Chats » Regular Action Admitted Student Chat 2007/2008

The submission portion of our Online Chat for Regular Action Admitted Students is now closed. Answers will continue to be posted by our Admissions Staff until all questions have been addressed. Thank you all for your excitement and participation. We are excited about your interest in Notre Dame! For further clarification on any of these questions, or if new questions should arise, please do not hesitate to reference our website at admissions.nd.edu or contact our office via email (admissions@nd.edu ) or telephone (574-631-7505).


Melissa Garrett - Catonsville, MD

How does the "work study" work. How many hours do you work a week?

ND Admissions

Melissa, In work study you are able to find a number of jobs here on campus. The schedule and the number of hours you work is dependant on your schedule and the needs of the job you get. Your paycheck is deposited directly into your personal checking account.

Anna - Tampa, FL

I am a National Hispanic Scholar finalist, and I was wondering if I could qualify for any scholarships through this. If so, do I need to apply for the scholarships or send verification of my award?

ND Admissions

Hi Anna -

Congratulations on being designated a National Hispanic Scholar finalist! That’s a great accomplishment.

Notre Dame does not, however, award University scholarship based upon a student’s merits or awards. All financial aid is awarded solely based on the student’s family’s demonstrated financial need. You need only file the FAFSA and the CSS/PROFILE to be considered for any University scholarships. No supplemental applications are required.

Ben - Nairobi, KE

Do architecture students get to study abroad other places than Rome?

ND Admissions

Ben, Generally the architecture students are limited to their year-long study in Rome. Because of the nature of the program, it is hard to keep on track with the program when you leave. It is not impossible though to work something out with the school, depending on where you want to study and for how long.

Adrianne - Seguin, TX

I have two questions: What kind of tutoring or help is available for students outside of the classroom? and What holiday do most students typically go home?

ND Admissions

Hi Adrianne-

First question first- ND makes tutoring and extra help very available through many different avenues. Depending on the class or subject, the ways to get help are different. Most professors make themselves very available outside of the classroom. There is also the possibility of a TA holding office hours. Also, the college or department for the class may offer formal tutoring arrangements, or may schedule a general help session for the class. Bottom line: if you need help, it’s very easy to get.

In terms of heading home for breaks, that’s totally your decision. I see you’re from TX, so that may influence travel frequency. You have the option of heading home for Fall Break Week in October, Thanksgiving weekend in November, Spring Break Week in March, and Easter typically in April. All students are required to leave campus for the four week December/January break. Student decisions depend on availability of travel arrangements and many other factors. If you stuck around ND for any of the optional breaks, you wouldn’t be alone.

-Meg

Ben - Nairobi, KE

Hey, one more thing. Can you talk a little bit about the international community at ND? Not necessarily 'we host ___ number of events a year', but what people do and how they interact.

ND Admissions

Hi Ben,

Why don’t you e-mail international@nd.edu. That e-mail account is maintained by current international students who can speak about their experiences on campus.

Bisma - Karachi,

I understand that Notre Dame is predominantly a Catholic school. I was wondering how life is like for people of other spiritual and religious beliefs. Could you be more specific than earlier answers to such questions thanks alot =)

ND Admissions

Bisma, Spiritual life on campus is dependant upon what you put into it. Campus Ministry is more than willing to work with students of other faiths to set up programs for them. If you need a ride to an off-campus worship service, they can provide those, if you are interested in meetings throughout the week, they will set those up. Recently there has been a push for more interfaith and ecumenical services. These are now being held throughout the semester for different faiths. While we are a Catholic institution and we love our Catholic character, it is not shoved down your throat and whatever your needs are, Campus Ministry will work to make your time here spiritually enriching.

Kobena - Accra,

Is it generally easy to get a job and cell phone (especially as an interntional student). Also how flexible are classes and how easy is it to manage those with a job?

ND Admissions

Hi Kobena,

International Student Services and Activities (ISSA) will assist you in finding jobs, getting a cell phone, and making sure you are comfortable and everything is going smoothly while you’re here on campus.

Campus jobs are arranged so you can both complete your studies and work—one will not distract you from the other!

Bisma - Karachi,

I wanted to ask whether there are additional departmental (for example, those which are exclusive to the school of architecture) grants/scholarship/aid international students may be eligible for other than the university scholarship received in the aid package? And can the university scholarship increase over the years?

ND Admissions

Hi Bisma-

As with all scholarship assistance at Notre Dame, it is awarded based solely upon a family’s demonstrated financial need. If you were awarded financial assistance as an international student, the scholarship that the University committed to you for all four years was included with your acceptance letter. Because funding for international students is so limited, we can not increase your scholarship beyond what was offered in this letter. While a very small handful of departmental scholarships exist for upperclass students, the eligibility for these is determined by the awarding department.

Danielle - Costa Mesa, CA

I was just wondering what the process was for the first week (moving in) and orientation. Do my parents have to be there? If they do want to come, what kind of activities are they going to go to (and when is a good time for them to leave)?

ND Admissions

Hey Danielle,

The process for moving in and orientation is pretty simple. Your parents do not have to be there, but there are plenty of events to keep them occupied. On the day the dorms open, staff will be waiting to help you find your room and to get you settled. Orientation consists of activities sponsored by each individual dorm, with activities within the dorm as well as with other dorms. There are also mandatory and optional meetings dealing with different questions parents and students might have. If your parents want to come, the activities include a Rudy movie watch, dorm question and answer sessions, and a Mass at the end of the weekend. There is a general consensus that parents leave after the final Mass, but there will be a brochure and information sent out detailing the events of orientation weekend, and will answer all specific questions. Hope this helps.

Will

Anna - Tampa, FL

Notre Dame is my first choice university, but my attendance depends strongly on financial aid. From the time we submit the required information to the Office of Student Financial Services, how long will it take to hear back about financial aid? Also, can I wait to send in my enrollment confirmation card and $500 advanced payment until after I hear from the financial aid office?

ND Admissions

Hi Anna, We are reviewing completed applications daily. Our goal is to prepare a decision within one week to ten days. I would suggest you call the admission office directly regarding your question on waiting to send in your confirmation deposit.

Kyle - Garden City, NY

What is the job market like for students after graduating from Notre Dame? I only ask because I was accepted to many city schools, who advertise the many local job opportunities available fir their students upon graduation. Since Notre Dame is in little-known South Bend, I would imagine students are forced to find jobs elsewhere. Where do these graduates go and how do they get there? P.S. 2008 - Wake up the echoes baby!

ND Admissions

Hi Kyle,

Even though the economy is slow right now, the job market is still very bright for Notre Dame graduates. Nearly 100% of our graduates are placed in jobs, service, graduate school or the military within six months of graduation. And, it’s incredibly easy to find jobs across the country, or even internationally.

Notre Dame is one of the few schools that has a national standing. You can take your Notre Dame degree to New York or California, Minnesota or Texas and wherever you go, people will know the name “Notre Dame”. People will know that ND grads are great people, great workers and great academics and are looking to hire them. You won’t have a problem find a job after graduation!

Jahrael McDowell - Memphis, TN

Hello! I am desperately searching for scholarship money so that I can attend ND. I plan on playing sports in college and I wanted to know is it too late to receive an athletic scholarship from the ND athletic department. The May 1st deadline is fastly approaching and my parents are warning me that going to Notre Dame would put a immense financial burden on them. Any help or insight would be greatly appreciated. Regards, Jahrael McDowell

ND Admissions

Hi Jahrael, Athletic aid would be determined by the coach of the specific sport that you would play. The specific coach would be able to tell if you if they have expended their funds. If you have specific questions or concerns about your eligibility for financial aid, I suggest you contact the financial aid office directly and speak with a counselor.

Tracy - Somerset, MA

I am considering both Notre Dame and Boston College and I know they are very similar Universities, so I was just wondering what was it about Notre Dame that specifically convinced students that this was the right fit for them?

ND Admissions

Tracy- I was actually in the same boat as you a few years ago. I understand the decision. The schools are similar in academic reputation, student involvement, and networking ability. Some things that set ND apart: - Residential life- ND has a great residential life on campus. Dorms are single-sex and mixed-class, as students stay in the same dorm all four years or as long as they choose to stay on campus. This builds a great dorm community that really becomes a part of your identity on campus. - Tradition- Students here love the traditions involved in every aspect of student life. Everything from football weekends to dorm life to graduation weekend is filled with great traditions. It’s exciting and brings an extra energy to campus.

Overall, I think you have a tough decision, but I suggest you take a close look at student life. As similar as the schools are, it’s student life that sets ND apart. Good luck!!

Kevin - Great Falls, MT

Are there any events or outdoor activities that happens off-campus?

ND Admissions

Kevin, the surrounding area is a vibrant community with many events going on throughout the year. South Bend has many fesitvals downtown near the river and there is an annual Scottish festival held just north of campus. We also have a minor league baseball team, the Silverhawks, who play in downtown. There is always something to do, whether you want to stay on campus or venture into the city.