Chats » Prospective Student Chat 2008/2009
Mairin - St. Louis, MO
Do you have ND students interested in pursuing a career in Physical Therapy? What majors/areas of study do you suggest for this student?
ND Admissions
There are students at Notre Dame interested in pursuing a career in Physical Therapy. The best major for getting preparation for this would probably be a pre-professional major (either Science or possibly Arts and Letters) or a biology major.
Mary Kate - St. Louis, MO
What is the theatre program at ND like? I'm interested in technical theatre, not acting. Is there someone I can contact to find out more information? Are any of you involved in theatre in any way at ND? Thank you!
ND Admissions
There are a lot of opportunities to get involved in theatre at Notre Dame behind the scenes. There is a film television and theatre major, but if you are not pursuing it as a major there are various student productions throughout the year. I would highly recommend checking out their website for more information http://ftt.nd.edu.
Erin - Littleton, CO
Can teacher recommendations be mailed in? Or should they be submitted online?
ND Admissions
Hello Erin,
Your teacher may submit their recommendation either online or on paper. Whichever is more convenient for them. Beginning this year, Notre Dame is a member of the Common Application. When completing your online application to Notre Dame, you may request a teacher to fill out a recommendation and then they can choose to complete it online or print it out and mail it to us.
Steve - Kingston, NY
How many letters of recommendation should I include in my application?
ND Admissions
Steve – one letter of recommendation from a teacher at your school is enough.
Alex - Long Island, NY
How forgiving is Notre Dame to a bad physics grade for the 1st trimester of senior year, but you have very good grades in everything else?
ND Admissions
Alex, we understand that nobody is perfect. If we are able to understand the circumstances surrounding your grade it will certainly help your cause. We do look at your senior grades closely.
Chelsea Fenderson - Aurora, CO
Is psychology a major study at Notre Dame?
What are the required test scores for ACT, and SAT's?
Do AP classes in high school have any effect on credits at Notre Dame?
ND Admissions
Yes, Psychology is a major at Notre Dame and a very fun one at that! Most psych professors are very enjoyable and approachable. We also have a very strong research program that aims to get undergraduates involved in the many psychology labs, in a variety of specialty areas, that are active at Notre Dame.
Steven - Albuquerque, NM
Does being Irish and catholic help your chances of admission? :)
ND Admissions
We will focus on your achievement inside and outside of the classroom during the evaluation process.
Casey - Wilmette, IL
What are some of the main ways that Notre Dame promotes school spirit outside of athletics?
ND Admissions
Notre Dame is never lacking in school spirit. From the students wearing ND gear as they walk across campus, to masses in the Basilica, to the number of attendees at campus-wide events, we are “the Irish of Notre Dame!”
Teri - Owatonna, MN
If you apply early decision, but you are taking the Oct. 25th ACT and have already taken an ACT, but are re-taking it to see if you can get a better score, will the Admissions office wait until the Oct. 25th ACTscore arrives before looking at the student's application and/or making a decision on if that student is admitted?
ND Admissions
Teri, yes, we will wait for your ACT score to arrive. Please do make sure that you hav e indicated your test dates.
vanessa onwughalu - berkshire,
What would you expect from a Nigerian student?
ND Admissions
Hi Vanessa,
What we expect from Nigerian students is the same as what we expect from all our students! We are looking for people who have excelled both in and out of the classroom. The typical student who is admitted to Notre Dame is one who has done well in his or her classes (challenging classes, of course) and standardized tests (SAT and/or ACT). At the same time, solid applicants are active outside of the classroom in a variety of activities, usually with some leadership positions.
If you have any specific questions about international admissions, please do not hesitate to contact me at morourk1@nd.edu
MAYA - HONOLULU, HI
Are there opportunities for non-music majors to join orchestra ensembles or other music groups on campus?
ND Admissions
Yes! Anyone can try out of any of our musical ensembles on campus regardless of major.
Dan - Bettendorf, IA
Is there a special off- campus program for students aspiring to become teachers?
ND Admissions
Hi Dan,
Although we do not offer an Education major at Notre Dame, many students take education classes at St. Mary’s College across the street. These students can choose to major in Secondary Education at St. Mary’s, while maintaining a major at Notre Dame. There is also an option to take an Education, Schooling, and Society minor at Notre Dame.
Following graduation, students have an option to apply to the Alliance for Catholic Education through the University of Notre Dame. Students are not required to be Education majors in order to be accepted.
Joey - Amarillo, TX
What is Notre Dame's Duel Credit policy?
ND Admissions
Joey – we are very conservative when it comes to accepting dual credit. If your credits counts towards high school graduation or are taken on a high school campus, they won’t count.
Matt - Murrieta, CA
I know ND has a lot of spirit during football season, but does that spirit carry over into other sports and/or other seasons?
ND Admissions
Heck yes, it does!! Once football ends, it’s basketball season and hockey season!! Our basketball team went to the NCAA tournament last year and our hockey team made it to the final game. Plus, our soccer teams have had amazing seasons recently, along with many of our other sports teams. Plus, football and men’s basketball tickets are the only ones that cost anything for students, so the rest of sports games are amazing free study breaks and times to go have fun with your friends and cheer on the IRISH!!
Christopher - Brookfield, WI
Would Notre Dame's Film, Television, and Theatre major prepare me for a career as a radio/television announcer?
ND Admissions
Yes it would. You can also get real-world experience by taking a position with the campus radio station and/or television station
Sie - Louisville, Ky
Do you offer Sports Management/Administration as a major. I want to become a Sports Agent.
ND Admissions
We do offer a major in Management at Notre Dame. Students interested in sports management have also studied Marketing here.
Connor - Mercer Island, WA
Does the Notre Dame swim team accept walk-ons?
ND Admissions
It may depend on the swim team needs in any given year. I would suggest contacting the coach about the possibility if you are interested.
Matt - Murrieta, CA
I know Notre Dame has single sex residential halls, while some other schools I am looking at have co-ed halls. Do ND students find there to be a distinct division/obvious clique between members of their own gender due to this set-up and/or find it more difficult to form familial relations with members of the opposite gender?
ND Admissions
Personality plays a role in gender relations, and if one makes the effort to be outgoing in almost any capacity they will find it is not a problem. There are also plenty of opportunities for interaction between genders in classes, through clubs, dances, and intramural sports. Just taking the initiative to make friends or get involved in anything, you will meet friends of all genders, races, and from all states and dorms.
Katherine - Bloomfield Hills, MI
I play varsity lacrosse. Do you have intramural women's lacrosse for students not playing at the intercollegiate level?
ND Admissions
Yes. Interhall sports that are a popular alternative to varsity sports.
Dan - Bettendorf, IA
Are a studen'ts AP test scores considered by admissions?
ND Admissions
Hi Dan,
While we do not require AP or SAT II scores, if you have taken AP exams, please send us the scores (the same goes for the SAT IIs). This additional information can supplement your application and serve as the “icing on the cake”. Even if you did not score well, sending us the scores will show us that you put the time and effort into not only the class, but also the exam.
Katherine - Bloomfield Hills, MI
What on campus activities do you offer? What are some of the off campus activities and how do students find out about them?
ND Admissions
There are several ways to get involved in campus. We have tons of student-run clubs that address just about every interest you can think of. Weekend entertainment is provided by the student union board, student activities office, class councils, and clubs. There are a lot of service opportunities available off campus, which students generally find out about through Activities Night (during the first week of classes) and their dorms. There are also movie theaters and other entertainment available off-campus as well. Another great resource to utilize are the upperclassmen in your dorm. They can be really helpful when it comes to finding out about things!
Christopher - Brookfield, WI
As a prospective student getting ready to fill out my application, I was wondering how long my essay should be. Thanks!
ND Admissions
Both the common application essay and the Notre Dame supplement to the common app have a minimum requirement of 250 words. Neither should exceed 500 words.
Mairin - St. Louis, MO
I've entered my standardized test scores on my application, but do you require for an official score report (ACT, AP tests) to be sent to ND? If so, should I send all my ACT score reports, or just the highest composite report?
ND Admissions
Mairin, we will need official score reports. It doesn’t matter if the reports come from the ACT people or from your high school transcript. We will accept all of your scores but will only use the best ones as part of the admissions process.
April - Palmdale, CA
What type of presidential scholarships does this school have to offer, especially to out-of-state students. And what is admission competition like?
ND Admissions
Notre Dame does not offer presidential scholarships. We only offer need based aid. State residency does not matter, as we are a private university. Admission is competitive, but everyone brings different strengths and all applications are considered on an individual basis.
Julia - Wilmette, IL
My high school (New Trier) has a very strong music program, and I play viola in our two top-level orchestras. I'd like to continue playing in college, although I don't plan to major in music. Can you tell me about the music opportunities for non-majors at ND? How much of a time commitment is orchestra, and how strong is the program? What does the usual repertoire encompass? Thank you!
ND Admissions
It is still possible to participate in music programs as a non-major. Students may participate in either the Symphony Orchestra or Chamber Orchestra . Some students will also participate in pit orchestras during school musicals or opera performances.
Anqi - ,
What is the most vital quality of a student according to you.
ND Admissions
Anqi, we’re looking for high achieving students that also want to make the world a better place. We believe that the Notre Dame experience is unique in that we are a place that you go to not just to learn how to do something but rather how to be somebody.
maria - nashvile, tn
I want to know if i should apply? I LOVE University of Notre Dame. This is my dream school, my issue is that i don't have the highest grades in the world, but i can honestly say that i tried my best to work as hard as I could. I took as many A.P courses as possible ( a total of four, i would have taken 5 but two of the A.Ps that I wanted to take met at the same block). i come from another country so it has been a little difficult for me, and I attend a private school too. The reason why I don't know if I should apply or not is that many people tell me that i have no chance, and I would just waste my money. I just want to know if I have a chance, or are there just people with 30s on their ACTs in UND?
ND Admissions
Hi Maria,
I think you should apply—it sounds cheesy, but the only way you will not get in for sure is if you don’t apply!
We look for well rounded people who are good students during our application process. So, your classes and grades are just as important as your extracurricular activities and leadership positions. We do not have any minimum or maximum scores or grades, but keep trying at everything until you can submit your very best!
Good luck with everything!
Dan - Bettendorf, IA
Is there a Fellowship of Christian Athletes (FCA) group at the university?
ND Admissions
Yes! It is a pretty popular club on campus!
Roger - San Pedro Sula, Honduras,
Dear ND admssions staff, I believe I am a strong candidate for admission since I have a good GPA of 94%, a class rank of 6th, and I am involved in a whole range of different activities inside and outside school. I think that what can limit my chances for admission is my low SAT score. Luckily I will take the SAT again this October 4th. Do you reccomend applying Early Action?
Thank you very much!
ND Admissions
Hi Roger,
No, I would encourage you to apply RA. The thing is, when you apply, you want to make sure you submit your absolute best application. If you are taking the October 4 SAT, it is unlikely that you will have those results before the application deadline. By waiting until December 31, you will have more time to put the finishing touches on your application and make sure you have everything in place for our review.
Joey - Amarillo, TX
What kinds of study abroad programs does Notre Dame have?
ND Admissions
Joey – Notre Dame offers a variety of abroad programs. It’s certainly one of our strengths. Our abroad programs, for the most part, are owned and operated by the University so you’ll study with ND students, live with ND students and attend ND classes in whichever country you decided to go to. The costs and financial aid are pretty much the same, too.
Katherine - Lakewood, CO
What percentage of Notre Dame students participate in study abroad and in what year? Also where do Biology majors and pre-health students typically study abroad?
ND Admissions
Most ND students that study abroad their junior year. 57.8% of students study abroad. Bio majors and pre-health tend to study in London, Dublin, and Mexico, as those are the main places that offer science classes. However, with proper planning, often with AP credit, you can manage to study somewhere without science classes for a semester.
Sonny - Bedford, TX
What is Notre Dame's policy for high school students receiving credit for AP English, AP Calculus, and IB examinations?
ND Admissions
Hi Sonny,
Although students do receive credits for AP exams, they must take at least 90 credit hours as a Notre Dame student in order to graduate. Students can receive credit for 4s and 5s on most AP exams. These usually help determine placement, rather than allowing students to test out of a required class.
Kristen - Hackettstown, NJ
What type of bathrooms do you get your freshman year? Is it a communal bathroom or do you get a suite type thing where two rooms share one bathroom?
ND Admissions
There are communal bathrooms in the residence halls. There are no in-suite bathrooms.
Michelle - Singapore,
How many applicants from Singapore have been admitted for the past few years? and roughly how many applied?
ND Admissions
Hi Michelle,
The number of students we have admitted from Singapore depends on the number of admissible students from Singapore. In the past it has been a handful each year, but it really just depends on the individual students who apply. I was actually in Singapore last week as we are looking to increase our international population at the undergraduate level.
If you have further questions about international admissions, feel free to contact me at morourk1@nd.edu
Jillian - Alton, NH
Does Notre Dame have a Communications/Journalism Program? If not, would you recommend going into the FTT program instead?
ND Admissions
Notre Dame offers the Gallivan Program in Journalism, Ethics and Democracy through our American Studies Department. It is a five course minor or concentration for students interested print or broadcast journalism. It combines professional training with an emphasis in social, political and economic concerns.
Tim - Monroe, WA
Is there anything special about Notre Dame's biology or physical science programs, namely, something that sets it apart from other universities' programs?
ND Admissions
Notre Dame has a brand new science building that just opened two years ago. It has a planetarium/digital visualization theatre, greenhouse, observatory, amazing new lab areas, interactive lecture halls, and great classrooms. We also have great research opportunities in both areas, some on campus and other opportunities off campus, especially during the summer. We also have a great medical school admissions rate.
Matthew - Amherst, NY
If I am ultimately interested in a Business or Accounting major, would you be able to tell me which SAT Subject Tests Notre Dame would like to see in my application?
ND Admissions
SAT subject tests are not a requirement for admission to Notre Dame. Also, the admissions process is the same for all applicants regardless of one’s intended major.
Pat - silver spring, md
How does one really get reconized on the application,when so many are submitted?
ND Admissions
Pat, you just need to be yourself. Make sure you give us all the information we ask for.
Luke - honolulu, HI
i know this isnt really a school related question but i want an all around college experience and i wanted to know what notre dame has to offer to kick back and relax or have fun thank you for your time
ND Admissions
Our Student Union Board provides quality programming, such as concerts, performances, and other events on the weekends. Many student-run clubs also host events that students attend. There is an on-campus bar/nightclub that takes care of that aspect of college life, as well. Not to mention dorm parties and off-campus parties…
Tim - Monroe, WA
In what math class(es) do you place a student who has taken both Calculus AB and BC and recieved "5"s on both?
ND Admissions
For certain majors they would be placed in Calculus 3. For others the two AP exams will satisfy the math requirement.
Mairin - St. Louis, MO
Do you have ND students interested in pursuing a career in Physical Therapy? What majors/areas of study do you suggest for this student?
ND Admissions
There are students at Notre Dame interested in pursuing a career in Physical Therapy. The best major for getting preparation for this would probably be a pre-professional major (either Science or possibly Arts and Letters) or a biology major.
Mary Kate - St. Louis, MO
What is the theatre program at ND like? I'm interested in technical theatre, not acting. Is there someone I can contact to find out more information? Are any of you involved in theatre in any way at ND? Thank you!
ND Admissions
There are a lot of opportunities to get involved in theatre at Notre Dame behind the scenes. There is a film television and theatre major, but if you are not pursuing it as a major there are various student productions throughout the year. I would highly recommend checking out their website for more information http://ftt.nd.edu.
Erin - Littleton, CO
Can teacher recommendations be mailed in? Or should they be submitted online?
ND Admissions
Hello Erin,
Your teacher may submit their recommendation either online or on paper. Whichever is more convenient for them. Beginning this year, Notre Dame is a member of the Common Application. When completing your online application to Notre Dame, you may request a teacher to fill out a recommendation and then they can choose to complete it online or print it out and mail it to us.
Steve - Kingston, NY
How many letters of recommendation should I include in my application?
ND Admissions
Steve – one letter of recommendation from a teacher at your school is enough.
Alex - Long Island, NY
How forgiving is Notre Dame to a bad physics grade for the 1st trimester of senior year, but you have very good grades in everything else?
ND Admissions
Alex, we understand that nobody is perfect. If we are able to understand the circumstances surrounding your grade it will certainly help your cause. We do look at your senior grades closely.
Chelsea Fenderson - Aurora, CO
Is psychology a major study at Notre Dame? What are the required test scores for ACT, and SAT's? Do AP classes in high school have any effect on credits at Notre Dame?
ND Admissions
Yes, Psychology is a major at Notre Dame and a very fun one at that! Most psych professors are very enjoyable and approachable. We also have a very strong research program that aims to get undergraduates involved in the many psychology labs, in a variety of specialty areas, that are active at Notre Dame.
Steven - Albuquerque, NM
Does being Irish and catholic help your chances of admission? :)
ND Admissions
We will focus on your achievement inside and outside of the classroom during the evaluation process.
Casey - Wilmette, IL
What are some of the main ways that Notre Dame promotes school spirit outside of athletics?
ND Admissions
Notre Dame is never lacking in school spirit. From the students wearing ND gear as they walk across campus, to masses in the Basilica, to the number of attendees at campus-wide events, we are “the Irish of Notre Dame!”
Teri - Owatonna, MN
If you apply early decision, but you are taking the Oct. 25th ACT and have already taken an ACT, but are re-taking it to see if you can get a better score, will the Admissions office wait until the Oct. 25th ACTscore arrives before looking at the student's application and/or making a decision on if that student is admitted?
ND Admissions
Teri, yes, we will wait for your ACT score to arrive. Please do make sure that you hav e indicated your test dates.
vanessa onwughalu - berkshire,
What would you expect from a Nigerian student?
ND Admissions
Hi Vanessa,
What we expect from Nigerian students is the same as what we expect from all our students! We are looking for people who have excelled both in and out of the classroom. The typical student who is admitted to Notre Dame is one who has done well in his or her classes (challenging classes, of course) and standardized tests (SAT and/or ACT). At the same time, solid applicants are active outside of the classroom in a variety of activities, usually with some leadership positions.
If you have any specific questions about international admissions, please do not hesitate to contact me at morourk1@nd.edu
MAYA - HONOLULU, HI
Are there opportunities for non-music majors to join orchestra ensembles or other music groups on campus?
ND Admissions
Yes! Anyone can try out of any of our musical ensembles on campus regardless of major.
Dan - Bettendorf, IA
Is there a special off- campus program for students aspiring to become teachers?
ND Admissions
Hi Dan,
Although we do not offer an Education major at Notre Dame, many students take education classes at St. Mary’s College across the street. These students can choose to major in Secondary Education at St. Mary’s, while maintaining a major at Notre Dame. There is also an option to take an Education, Schooling, and Society minor at Notre Dame. Following graduation, students have an option to apply to the Alliance for Catholic Education through the University of Notre Dame. Students are not required to be Education majors in order to be accepted.
Joey - Amarillo, TX
What is Notre Dame's Duel Credit policy?
ND Admissions
Joey – we are very conservative when it comes to accepting dual credit. If your credits counts towards high school graduation or are taken on a high school campus, they won’t count.
Matt - Murrieta, CA
I know ND has a lot of spirit during football season, but does that spirit carry over into other sports and/or other seasons?
ND Admissions
Heck yes, it does!! Once football ends, it’s basketball season and hockey season!! Our basketball team went to the NCAA tournament last year and our hockey team made it to the final game. Plus, our soccer teams have had amazing seasons recently, along with many of our other sports teams. Plus, football and men’s basketball tickets are the only ones that cost anything for students, so the rest of sports games are amazing free study breaks and times to go have fun with your friends and cheer on the IRISH!!
Christopher - Brookfield, WI
Would Notre Dame's Film, Television, and Theatre major prepare me for a career as a radio/television announcer?
ND Admissions
Yes it would. You can also get real-world experience by taking a position with the campus radio station and/or television station
Sie - Louisville, Ky
Do you offer Sports Management/Administration as a major. I want to become a Sports Agent.
ND Admissions
We do offer a major in Management at Notre Dame. Students interested in sports management have also studied Marketing here.
Connor - Mercer Island, WA
Does the Notre Dame swim team accept walk-ons?
ND Admissions
It may depend on the swim team needs in any given year. I would suggest contacting the coach about the possibility if you are interested.
Matt - Murrieta, CA
I know Notre Dame has single sex residential halls, while some other schools I am looking at have co-ed halls. Do ND students find there to be a distinct division/obvious clique between members of their own gender due to this set-up and/or find it more difficult to form familial relations with members of the opposite gender?
ND Admissions
Personality plays a role in gender relations, and if one makes the effort to be outgoing in almost any capacity they will find it is not a problem. There are also plenty of opportunities for interaction between genders in classes, through clubs, dances, and intramural sports. Just taking the initiative to make friends or get involved in anything, you will meet friends of all genders, races, and from all states and dorms.
Katherine - Bloomfield Hills, MI
I play varsity lacrosse. Do you have intramural women's lacrosse for students not playing at the intercollegiate level?
ND Admissions
Yes. Interhall sports that are a popular alternative to varsity sports.
Dan - Bettendorf, IA
Are a studen'ts AP test scores considered by admissions?
ND Admissions
Hi Dan,
While we do not require AP or SAT II scores, if you have taken AP exams, please send us the scores (the same goes for the SAT IIs). This additional information can supplement your application and serve as the “icing on the cake”. Even if you did not score well, sending us the scores will show us that you put the time and effort into not only the class, but also the exam.
Katherine - Bloomfield Hills, MI
What on campus activities do you offer? What are some of the off campus activities and how do students find out about them?
ND Admissions
There are several ways to get involved in campus. We have tons of student-run clubs that address just about every interest you can think of. Weekend entertainment is provided by the student union board, student activities office, class councils, and clubs. There are a lot of service opportunities available off campus, which students generally find out about through Activities Night (during the first week of classes) and their dorms. There are also movie theaters and other entertainment available off-campus as well. Another great resource to utilize are the upperclassmen in your dorm. They can be really helpful when it comes to finding out about things!
Christopher - Brookfield, WI
As a prospective student getting ready to fill out my application, I was wondering how long my essay should be. Thanks!
ND Admissions
Both the common application essay and the Notre Dame supplement to the common app have a minimum requirement of 250 words. Neither should exceed 500 words.
Mairin - St. Louis, MO
I've entered my standardized test scores on my application, but do you require for an official score report (ACT, AP tests) to be sent to ND? If so, should I send all my ACT score reports, or just the highest composite report?
ND Admissions
Mairin, we will need official score reports. It doesn’t matter if the reports come from the ACT people or from your high school transcript. We will accept all of your scores but will only use the best ones as part of the admissions process.
April - Palmdale, CA
What type of presidential scholarships does this school have to offer, especially to out-of-state students. And what is admission competition like?
ND Admissions
Notre Dame does not offer presidential scholarships. We only offer need based aid. State residency does not matter, as we are a private university. Admission is competitive, but everyone brings different strengths and all applications are considered on an individual basis.
Julia - Wilmette, IL
My high school (New Trier) has a very strong music program, and I play viola in our two top-level orchestras. I'd like to continue playing in college, although I don't plan to major in music. Can you tell me about the music opportunities for non-majors at ND? How much of a time commitment is orchestra, and how strong is the program? What does the usual repertoire encompass? Thank you!
ND Admissions
It is still possible to participate in music programs as a non-major. Students may participate in either the Symphony Orchestra or Chamber Orchestra . Some students will also participate in pit orchestras during school musicals or opera performances.
Anqi - ,
What is the most vital quality of a student according to you.
ND Admissions
Anqi, we’re looking for high achieving students that also want to make the world a better place. We believe that the Notre Dame experience is unique in that we are a place that you go to not just to learn how to do something but rather how to be somebody.
maria - nashvile, tn
I want to know if i should apply? I LOVE University of Notre Dame. This is my dream school, my issue is that i don't have the highest grades in the world, but i can honestly say that i tried my best to work as hard as I could. I took as many A.P courses as possible ( a total of four, i would have taken 5 but two of the A.Ps that I wanted to take met at the same block). i come from another country so it has been a little difficult for me, and I attend a private school too. The reason why I don't know if I should apply or not is that many people tell me that i have no chance, and I would just waste my money. I just want to know if I have a chance, or are there just people with 30s on their ACTs in UND?
ND Admissions
Hi Maria,
I think you should apply—it sounds cheesy, but the only way you will not get in for sure is if you don’t apply!
We look for well rounded people who are good students during our application process. So, your classes and grades are just as important as your extracurricular activities and leadership positions. We do not have any minimum or maximum scores or grades, but keep trying at everything until you can submit your very best!
Good luck with everything!
Dan - Bettendorf, IA
Is there a Fellowship of Christian Athletes (FCA) group at the university?
ND Admissions
Yes! It is a pretty popular club on campus!
Roger - San Pedro Sula, Honduras,
Dear ND admssions staff, I believe I am a strong candidate for admission since I have a good GPA of 94%, a class rank of 6th, and I am involved in a whole range of different activities inside and outside school. I think that what can limit my chances for admission is my low SAT score. Luckily I will take the SAT again this October 4th. Do you reccomend applying Early Action? Thank you very much!
ND Admissions
Hi Roger,
No, I would encourage you to apply RA. The thing is, when you apply, you want to make sure you submit your absolute best application. If you are taking the October 4 SAT, it is unlikely that you will have those results before the application deadline. By waiting until December 31, you will have more time to put the finishing touches on your application and make sure you have everything in place for our review.
Joey - Amarillo, TX
What kinds of study abroad programs does Notre Dame have?
ND Admissions
Joey – Notre Dame offers a variety of abroad programs. It’s certainly one of our strengths. Our abroad programs, for the most part, are owned and operated by the University so you’ll study with ND students, live with ND students and attend ND classes in whichever country you decided to go to. The costs and financial aid are pretty much the same, too.
Katherine - Lakewood, CO
What percentage of Notre Dame students participate in study abroad and in what year? Also where do Biology majors and pre-health students typically study abroad?
ND Admissions
Most ND students that study abroad their junior year. 57.8% of students study abroad. Bio majors and pre-health tend to study in London, Dublin, and Mexico, as those are the main places that offer science classes. However, with proper planning, often with AP credit, you can manage to study somewhere without science classes for a semester.
Sonny - Bedford, TX
What is Notre Dame's policy for high school students receiving credit for AP English, AP Calculus, and IB examinations?
ND Admissions
Hi Sonny,
Although students do receive credits for AP exams, they must take at least 90 credit hours as a Notre Dame student in order to graduate. Students can receive credit for 4s and 5s on most AP exams. These usually help determine placement, rather than allowing students to test out of a required class.
Kristen - Hackettstown, NJ
What type of bathrooms do you get your freshman year? Is it a communal bathroom or do you get a suite type thing where two rooms share one bathroom?
ND Admissions
There are communal bathrooms in the residence halls. There are no in-suite bathrooms.
Michelle - Singapore,
How many applicants from Singapore have been admitted for the past few years? and roughly how many applied?
ND Admissions
Hi Michelle,
The number of students we have admitted from Singapore depends on the number of admissible students from Singapore. In the past it has been a handful each year, but it really just depends on the individual students who apply. I was actually in Singapore last week as we are looking to increase our international population at the undergraduate level.
If you have further questions about international admissions, feel free to contact me at morourk1@nd.edu
Jillian - Alton, NH
Does Notre Dame have a Communications/Journalism Program? If not, would you recommend going into the FTT program instead?
ND Admissions
Notre Dame offers the Gallivan Program in Journalism, Ethics and Democracy through our American Studies Department. It is a five course minor or concentration for students interested print or broadcast journalism. It combines professional training with an emphasis in social, political and economic concerns.
Tim - Monroe, WA
Is there anything special about Notre Dame's biology or physical science programs, namely, something that sets it apart from other universities' programs?
ND Admissions
Notre Dame has a brand new science building that just opened two years ago. It has a planetarium/digital visualization theatre, greenhouse, observatory, amazing new lab areas, interactive lecture halls, and great classrooms. We also have great research opportunities in both areas, some on campus and other opportunities off campus, especially during the summer. We also have a great medical school admissions rate.
Matthew - Amherst, NY
If I am ultimately interested in a Business or Accounting major, would you be able to tell me which SAT Subject Tests Notre Dame would like to see in my application?
ND Admissions
SAT subject tests are not a requirement for admission to Notre Dame. Also, the admissions process is the same for all applicants regardless of one’s intended major.
Pat - silver spring, md
How does one really get reconized on the application,when so many are submitted?
ND Admissions
Pat, you just need to be yourself. Make sure you give us all the information we ask for.
Luke - honolulu, HI
i know this isnt really a school related question but i want an all around college experience and i wanted to know what notre dame has to offer to kick back and relax or have fun thank you for your time
ND Admissions
Our Student Union Board provides quality programming, such as concerts, performances, and other events on the weekends. Many student-run clubs also host events that students attend. There is an on-campus bar/nightclub that takes care of that aspect of college life, as well. Not to mention dorm parties and off-campus parties…
Tim - Monroe, WA
In what math class(es) do you place a student who has taken both Calculus AB and BC and recieved "5"s on both?
ND Admissions
For certain majors they would be placed in Calculus 3. For others the two AP exams will satisfy the math requirement.
