Chats » Prospective Student Chat 2008/2009
Meliza - Henderson, NV
I would like to know whether Notre Dame offer courses in Foreign studies such as the following: Asian studies, Linguistics, French Language, or Japanese Language. Also the required GPA and minimum SAT proficiency scores.
ND Admissions
There is a department for East Asian Languages and Cultures, Romance Languages and Literatures, German and Russian Languages and Literatures, and Classics. And yes there are some classes in linguistics offered, through the psychology department and some of the language departments.
Megan - Ocean Springs, MS
How many applications does Notre Dame receive, and how many are actually accepted?
ND Admissions
Last year we received about 14,000 applications. We admitted 3,750 and we enrolled a freshman class of 2,000. However, this year, we are expecting between 17,000-21,000 applications as we move to the Common Application. We are still hoping to enroll a freshman class of roughly 2,000 freshman.
Andrew - Basking Ridge, NJ
In your opinion, what is the basic distinguishing factor that separates a good essay from a poor one?
ND Admissions
Andrew, the best essays are creative, original and specific to the students writing them. Don’t try to get cute by writing about abstract non-specific ideas that don’t tell us anything about you.
Michael - Batesville, IN
Dear Notre Dame,
I know that Notre Dame is one of the best Universitys in America and has applicants from all over the world. What is the percentage from Indiana?
ND Admissions
Michael, maybe 10% of our students are from the state of Indiana.
Alex - Ft. Lauderdale, FL
When is the best time for a campus visit?
ND Admissions
If you come in the summer, campus is beautiful but classes are not in session so it’s difficult to see if this is the place for you. I would come in early fall or early spring, because the weather is generally nicer (i.e., warmer) and students are here.
Brad - Bryan, OH
What are the strengths of the science (pre-med) program at Notre Dame?
ND Admissions
For pre-med: we have a great science program to prepare you for med school and an extremely helpful pre-med advising office, which offer very helpful and informative sessions to help you prepare for applying to med school. Notre Dame also consistently has a medical school acceptance rate over 75%, which is almost twice the national average. Also, ND encourages any student that wants to apply to medical school to do so, which is sometimes not the case for other schools.
Chris - Rockledge, FL
Do you know of the AICE/Cambridge program? Do you accept credits from it?
More information is here if you do not know of it: http://www.cie.org.uk/qualifications/academic/uppersec/aice
ND Admissions
Hi Chris,
We are very familiar with the AICE/Cambridge program, but unfortunately, we only accept credit from the AP and IB exams. You can, however, take placement exams here at the University to start in a higher level class if you’d like.
Matthew - Amherst, NY
Is the SAT preferred over the ACT or vice versa when submitting an application?
ND Admissions
Matthew,
We do not prefer one test over the other. If an applicant takes both tests, we will use the better of both tests during our decision making process and disregard the lower test score.
Katie - Northville, MI
I am hesitating applying to Notre Dame because it is so expensive. What types of merit and need based scholarships and financial aid are available to students?
ND Admissions
Notre Dame is a need-based financial aid institution. Which means that we have choosen to use our $7 billion dollar endowment to meet 100% of every admitted students demonstrated need. We do not have merit-based scholarships at ND, but last year, we were able to give about $72 million dollars in university gift aid.
Nathan - Naperville, IL
I am very interested in attending ND. I am a senior enrolled in the International Baccalaureate program at my high school. GPA (unweighted: 3.7;weighted: 3.9); Sat score of 1380 (780 Math, 600 English). How realistically is my chance of being accepted?
ND Admissions
Hi Nathan,
It is difficult to to determine a student’s chance of being accepted without looking at the entire application. There are many factors taken into account while we are reviewing an applicant’s academic and non-academic record. If you have specific questions about your application, please contact our office at (574) 631-7505 to speak with your area admissions counselor.
Regina - West Springfield, MA
How many credits must a student have from a community college to be considered a transfer student?
ND Admissions
Courses taken for dual credit at a community college during high school will not transfer to the University.
Students must complete a full academic year at another university to be considered in the transfer process, at least 27 credits, that line up with the coursework that Notre Dame students take in the first year of studies.
Jessica - Middlebury, IN
Throughout my high school career, my school has adopted different AP courses that I am unable to participate in because my schedule was full. I understand Notre Dame looks at a student's schedule to determine if they ere engaged in classes that would challenge them. Does Notre Dame view the dates that a school may have adopted new classes?
ND Admissions
Jessica, we always attempt to look deeper. If your school profile does not indicate the dates, please have your counselor drop us a note.
Nate - Pittsford, NY
After deciding a major in one's sophomore year, how easy is it to change majors to a different college? (aka change from the College of Arts and Letters to the College of Science)
ND Admissions
Hi Nate,
You have until the end of your sophomore year to change your major, and until that time, it’s fairly easy to change and still graduate on time (four years).
You will work with a number of advisors during your four years to help you find a college and major and graduate on time. But, because our First Year of Studies program serves as the universal requirements for all our programs and colleges, it’s pretty easy to switch between them!
Ryan - Lake Havasu City, AZ
Should letters of recommendation be sent to the admissions office or should I send them with my application?
ND Admissions
Ryan,
Letters of recommendation may be sent with your application as long as what is written stays confidential.
Dan - Stamford, CT
If someone at Notre Dame were interested in pursuing a degree at the Mendoza College of Business, would there be the ability to pursue a dual-degree? What would be the pros and cons of doing this? To what extent does an average student participate in other activities on campus, such as playing in the band or participating in clubs?
ND Admissions
The best way to do it is to pursue a degree in the Business School and then pick up a second major somewhere else. This would be much easier, and would allow you more flexibility in your schedule while expanding your liberal arts education. The majority of students here participate in at least one activity on campus, and many participate in multiple activities. This is a very involved campus and students like to expand their education beyond the classroom.
Sue - Traverse City, MI
Does Univ of Notre Dame have a womens club soccer team? If not, what does it take to get one started if my daughter gets admitted?
ND Admissions
Notre Dame has interhall sports, club sports, and varsity sports. Club sports are usually reserved for sports that do not exist at the varsity level. Interhall sports are very popular and soccer is offered, both at the interhall and varsity level.
Amy - Grosse Pointe, MI
Is it necessary to have a teacher from junior or senior year write a recommendation?
ND Admissions
Not necessarily. Just make sure that the letter comes the teacher that knows you best.
Mary Kate - St. Louis, MO
Can you tell me anything about the Irish Studies program at ND, or who I can contact to find out more? Are any of you involved in the program in any way? Thank you!
ND Admissions
The Irish Studies minor helps students develop an understanding of Irish language, society, culture, and politics through coursework and first hand experience of Ireland. Irish Studies
Ryan - Pearl River, NY
Do you think that Notre Dame's identity as a premier Catholic university strengthens its philosophy and theology programs, as compared to other, perhaps secular, institutions?
ND Admissions
Hi Ryan,
I honestly can’t say anything about programs at other schools because I’ve only attended Notre Dame, but considering the strength of our programs, I think it’s fair to say that the Catholic nature of Notre Dame certainly does not hurt our philosophy and theology programs.
I know this is not a direct answer but it’s the best I can do! Sorry!
Mike Erdman - Merritt Island, Fl
what is the ratio of boys to girls
ND Admissions
52% male, 48% female.
Jewell - Soldotna, AK
What is the readability of jobs for undergraduate students off and on the campus? How will the money earn apply to tuition cost?
ND Admissions
Most students who work, work on campus. This usually comes from receiving either campus employment or work-study in their financial aid package. Students then can choose from a variety of types of jobs on campus. These include at the dining halls, other student food service restaurants, the office of information and technology, dorm offices or food sales, the admissions office, exercise facilities and almost every area on campus. If students want a job, they can find one. Granted, the type of jobs available usually get better as students get older. The students then receive this money as a pay check to save and apply to tuition and use as they see fit.
Alexandra - Portland, OR
I was wondering how beneficial it is to schedule a formal visit to Notre Dame. Will it allow the admissions staff to get to know me better as a prospective student (and possible me chances of admission)?
ND Admissions
In the admissions process, it won’t increase your chances of admission because decisions are made by the committee as a whole, while you would only meet with one counselor. A formal visit is extremely beneficial in making a decision about where you will go. You will get a chance to experience the campus which is usually the deciding factor. Good luck!
Sie - Louisville, Ky
What is the estimated total cost to attend Notre Dame each year? Tuition+Room & Board+Books= Total Cost
ND Admissions
Hi Sie,
The current total cost to attend Notre Dame this year is $49,030.
Tuition and Fees $36,850
Room & Board $9,830
Books and Supplies $950
Personal Expenses $900
Transportation $500
Total $49,030
Alexa - Camarillo, CA
Are summer internship programs available to all Notre Dame students, or just upper classmen?
ND Admissions
Internship progrmas are available to all students at ND regardless of class year or major. To learn more about what our Career Center offers, click here
Kendall - Madison, WI
Does Notre Dame have an actuarial science program?
ND Admissions
Notre Dame does not have an actuarial science program, just a mathematics major which provides one with an overall math background. However there is an actuarial science club that assists students interested in taking exams both through providing materials and exam reimbursement and sponsors a trip to Chicago to visit actuary firms. I am speaking as a mathematics major who will be working as an actuary next year.
John - Chicago, IL
How risky is applying early action? If someone is "competitive" for admission, is deferral a worst case scenario? Do admission counselors give equal consideration when reviewing deferred applicants for the second time as they do students applying regular action?
ND Admissions
Applying early is typically a service for the clearly admissible student that understands the three potential outcomes which include 1. admission 2. denial (if you are denied in early action you cannot reapply for the regular action period) and 3. deferral (which is not a guarantee to all students not admitted). The final two potential outcomes (denial and deferral) could make early action a risky option if the student submitting their application feels they could improve their application in anyway. For those students who are deferred, they are given a fair opportunity to “compete” again in the regular action pool.
Catherine Schricker - Raleigh, NC
If we go to a private school and the courses are more rigorous than in public schools, will our application be viewed on a different scale?
ND Admissions
Hi Catherine,
When we review transcripts, grades, classes, etc., we do so within the context of each school. We know that some schools offer a more challenging curriculum than others (regardless of their public, private or Catholic identification), and will take this into consideration while reviewing an application.
So, while I’m not willing to say that classes in any private school are automatically more challenging than any classes in any public school, we will take the rigor of your school into consideration.
Connor - Mercer Island, WA
My HS class has an unusually large number of high achievers. It is the top public HS in my state. Graduates in the top 25% - 50% range are routinely admitted to the very best colleges. Does ND take the overall strength of the student body into consideration when it is looking at class standing?
ND Admissions
Students will be evaluated closely within the context of their high schools.
Allee - Ames, IA
How big are class sizes on average? Thanks!
ND Admissions
Allee, our class size average is in the mid-20’s. They will range from less than 10 to over 100, though.
Michael - Kansas City, MO
How many times is an application reviewed?
ND Admissions
Hi Michael,
Each admissions counselor in the office is assigned to travel to certain territories each year. Applications coming from the territory are read by the area admissions counselor, then read randomly by another admissions counselor in the office. All applications are read at least twice, many are read three to four times.
Adam - Centerville, Ohio
Do you combine ACT scores if you've taken more than one test? Or is it just the highest composite score taken?
ND Admissions
The Admissions Committee will use your highest ACT score from a single test, and will not break it down by subject area.
Shannon - Shoreview, MN
My parents are divorced, and I live only with one parent. How will you determine how much my non-custodial parent's income influences my financial aid?
ND Admissions
Shannon, our financial aid office will ask for information about both your parents and then work with you to determine a financial aid package.
Samantha - Tampa, Fl
I know ND is a Catholic school. I was not raised in a religious home, but am open to any religion. I have heard rumors that teachers and administrators are bias against non-Catholic students and treat them substantially different. Is this true?
ND Admissions
Hi Samantha,
I’m not Catholic, and not once during my time at Notre Dame have I felt uncomfortable or out of place. As long as you are open to religions and willing to discuss your own beliefs with others, you will be fine.
Although most of our students are Catholic, Notre Dame is a place that goes out of its way to promote academic and religious freedom. We want our students to grow and develop as people as they get a great education, and part of that development is a spiritual growth. This growth does not have to be in Catholicism-we just want our students to have a good moral and ethical base once they graduate, and I don’t think you have to be Catholic to agree with a lot of the morals and values of Catholicism.
Now, at the same time, it is very possible to participate in religious activities here on campus. Each dorm has a chapel where mass is celebrated every week, and Campus Ministry does a great job of putting together a number of spiritual programs and opportunities for our students. You don’t have to be Catholic to take advantage of these, either-just willing to listen to your fellow classmates.
I hope this helps clear up some misconceptions! If anything, I think the Catholic nature of Notre Dame allows us to be more open and welcoming to students of all faiths and backgrounds.
Katie - Seattle, WA
I know Notre Dame are the Fighting Irish, but you were set up by french priests. Are there any elements of Notre Dame that are affiliated with Ireland? E.g. Irish Literature courses, Irish dance class...
ND Admissions
Notre Dame offers both an Irish Studies minor and an Irish Lanugage and Literature minor. There is an Irish Dance team made up of students that performs regularly on campus. During their junior year, some students will have the opportunity to study abroad for either the summer or for a semester in Dublin, Ireland.
Alejandro - El Paso, TX
Does applying to Notre Dame with different major preferences change a prospective student's chances of being accepted? For example, would applying as a student interested in a Biology major be more likely to get in than a student interested in a Business major?
ND Admissions
Alejandro, we try to admit students regardless of intended major. Just mark down what you’re most interested in and we’ll go from there.
Marissa - Ramstein, Germany, AE
I'm interested in pursuing a degree in Nursing. I realize there is no Nursing program, but is there a curriculum that prepares you for nursing school, or does ND have any agreements with nursing schools?
I'm a prospective student ... but I don't see that option in the drop-down :)
ND Admissions
I do not believe that ND has any agreements with nursing schools. The best option if this is your intention would to probably major in Pre-professional (either Science or Arts and Letters) or possibly Biology. Pre-professional is a general major for all students interested in medical school, veterinarian school, dental school, optometry school, and probably nursing and physical therapy and other areas similar to that.
Cara - West Simsbury, CT
1.) How would the admissions process proceed if my latest results from SAT/ACT tests are not available by the application deadline?
2.) How will my grades from my AP and Honors classes during this year, my senior year, be considered in the admissions process?
Thank you!
ND Admissions
Cara, we will wait for you test scores to arrive in our office if you indicate your test dates. As for your senior year grades – they remain important. We certainly will follow up. Continue to work hard.
Dan - Bettendorf, IA
Is the PSAT score a determining factor in considering a prospective student?
ND Admissions
Hi Dan,
The PSAT score is not used as a determining factor in the decision process. The PSAT is used to prepare students for the SAT and can often times provide students with an idea of their strengths and weaknesses when taking the test. We require a student’s SAT or ACT score in order for his or her application to be complete.
Jenn - Farmington, CT
What is the history program at Notre Dame like? and is it possible to have a double major?
ND Admissions
The history program here is excellent! It is comprised of a wide breadth of topics that really encompass a global outlook. Once you have completed the core requirements, you can then choose a subject area (such as American History) that you would like to focus on. It is possible to have two majors, although I recommend meeting with both departments to make sure that it is in your best interest. (It also helps if both majors are within the same college.)
Ryan - Lake Havasu City, AZ
As a prospective architecture major what should I include if I am going to send I an architectural portfolio?
ND Admissions
Ryan, we don’t require anything specific. Just give us a broad range of your work.
Meliza - Henderson, NV
I would like to know whether Notre Dame offer courses in Foreign studies such as the following: Asian studies, Linguistics, French Language, or Japanese Language. Also the required GPA and minimum SAT proficiency scores.
ND Admissions
There is a department for East Asian Languages and Cultures, Romance Languages and Literatures, German and Russian Languages and Literatures, and Classics. And yes there are some classes in linguistics offered, through the psychology department and some of the language departments.
Megan - Ocean Springs, MS
How many applications does Notre Dame receive, and how many are actually accepted?
ND Admissions
Last year we received about 14,000 applications. We admitted 3,750 and we enrolled a freshman class of 2,000. However, this year, we are expecting between 17,000-21,000 applications as we move to the Common Application. We are still hoping to enroll a freshman class of roughly 2,000 freshman.
Andrew - Basking Ridge, NJ
In your opinion, what is the basic distinguishing factor that separates a good essay from a poor one?
ND Admissions
Andrew, the best essays are creative, original and specific to the students writing them. Don’t try to get cute by writing about abstract non-specific ideas that don’t tell us anything about you.
Michael - Batesville, IN
Dear Notre Dame, I know that Notre Dame is one of the best Universitys in America and has applicants from all over the world. What is the percentage from Indiana?
ND Admissions
Michael, maybe 10% of our students are from the state of Indiana.
Alex - Ft. Lauderdale, FL
When is the best time for a campus visit?
ND Admissions
If you come in the summer, campus is beautiful but classes are not in session so it’s difficult to see if this is the place for you. I would come in early fall or early spring, because the weather is generally nicer (i.e., warmer) and students are here.
Brad - Bryan, OH
What are the strengths of the science (pre-med) program at Notre Dame?
ND Admissions
For pre-med: we have a great science program to prepare you for med school and an extremely helpful pre-med advising office, which offer very helpful and informative sessions to help you prepare for applying to med school. Notre Dame also consistently has a medical school acceptance rate over 75%, which is almost twice the national average. Also, ND encourages any student that wants to apply to medical school to do so, which is sometimes not the case for other schools.
Chris - Rockledge, FL
Do you know of the AICE/Cambridge program? Do you accept credits from it? More information is here if you do not know of it: http://www.cie.org.uk/qualifications/academic/uppersec/aice
ND Admissions
Hi Chris,
We are very familiar with the AICE/Cambridge program, but unfortunately, we only accept credit from the AP and IB exams. You can, however, take placement exams here at the University to start in a higher level class if you’d like.
Matthew - Amherst, NY
Is the SAT preferred over the ACT or vice versa when submitting an application?
ND Admissions
Matthew,
We do not prefer one test over the other. If an applicant takes both tests, we will use the better of both tests during our decision making process and disregard the lower test score.
Katie - Northville, MI
I am hesitating applying to Notre Dame because it is so expensive. What types of merit and need based scholarships and financial aid are available to students?
ND Admissions
Notre Dame is a need-based financial aid institution. Which means that we have choosen to use our $7 billion dollar endowment to meet 100% of every admitted students demonstrated need. We do not have merit-based scholarships at ND, but last year, we were able to give about $72 million dollars in university gift aid.
Nathan - Naperville, IL
I am very interested in attending ND. I am a senior enrolled in the International Baccalaureate program at my high school. GPA (unweighted: 3.7;weighted: 3.9); Sat score of 1380 (780 Math, 600 English). How realistically is my chance of being accepted?
ND Admissions
Hi Nathan,
It is difficult to to determine a student’s chance of being accepted without looking at the entire application. There are many factors taken into account while we are reviewing an applicant’s academic and non-academic record. If you have specific questions about your application, please contact our office at (574) 631-7505 to speak with your area admissions counselor.
Regina - West Springfield, MA
How many credits must a student have from a community college to be considered a transfer student?
ND Admissions
Courses taken for dual credit at a community college during high school will not transfer to the University.
Students must complete a full academic year at another university to be considered in the transfer process, at least 27 credits, that line up with the coursework that Notre Dame students take in the first year of studies.
Jessica - Middlebury, IN
Throughout my high school career, my school has adopted different AP courses that I am unable to participate in because my schedule was full. I understand Notre Dame looks at a student's schedule to determine if they ere engaged in classes that would challenge them. Does Notre Dame view the dates that a school may have adopted new classes?
ND Admissions
Jessica, we always attempt to look deeper. If your school profile does not indicate the dates, please have your counselor drop us a note.
Nate - Pittsford, NY
After deciding a major in one's sophomore year, how easy is it to change majors to a different college? (aka change from the College of Arts and Letters to the College of Science)
ND Admissions
Hi Nate,
You have until the end of your sophomore year to change your major, and until that time, it’s fairly easy to change and still graduate on time (four years).
You will work with a number of advisors during your four years to help you find a college and major and graduate on time. But, because our First Year of Studies program serves as the universal requirements for all our programs and colleges, it’s pretty easy to switch between them!
Ryan - Lake Havasu City, AZ
Should letters of recommendation be sent to the admissions office or should I send them with my application?
ND Admissions
Ryan,
Letters of recommendation may be sent with your application as long as what is written stays confidential.
Dan - Stamford, CT
If someone at Notre Dame were interested in pursuing a degree at the Mendoza College of Business, would there be the ability to pursue a dual-degree? What would be the pros and cons of doing this? To what extent does an average student participate in other activities on campus, such as playing in the band or participating in clubs?
ND Admissions
The best way to do it is to pursue a degree in the Business School and then pick up a second major somewhere else. This would be much easier, and would allow you more flexibility in your schedule while expanding your liberal arts education. The majority of students here participate in at least one activity on campus, and many participate in multiple activities. This is a very involved campus and students like to expand their education beyond the classroom.
Sue - Traverse City, MI
Does Univ of Notre Dame have a womens club soccer team? If not, what does it take to get one started if my daughter gets admitted?
ND Admissions
Notre Dame has interhall sports, club sports, and varsity sports. Club sports are usually reserved for sports that do not exist at the varsity level. Interhall sports are very popular and soccer is offered, both at the interhall and varsity level.
Amy - Grosse Pointe, MI
Is it necessary to have a teacher from junior or senior year write a recommendation?
ND Admissions
Not necessarily. Just make sure that the letter comes the teacher that knows you best.
Mary Kate - St. Louis, MO
Can you tell me anything about the Irish Studies program at ND, or who I can contact to find out more? Are any of you involved in the program in any way? Thank you!
ND Admissions
The Irish Studies minor helps students develop an understanding of Irish language, society, culture, and politics through coursework and first hand experience of Ireland. Irish Studies
Ryan - Pearl River, NY
Do you think that Notre Dame's identity as a premier Catholic university strengthens its philosophy and theology programs, as compared to other, perhaps secular, institutions?
ND Admissions
Hi Ryan,
I honestly can’t say anything about programs at other schools because I’ve only attended Notre Dame, but considering the strength of our programs, I think it’s fair to say that the Catholic nature of Notre Dame certainly does not hurt our philosophy and theology programs.
I know this is not a direct answer but it’s the best I can do! Sorry!
Mike Erdman - Merritt Island, Fl
what is the ratio of boys to girls
ND Admissions
52% male, 48% female.
Jewell - Soldotna, AK
What is the readability of jobs for undergraduate students off and on the campus? How will the money earn apply to tuition cost?
ND Admissions
Most students who work, work on campus. This usually comes from receiving either campus employment or work-study in their financial aid package. Students then can choose from a variety of types of jobs on campus. These include at the dining halls, other student food service restaurants, the office of information and technology, dorm offices or food sales, the admissions office, exercise facilities and almost every area on campus. If students want a job, they can find one. Granted, the type of jobs available usually get better as students get older. The students then receive this money as a pay check to save and apply to tuition and use as they see fit.
Alexandra - Portland, OR
I was wondering how beneficial it is to schedule a formal visit to Notre Dame. Will it allow the admissions staff to get to know me better as a prospective student (and possible me chances of admission)?
ND Admissions
In the admissions process, it won’t increase your chances of admission because decisions are made by the committee as a whole, while you would only meet with one counselor. A formal visit is extremely beneficial in making a decision about where you will go. You will get a chance to experience the campus which is usually the deciding factor. Good luck!
Sie - Louisville, Ky
What is the estimated total cost to attend Notre Dame each year? Tuition+Room & Board+Books= Total Cost
ND Admissions
Hi Sie,
The current total cost to attend Notre Dame this year is $49,030.
Tuition and Fees $36,850 Room & Board $9,830 Books and Supplies $950 Personal Expenses $900 Transportation $500 Total $49,030
Alexa - Camarillo, CA
Are summer internship programs available to all Notre Dame students, or just upper classmen?
ND Admissions
Internship progrmas are available to all students at ND regardless of class year or major. To learn more about what our Career Center offers, click here
Kendall - Madison, WI
Does Notre Dame have an actuarial science program?
ND Admissions
Notre Dame does not have an actuarial science program, just a mathematics major which provides one with an overall math background. However there is an actuarial science club that assists students interested in taking exams both through providing materials and exam reimbursement and sponsors a trip to Chicago to visit actuary firms. I am speaking as a mathematics major who will be working as an actuary next year.
John - Chicago, IL
How risky is applying early action? If someone is "competitive" for admission, is deferral a worst case scenario? Do admission counselors give equal consideration when reviewing deferred applicants for the second time as they do students applying regular action?
ND Admissions
Applying early is typically a service for the clearly admissible student that understands the three potential outcomes which include 1. admission 2. denial (if you are denied in early action you cannot reapply for the regular action period) and 3. deferral (which is not a guarantee to all students not admitted). The final two potential outcomes (denial and deferral) could make early action a risky option if the student submitting their application feels they could improve their application in anyway. For those students who are deferred, they are given a fair opportunity to “compete” again in the regular action pool.
Catherine Schricker - Raleigh, NC
If we go to a private school and the courses are more rigorous than in public schools, will our application be viewed on a different scale?
ND Admissions
Hi Catherine,
When we review transcripts, grades, classes, etc., we do so within the context of each school. We know that some schools offer a more challenging curriculum than others (regardless of their public, private or Catholic identification), and will take this into consideration while reviewing an application.
So, while I’m not willing to say that classes in any private school are automatically more challenging than any classes in any public school, we will take the rigor of your school into consideration.
Connor - Mercer Island, WA
My HS class has an unusually large number of high achievers. It is the top public HS in my state. Graduates in the top 25% - 50% range are routinely admitted to the very best colleges. Does ND take the overall strength of the student body into consideration when it is looking at class standing?
ND Admissions
Students will be evaluated closely within the context of their high schools.
Allee - Ames, IA
How big are class sizes on average? Thanks!
ND Admissions
Allee, our class size average is in the mid-20’s. They will range from less than 10 to over 100, though.
Michael - Kansas City, MO
How many times is an application reviewed?
ND Admissions
Hi Michael,
Each admissions counselor in the office is assigned to travel to certain territories each year. Applications coming from the territory are read by the area admissions counselor, then read randomly by another admissions counselor in the office. All applications are read at least twice, many are read three to four times.
Adam - Centerville, Ohio
Do you combine ACT scores if you've taken more than one test? Or is it just the highest composite score taken?
ND Admissions
The Admissions Committee will use your highest ACT score from a single test, and will not break it down by subject area.
Shannon - Shoreview, MN
My parents are divorced, and I live only with one parent. How will you determine how much my non-custodial parent's income influences my financial aid?
ND Admissions
Shannon, our financial aid office will ask for information about both your parents and then work with you to determine a financial aid package.
Samantha - Tampa, Fl
I know ND is a Catholic school. I was not raised in a religious home, but am open to any religion. I have heard rumors that teachers and administrators are bias against non-Catholic students and treat them substantially different. Is this true?
ND Admissions
Hi Samantha,
I’m not Catholic, and not once during my time at Notre Dame have I felt uncomfortable or out of place. As long as you are open to religions and willing to discuss your own beliefs with others, you will be fine.
Although most of our students are Catholic, Notre Dame is a place that goes out of its way to promote academic and religious freedom. We want our students to grow and develop as people as they get a great education, and part of that development is a spiritual growth. This growth does not have to be in Catholicism-we just want our students to have a good moral and ethical base once they graduate, and I don’t think you have to be Catholic to agree with a lot of the morals and values of Catholicism.
Now, at the same time, it is very possible to participate in religious activities here on campus. Each dorm has a chapel where mass is celebrated every week, and Campus Ministry does a great job of putting together a number of spiritual programs and opportunities for our students. You don’t have to be Catholic to take advantage of these, either-just willing to listen to your fellow classmates.
I hope this helps clear up some misconceptions! If anything, I think the Catholic nature of Notre Dame allows us to be more open and welcoming to students of all faiths and backgrounds.
Katie - Seattle, WA
I know Notre Dame are the Fighting Irish, but you were set up by french priests. Are there any elements of Notre Dame that are affiliated with Ireland? E.g. Irish Literature courses, Irish dance class...
ND Admissions
Notre Dame offers both an Irish Studies minor and an Irish Lanugage and Literature minor. There is an Irish Dance team made up of students that performs regularly on campus. During their junior year, some students will have the opportunity to study abroad for either the summer or for a semester in Dublin, Ireland.
Alejandro - El Paso, TX
Does applying to Notre Dame with different major preferences change a prospective student's chances of being accepted? For example, would applying as a student interested in a Biology major be more likely to get in than a student interested in a Business major?
ND Admissions
Alejandro, we try to admit students regardless of intended major. Just mark down what you’re most interested in and we’ll go from there.
Marissa - Ramstein, Germany, AE
I'm interested in pursuing a degree in Nursing. I realize there is no Nursing program, but is there a curriculum that prepares you for nursing school, or does ND have any agreements with nursing schools? I'm a prospective student ... but I don't see that option in the drop-down :)
ND Admissions
I do not believe that ND has any agreements with nursing schools. The best option if this is your intention would to probably major in Pre-professional (either Science or Arts and Letters) or possibly Biology. Pre-professional is a general major for all students interested in medical school, veterinarian school, dental school, optometry school, and probably nursing and physical therapy and other areas similar to that.
Cara - West Simsbury, CT
1.) How would the admissions process proceed if my latest results from SAT/ACT tests are not available by the application deadline? 2.) How will my grades from my AP and Honors classes during this year, my senior year, be considered in the admissions process? Thank you!
ND Admissions
Cara, we will wait for you test scores to arrive in our office if you indicate your test dates. As for your senior year grades – they remain important. We certainly will follow up. Continue to work hard.
Dan - Bettendorf, IA
Is the PSAT score a determining factor in considering a prospective student?
ND Admissions
Hi Dan,
The PSAT score is not used as a determining factor in the decision process. The PSAT is used to prepare students for the SAT and can often times provide students with an idea of their strengths and weaknesses when taking the test. We require a student’s SAT or ACT score in order for his or her application to be complete.
Jenn - Farmington, CT
What is the history program at Notre Dame like? and is it possible to have a double major?
ND Admissions
The history program here is excellent! It is comprised of a wide breadth of topics that really encompass a global outlook. Once you have completed the core requirements, you can then choose a subject area (such as American History) that you would like to focus on. It is possible to have two majors, although I recommend meeting with both departments to make sure that it is in your best interest. (It also helps if both majors are within the same college.)
Ryan - Lake Havasu City, AZ
As a prospective architecture major what should I include if I am going to send I an architectural portfolio?
ND Admissions
Ryan, we don’t require anything specific. Just give us a broad range of your work.
