Chats » Prospective Student Chat 2008/2009
Brian - Ridgefield, CT
Does Notre Dame offer courses in Mandarin Chinese?
ND Admissions
Yes
Shannon - St. Louis, MO
How often do undergraduates get to preform research?
ND Admissions
Pretty much whenever they want. Getting ALL undergraduates involved in research is a primary goal of the University.
Philip O'Connell - Rye, New York
How difficult is it to get flights from Southbend to New York. I haven't visited yet and I'm just curious.
ND Admissions
I’ve never heard any of my friends from New York complain about getting flights in and out of South Bend.
Brock - Presque Isle, ME
My high school doesn't weigh honors and AP classes. Should I take cp classes and get a better class standing or take the tougher classes which may hurt my placement.
ND Admissions
ALWAYS take the more challenging classes
HiMi - ,
I saw that the architecture program has a set curriculum for 10 semesters, but I also read that freshmens take a foundation course with an 'intent' major. Do first year students with the intent of majoring in architecture start their year taking the courses on the first two semesters written in the curriculum for the 5 B.Arch program?
ND Admissions
Yes
Lindsay - South Plainfield, NJ
Does Notre Dame offer any work-study programs to help students pay for school?
ND Admissions
Notre Dame does offer Federal Work Study as part of its financial aid packages. However, you do not need to qualify for and/or accept Federal Work Study to get a job on campus. Any student can get a job on campus.
Miguel - Mexico City, DF
How large are classes in the Engineering Department?
ND Admissions
Your EG 111/112 (intro) course will be a large lecture. Outside of that, classes are fairly small (average class size: ~30)
Morgan - Englewood, CO
What percentage of the students at ND are from the midwest?
ND Admissions
about 40%
Andrea Price - North Ridgville, OH
Do a lot of students go into the Peace Corps after graduating?
ND Admissions
Yes, Notre Dame currently ranks 17th nationally in the number of graduates it sends to the Peace Corps
Erin - Youngstown, OH
How important is the mid-year grade report, especially to those already admitted via Early Action?
ND Admissions
If it is worse than your previous performance, then it will hurt you. If it is better than your previous performance, it could potentially help you. If it’s the same, then it won’t be important.
Catherine Schricker - Raleigh, NC
Would you prefer students to go to Governers school, Girls State, or a more enjoyable Girl Scout camp during the summer before Senior year?
ND Admissions
Totally up to you, Catherine
Natalie - Santa Ana, CA
What are the largest enrolled classes a 1st year student would be in? What's the overall student to faculty ratio for 1st year students? What kind of engagement programs does ND offer to 1st year students?
ND Admissions
Largest = 100-200 person lecture course. Overall student to faculty ratio is 13:1. I don’t understand your third question…
Melanie - Pittsburgh, PA
Do legacies often end up in the dorm building his or her parent was in? For example, if my mom was in Lewis, are the chances high that, if accepted, I would be in Lewis too?
ND Admissions
No, dorm assignment is random for your first year. However, you will have an opportunity to “float” to another dorm after your first semester, if you so choose.
Dale Kurtenbach - White Lake, MI
My son is a Junior this year at Adams High School in
Rochester Hills MI. We have taken our tour about a year and half ago at ND. What should we be doing at the moment being a junior in High School.
What papar work needs to be filled out if any. We have not received much from ND at the moment concerning admission. Your advice is greatly welcomed. My son is Nicholas Kurtenbach.
ND Admissions
To get your son’s name on our mailing list, please call 574-631-3443 and provide our receptionist with all of the necessary information.
Natalie - Santa Ana, CA
When would applicants know about their financial aid award?
ND Admissions
Natalie, that answer depends on how early you submit the FAFSA and CSS Profile to our Financial Aid office. However, assuming you get everything submitted by 2/15, you should receive it about two weeks before the May 1 confirmation deadline.
Elijah Clay - Corona, NY
How are the Notre Dame Sports Teams doing?
ND Admissions
VERY well.
Sean Bohan - Gibsonia, PA
What is the rate of job placement after senior year?
ND Admissions
By graduation day, 88% of our students are already in a job or graduate program. By 6 months after graduation (accepted window these days, considering the market), 97% of our students are in a job or graduate program. Within one year of graduation, 99% of our students are in a job or graduate program.
Matt - Murrieta, CA
Does Notre Dame provide an academic advisor? If so, is this advisor faculty, assigned? And is this advisor accessible?
ND Admissions
Each student is assigned to a First Year of Studies adviser during their freshman year, and reassigned to an adviser within the college of their choice after that first year. Our academic advisers are all faculty members and have office hours at least twice each week.
Matt - Murrieta, CA
I am involved in ASB (Student Council) at my school. Does Notre Dame have a Student-Run Government?
ND Admissions
ND does have Student Government: http://www3.nd.edu/~studegov/
Alexandra - Miami, FL
Does Notre Dame have a debate team? If so, which events does the debate team participate in? Thank you!
ND Admissions
ND does have a debate team. They compete all over the country each year.
David - ,
My highschool did not provide Advance Placement or any other sorts of rigorous courses in my junior year. However, Advance Placement courses are offered this year for my senior year and I took them. Should I state that in my application?
ND Admissions
Yes, David, that would be a good clarification to make where appropriate in the Common App.
Samuel - Clermont, Florida
What are some of the most outstanding facts and opportunities offered to students by the ND engineering program that set it apart from other competitive colleges?
ND Admissions
The emphasis on undergraduate research. We recently received a grant from the US Air Force to build two new wind tunnels and are currently building a new nano-technology & biomedical engineering facility. All accessible to undergraduate students.
Joe - Lititz, PA
How many engineering students typically apply to the 5 year MBA and Engineering program and how many of these students are accepted?
ND Admissions
About 30% of our students apply to the 5 year MBA program of which about 50% of them get admitted into the program.
MaryAnn - Sewell, NJ
Is there Co-op for Electrical Eng. and how does the Eng. Program Rank?
ND Admissions
Our engineering program is in the top 50. We do not offer any co-op programs as we want our students to focus on their studies during the academic year. However, we do have a very strong Career Center that aids our students in obtaining internships during the summer. You can also pursue paid research during the academic year.
Denise - Rockledge, FL
My son had inquired about the Cambridge AICE program that he is involved in his high school. On the Cambridge web site it lists ND as accepting the credits. He was told that ND does not accept the credits. Which is correct? One of his instructors was trying to get in touch with ND early this week about the AICE program and ND.
ND Admissions
The University of Notre Dame only gives credit for AP exams as well as the IB exams. However, we offer placement exams for students that have taken the AICE, A-Levels, GCSE’s should they wish to receive placement for certain courses upon admission to Notre Dame.
Marielos - ,
Hey!
I am just a Junior from Nicaragua(Central America) and I was just wondering more or less what SAT score I need to get accepted. I have very good grades but I havent yet taken the SAT. Besides that, I want to know if you give any kind of scholarships to international students
ND Admissions
International students should aim for a composite of 1300 (Critical Reading & Math only) or above. So about 650 in each section.
Sam - Hammond, IN
Where can I get more information about Notre Dame's Summer Engineering Workshop?
ND Admissions
More information on the Introduction to Engineering Summer Program may be found at www.nd.edu/~iep
michelle - sudbury, ontario
are there many scholarships for international student? how do international students go foe overseas study programs? do they have to get visas for those countries?
ND Admissions
We are need-aware in the admissions process for international students and need-based in financial aid. Thus financial aid is available yet it is competitive and selective. Upon admission to ND you will be given a F-1 visa to study at ND for your four years.
Emily - McLean, VA
If a student is interested in engineering, would it look bad to have taken AB and then BC Calc rather than BC then multivar? if so, would it be a good idea to mention that at the time i wasnt interested in engineering and that b/c of that i decided to take AB rather than BC my junior year?
ND Admissions
No. However a 4 or 5 in AB will get you out of Calculus I at ND, while a 4 or 5 in BC will get you out of Calculus I & II at ND. So it does not affect the admissions process, just placement & credit upon admission to ND.
Amanda - , Guam
Does Notre Dame have a good ROTC program?
ND Admissions
Yes, we have Air Force, Army, Navy & Marine ROTC programs on campus. All offer scholarships as well ranging from partial to full coverage of the cost of attendance.
Nicole - Clifton, VA
Tell me something about the companies that recruit ND Engineers? Who are they, How many, how often, when?
ND Admissions
We have 3 careers fair every year, of which one of them is solely for engineers. We are the #1 recruited school for General Electric and are also heavily recruited by Lockheed & Boeing.
Sarah - Danville, CA
What types of engineering do you offer?
ND Admissions
Aerospace, Mechanical, Electrical, Chemical and Civil.
Jordan - San Antonio, Tx
Where do Engineer majors usually study abroad?
ND Admissions
London & Perth.
Erin - Philadelphia, PA
What majors require the SAT II tests?
ND Admissions
No majors require any SAT II’s, although they are recommended for you to be more competitive as an applicant.
Trenton - Kirkland, WA
Just out of curiosity, is there a chapter of Engineers Without Borders on campus; and if not, are there any comparable humanitarian/engineering-based organizational chapters on campus?
ND Admissions
There are various engineering clubs on campus and if one that caters to your interest is not available, upon approval from the Office of Student Services & Activities you may start your own club.
Erin - Littleton, CO
What is the ratio of women to men like in you engineering programs?
ND Admissions
The ratio is about 3 men for every female.
Erin - Littleton, CO
If I want to major in engineering, can I still take classes outside of that field?
ND Admissions
Yes, the Academic Advisors are more than happy to help plan your courses out so that you can take classes in other areas. However, engineers have a very tough schedule as it is so you will most probably be taking more credits than the average student.
Katherine - St. Louis, MO
I am a "legacy" prospective student, and ND is undoubtedly my first choice. I am ranked #1 in my class and planned on applying EA, but my current ACT score is a 29 (though I am retaking it). Should I apply Early or Regular Action?
ND Admissions
I recommend that you take the ACT again and if possible the SAT-I as well and apply Regular Action.
Casey - Carnegie, PA
What opportunities are available for aspiring journalists seeking to gain more experience in a college-level newsroom atmosphere?
ND Admissions
Notre Dame publishes a daily newspaper, The Observer, that is completely student run. ND also publishes a bi-weekly magazine, Scholastic, also put out by students.
Natalie - Santa Ana, CA
Does ND provide shuttle service to Chicago & O'Hare Airport on the weekends?
ND Admissions
Natalie, we have shuttles available leaving from our bookstore everyday.
Brian - Ridgefield, CT
Does Notre Dame offer courses in Mandarin Chinese?
ND Admissions
Yes
Shannon - St. Louis, MO
How often do undergraduates get to preform research?
ND Admissions
Pretty much whenever they want. Getting ALL undergraduates involved in research is a primary goal of the University.
Philip O'Connell - Rye, New York
How difficult is it to get flights from Southbend to New York. I haven't visited yet and I'm just curious.
ND Admissions
I’ve never heard any of my friends from New York complain about getting flights in and out of South Bend.
Brock - Presque Isle, ME
My high school doesn't weigh honors and AP classes. Should I take cp classes and get a better class standing or take the tougher classes which may hurt my placement.
ND Admissions
ALWAYS take the more challenging classes
HiMi - ,
I saw that the architecture program has a set curriculum for 10 semesters, but I also read that freshmens take a foundation course with an 'intent' major. Do first year students with the intent of majoring in architecture start their year taking the courses on the first two semesters written in the curriculum for the 5 B.Arch program?
ND Admissions
Yes
Lindsay - South Plainfield, NJ
Does Notre Dame offer any work-study programs to help students pay for school?
ND Admissions
Notre Dame does offer Federal Work Study as part of its financial aid packages. However, you do not need to qualify for and/or accept Federal Work Study to get a job on campus. Any student can get a job on campus.
Miguel - Mexico City, DF
How large are classes in the Engineering Department?
ND Admissions
Your EG 111/112 (intro) course will be a large lecture. Outside of that, classes are fairly small (average class size: ~30)
Morgan - Englewood, CO
What percentage of the students at ND are from the midwest?
ND Admissions
about 40%
Andrea Price - North Ridgville, OH
Do a lot of students go into the Peace Corps after graduating?
ND Admissions
Yes, Notre Dame currently ranks 17th nationally in the number of graduates it sends to the Peace Corps
Erin - Youngstown, OH
How important is the mid-year grade report, especially to those already admitted via Early Action?
ND Admissions
If it is worse than your previous performance, then it will hurt you. If it is better than your previous performance, it could potentially help you. If it’s the same, then it won’t be important.
Catherine Schricker - Raleigh, NC
Would you prefer students to go to Governers school, Girls State, or a more enjoyable Girl Scout camp during the summer before Senior year?
ND Admissions
Totally up to you, Catherine
Natalie - Santa Ana, CA
What are the largest enrolled classes a 1st year student would be in? What's the overall student to faculty ratio for 1st year students? What kind of engagement programs does ND offer to 1st year students?
ND Admissions
Largest = 100-200 person lecture course. Overall student to faculty ratio is 13:1. I don’t understand your third question…
Melanie - Pittsburgh, PA
Do legacies often end up in the dorm building his or her parent was in? For example, if my mom was in Lewis, are the chances high that, if accepted, I would be in Lewis too?
ND Admissions
No, dorm assignment is random for your first year. However, you will have an opportunity to “float” to another dorm after your first semester, if you so choose.
Dale Kurtenbach - White Lake, MI
My son is a Junior this year at Adams High School in Rochester Hills MI. We have taken our tour about a year and half ago at ND. What should we be doing at the moment being a junior in High School. What papar work needs to be filled out if any. We have not received much from ND at the moment concerning admission. Your advice is greatly welcomed. My son is Nicholas Kurtenbach.
ND Admissions
To get your son’s name on our mailing list, please call 574-631-3443 and provide our receptionist with all of the necessary information.
Natalie - Santa Ana, CA
When would applicants know about their financial aid award?
ND Admissions
Natalie, that answer depends on how early you submit the FAFSA and CSS Profile to our Financial Aid office. However, assuming you get everything submitted by 2/15, you should receive it about two weeks before the May 1 confirmation deadline.
Elijah Clay - Corona, NY
How are the Notre Dame Sports Teams doing?
ND Admissions
VERY well.
Sean Bohan - Gibsonia, PA
What is the rate of job placement after senior year?
ND Admissions
By graduation day, 88% of our students are already in a job or graduate program. By 6 months after graduation (accepted window these days, considering the market), 97% of our students are in a job or graduate program. Within one year of graduation, 99% of our students are in a job or graduate program.
Matt - Murrieta, CA
Does Notre Dame provide an academic advisor? If so, is this advisor faculty, assigned? And is this advisor accessible?
ND Admissions
Each student is assigned to a First Year of Studies adviser during their freshman year, and reassigned to an adviser within the college of their choice after that first year. Our academic advisers are all faculty members and have office hours at least twice each week.
Matt - Murrieta, CA
I am involved in ASB (Student Council) at my school. Does Notre Dame have a Student-Run Government?
ND Admissions
ND does have Student Government: http://www3.nd.edu/~studegov/
Alexandra - Miami, FL
Does Notre Dame have a debate team? If so, which events does the debate team participate in? Thank you!
ND Admissions
ND does have a debate team. They compete all over the country each year.
David - ,
My highschool did not provide Advance Placement or any other sorts of rigorous courses in my junior year. However, Advance Placement courses are offered this year for my senior year and I took them. Should I state that in my application?
ND Admissions
Yes, David, that would be a good clarification to make where appropriate in the Common App.
Samuel - Clermont, Florida
What are some of the most outstanding facts and opportunities offered to students by the ND engineering program that set it apart from other competitive colleges?
ND Admissions
The emphasis on undergraduate research. We recently received a grant from the US Air Force to build two new wind tunnels and are currently building a new nano-technology & biomedical engineering facility. All accessible to undergraduate students.
Joe - Lititz, PA
How many engineering students typically apply to the 5 year MBA and Engineering program and how many of these students are accepted?
ND Admissions
About 30% of our students apply to the 5 year MBA program of which about 50% of them get admitted into the program.
MaryAnn - Sewell, NJ
Is there Co-op for Electrical Eng. and how does the Eng. Program Rank?
ND Admissions
Our engineering program is in the top 50. We do not offer any co-op programs as we want our students to focus on their studies during the academic year. However, we do have a very strong Career Center that aids our students in obtaining internships during the summer. You can also pursue paid research during the academic year.
Denise - Rockledge, FL
My son had inquired about the Cambridge AICE program that he is involved in his high school. On the Cambridge web site it lists ND as accepting the credits. He was told that ND does not accept the credits. Which is correct? One of his instructors was trying to get in touch with ND early this week about the AICE program and ND.
ND Admissions
The University of Notre Dame only gives credit for AP exams as well as the IB exams. However, we offer placement exams for students that have taken the AICE, A-Levels, GCSE’s should they wish to receive placement for certain courses upon admission to Notre Dame.
Marielos - ,
Hey! I am just a Junior from Nicaragua(Central America) and I was just wondering more or less what SAT score I need to get accepted. I have very good grades but I havent yet taken the SAT. Besides that, I want to know if you give any kind of scholarships to international students
ND Admissions
International students should aim for a composite of 1300 (Critical Reading & Math only) or above. So about 650 in each section.
Sam - Hammond, IN
Where can I get more information about Notre Dame's Summer Engineering Workshop?
ND Admissions
More information on the Introduction to Engineering Summer Program may be found at www.nd.edu/~iep
michelle - sudbury, ontario
are there many scholarships for international student? how do international students go foe overseas study programs? do they have to get visas for those countries?
ND Admissions
We are need-aware in the admissions process for international students and need-based in financial aid. Thus financial aid is available yet it is competitive and selective. Upon admission to ND you will be given a F-1 visa to study at ND for your four years.
Emily - McLean, VA
If a student is interested in engineering, would it look bad to have taken AB and then BC Calc rather than BC then multivar? if so, would it be a good idea to mention that at the time i wasnt interested in engineering and that b/c of that i decided to take AB rather than BC my junior year?
ND Admissions
No. However a 4 or 5 in AB will get you out of Calculus I at ND, while a 4 or 5 in BC will get you out of Calculus I & II at ND. So it does not affect the admissions process, just placement & credit upon admission to ND.
Amanda - , Guam
Does Notre Dame have a good ROTC program?
ND Admissions
Yes, we have Air Force, Army, Navy & Marine ROTC programs on campus. All offer scholarships as well ranging from partial to full coverage of the cost of attendance.
Nicole - Clifton, VA
Tell me something about the companies that recruit ND Engineers? Who are they, How many, how often, when?
ND Admissions
We have 3 careers fair every year, of which one of them is solely for engineers. We are the #1 recruited school for General Electric and are also heavily recruited by Lockheed & Boeing.
Sarah - Danville, CA
What types of engineering do you offer?
ND Admissions
Aerospace, Mechanical, Electrical, Chemical and Civil.
Jordan - San Antonio, Tx
Where do Engineer majors usually study abroad?
ND Admissions
London & Perth.
Erin - Philadelphia, PA
What majors require the SAT II tests?
ND Admissions
No majors require any SAT II’s, although they are recommended for you to be more competitive as an applicant.
Trenton - Kirkland, WA
Just out of curiosity, is there a chapter of Engineers Without Borders on campus; and if not, are there any comparable humanitarian/engineering-based organizational chapters on campus?
ND Admissions
There are various engineering clubs on campus and if one that caters to your interest is not available, upon approval from the Office of Student Services & Activities you may start your own club.
Erin - Littleton, CO
What is the ratio of women to men like in you engineering programs?
ND Admissions
The ratio is about 3 men for every female.
Erin - Littleton, CO
If I want to major in engineering, can I still take classes outside of that field?
ND Admissions
Yes, the Academic Advisors are more than happy to help plan your courses out so that you can take classes in other areas. However, engineers have a very tough schedule as it is so you will most probably be taking more credits than the average student.
Katherine - St. Louis, MO
I am a "legacy" prospective student, and ND is undoubtedly my first choice. I am ranked #1 in my class and planned on applying EA, but my current ACT score is a 29 (though I am retaking it). Should I apply Early or Regular Action?
ND Admissions
I recommend that you take the ACT again and if possible the SAT-I as well and apply Regular Action.
Casey - Carnegie, PA
What opportunities are available for aspiring journalists seeking to gain more experience in a college-level newsroom atmosphere?
ND Admissions
Notre Dame publishes a daily newspaper, The Observer, that is completely student run. ND also publishes a bi-weekly magazine, Scholastic, also put out by students.
Natalie - Santa Ana, CA
Does ND provide shuttle service to Chicago & O'Hare Airport on the weekends?
ND Admissions
Natalie, we have shuttles available leaving from our bookstore everyday.
