thanks for the response to my previous question about merit based aid. I'm just looking to clarify what was meant by "applying for 'academic' or 'merit' scholarships at Notre Dame." Does that mean applying on campus? The expense of Notre Dame is obviously a huge factor in my decesion to attend and I'm looking for ways to pay for it.
ND Admissions
Hi Erik,
Just to clarify your question, we do not have merit-only scholarships at Notre Dame. All of our financial aid programs are based upon demonstrated financial need. The financial aid applications required are the CSS/Financial Aid PROFILE and the FAFSA. We encourage you to complete these applications so we may evaluate your eligibility for scholarships, work and loan.
Emily - Fairfield, CT
Is there a creative writing concentration?
ND Admissions
Thanks for your question, Emily! There is not a specific creative writing minor, but students can concentrate in creative writing through the English department. See http://english.nd.edu/courses/next/ for course descriptions!
Kevin - East Northport, NY
With intramural sports, how's intramural football? I know I wasn't a member of the football team or anything, but I always have had fun just playing football with a group of friends, so is it more like that or more competitive?
ND Admissions
Dormitory football is very competitive as it is full-contact and the championship is held at Notre Dame Stadium, in essence it is a Division III sport. However, we also offer intramural football which is not dormitory specific and that is not as competitive, anyone can join and you can create your own teams.
Sheila - Wrentham, MA
I'm interested in becoming a teacher, and I was wondering if many students use the education program at St. Mary's. I know that ND doesn't have an education major, so I'm just curious as to how people manage it.
ND Admissions
Sheila,
ND has a cooperative program with St. Mary’s where our students earn elementary or secondary certification. These students also pursue a primary major through Notre Dame. I am not sure of the number of students who are in this program, but you could contact: Arts and Letters – Vicki Toumayan (Vicki.M.Toumayan.5@nd.edu) or Sciences – Sr. Kathleen Cannon (Kathleen.Cannon.1@nd.edu) depending on what your primary major would be. I have known several people who have done this program and they seemed to really enjoy it.
There are other paths to consider to go into teaching as well. You may be interested in the Notre Dame minor of Education Schooling and Society You may also want to look into some graduate program options, like Alliance for Catholic Education
Good luck!
Michael - Covington, GA
If I wanted to walk on to a varstiy team, when are the try outs held (football, basketball, baseball)? Is it possible to walk on as a Freshman after classes start, or would I have to begin that process now?
ND Admissions
Hi Michael,
It really depends on what the coaches want and what they’re looking for. Each sport holds their tryouts at different times depending on that team’s needs. But yes, the teams will usually accept walk-ons as freshmen.
Paolo - Bangkok, Thailand
If I was unhappy with my dorm-mate, am I able to swap?
ND Admissions
We assign students randomly to live with another Freshman during their first year. Generally students live with that person for the year, and they find that it works out very well. Some students become best friends with their roomate, while others just live together and find close friends elsewhere. After the first year, students are able to choose their roomate.
Christy - Gilbertsville, PA
What are the science requirements for Arts and Letters students? (In other words, will I have to take Physics again?)
ND Admissions
Hi Christy,
As a former Arts and Letters student (who isn’t a huge fan of science), I can tell you that the science classes you’ll have to take are not the “complex” sciences. You won’t have to take lab-based science classes to fulfill your requirements (I think I took Environment and Evolution and Genetics).
(In other words, you shouldn’t have to take Physics again!)
John - Charlottesville, VA
Do admitted students need to submit the midyear school report to ND?
ND Admissions
Hi John,
Congratulations on your acceptance to Notre Dame. Yes, you will need to have your high school counselor send us your mid-year transcript now and final high school transcript in May or June.
Christy - Gilbertsville, PA
Besides the Honors College, is there "tracking" for classes at ND?
ND Admissions
Christy, we don’t have an Honors College but we do have an Honors Program. We don’t have tracking at Notre Dame except that student in engineering, say, will take engineering courses and students in business will take business courses.
Alicia - Carmel, IN
We completed the CSS/Profile in November and submitted that directly to another college my daughter applied to. How do we now get that same information to Notre Dame for our daughter, who was admitted in early action?
ND Admissions
Hi Alicia -
To add Notre Dame to your list of schools, you simply need to log back into the CSS\PROFILE application that you already submitted. There you will find a section for adding additional schools. More descriptive steps can be found in the acknowledgement that you received from College Board when you originally submitted the application.
Mary - Fishers, IN
Is it possible to minor in Film and Television? (And major in Finance)
ND Admissions
It is possible to major in finance and concentrate (minor) in Film, Theatre, or Television. You need to identify your desire to concentrate in the First Year with your advisor so your course of study can be planned accordingly.
Nick Grasberger - Lancaster, PA
How do the intramural and club sports programs work?
ND Admissions
Hi Nick,
We have intramural sports in almost every sport you can imagine, and with about 75% of Notre Dame students having played a varsity sport in high school, the level of competition is usually pretty high. Usually your dorm competes against other dorms in each of these sports. Club sports are those that receive University funding but do not have scholarship athletes. They usually travel fairly close to campus to compete against other college club teams.
Christy - Gilbertsville, PA
What kind of theatre programs are there for non-theatre majors?
ND Admissions
Many! Non-majors can participate in nearly all on-campus productions, including the department-run headlining plays and musicals and student-run companies as well. This includes acting, producing, backstage, costume, makeup and pit orchestra roles. One of the biggest student musical companies, PEMCO, is putting on “Kiss Me Kate” at the end of January—feel free to visit http://www.nd.edu/~pemusic/news/index.html and http://performingarts.nd.edu/ for more information!
Julia - Rye, NY
Are the dorms wireless?
ND Admissions
yes, lest we ever have a reason to say to our professors that we couldn’t do the homework :0)
Scott - Mahopac, NY
I'm interested in majoring in architecture. How much leeway is there for an architecture major to major/minor/concentrate in other fields of study?
ND Admissions
Due to the year abroad you have to spend in Italy your Junior year, pursuing a second major/minor in another field really depends on the field you are considering. Languages are rather easy to double-major with but technical courses might be more difficult unless you intend on doing summer school. Also for a second major you will need approval from the Dean of the college from which the second major will come from. Your Academic Advisor (assigned once you confirm your acceptance to ND) will be able to help you through the whole process during your time at Notre Dame.
Kristina - Portage, Mi
Are there any merit-scholarships, that my daughter can apply for?
ND Admissions
Hi Kristina,
Please see the prior responses in this chat to this question.
Andrew - Carmel, IN
Are there opportunties to vsisit the campus and go to a classes, as a guest, to really look at how things are?
ND Admissions
Admitted students can sign up for an overnight visit to experience campus life and to visit classes. You will be paired with a current student as a host. You can call our office at (574) 631-7505 to register. If you are coming for a day visit, you are more than welcome to sign up for a campus tour. More information about visiting campus can be found in your admit packet.
Carly - Westford, MA
What's the orientation process like at Notre Dame?
ND Admissions
Frosh-O, to say the least, is like a big campus-wide party, lol. You will definitely meet nearly everyone in your entire class (even if you run by them), and you won’t be bored, guaranteed. You’ll learn names, there’s free food, the people will be smiling like it’s about to become illegal, and you’ll be all the better for it.
Tom - Avon Lake, OH
(These are all great questions!) Is it important to file the FAFSA and other Financial Aid documents real early, even if they are only estimates? Or should we wait a few weeks to get them accurate?
ND Admissions
Dear Tom,
It is important to meet our priority deadline of February 15. Please use estimated income information to meet this deadline and forward your Federal tax return as soon as possible. We will update the applications using the actual tax return.
Nick - Dallas, TX
Do many students photograph for the school publications? For those who do, do they also photograph the school sporting events?
ND Admissions
Hi Nick,
Our student newspaper, The Observer, and bi-weekly magazine, Scholastic, are run entirely by students—from writing the articles to editing to taking the pictures! And yes, they cover the sporting events as well.
Carly - Westford, MA
Does Notre Dame offer any credit for a 4 or a 5 on the AP Music Theory exam?
ND Admissions
Carly, I’m sorry but Notre Dame does not give AP credit for Music Theory.
Stephanie - Cincinnati, Oh
How long after sending in the FAFSA and CSS Profile will students find about financial aid? I was accepted and have sent in both items, but have not yet heard back from the University. Do early decision and regular decision accepted students find out about financial aid at the same time?
ND Admissions
Dear Stephanie,
Please see the prior postings in this chat regarding this question.
Tim - Minneapolis, MN
How do parents get Notre Dame football tickets, or is it impossible to go to a game?
ND Admissions
All students are guaranteed football tickets! You’ll have the opportunity to buy them (at a huge discount) during your first days on campus.
Jason - Orland Park, IL
I am presently torn between going to either Notre Dame or St louis U. I want to do premed. Can you make it simple or easier to choose?
ND Admissions
Hi Jason,
Congratulations on your recent acceptance to both schools. The easy answer is to say “choose ND.” Of course, we’re biased here, but you should select whatever school is the best fit for you and wherever you can see yourself being successful and happy for four years. This information is a little outdated, but it gives you an idea of how successful Notre Dame graduates are at being accepted to medical school.
If you can, talk to current students, alumni or parents of students at these two schools to get an idea of the experience. We feel that we offer an experience that’s second to none.
Best of luck in your decision process and feel free to contact us at admissions@nd.edu or 574-631-7505 with any questions.
Sarah - Chesapeake, VA
Do I have to take PE? If I do, what can I take?
ND Admissions
Yes, one year of Physical Education is a University requirement for graduation. Most students fulfill this requirement in their first year. When I was a First Year student, I took rotations like golf, tennis, and ballroom dancing! To find out more, visit Physical Education
Liza - Charleston, SC
If my family does not qualify for financial aid, should I still fill out the FAFSA? Thank you for your help
ND Admissions
Hi Liza -
We recommend that all students file the FAFSA form, as families often times feel they won’t qualify for aid even when they might. Keep in mind also that the FAFSA is required if you are interested in receiving any federal aid, including the federal Stafford loan (subsidized or unsibsidized).
Katie - Okemos, MI
Do students apply for the Program of Liberal Studies after their freshman year?
ND Admissions
Yes, all of our students first go through our First Year of Studies program in which they don’t have to declare a major. However, you still have to declare an “intent” so that we may place you in the appropriate mathematics level that will prepare you for the Program of Liberal Studies for example. At the completion of your first year with the help of your Academic Advisor you will then declare one of our four colleges and consequently a major within that college.
Eric - Lake Forest, IL
Are there any ways to get involved with the football team?
ND Admissions
Hi Eric,
The football team usually holds tryouts every spring. If you’re not all that athletically inclined, you can also be a manager or trainer for the team.
Tom - Avon Lake, OH
How long will these questions and answers be posted?
ND Admissions
Tom,
We will be taking questions until 9:30 p.m. (EST). The chat will then be archived so anyone can review the questions and answers at his or her convenience.
Liza - Manlius, NY
Hey There! I am so excited about Notre Dame. Is the major that we put on our applications the one we must start out with or can we change it at the beginning of our freshman year?
ND Admissions
Hi, Liza. I’m glad you’re excited about Notre Dame. We’re excited that you’re coming here. We don’t require you to stay with the major you indicated on your application. People often change their majors when they choose their course for the fall (which they do in the summer).
Drew - Vallejo, CA
Random: Do you happen to know how hard is it to get a spot on the men's club waterpolo team?
ND Admissions
Drew,
Men’s club waterpolo along with crew and rugby are among the most competitive club teams on campus that compete against other varsity teams.
What is cool though is that club sports at Notre Dame aren’t allow to do cuts, so everyone will make the team with or without lots of experience. Your performance during practice is what determines your playing time. Check the ND website for waterpolos webpage, they definitely have one!
Carly - Westford, MA
Can you tell me anything about the Washington program and how many students typically participate in it?
ND Admissions
Hi Carly,
Well, there is a lot to say about the Washington program! It is a well established program that many students choose to do if they are interested in politics, journalism, or just love D.C. If you haven’t visited already, check out the Office of International Studies’ website, and click on the Washington D.C. program, all the information will be there. In terms of participants, I believe there are about 20 or so every semester.
Paolo - Bangkok, Thailand
Are there any financial aid or academic scholarships available for international students?
ND Admissions
Hi Paolo -
Scholarship assistance for international students is very limited and, like all aid at Notre Dame, is awarded based upon the student’s family’s demonstrated need. For more information, I recommend that you visit our website at:
http://www.nd.edu/~finaid/undergraduate/other/international_student_financial_aid.shtml
Lauren - Monroe, NJ
What kinds of research opportunities are available for undergrads?
ND Admissions
Lauren,
In its quest to provide an excellent undergraduate education, Notre Dame is promoting independent research among undergraduate students. Empirical and anecdotal evidence suggest such opportunities encourage a more profound intellectual awakening and inspire in students a greater passion for their discipline—while providing a distinct competitive advantage as students apply to graduate programs.
The recently launched Undergraduate Research Opportunity Program (UROP) permits students to engage in self-directed research projects under the guidance of a faculty mentor by furnishing small grants to underwrite research and related travel expenses. UROP also offers summer fellowships, which allow students to forego the typical summer job in favor of furthering a research project.
Research opportunities are available regardless of field of study or discipline.
Hannah - Cortez, CO
Can I come to Notre Dame earlier than the scheduled move-in date?
ND Admissions
Hi Hanna,
Residence halls are not open to students before the scheduled move-in date, so no, your cannot move into the residence hall before that date.
Allison - Sudbury, MA
Is the extra financial aid given to Notre Dame Scholars need-based?
ND Admissions
Hi Allison,
All financial aid at Notre Dame is based upon demonstrated financial need. Notre Dame Scholars who demonstrate financial need will typically have less loan in their financial aid package.
Nancy - New York, NY
I have never been to Notre Dame before, so what is the general vibe of the school? Also, how difficult is it to travel between ND and New York City?
ND Admissions
I would say the vibe of campus seems to change as you progress through your years here. When I first arrived, I thought the campus was huge! I later came to think of ND as a small gem tucked away from all the world. I remember once thinking that my experience was freakishly close to all the brochures that I had seen as a high school student: I had class outside on the quad with autumn leaves falling, I had sat on the steps of the student union chatting with a group of friends, and I had even cloistered myself away from the world in the library hard at work, brow furrowed.
Travel between ND and NYC has always been pretty stress free for me. I usually get between destinations under 2 hrs. Flying out of LGA is always kind of a hassle though…
Paolo - Bangkok, Thailand
Recently, I have checked on google earth and the campus seems very large. What are the modes of transportation inside the campus?
ND Admissions
Yes our campus is quite large, however the most popular form of transportation is walking! We are primarily a pedestrian campus and it usually takes no more than 15 minutes to get from one end to the other. Some students choose to bring bikes to make their daily commute to class a little easier. Students can bring cars to campus beginning their second semester of freshman year, but it is not necessary to have one in order to get around.
Sarah - Chesapeake, VA
When will I be assigned my first year advisor? How do I sign up for classes?
ND Admissions
Sarah, you will be assigned an academic advisor this summer almost randomly. They’re all great advisors so you can’t go wrong. We’ll send you information in early summer about signing up for classes and by early July you’ll have to send or fax in your choices. We’ll work with you this summer if needed.
Pat - Raymond, MS
ND meets 100% of the "demonstrated need," as stated. Does the remaining cost include student loans or is that included in the "100%"?
ND Admissions
Hi Pat -
Notre Dame meets the demostrated need of the family through loans, workstudy and University gift. So, loans are included in meeting the need.
Erik - Holland, MI
Hey, thanks for the response to my previous question about merit based aid. I'm just looking to clarify what was meant by "applying for 'academic' or 'merit' scholarships at Notre Dame." Does that mean applying on campus? The expense of Notre Dame is obviously a huge factor in my decesion to attend and I'm looking for ways to pay for it.
ND Admissions
Hi Erik,
Just to clarify your question, we do not have merit-only scholarships at Notre Dame. All of our financial aid programs are based upon demonstrated financial need. The financial aid applications required are the CSS/Financial Aid PROFILE and the FAFSA. We encourage you to complete these applications so we may evaluate your eligibility for scholarships, work and loan.
Emily - Fairfield, CT
Is there a creative writing concentration?
ND Admissions
Thanks for your question, Emily! There is not a specific creative writing minor, but students can concentrate in creative writing through the English department. See http://english.nd.edu/courses/next/ for course descriptions!
Kevin - East Northport, NY
With intramural sports, how's intramural football? I know I wasn't a member of the football team or anything, but I always have had fun just playing football with a group of friends, so is it more like that or more competitive?
ND Admissions
Dormitory football is very competitive as it is full-contact and the championship is held at Notre Dame Stadium, in essence it is a Division III sport. However, we also offer intramural football which is not dormitory specific and that is not as competitive, anyone can join and you can create your own teams.
Sheila - Wrentham, MA
I'm interested in becoming a teacher, and I was wondering if many students use the education program at St. Mary's. I know that ND doesn't have an education major, so I'm just curious as to how people manage it.
ND Admissions
Sheila, ND has a cooperative program with St. Mary’s where our students earn elementary or secondary certification. These students also pursue a primary major through Notre Dame. I am not sure of the number of students who are in this program, but you could contact: Arts and Letters – Vicki Toumayan (Vicki.M.Toumayan.5@nd.edu) or Sciences – Sr. Kathleen Cannon (Kathleen.Cannon.1@nd.edu) depending on what your primary major would be. I have known several people who have done this program and they seemed to really enjoy it. There are other paths to consider to go into teaching as well. You may be interested in the Notre Dame minor of Education Schooling and Society You may also want to look into some graduate program options, like Alliance for Catholic Education Good luck!
Michael - Covington, GA
If I wanted to walk on to a varstiy team, when are the try outs held (football, basketball, baseball)? Is it possible to walk on as a Freshman after classes start, or would I have to begin that process now?
ND Admissions
Hi Michael,
It really depends on what the coaches want and what they’re looking for. Each sport holds their tryouts at different times depending on that team’s needs. But yes, the teams will usually accept walk-ons as freshmen.
Paolo - Bangkok, Thailand
If I was unhappy with my dorm-mate, am I able to swap?
ND Admissions
We assign students randomly to live with another Freshman during their first year. Generally students live with that person for the year, and they find that it works out very well. Some students become best friends with their roomate, while others just live together and find close friends elsewhere. After the first year, students are able to choose their roomate.
Christy - Gilbertsville, PA
What are the science requirements for Arts and Letters students? (In other words, will I have to take Physics again?)
ND Admissions
Hi Christy,
As a former Arts and Letters student (who isn’t a huge fan of science), I can tell you that the science classes you’ll have to take are not the “complex” sciences. You won’t have to take lab-based science classes to fulfill your requirements (I think I took Environment and Evolution and Genetics).
(In other words, you shouldn’t have to take Physics again!)
John - Charlottesville, VA
Do admitted students need to submit the midyear school report to ND?
ND Admissions
Hi John,
Congratulations on your acceptance to Notre Dame. Yes, you will need to have your high school counselor send us your mid-year transcript now and final high school transcript in May or June.
Christy - Gilbertsville, PA
Besides the Honors College, is there "tracking" for classes at ND?
ND Admissions
Christy, we don’t have an Honors College but we do have an Honors Program. We don’t have tracking at Notre Dame except that student in engineering, say, will take engineering courses and students in business will take business courses.
Alicia - Carmel, IN
We completed the CSS/Profile in November and submitted that directly to another college my daughter applied to. How do we now get that same information to Notre Dame for our daughter, who was admitted in early action?
ND Admissions
Hi Alicia -
To add Notre Dame to your list of schools, you simply need to log back into the CSS\PROFILE application that you already submitted. There you will find a section for adding additional schools. More descriptive steps can be found in the acknowledgement that you received from College Board when you originally submitted the application.
Mary - Fishers, IN
Is it possible to minor in Film and Television? (And major in Finance)
ND Admissions
It is possible to major in finance and concentrate (minor) in Film, Theatre, or Television. You need to identify your desire to concentrate in the First Year with your advisor so your course of study can be planned accordingly.
Nick Grasberger - Lancaster, PA
How do the intramural and club sports programs work?
ND Admissions
Hi Nick,
We have intramural sports in almost every sport you can imagine, and with about 75% of Notre Dame students having played a varsity sport in high school, the level of competition is usually pretty high. Usually your dorm competes against other dorms in each of these sports. Club sports are those that receive University funding but do not have scholarship athletes. They usually travel fairly close to campus to compete against other college club teams.
Christy - Gilbertsville, PA
What kind of theatre programs are there for non-theatre majors?
ND Admissions
Many! Non-majors can participate in nearly all on-campus productions, including the department-run headlining plays and musicals and student-run companies as well. This includes acting, producing, backstage, costume, makeup and pit orchestra roles. One of the biggest student musical companies, PEMCO, is putting on “Kiss Me Kate” at the end of January—feel free to visit http://www.nd.edu/~pemusic/news/index.html and http://performingarts.nd.edu/ for more information!
Julia - Rye, NY
Are the dorms wireless?
ND Admissions
yes, lest we ever have a reason to say to our professors that we couldn’t do the homework :0)
Scott - Mahopac, NY
I'm interested in majoring in architecture. How much leeway is there for an architecture major to major/minor/concentrate in other fields of study?
ND Admissions
Due to the year abroad you have to spend in Italy your Junior year, pursuing a second major/minor in another field really depends on the field you are considering. Languages are rather easy to double-major with but technical courses might be more difficult unless you intend on doing summer school. Also for a second major you will need approval from the Dean of the college from which the second major will come from. Your Academic Advisor (assigned once you confirm your acceptance to ND) will be able to help you through the whole process during your time at Notre Dame.
Kristina - Portage, Mi
Are there any merit-scholarships, that my daughter can apply for?
ND Admissions
Hi Kristina,
Please see the prior responses in this chat to this question.
Andrew - Carmel, IN
Are there opportunties to vsisit the campus and go to a classes, as a guest, to really look at how things are?
ND Admissions
Admitted students can sign up for an overnight visit to experience campus life and to visit classes. You will be paired with a current student as a host. You can call our office at (574) 631-7505 to register. If you are coming for a day visit, you are more than welcome to sign up for a campus tour. More information about visiting campus can be found in your admit packet.
Carly - Westford, MA
What's the orientation process like at Notre Dame?
ND Admissions
Frosh-O, to say the least, is like a big campus-wide party, lol. You will definitely meet nearly everyone in your entire class (even if you run by them), and you won’t be bored, guaranteed. You’ll learn names, there’s free food, the people will be smiling like it’s about to become illegal, and you’ll be all the better for it.
Tom - Avon Lake, OH
(These are all great questions!) Is it important to file the FAFSA and other Financial Aid documents real early, even if they are only estimates? Or should we wait a few weeks to get them accurate?
ND Admissions
Dear Tom,
It is important to meet our priority deadline of February 15. Please use estimated income information to meet this deadline and forward your Federal tax return as soon as possible. We will update the applications using the actual tax return.
Nick - Dallas, TX
Do many students photograph for the school publications? For those who do, do they also photograph the school sporting events?
ND Admissions
Hi Nick,
Our student newspaper, The Observer, and bi-weekly magazine, Scholastic, are run entirely by students—from writing the articles to editing to taking the pictures! And yes, they cover the sporting events as well.
Carly - Westford, MA
Does Notre Dame offer any credit for a 4 or a 5 on the AP Music Theory exam?
ND Admissions
Carly, I’m sorry but Notre Dame does not give AP credit for Music Theory.
Stephanie - Cincinnati, Oh
How long after sending in the FAFSA and CSS Profile will students find about financial aid? I was accepted and have sent in both items, but have not yet heard back from the University. Do early decision and regular decision accepted students find out about financial aid at the same time?
ND Admissions
Dear Stephanie,
Please see the prior postings in this chat regarding this question.
Tim - Minneapolis, MN
How do parents get Notre Dame football tickets, or is it impossible to go to a game?
ND Admissions
All students are guaranteed football tickets! You’ll have the opportunity to buy them (at a huge discount) during your first days on campus.
