Chats » Prospective Student Chat 2008/2009
Marquis - Bronx, NY
I was looking at the Notre Dame dorm room pics. I would like to know your honest opinion of your dorm room and/or the dorms in general- what do they consist of?
ND Admissions
Our dorms consist of tight-knit communities where you will meet the future best men at your wedding, future godparents of your children, and future best friends for life. That is my honest opinion.
Bonnie - Fort Wayne, IN
Can I apply online without using a program like CommonApp? How?
ND Admissions
You can only apply via the Common App: commonapp.org
Liz - Bingo, NY
Which section of my application should I mention my participation in the Summer Experience and Summer Scholars Program?
ND Admissions
Activities/extracurriculars
Leslie - Florence, SC
Is there a tap dance troupe at Notre Dame? If not, are there dance schools in the South Bend area that offer tap classes to college students?
ND Admissions
We do have a tap dance troupe on campus
Elizabeth - Cincinnati, OH
I know that Notre Dame does not have a Pharmacy program, but if I did end up at Notre Dame, what would you recommend?
ND Admissions
Major in Chemistry or Biochemistry. Our students’ acceptance rates into pharmacy graduate programs are exceptional.
Paulo - La Ceiba, Honduras
I'm currently working on my Supplement Application. Who should I contact if I have specific questions about the application? Should I call the university or send an email? If so, to whom?
ND Admissions
Email our counselor in charge of Central America: Ruben Medina, at rmedina@nd.edu
James - Basking Ridge, NJ
At Notre Dame, Do you apply to the University in general or do you apply to one of the numerous colleges that make up Notre Dame?
ND Admissions
University in general. You will have an opportunity to choose the college in which you’d like to study at the end of your first year.
Kasey - , MI
Regarding the counselor recommendation, is it absolutely necessary? The counselors in my school don't really get the chance to know our strengths and weaknesses as students, as we only meet with them once a year.
ND Admissions
The Guidance Counselor letter of recommendation is optional. However, they must still fill out the Secondary School Report and send it in with your official transcript
Kristina - South Bend, IN
If I wanted to become an admissions counselor at Notre Dame, what would you suggest that I major in?
ND Admissions
Anything you want. Our staff represents a wide variety of undergraduate majors.
Cheahee - Draper, UT
I'm currently a Varsity cheerleader in my high school. Does ND have a co-ed or all-girls cheer squad? if yes, is it considered as a varsity sport?
ND Admissions
We have a co-ed cheer squad. Our cheerleaders are afforded all of the same benefits as our varsity athletes with the exception of a full athletic scholarship.
nick - miami, fl
how is the food on campus?
ND Admissions
Excellent…ranked #2 in the country. And that is only because the #1’s main dining hall has MORE vegetarian options than our main dining hall. So if you eat meat, it’s the best food in the country. And if you don’t, well, you’ll obviously still be well taken care of.
Frank - Bloomfield, MI
How much weight is given to the various essay questions in the admission process? Should I invest in having a editor review my son's essay?
ND Admissions
The essays are important. However, you should never pay anyone to help your son in any way. It will stick out like a sore thumb and is not looked upon favorably.
Johnny - Memphis, TN
Is there an international business major?
ND Admissions
No. However, we have a number of int’l business courses, and our students interested in pursuing business internationally will often also study in the Kellogg Institute for Int’l Studies and secure int’l internships.
Deb - Boston, MA
I dont mind watching sports a social activity, but i dont enjoy playing them at all. Would i fit in with a school full of jocks, or is there a decent percentage of people in my position as well?
ND Admissions
Approx. one third of our students did not play a varsity sport in high school. You will find plenty of friends with whom you can enjoy games from the sidelines.
Cheahee - Draper, UT
Can international students apply for pre-med major?
ND Admissions
Absolutely
Robbie - ,
Any admissions representative at a college fair told me that if you are deffered in EA to RA that you are put at the bottom of the pile and might not even be looked at... is this true?
ND Admissions
Not at all
Sarah - Chicago, IL
How many applications did Notre Dame receive last year? What is the size of the current freshman class?
ND Admissions
1.) ~14,000
2.) ~2.000
Arlene - Minneapolis, MN
Is there a way for me to contact my regional admissions counselor or find out who that person is?
ND Admissions
http://admissions.nd.edu/admissions-staff
Caroline - Charlotte, NC
My high school offers a Global Studies Diploma. Is there a program at Notre Dame geared toward global studies?
ND Admissions
http://www.nd.edu/~kellogg/
Laura - W.Bloomfield, MI
Do all letters of admission/rejection go out in March regardless of when a student applied?
ND Admissions
They all go out in April
Morgan - Englewood, CO
Do you only accepted a limited number of students from a particular school? If a lot of students from the same school apply does that reduce an individual's chance of acceptance?
ND Admissions
Nope
Rad - Stone Mountain, GA
How happy are students at notre dame, accounting for course load, outside of class fun, and dating?
ND Admissions
Well, 98% of our first year students come back for their second year and 96% of our first year students end up graduating on time. Additionally, we have the largest and most active alumni network of any institution of higher learning in the world. I’d say that our students are pretty happy with their experience.
Nicole - Clifton, VA
Do Engineers have a foriegn language requirement?
ND Admissions
Nope
Brittany - Bay Head, NJ
Are certain majors, such as pre-medicine, given a more stringent examination for admission than other majors?
ND Admissions
Nope
rachel - morristown, tn
Will I be looked on adversely because of my inability to participate in any varsity athletics and I am also unable to have a job, due to the limitations from my cystic fibrosis?
ND Admissions
Absolutely not. We have human beings reviewing these applications, not machines, and we certainly understand the kinds of physical limitations that cystic fibrosis can pose. It would be beneficial for you to explain your situation in the “Final Note” (clarifications) section of the application, just to avoid any confusion.
Michael - Catonsville, MD
Does an applicant have a better chance getting into Notre Dame through the Questbridge College Match Program?
ND Admissions
Nope
Arlene - Minneapolis, MN
I toured Notre Dame and enjoyed the campus, but found South Bend a little small. Where do most students go for internships, etc?
ND Admissions
Chicago (~90 miles away) tends to be a hub for student internships. However, considering the fact that we have students from all 50 states and 100 different countries, our students also secure many internships in their various hometowns. Your internship opportunities will be much more than “regional” at Notre Dame. Our unsurpassed career center has a databases of ~18,000 internship opportunities for our students all over the country and the world.
Tommy Wolfe - Grayslake, IL
Hey. I know Notre Dame asks for first semester senior grades for the regular applicants. However, my high school's first semester grades and reports do not come out until after the due date for the regular application. What does this mean?
ND Admissions
Please send them as soon as you get them (through snail mail)
Anthony - DeLand, FL
Is region a factor in applications. I feel at a disadvantage because of the fact that I live a good distance away from the university.
Thank you
ND Admissions
Not at all
Milana - Bourbonnais, IL
I am interested in marine biology. I know you're not near an ocean, but you are near Lake Michigan. Are there opportunities to study marine biology at ND?
ND Admissions
Our students interested in studying Marine Biology usually major in Ecology or Environmental Sciences. Internships and research opportunities are abundant.
Robert Sheppard - Philadelphia, Pa
How any stundents commute to yor school
ND Admissions
~80% of all students live on campus.
Victoria - Atlanta, Ga
I have visited the campus already on a Saturday during football season but was wondering if you offer overnight visits with students in order to get a better feel for student life. If so, when would be the best time to do this?
ND Admissions
Overnight visits are offered to admitted students only. However, we would be happy to set you up with a “day-host” who can take you to classes, the dining hall, etc. Please call 574-631-3443 to make arrangements for such a visit.
Katie - Modesto, CA
In previous posts, you stated that you have a high med school acceptance rate... do you know the exact percentage?
ND Admissions
Overall acceptance rate (regardless of undergraduate major) is ~80%. However, that rate is higher for our Biology, Biochemistry and Chemistry majors. This is one of the top acceptance rates in the country
Kelsey - Denver, CO
How does the life of a student-athlete compare to the life of a student?
ND Admissions
With the exception of the 20 hrs/week they spend on their sport, our student-athletes’ lives are identical to everyone else’s.
Johnny - Memphis, TN
What types of clubs are available for students interested in politics and foreign issues?
ND Admissions
http://sao.nd.edu/studentgroups/listing/index.shtml
Nicole - Clifton, VA
What percentage of Freshman will graduate and in how many years?
ND Admissions
96% of the students who enroll in our First Year of Studies graduate “on time.” Which is 4 years for nearly all of our majors, and 5 years for our Architecture program and some select Dual Degree programs.
Shannon - Shoreview, MN
Do I need to submit my CSS and FAFSA at the same time as my application or do they have a different deadline?
ND Admissions
The FAFSA and CSS Profile must be submitted by Feb. 15 of your senior year.
Alicia - DeWitt, MI
What kind of study abroad programs does Notre Dame offer, and do those cost additional money?
ND Admissions
http://www.nd.edu/~ois/ There are no added costs or fees to studying abroad.
Chris - Rochester Hills, MI
What were the middle 50% of ACT scores for the class of 2012?
ND Admissions
32-34 composite
John - , MN
I scored a 5 on the AP US History and European History exams. I had a rough day the day of the AP Language exam, however. Should I submit all three AP scores even though I am embarrassed about the Lang score? I'm concerned that if I withhold the Lang score that you'll wonder either why I didn't take the exam or why I withheld the score. There's no good answer, so what do you recommend in a case like this? I'm sure there must be other people in a similar situation.
ND Admissions
Submit all scores. The good ones could help, and the bad ones will simply get discarded.
Marquis - Bronx, NY
I was looking at the Notre Dame dorm room pics. I would like to know your honest opinion of your dorm room and/or the dorms in general- what do they consist of?
ND Admissions
Our dorms consist of tight-knit communities where you will meet the future best men at your wedding, future godparents of your children, and future best friends for life. That is my honest opinion.
Bonnie - Fort Wayne, IN
Can I apply online without using a program like CommonApp? How?
ND Admissions
You can only apply via the Common App: commonapp.org
Liz - Bingo, NY
Which section of my application should I mention my participation in the Summer Experience and Summer Scholars Program?
ND Admissions
Activities/extracurriculars
Leslie - Florence, SC
Is there a tap dance troupe at Notre Dame? If not, are there dance schools in the South Bend area that offer tap classes to college students?
ND Admissions
We do have a tap dance troupe on campus
Elizabeth - Cincinnati, OH
I know that Notre Dame does not have a Pharmacy program, but if I did end up at Notre Dame, what would you recommend?
ND Admissions
Major in Chemistry or Biochemistry. Our students’ acceptance rates into pharmacy graduate programs are exceptional.
Paulo - La Ceiba, Honduras
I'm currently working on my Supplement Application. Who should I contact if I have specific questions about the application? Should I call the university or send an email? If so, to whom?
ND Admissions
Email our counselor in charge of Central America: Ruben Medina, at rmedina@nd.edu
James - Basking Ridge, NJ
At Notre Dame, Do you apply to the University in general or do you apply to one of the numerous colleges that make up Notre Dame?
ND Admissions
University in general. You will have an opportunity to choose the college in which you’d like to study at the end of your first year.
Kasey - , MI
Regarding the counselor recommendation, is it absolutely necessary? The counselors in my school don't really get the chance to know our strengths and weaknesses as students, as we only meet with them once a year.
ND Admissions
The Guidance Counselor letter of recommendation is optional. However, they must still fill out the Secondary School Report and send it in with your official transcript
Kristina - South Bend, IN
If I wanted to become an admissions counselor at Notre Dame, what would you suggest that I major in?
ND Admissions
Anything you want. Our staff represents a wide variety of undergraduate majors.
Cheahee - Draper, UT
I'm currently a Varsity cheerleader in my high school. Does ND have a co-ed or all-girls cheer squad? if yes, is it considered as a varsity sport?
ND Admissions
We have a co-ed cheer squad. Our cheerleaders are afforded all of the same benefits as our varsity athletes with the exception of a full athletic scholarship.
nick - miami, fl
how is the food on campus?
ND Admissions
Excellent…ranked #2 in the country. And that is only because the #1’s main dining hall has MORE vegetarian options than our main dining hall. So if you eat meat, it’s the best food in the country. And if you don’t, well, you’ll obviously still be well taken care of.
Frank - Bloomfield, MI
How much weight is given to the various essay questions in the admission process? Should I invest in having a editor review my son's essay?
ND Admissions
The essays are important. However, you should never pay anyone to help your son in any way. It will stick out like a sore thumb and is not looked upon favorably.
Johnny - Memphis, TN
Is there an international business major?
ND Admissions
No. However, we have a number of int’l business courses, and our students interested in pursuing business internationally will often also study in the Kellogg Institute for Int’l Studies and secure int’l internships.
Deb - Boston, MA
I dont mind watching sports a social activity, but i dont enjoy playing them at all. Would i fit in with a school full of jocks, or is there a decent percentage of people in my position as well?
ND Admissions
Approx. one third of our students did not play a varsity sport in high school. You will find plenty of friends with whom you can enjoy games from the sidelines.
Cheahee - Draper, UT
Can international students apply for pre-med major?
ND Admissions
Absolutely
Robbie - ,
Any admissions representative at a college fair told me that if you are deffered in EA to RA that you are put at the bottom of the pile and might not even be looked at... is this true?
ND Admissions
Not at all
Sarah - Chicago, IL
How many applications did Notre Dame receive last year? What is the size of the current freshman class?
ND Admissions
1.) ~14,000 2.) ~2.000
Arlene - Minneapolis, MN
Is there a way for me to contact my regional admissions counselor or find out who that person is?
ND Admissions
http://admissions.nd.edu/admissions-staff
Caroline - Charlotte, NC
My high school offers a Global Studies Diploma. Is there a program at Notre Dame geared toward global studies?
ND Admissions
http://www.nd.edu/~kellogg/
Laura - W.Bloomfield, MI
Do all letters of admission/rejection go out in March regardless of when a student applied?
ND Admissions
They all go out in April
Morgan - Englewood, CO
Do you only accepted a limited number of students from a particular school? If a lot of students from the same school apply does that reduce an individual's chance of acceptance?
ND Admissions
Nope
Rad - Stone Mountain, GA
How happy are students at notre dame, accounting for course load, outside of class fun, and dating?
ND Admissions
Well, 98% of our first year students come back for their second year and 96% of our first year students end up graduating on time. Additionally, we have the largest and most active alumni network of any institution of higher learning in the world. I’d say that our students are pretty happy with their experience.
Nicole - Clifton, VA
Do Engineers have a foriegn language requirement?
ND Admissions
Nope
Brittany - Bay Head, NJ
Are certain majors, such as pre-medicine, given a more stringent examination for admission than other majors?
ND Admissions
Nope
rachel - morristown, tn
Will I be looked on adversely because of my inability to participate in any varsity athletics and I am also unable to have a job, due to the limitations from my cystic fibrosis?
ND Admissions
Absolutely not. We have human beings reviewing these applications, not machines, and we certainly understand the kinds of physical limitations that cystic fibrosis can pose. It would be beneficial for you to explain your situation in the “Final Note” (clarifications) section of the application, just to avoid any confusion.
Michael - Catonsville, MD
Does an applicant have a better chance getting into Notre Dame through the Questbridge College Match Program?
ND Admissions
Nope
Arlene - Minneapolis, MN
I toured Notre Dame and enjoyed the campus, but found South Bend a little small. Where do most students go for internships, etc?
ND Admissions
Chicago (~90 miles away) tends to be a hub for student internships. However, considering the fact that we have students from all 50 states and 100 different countries, our students also secure many internships in their various hometowns. Your internship opportunities will be much more than “regional” at Notre Dame. Our unsurpassed career center has a databases of ~18,000 internship opportunities for our students all over the country and the world.
Tommy Wolfe - Grayslake, IL
Hey. I know Notre Dame asks for first semester senior grades for the regular applicants. However, my high school's first semester grades and reports do not come out until after the due date for the regular application. What does this mean?
ND Admissions
Please send them as soon as you get them (through snail mail)
Anthony - DeLand, FL
Is region a factor in applications. I feel at a disadvantage because of the fact that I live a good distance away from the university. Thank you
ND Admissions
Not at all
Milana - Bourbonnais, IL
I am interested in marine biology. I know you're not near an ocean, but you are near Lake Michigan. Are there opportunities to study marine biology at ND?
ND Admissions
Our students interested in studying Marine Biology usually major in Ecology or Environmental Sciences. Internships and research opportunities are abundant.
Robert Sheppard - Philadelphia, Pa
How any stundents commute to yor school
ND Admissions
~80% of all students live on campus.
Victoria - Atlanta, Ga
I have visited the campus already on a Saturday during football season but was wondering if you offer overnight visits with students in order to get a better feel for student life. If so, when would be the best time to do this?
ND Admissions
Overnight visits are offered to admitted students only. However, we would be happy to set you up with a “day-host” who can take you to classes, the dining hall, etc. Please call 574-631-3443 to make arrangements for such a visit.
Katie - Modesto, CA
In previous posts, you stated that you have a high med school acceptance rate... do you know the exact percentage?
ND Admissions
Overall acceptance rate (regardless of undergraduate major) is ~80%. However, that rate is higher for our Biology, Biochemistry and Chemistry majors. This is one of the top acceptance rates in the country
Kelsey - Denver, CO
How does the life of a student-athlete compare to the life of a student?
ND Admissions
With the exception of the 20 hrs/week they spend on their sport, our student-athletes’ lives are identical to everyone else’s.
Johnny - Memphis, TN
What types of clubs are available for students interested in politics and foreign issues?
ND Admissions
http://sao.nd.edu/studentgroups/listing/index.shtml
Nicole - Clifton, VA
What percentage of Freshman will graduate and in how many years?
ND Admissions
96% of the students who enroll in our First Year of Studies graduate “on time.” Which is 4 years for nearly all of our majors, and 5 years for our Architecture program and some select Dual Degree programs.
Shannon - Shoreview, MN
Do I need to submit my CSS and FAFSA at the same time as my application or do they have a different deadline?
ND Admissions
The FAFSA and CSS Profile must be submitted by Feb. 15 of your senior year.
Alicia - DeWitt, MI
What kind of study abroad programs does Notre Dame offer, and do those cost additional money?
ND Admissions
http://www.nd.edu/~ois/ There are no added costs or fees to studying abroad.
Chris - Rochester Hills, MI
What were the middle 50% of ACT scores for the class of 2012?
ND Admissions
32-34 composite
John - , MN
I scored a 5 on the AP US History and European History exams. I had a rough day the day of the AP Language exam, however. Should I submit all three AP scores even though I am embarrassed about the Lang score? I'm concerned that if I withhold the Lang score that you'll wonder either why I didn't take the exam or why I withheld the score. There's no good answer, so what do you recommend in a case like this? I'm sure there must be other people in a similar situation.
ND Admissions
Submit all scores. The good ones could help, and the bad ones will simply get discarded.
