Chats » Prospective Student Chat 2008/2009
Mary Beth - Miami, FL
What is the campus ministry like? Can freshman participate in campus ministry?
ND Admissions
Campus ministry is AMAZING! There are a variety of retreats, choirs, bible study groups, a Confirmation program and so much more. And yes as a freshman if you are interested they would love for you to get involved. There is a freshmen retreat which is a short 24 hour retreat that is a lot of fun and offered a variety of times during the year. There are groups like Emmaus, 4:7, ISI, Freshmen Peer Leaders, just to name a few. I would highly recommend you checking out the Campus Ministry website http://campusministry.nd.edu
Katie - Henderson, NV
Does standardize tests weigh more in admission decision than academic record? What is the amount each factor into admissions?
ND Admissions
Katie, we consider standardized tests to be part of your academic record. When evaluating an application we look at strength of curriculum, grades, test scores, extracurricular record, essays and letter of recommendation. We think that all 6 factors are important.
Rodrigo - Laveen, AZ
What type of steps will ND take to help out those accepted with financial needs?
ND Admissions
Hi Rodrigo,
For US citizens, the Office of Financial Aid will meet 100% of a student’s demonstrated need. If you are admitted, we want you to be able to attend regardless of you and your family’s financial situation.
rachel - morristown, tn
Are there many students with chronic illness, such as cystic fibrosis, attending Notre Dame.
ND Admissions
There are a number of students on campus who have chronic illnesses.
We have a University Health Center staffed with physicians, registered nurses, physical therapists, and pharmacists ready to assist any students with health needs. The center is able to assist in the continued medical care of students with chronic diseases or special medical problems. Your records will be reviewed by our Medical Director, and we will work with you if necessary to refer you to the proper specialists in the South Bend area.
Erin - Salisbury, MD
Dear Notre Dame, I'm one of those students that has wanted to attend this University since I was five. Is there any way that I can make my application stand out to let you guys know this is my top choice without seeming too cliche?
ND Admissions
Erin, we love the interest! Don’t worry about what the perceptions are – just be honest and we’ll do everything we can for you.
Rebecca - Downers Grove, IL
I'm interested in the Architecture Program at Notre Dame. I understand that the option to submit a porftolio is avaliable. I was just wondering what the content requirements are; if I can submit awards, a teacher recommendation, pictures, etc. Also I was wondering if the drawings that I include in the portfolio should be more design or technical based. Thank you so much!!
ND Admissions
Hi Rebecca,
It would be best for you to contact the School of Architecture to determine what needs to be sent with the portfolio.
E-mail: arch@nd.edu Phone: 574.631.6137
Andy - Mission Viejo, CA
I am a full diploma candidate in the International Baccalaureate program at my school. I have two questions: (1) Will this significantly improve my chances? and (2) Do you give course credits based on scores of individual IB Exams or a cummulative point total?
ND Admissions
Andy,
The IB program is a very strong curriculum and one that we recommend students to take if it is offered at his or her high school. Taking the IB program and doing well, will certainly make you a competitive applicant. The University generally awards credit for IB higher level examinations passed with scores of 6 or above. The University does not give credit for subsidiary level examinations. Click here to read more about IB credit.
Rui - Rockville, MD
I would like to know the policy toward international students as in tuitions and internship opportunities.
ND Admissions
International students pay the same tuition and room and board costs as everyone else. A detailed explanation is found here Internships are available for all our students through the Career Center, and the office of International Student Services and Activities will help you with all of this in regard to your visa.
David - Sylvania, Ohio
How does the walk-on sports program work? how far in advance does a person have to know if they are going to try to walk on?
ND Admissions
An athletes ability to “walk-on” a sports team depends on the particular sport and that teams needs for that year. I would suggest contacting the coach directly.
Jack - Chicago, IL
When meeting with a guidance counselor to discuss First Year of Study classes, are a wide range of classes recommended to explore various academic fields or are classes usually assigned regarding the intended major on you application?
ND Admissions
Although you may choose to take classes that are more focused in your major you will have a wide variety of classes in many academic fields to choose from. Also, since we are a liberal arts institution there are general university requirements that must be taken outside your major.
Emily Moonan - Vienna, VA
I am very involved in community service at home and was wondering what programs the center for social concern does annually? Is Relay for Life a big event at ND?
ND Admissions
The Center for Social Concerns offers a lot of opportunities for servicework…definitely too many to list! Check out their website at centerforsocialconcern.nd.edu. The Relay for Life is held in conjunction with the Robinson Center, a community after-school and continuing education center, located just a few blocks from campus.
Andrea Price - North Ridgville, OH
What is the cross country team like?
ND Admissions
The 26 person women’s Cross Country team competes in the Big East Conference, and they recently took first place in the National Catholic Championship! Cross Country
Mike - Merritt Island, Fl
does the school spirit and athlete spirit down grade a little due to ND's independent standing in d 1 football
ND Admissions
No way! If anything, our spirit is increased. Instead of having only one or two conference rivals, we find that most teams we play consider ND to be one of the biggest, if not the biggest, game on their schedule. People get really pumped for every game!
Nikki - Washington, DC
I think I want to go to medical school, but do not want to major Pre-med as an undergraduate. Are the pre-med advisors available for guidance?
ND Admissions
Yes, they are available for guidance. Plus, a good option even if you don’t want to major pre-med is having an arts and letters pre-professional supplementary major if your first major is in arts and letters. This is just in addition to your regular major and includes the typical requirements that medical schools have so as to make sure you are prepared for medical school. Also, many students do not actually major in pre-med and are other science majors or almost any major that ND offers.
Mike Erdman - Merritt Island, Fl
on average how many people walk on to the football team each year?
ND Admissions
It depends on the needs of the football team in any given year.
Thomas - Scranton, PA
Hello and thank you for holding this information session. My question deals with taking the SAT. I took the SAT in May and did "ok". But, I plan to take them once or twice more to get my scores up. #1 - Which SAT is the last I can take? (December or January?) And, #2 - If I take the SAT more than 3 times, would you average my scores (like some schools do), or would you still take the highest from each section? Thank you very much for your answers.
ND Admissions
Thomas,
If you apply Regular Action (or are deferred from Early Action), we will aceppt any SAT through the end of January and/or any ACT through the first weekend in February. If you take the SAT more than once, we will take your highest Math and Critical Reading from each test taken and make our own 1600 composite.
Helen - Coronado, CA
How difficult is it to maintain a strong GPA at Notre Dame? What percentage of classes are graded on a curve?
ND Admissions
The average college workload is much more difficult than high school. It’s important to stay focused, especially because there are so many distractions. It is difficult, especially in core curriculum because not all the classes are something you may be interested in, however it is certainly possible. And your GPA is certainly not a reflection of your intelligence. The way that classes are graded is left up to the discretion of the individual professors.
Gabe - Endwell, NY
I know that Notre Dame mostly focuses on the Critical Reading and Math sections of the SAT, but do they still take the Writing section into proportion?
P.S. - What is the average SAT score, and does Notre Dame look at the PSAT on college applications?
ND Admissions
Hi Gabe,
We will see your Writing score, but we really only consider the CR and Math. We do not consider the PSAT as part of your college application.
Nikki - Washington, DC
How many scholarships (full and partial) are offered by the women's tennis team?
ND Admissions
I would contact the women’s tennis coach Jay Louderback directly.
Ethan - Buffalo, NY
Do you offer athletic scholarships?
ND Admissions
We have 26 varsity sports and we do offer athletic grants.
Logan - New Hope, PA
Though ND suggests only one teacher recommendation, is it looked down on if you send two?
ND Admissions
We would really prefer that you only send us one letter; we find that additional letters only slow down the application process. But, if you find it absolutely necessary to send in an additional letter, go ahead and do it. We won’t hold it against you!
Sarah - Chicago, IL
Can SAT II scores be used to test out of classes? What scores are typically required in order to do so?
ND Admissions
SAT II tests can be used for languages, but that’s pretty much it. They can certainly help you in the admissions process if you do well.
Stacy - Pittsburgh, PA
Does Notre Dame consider the essay on the common application and the supplement at an equal weight?
ND Admissions
Stacy,
Yes, we consider both essays equally. Therefore, make sure you address the question asked and write well! We often recommend to write about something that wasn’t reflected in great detail within the rest of the application. That way the essay will provide us with more information about you as a person.
Lauren - Fort Wayne, IN
Typically, to which Medical schools do ND graduates apply?
ND Admissions
Typically, Notre Dame students apply to Indiana University’s medical school (as it is the only Indiana medical school), medical schools in their home state, and then any dream schools or just schools that the student particularly likes.
Mary - Morristown, NJ
What is the exact definition of "legacy" (siblings? aunts/uncles?) and how much of a factor does that play in admission to the University?
ND Admissions
Legacy means that you are the child or step-child of a Notre Dame graduate, or the niece or nephew of a Holy Cross priest. Statistically speaking, legacy students tend to be better prepared grade and scorewise, because they have been prepped for coming to Notre Dame. Being a legacy tends to give you a little advantage in admissions, but it is by no means a free ride.
Caroline - New Orleans, LA
Is it possible to become a nurse after attending Notre Dame?
ND Admissions
Hi Caroline,
Yes! It’s very possible to become a nurse after graduating from Notre Dame. Our graduates pursue various fields: 48% pursue careers, 34% go to graduate school, 12% enter into service, 5% enlist in the military, and 1% do something else. There’s no doubt that you will be prepared to excel in nursing school following your graduation from Notre Dame.
Mike - Silver Lake, MN
I would like to major in Environmental Science, while attending college, how long has Notre Dame offered the Environmental Science major and how strong is the program?
ND Admissions
I do not know the exact number of years ND has had an environmental science major. I believe it is a smaller program, which is actually nice because then you can get to know your professors and other majors very well. We do have an environmental science center that incorporates research into that area.
Shanna - Naperville, IL
When would you recommend a student to apply early action? More specifically, at what GPA and at what ACT score would applying early action be the best choice?
ND Admissions
Shanna,
Early Action at Notre Dame is very competitive. We generally recommend Early Action to students who have a very strong academic profile: at or near the top of their class (top 1-2%) and a 1470+ (out of 1600) on the SAT or a 33+ on the ACT. The students non-academic profile should be just as strong. Any student can apply Early Action, they just need to be aware that it is more competitive for admission.
Tommy Wolfe - Grayslake, IL
How does the admissions staff look over extra portfolios such as a music CD, architecture drafts, and art.
ND Admissions
Additional art, music or architecture portfolios are submitted directly to the art, music or architecture department for their evaluation.
Brigid - Chicago, IL
I am the youngest of five and all four of my older siblings have been accepted to Notre Dame. They all, however, have turned it down to attend another University. Does this hurt my chances of getting into Notre Dame?
ND Admissions
No. It won’t hurt your chances. We would love it if you were admitted and then chose to join the Notre Dame Family.
Erin - Philadelphia, PA
Would a major in math at Notre Dame allow me to receive a certification in secondary education?
ND Admissions
Yes you can receive certification in secondary education certification through St. Mary’s our sister school. You would have your mathematics degree from Notre Dame, but you would take the certification classes at St. Mary’s.
Michael - Glen Carbon, IL
Is a 33 on the ACT good enough to get into Notre Dame?
ND Admissions
Hi Michael! A 33 ACT is the mean ACT score for our admitted students at ND. However, the standardized test score is only one aspect of the review process. We will also review your transcripts, G.PA., your rank in class (if your HS offers this service), your personal statements/essays, your teacher recommendations, guidance counselor evaluation and your extracurricular activities.
Whit - Jackson, MS
A year ago I participated in the Star Talk program where I learned Chinese in an intensive, college course that lasted a month. By doing the program, I earned 5 hours of college credit. Will Notre Dame accept these hours?
ND Admissions
Hi Whit,
The Star Talk program sounds pretty cool! It is unlikely that we will accept those credits here at ND, but the final decision is made by each department. Usually, in the end, they prefer that you either take the class here or will place you in a higher level class.
Gabe - Endwell, NY
On the application, I happened to notice an awards section, what specifically qualifies for an award, does it need to fall under certain criteria, etc.?
ND Admissions
Gabe, we’re pretty loose on that subject. If you think it’s an award then it’s an award.
Shannon - Shoreview, MN
I've heard that there are curfews as to when female students must be out of male dorms and male out of female's. Is this true? Are there places on campus where all students can be at any time of night?
ND Admissions
Yes, it’s true. At Notre Dame, those times are known as parietals. The basement of LaFortune, our student union building, is open 24 hours. Reckers, a popular eatery, is also 24-hours. Each dorm is equipped with a 24-hour space, where students can hang out with members of the opposite sex.
Maria - Branchburg, NJ
Hey ND Admissions staff! I know it can get very cold in South Bend but I was wondering exactly how cold? Also, how do the students deal with the cold such as getting from their dorms to their classes?
ND Admissions
Hi Maria!
It can get very cold in South Bend – below freezing temperatures, wind chill, and A LOT of snow. Although it’s not Jamaica, students learn to dress in layers. It sometimes takes an adjustment, but there are many experiences that you wouldn’t have otherwise – campus-wide snowball fights on North Quad, snowmen, marshmallow roasts, and igloos! It starts to warm up in April and it can get hot and humid during the summer :)
Jasebel - New York, NY
What is the percentage of students that are admitted with Early Action? What are the test scores?
ND Admissions
Close to 37% of early action students were admitted last year. This higher admit rate is due in great part because the applicant pool is stronger as a whole.
Natalie - Santa Ana, CA
What are the atheletic facilities like for non-competetive sports students?
ND Admissions
We have athletic facilities for virtually every sport. We have two main multi-purpose gyms that fit our students’ needs.
Melanie - Pittsburgh, PA
Is there a Big Brothers Big Sisters program affiliated with Notre Dame and the South Bend community?
ND Admissions
Yes, Notre Dame has a Big Brothers Big Sisters club that works in the South Bend community.
raychel - fanwood, nj
I noticed that you take the best scores on each section for the SAT, but do not super-score the ACT. I was wondering why? Personally, I do well on three out of the four sections consistantly and somehow have a lower score on the fourth that pulls the overall score down, yet the section changes each time I take the test.
Do you still acknowledge the highest score from each section on the ACT or just look at the best composite?
ND Admissions
Hi Raychel,
Believe it or not, the ACT composite is not a straight average of the four sections. Usually, your four sections will average to your composite, but because this is not always the case, we cannot “mix and match” between sections. We will take your best composite score from any one exam, though.
Mary Beth - Miami, FL
What is the campus ministry like? Can freshman participate in campus ministry?
ND Admissions
Campus ministry is AMAZING! There are a variety of retreats, choirs, bible study groups, a Confirmation program and so much more. And yes as a freshman if you are interested they would love for you to get involved. There is a freshmen retreat which is a short 24 hour retreat that is a lot of fun and offered a variety of times during the year. There are groups like Emmaus, 4:7, ISI, Freshmen Peer Leaders, just to name a few. I would highly recommend you checking out the Campus Ministry website http://campusministry.nd.edu
Katie - Henderson, NV
Does standardize tests weigh more in admission decision than academic record? What is the amount each factor into admissions?
ND Admissions
Katie, we consider standardized tests to be part of your academic record. When evaluating an application we look at strength of curriculum, grades, test scores, extracurricular record, essays and letter of recommendation. We think that all 6 factors are important.
Rodrigo - Laveen, AZ
What type of steps will ND take to help out those accepted with financial needs?
ND Admissions
Hi Rodrigo,
For US citizens, the Office of Financial Aid will meet 100% of a student’s demonstrated need. If you are admitted, we want you to be able to attend regardless of you and your family’s financial situation.
rachel - morristown, tn
Are there many students with chronic illness, such as cystic fibrosis, attending Notre Dame.
ND Admissions
There are a number of students on campus who have chronic illnesses.
We have a University Health Center staffed with physicians, registered nurses, physical therapists, and pharmacists ready to assist any students with health needs. The center is able to assist in the continued medical care of students with chronic diseases or special medical problems. Your records will be reviewed by our Medical Director, and we will work with you if necessary to refer you to the proper specialists in the South Bend area.
Erin - Salisbury, MD
Dear Notre Dame, I'm one of those students that has wanted to attend this University since I was five. Is there any way that I can make my application stand out to let you guys know this is my top choice without seeming too cliche?
ND Admissions
Erin, we love the interest! Don’t worry about what the perceptions are – just be honest and we’ll do everything we can for you.
Rebecca - Downers Grove, IL
I'm interested in the Architecture Program at Notre Dame. I understand that the option to submit a porftolio is avaliable. I was just wondering what the content requirements are; if I can submit awards, a teacher recommendation, pictures, etc. Also I was wondering if the drawings that I include in the portfolio should be more design or technical based. Thank you so much!!
ND Admissions
Hi Rebecca,
It would be best for you to contact the School of Architecture to determine what needs to be sent with the portfolio.
E-mail: arch@nd.edu Phone: 574.631.6137
Andy - Mission Viejo, CA
I am a full diploma candidate in the International Baccalaureate program at my school. I have two questions: (1) Will this significantly improve my chances? and (2) Do you give course credits based on scores of individual IB Exams or a cummulative point total?
ND Admissions
Andy,
The IB program is a very strong curriculum and one that we recommend students to take if it is offered at his or her high school. Taking the IB program and doing well, will certainly make you a competitive applicant. The University generally awards credit for IB higher level examinations passed with scores of 6 or above. The University does not give credit for subsidiary level examinations. Click here to read more about IB credit.
Rui - Rockville, MD
I would like to know the policy toward international students as in tuitions and internship opportunities.
ND Admissions
International students pay the same tuition and room and board costs as everyone else. A detailed explanation is found here Internships are available for all our students through the Career Center, and the office of International Student Services and Activities will help you with all of this in regard to your visa.
David - Sylvania, Ohio
How does the walk-on sports program work? how far in advance does a person have to know if they are going to try to walk on?
ND Admissions
An athletes ability to “walk-on” a sports team depends on the particular sport and that teams needs for that year. I would suggest contacting the coach directly.
Jack - Chicago, IL
When meeting with a guidance counselor to discuss First Year of Study classes, are a wide range of classes recommended to explore various academic fields or are classes usually assigned regarding the intended major on you application?
ND Admissions
Although you may choose to take classes that are more focused in your major you will have a wide variety of classes in many academic fields to choose from. Also, since we are a liberal arts institution there are general university requirements that must be taken outside your major.
Emily Moonan - Vienna, VA
I am very involved in community service at home and was wondering what programs the center for social concern does annually? Is Relay for Life a big event at ND?
ND Admissions
The Center for Social Concerns offers a lot of opportunities for servicework…definitely too many to list! Check out their website at centerforsocialconcern.nd.edu. The Relay for Life is held in conjunction with the Robinson Center, a community after-school and continuing education center, located just a few blocks from campus.
Andrea Price - North Ridgville, OH
What is the cross country team like?
ND Admissions
The 26 person women’s Cross Country team competes in the Big East Conference, and they recently took first place in the National Catholic Championship! Cross Country
Mike - Merritt Island, Fl
does the school spirit and athlete spirit down grade a little due to ND's independent standing in d 1 football
ND Admissions
No way! If anything, our spirit is increased. Instead of having only one or two conference rivals, we find that most teams we play consider ND to be one of the biggest, if not the biggest, game on their schedule. People get really pumped for every game!
Nikki - Washington, DC
I think I want to go to medical school, but do not want to major Pre-med as an undergraduate. Are the pre-med advisors available for guidance?
ND Admissions
Yes, they are available for guidance. Plus, a good option even if you don’t want to major pre-med is having an arts and letters pre-professional supplementary major if your first major is in arts and letters. This is just in addition to your regular major and includes the typical requirements that medical schools have so as to make sure you are prepared for medical school. Also, many students do not actually major in pre-med and are other science majors or almost any major that ND offers.
Mike Erdman - Merritt Island, Fl
on average how many people walk on to the football team each year?
ND Admissions
It depends on the needs of the football team in any given year.
Thomas - Scranton, PA
Hello and thank you for holding this information session. My question deals with taking the SAT. I took the SAT in May and did "ok". But, I plan to take them once or twice more to get my scores up. #1 - Which SAT is the last I can take? (December or January?) And, #2 - If I take the SAT more than 3 times, would you average my scores (like some schools do), or would you still take the highest from each section? Thank you very much for your answers.
ND Admissions
Thomas,
If you apply Regular Action (or are deferred from Early Action), we will aceppt any SAT through the end of January and/or any ACT through the first weekend in February. If you take the SAT more than once, we will take your highest Math and Critical Reading from each test taken and make our own 1600 composite.
Helen - Coronado, CA
How difficult is it to maintain a strong GPA at Notre Dame? What percentage of classes are graded on a curve?
ND Admissions
The average college workload is much more difficult than high school. It’s important to stay focused, especially because there are so many distractions. It is difficult, especially in core curriculum because not all the classes are something you may be interested in, however it is certainly possible. And your GPA is certainly not a reflection of your intelligence. The way that classes are graded is left up to the discretion of the individual professors.
Gabe - Endwell, NY
I know that Notre Dame mostly focuses on the Critical Reading and Math sections of the SAT, but do they still take the Writing section into proportion? P.S. - What is the average SAT score, and does Notre Dame look at the PSAT on college applications?
ND Admissions
Hi Gabe,
We will see your Writing score, but we really only consider the CR and Math. We do not consider the PSAT as part of your college application.
Nikki - Washington, DC
How many scholarships (full and partial) are offered by the women's tennis team?
ND Admissions
I would contact the women’s tennis coach Jay Louderback directly.
Ethan - Buffalo, NY
Do you offer athletic scholarships?
ND Admissions
We have 26 varsity sports and we do offer athletic grants.
Logan - New Hope, PA
Though ND suggests only one teacher recommendation, is it looked down on if you send two?
ND Admissions
We would really prefer that you only send us one letter; we find that additional letters only slow down the application process. But, if you find it absolutely necessary to send in an additional letter, go ahead and do it. We won’t hold it against you!
Sarah - Chicago, IL
Can SAT II scores be used to test out of classes? What scores are typically required in order to do so?
ND Admissions
SAT II tests can be used for languages, but that’s pretty much it. They can certainly help you in the admissions process if you do well.
Stacy - Pittsburgh, PA
Does Notre Dame consider the essay on the common application and the supplement at an equal weight?
ND Admissions
Stacy,
Yes, we consider both essays equally. Therefore, make sure you address the question asked and write well! We often recommend to write about something that wasn’t reflected in great detail within the rest of the application. That way the essay will provide us with more information about you as a person.
Lauren - Fort Wayne, IN
Typically, to which Medical schools do ND graduates apply?
ND Admissions
Typically, Notre Dame students apply to Indiana University’s medical school (as it is the only Indiana medical school), medical schools in their home state, and then any dream schools or just schools that the student particularly likes.
Mary - Morristown, NJ
What is the exact definition of "legacy" (siblings? aunts/uncles?) and how much of a factor does that play in admission to the University?
ND Admissions
Legacy means that you are the child or step-child of a Notre Dame graduate, or the niece or nephew of a Holy Cross priest. Statistically speaking, legacy students tend to be better prepared grade and scorewise, because they have been prepped for coming to Notre Dame. Being a legacy tends to give you a little advantage in admissions, but it is by no means a free ride.
Caroline - New Orleans, LA
Is it possible to become a nurse after attending Notre Dame?
ND Admissions
Hi Caroline,
Yes! It’s very possible to become a nurse after graduating from Notre Dame. Our graduates pursue various fields: 48% pursue careers, 34% go to graduate school, 12% enter into service, 5% enlist in the military, and 1% do something else. There’s no doubt that you will be prepared to excel in nursing school following your graduation from Notre Dame.
Mike - Silver Lake, MN
I would like to major in Environmental Science, while attending college, how long has Notre Dame offered the Environmental Science major and how strong is the program?
ND Admissions
I do not know the exact number of years ND has had an environmental science major. I believe it is a smaller program, which is actually nice because then you can get to know your professors and other majors very well. We do have an environmental science center that incorporates research into that area.
Shanna - Naperville, IL
When would you recommend a student to apply early action? More specifically, at what GPA and at what ACT score would applying early action be the best choice?
ND Admissions
Shanna,
Early Action at Notre Dame is very competitive. We generally recommend Early Action to students who have a very strong academic profile: at or near the top of their class (top 1-2%) and a 1470+ (out of 1600) on the SAT or a 33+ on the ACT. The students non-academic profile should be just as strong. Any student can apply Early Action, they just need to be aware that it is more competitive for admission.
Tommy Wolfe - Grayslake, IL
How does the admissions staff look over extra portfolios such as a music CD, architecture drafts, and art.
ND Admissions
Additional art, music or architecture portfolios are submitted directly to the art, music or architecture department for their evaluation.
Brigid - Chicago, IL
I am the youngest of five and all four of my older siblings have been accepted to Notre Dame. They all, however, have turned it down to attend another University. Does this hurt my chances of getting into Notre Dame?
ND Admissions
No. It won’t hurt your chances. We would love it if you were admitted and then chose to join the Notre Dame Family.
Erin - Philadelphia, PA
Would a major in math at Notre Dame allow me to receive a certification in secondary education?
ND Admissions
Yes you can receive certification in secondary education certification through St. Mary’s our sister school. You would have your mathematics degree from Notre Dame, but you would take the certification classes at St. Mary’s.
Michael - Glen Carbon, IL
Is a 33 on the ACT good enough to get into Notre Dame?
ND Admissions
Hi Michael! A 33 ACT is the mean ACT score for our admitted students at ND. However, the standardized test score is only one aspect of the review process. We will also review your transcripts, G.PA., your rank in class (if your HS offers this service), your personal statements/essays, your teacher recommendations, guidance counselor evaluation and your extracurricular activities.
Whit - Jackson, MS
A year ago I participated in the Star Talk program where I learned Chinese in an intensive, college course that lasted a month. By doing the program, I earned 5 hours of college credit. Will Notre Dame accept these hours?
ND Admissions
Hi Whit,
The Star Talk program sounds pretty cool! It is unlikely that we will accept those credits here at ND, but the final decision is made by each department. Usually, in the end, they prefer that you either take the class here or will place you in a higher level class.
Gabe - Endwell, NY
On the application, I happened to notice an awards section, what specifically qualifies for an award, does it need to fall under certain criteria, etc.?
ND Admissions
Gabe, we’re pretty loose on that subject. If you think it’s an award then it’s an award.
Shannon - Shoreview, MN
I've heard that there are curfews as to when female students must be out of male dorms and male out of female's. Is this true? Are there places on campus where all students can be at any time of night?
ND Admissions
Yes, it’s true. At Notre Dame, those times are known as parietals. The basement of LaFortune, our student union building, is open 24 hours. Reckers, a popular eatery, is also 24-hours. Each dorm is equipped with a 24-hour space, where students can hang out with members of the opposite sex.
Maria - Branchburg, NJ
Hey ND Admissions staff! I know it can get very cold in South Bend but I was wondering exactly how cold? Also, how do the students deal with the cold such as getting from their dorms to their classes?
ND Admissions
Hi Maria!
It can get very cold in South Bend – below freezing temperatures, wind chill, and A LOT of snow. Although it’s not Jamaica, students learn to dress in layers. It sometimes takes an adjustment, but there are many experiences that you wouldn’t have otherwise – campus-wide snowball fights on North Quad, snowmen, marshmallow roasts, and igloos! It starts to warm up in April and it can get hot and humid during the summer :)
Jasebel - New York, NY
What is the percentage of students that are admitted with Early Action? What are the test scores?
ND Admissions
Close to 37% of early action students were admitted last year. This higher admit rate is due in great part because the applicant pool is stronger as a whole.
Natalie - Santa Ana, CA
What are the atheletic facilities like for non-competetive sports students?
ND Admissions
We have athletic facilities for virtually every sport. We have two main multi-purpose gyms that fit our students’ needs.
Melanie - Pittsburgh, PA
Is there a Big Brothers Big Sisters program affiliated with Notre Dame and the South Bend community?
ND Admissions
Yes, Notre Dame has a Big Brothers Big Sisters club that works in the South Bend community.
raychel - fanwood, nj
I noticed that you take the best scores on each section for the SAT, but do not super-score the ACT. I was wondering why? Personally, I do well on three out of the four sections consistantly and somehow have a lower score on the fourth that pulls the overall score down, yet the section changes each time I take the test. Do you still acknowledge the highest score from each section on the ACT or just look at the best composite?
ND Admissions
Hi Raychel,
Believe it or not, the ACT composite is not a straight average of the four sections. Usually, your four sections will average to your composite, but because this is not always the case, we cannot “mix and match” between sections. We will take your best composite score from any one exam, though.
