Chats » Prospective Student Pre-Deadline Chat
Anne - Springfield, OH
What materials are required to be sent in, along with an application, for undergraduate admission?
ND Admissions
Anne,
The following items are required for your application to be considered complete:
Common Application
Notre Dame Supplement to the Common Application
High School Transcript
SAT and/or ACT scores
Teacher Evaluation
Application Fee
Leah - Boston, MA
How important is legacy in regard to your application? If you have a LOT of close relatives (parents, grandparents, aunts, uncles, cousins) to have gone to the University, is there a greater chance you'll get in over a student with less or no legacy?
ND Admissions
Leah,
An applicant is considered a legacy if their mother and/or father graduated from Notre Dame. Grandparents, aunts, uncles, siblings, etc/ do not count towards legacy status. Legacy applicants are admitted at a higher rate than non-legacy’s, but regardless, legacy applicants should make sure they are strong in all aspects of the application to be competitive for admissions to Notre Dame.
Chevelle - Coral Springs, FL
What majors does Notre Dame offers in the field of Health Science.
ND Admissions
Chevelle,
We have various majors in the College of Science and College of Arts and Letters (Pre-Professional Studies).
Yuxiao - Kunming,
Dear Sir or Madam:
Do you have any clear definition for the item which should be filled in the table one and table two of common application? It seems that some activities is suitable for both the table one and table two for the first table is on honor, and the second one is related to detailed time and description. Some area might be overlapped. Do you have any better suggestion for it?
And one more thing, I have two books published, is that can be classified into academic honor?
Thanks for your time and help.
ND Admissions
Hi Yuxiao,
Thanks for joining us tonight. Go ahead and just list any honors and awards that you have received in the first column and list your activities in the second column, if there is some overlap, that’s fine. Congratulations on being a published author! List that in the honors, and if you can, send us a copy of your book!
Ruby - Newark, NJ
Good evening, i would like to know how diverse is ND?
ND Admissions
Ruby,
We have students from all 50 states and over 100 different countries with different socio-economic and ethnic backgrounds, political ideologies, and experiences. Although a majority of our student body is Catholic, students are open about discussing their religious beliefs, regardless of where they are in their faith journey. Students learn a great deal from their peers in the dorms, classrooms, and extracurricular activities.
Isaiah - Los Angeles, CA
Would two great recommendation letters and my attending a prestigious high school in California help my chances to being admitted?
ND Admissions
Hi Isaiah!
Good letters of recommendation are always a plus, but where you attend school and the quality of that school does not play a factor in the admissions process. We will certainly evaluate you within the context of your high school, so make sure you’ll doing well in your classes, taking a rigorous curriculum and getting involved.
Julia - Houston, TX
Even if a student who lacks a strong rigor in the school curriculum wants to apply to ND, is there a possibility that they can still get in?
ND Admissions
Scholastic rigor does matter, Julia, but sometimes, we will be positviely impressed with students who gradually increase their level of challenge throughout high school or provide understandable reasons why they did not, or could not, pursue the highes level courses avaialable at their schools. You will never know the decision outcome here unless you try! It is competitive, but we would like to review what you have accomplished academically and in your community!
Jin Uk - Fort Lee, NJ
What are the unique and interesting elements of Notre Dame that attract many students?
ND Admissions
Notre Dame offers strong academics, athletics, music programs, and community service programs that attract a diverse range of students.
Rangan - Troy, MI
Are there opportunities for ND students to start their own student organizations?
ND Admissions
Hi Rangan!
Thanks for submitting a question. There are in fact, opportunities for students to start there own clubs if your special interest is not organized on campus. If you’d like to learn more about about the process of starting your own club, please see this website: http://sao.nd.edu/studentgroups/listing/prospectivegps/index.shtml.
Richie - Springboro, Ohio
I would really like to know what Notre Dame looks for in their essays. You mentioned a personal story in one of the previous answers to a question, but I don't know how that can answer some of the essay topics. Could you please explain that a little more?
ND Admissions
Richie – one more suggestion, do have others critique your essays – ex. your parents, teachers, counselors – so the work is thoughtfully developed and constructed. Feedback is helpful!
George - houston, Texas
Whats the preferred leisure activity at ND?
ND Admissions
With over 280 student clubs and organizations, a full intramural sports complement, and 22 club sports, I would say there is one preferred activity. Our students typically participate in more than one activity.
Richie - Springboro, Ohio
Could you please talk a little bit about the essays? Thanks
ND Admissions
Richie, Hello from Notre Dame -
Most students will recount experiences in high school which have set them on track to say, be distinctive from others, ready to share their blessings, etc. and then continue to reflect on how an education at Notre Dame will enhance their uniquie qualities/abilites and prepare them to be successful in their careers and also serve others in life. Think about your meaningful high school experiences, how you reacted, matured and incorporated the lessons learned to develop your character/goals. Where do you expect to be in four years academically, and more importantly, who do you expect to be as a person? Good luck!
joseph - el monte, ca
Good even, i was wondering how string exactly is the science department at ND?
ND Admissions
Joseph,
Students in our College of Science learn from professors renowned for their research, have the opportunity to participate in undergraduate research, and combine their knowledge with the vision to change the world.
Many students go on to be very successful in graduate school following their undergraduate experience here.
Find out more about our College of Science.
Brendan - Pittsburgh, PA
I am applying normal admission, however two of my classmates were accepted early, and at least three more will be up for normal admission as well. Does the fact that two students from my school have already been accepted, and that three more who are potentially qualified for admission are applying, hurt my chances of getting in? Is there a possibility of any of us being strongly considered for admission only to be turned down because Notre Dame has already accepted several of our classmates?
ND Admissions
Brendan,
Notre Dame does not use quotas or caps when making admissions decisions. An admission decision is based on how an individual applicant competes against the standards set by the applicant pool. If everyone from a particular high school competes well against the applicant pool, then everyone from that high school will be admitted. Conversely, if no one from a particular high school competes well against the applicant pool, then no one will be admitted.
Zhemin - Wuhan,
I'm a little confused because I'm a Chinese undergraduate and I'm applying for the graduate program the next Fall. So is the chat also required for graduate applicants?
ND Admissions
Sorry—this chat is only for undergraduate applicants. For answers to graduate school questions, please contact their office. Thanks!
Everistus - Abuja, Nigeria
Please I'm not sure but is the financial aid address the same as the admissions office address? And thank you for the time and effort spent to answer all our questions.
ND Admissions
Hi Everistus –
The Undergraduate Admissions Office and the Office of Financial Aid maintain two separate physical addresses. As an international student, however, your Financial Aid Application and Certification of Finances should be sent to the Undergraduate Admissions Office.
University of Notre Dame
Office of Undergraduate Admissions
220 Main Building
Notre Dame, IN 46556
Brendan O'Neil - Greenwich, CT
If I indicate that I wish to major in some form of business at the Mendoza College, is my application considered differently than a student who applies to the College of Arts and Letters? Additionally, since Mendoza is such a highly touted program, do my chances of acceptance decrease and if so, to what extent?
ND Admissions
Brendan,
When you apply to Notre Dame your application is not treated any differently based on your intended major. Whether or not you are admitted will depend on how your academic and non-academic accomplishments compare to the rest of the applicant pool. If you are admitted, you are not admitted to a particular College or major. Students do not declare their college and/or major until the end of the first year, at the earliest.
Ralph - St. Louis, MO
As a parent of a prospective ND student I have recently become unemployed, but I did receive a severance package that will inflate my 2008 income. This severence is what my family will live on until I find new employment. I have no other prospective 2009 income. My concern is that the higher 2008 income will improperly weigh against my daughter's chances for adequate aid in the fall of 2009. Is there someway that I can get this information across on her financial aid requests? Do you have any other suggestions?
ND Admissions
Hi Ralph,
We are truly sorry to hear of your loss of employment. We will keep you in our prayers and hope that new employment opportunities will come your way in 2009.
We understand that in situations like this, families may have what we call “one-time income.” While the FAFSA does not allow for written explanations on income, the CSS/Financial Aid PROFILE does allow space for families to clarify aspects of their income that may be irregular. We encourage you to explain your circumstances on the CSS/Financial Aid PROFILE. If this form does not allow enough space for you to sufficiently explain your financial situation, you are always welcome to submit an additional letter to the Office of Financial Aid.
We ask that you keep the Office of Financial Aid informed on any changes in your employment or income, especially throughout the application process. We always appreciate any clarification a family can provide us with.
Jazmine - Northwest Indiana,
What academic programs or extracurricular activities are offered at N.D. for minority students? It seems, the opportunities are relatively low for minority groups, especially for admissions into very prestigious universities, like N.D.
I am a Latino American and have excelled academically in my coursework all throughout my education. I am graduating a year early, as a 16-year old high-school graduate, have a 4.0 G.P.A. and a 2010 SAT score. Would N.D. seriously consider my application?
ND Admissions
Hi Jazmine,
Thanks for joining us tonight! Here at Notre Dame, we offer a number of different academic programs and extracurricular activities for minority students. Just to name a few of the things offered, we have an Institute devoted to Latino Studies. They offer everything from a major and minor to academic support to study space. To learn more, please visit http://latinostudies.nd.edu/. As for extracurricular activities, we have M.E.C.H.A., Ballet Folklorico Azul Y Oro, Coro Primavera de Nuestra Senora, La Alianza and so many more. And these are just a few of the activities devoted to Hispanic students! If you’d like to learn more about other cultures, there are plenty of opportunities for that as well!
Scott - Kaneohe, HI
Is there a certain format for the admissions essays? Does it have to be MLA, double-space, etc.
ND Admissions
The essay can be single spaced. We suggest between 250 and 400 words. The essay can be in MLA format.
Bryce - Newburgh, IN
With admissions being over $200,000 over the course of four years, how is that the average debt only comes out to be around $20,000?
ND Admissions
Hi Bryce –
We are very fortunate to be able to keep the average student debt to a minimum. Last year the University of Notre Dame awarded over 75 million in need based university scholarships to our students.
Ryan - Anamosa, Iowa
Hi, I wrote an essay on my Eagle Scout project and I was wondering if it is necessary to upload a few newspaper clipings on my project with some additional information that wasn't included in the essay.
ND Admissions
Good evening. Feel free to send us any extra information that you think might be beneficial for us to know of during the evaluation of your application. Thank you.
Janet - ,
Hi!
If I take the APs in 2009 before I enter Notre Dame can I bypass some courses? Are there any specific policies for different courses that may not be replaced by APs?
ND Admissions
Good evening. For most AP courses a score of 4 or 5 will give you placement and credit. With regards the type of classes it depends on the score and your intended major. Your Academic Advisor your first year will help guide you through the process once you have been admitted by ND the summer before your first semester.
Anita - Parlier, CA
What is the percentage of minorities?
ND Admissions
Last year’s incoming undergraduate class was 20% ethnically diverse, which does not account for international students. Last year’s undergraduate international percentage was 3%.
Nicolas - El Paso, Texas
Hi, I would at some point during my college career like to study abroad. How easy is it to do so? Must I be fluent in the language first? Thanks!
ND Admissions
Good evening. About 60% of our students study abroad during their Sophomore and/or Junior year at Notre Dame in one of our 30 programs in 23 different countries. Of all of those programs the only one with a pre-requisite in a foreign language is our program in Germany.
Christina - Alexandria, VA
Hello! I am in the process of applying to UND, and I was wondering how well college credits from other schools transfered. I have taken two courses over the summers at the local community college, and just wanted to see if they would transfer easily.
ND Admissions
These courses will not transfer to Notre Dame. We will look at them as rigorous and will count them as high school units.
Richie - Springboro, Ohio
How can a personal story answer the essay questions Notre Dame has to apply? Because it just does not seem to me a personal story is what the questions are looking for.
ND Admissions
Because we do not conduct interviews as part of the application the essays are a really good place for an applicant’s personality to really come out. Personal stories oftentimes are used to relate concrete examples to substantiate certain characteristics about an applicant. That’s not to say that the same cannot be accomplished through simple prose.
Rangan - Troy, MI
Now that I can only apply regular decision, will it hurt my chances of being admitted?
ND Admissions
Not at all! Everyone has the same chance of being admitted whether they apply in Early Action or Regular Action. Don’t worry about it!
Kyle - , KY
I know that theology is a mandatory class at ND, and i was wondering if the class would be taught in a way to accept different religions, im an intense follower of judaism.
ND Admissions
Hi Kyle,
Because we are a Catholic university, we feel that it is a part of our mission to educate our students in the Catholic faith. At the same time, it is important that our students learn about different religious perspectives and beliefs. Religion is taught, not forced upon our students. We hope that you will grow deeper in your own faith, while learning about Catholicism and other world religions.
Janet - ,
"... and then work with your first year advisor over the summer before freshman year." Who is my first year advosor? And do I have to work on it even before entering ND?
Thank you!
ND Admissions
Students are assigned a first year advisor over the summer before their freshman year.
Paulo - La Ceiba, Honduras
Good evening. I would like to pursue a career in a architecture at Notre Dame. I am aware that the architecture curriculum mainly focuses on classical architecture, however, would you encourage students to pursue such a career even though they are interested in more contemporary architecture as well.
ND Admissions
Paulo,
We think that getting a good, strong foundation in classical architecture at the undergraduate level will prepare a student well should he/she decide to branch out to different styles of architecture in the work world or graduate school.
Krissy - Hackettstown, NJ
Is it really best to apply undecided?
ND Admissions
Hello Krissy!
Actually, it is the opposite here at Notre Dame! You must indicate a potential major on your application, but it is not an obligation nor will you be evaluated as that “type” of student. All first-year students apply to the First Year of Studies Program, a year of discernment when students explore various academic possibilities.
Students choose their appropriate colleges at the end of freshman year and during sophomore year, they finalize their first major. Some students will eventually opt for second majors as well.
Brendan - Pittsburgh, PA
There are certain courses at my high school where the teachers are so challenging to the point where almost no one gets an A in them. However on paper these honors or AP courses won't look any different than their counterparts at other schools where it is easier to get a good grade. How much does Notre Dame do to take this possibility into account?
ND Admissions
Brendan,
We will look to your counselor’s evaluation or high school profile for more information about those exceptionally tough courses. We will want to know the grade distribution in those courses if the school provides it.
Pat - Darien, CT
Hi! I haven't been able to take an AP course until this year, and now I am currently taking 2 of them. Will Notre Dame consider that in their decision?
ND Admissions
Pat,
Yes, we will look at the rigor of your high school curriculum when we evaluate your application. So it is good that you are taking two A.P. courses this year.
John - Traverse City, MI
Hello. What opportunities are available for students to travel abroad? When can students participate in these opportunites?
ND Admissions
Hello John,
There are many opportunities for students to study abroad. In fact, 58% of our undergraduates study abroad at some point during their four years. Most students will travel during the fall or spring of their junior year, but summer and year-long travel opportunities are also available.
Students go abroad for various reasons – to study, do service, or participate in research. Check out our website for more information.
Service Opportunities
Research Opportunities
Ivy - College Station, TX
After freshmen year, is it okay to mix and match courses from multiple colleges?
ND Admissions
Hi Ivy,
Depending on the requirements for your major, you should be able to mix and match some classes between different colleges. After all, this is your education, so we want to make sure you get what you want out of it!
James Griggs - Stilwell, KS
I am interested in entering the Notre Dame's business program. I was wondering what type of opportunities are available after graduation?
ND Admissions
There are a slew of opportunities that can be found through our career center. I know for business majors, we are a huge feeder for the Big Four and the premier consulting firms like Accenture, Bain & Co., BCG, and McKinsey & Co. As an IT Management major, I did ERP implementation for PepsiCo during my summers.
Michael - Midland, TX
Are there any acceptance notifications sent prior to April for applications submitted as "regular action"?
ND Admissions
Michael,
All regular action applicants will be notified via postal mail during the first week of April. Notre Dame does not have rolling admissions.
Sang Hee - Honolulu, HI
I took the French subject test that I did not need to take and was not ready for. For other subject tests, I took Korean with Listening and Math2. I took three subject tests in total.
Will the bad score in French affect my admission?
ND Admissions
We use SAT II exams as supplemental tests, so they can only help during the admissions process.
Bryce - Newburgh, IN
Does ND help pay for studying abroad?
ND Admissions
Bryce,
Notre Dame charges the same tuition if you study abroad as if you were on campus. However, we are on of the few Univesities that will cover your air travel expenses from your home town to the place you study, and back again. Your financial aid package will still be in effect if you choose to study abroad.
Anne - Springfield, OH
What materials are required to be sent in, along with an application, for undergraduate admission?
ND Admissions
Anne,
The following items are required for your application to be considered complete:
Common Application Notre Dame Supplement to the Common Application High School Transcript SAT and/or ACT scores Teacher Evaluation Application Fee
Leah - Boston, MA
How important is legacy in regard to your application? If you have a LOT of close relatives (parents, grandparents, aunts, uncles, cousins) to have gone to the University, is there a greater chance you'll get in over a student with less or no legacy?
ND Admissions
Leah,
An applicant is considered a legacy if their mother and/or father graduated from Notre Dame. Grandparents, aunts, uncles, siblings, etc/ do not count towards legacy status. Legacy applicants are admitted at a higher rate than non-legacy’s, but regardless, legacy applicants should make sure they are strong in all aspects of the application to be competitive for admissions to Notre Dame.
Chevelle - Coral Springs, FL
What majors does Notre Dame offers in the field of Health Science.
ND Admissions
Chevelle,
We have various majors in the College of Science and College of Arts and Letters (Pre-Professional Studies).
Yuxiao - Kunming,
Dear Sir or Madam: Do you have any clear definition for the item which should be filled in the table one and table two of common application? It seems that some activities is suitable for both the table one and table two for the first table is on honor, and the second one is related to detailed time and description. Some area might be overlapped. Do you have any better suggestion for it? And one more thing, I have two books published, is that can be classified into academic honor? Thanks for your time and help.
ND Admissions
Hi Yuxiao,
Thanks for joining us tonight. Go ahead and just list any honors and awards that you have received in the first column and list your activities in the second column, if there is some overlap, that’s fine. Congratulations on being a published author! List that in the honors, and if you can, send us a copy of your book!
Ruby - Newark, NJ
Good evening, i would like to know how diverse is ND?
ND Admissions
Ruby,
We have students from all 50 states and over 100 different countries with different socio-economic and ethnic backgrounds, political ideologies, and experiences. Although a majority of our student body is Catholic, students are open about discussing their religious beliefs, regardless of where they are in their faith journey. Students learn a great deal from their peers in the dorms, classrooms, and extracurricular activities.
Isaiah - Los Angeles, CA
Would two great recommendation letters and my attending a prestigious high school in California help my chances to being admitted?
ND Admissions
Hi Isaiah!
Good letters of recommendation are always a plus, but where you attend school and the quality of that school does not play a factor in the admissions process. We will certainly evaluate you within the context of your high school, so make sure you’ll doing well in your classes, taking a rigorous curriculum and getting involved.
Julia - Houston, TX
Even if a student who lacks a strong rigor in the school curriculum wants to apply to ND, is there a possibility that they can still get in?
ND Admissions
Scholastic rigor does matter, Julia, but sometimes, we will be positviely impressed with students who gradually increase their level of challenge throughout high school or provide understandable reasons why they did not, or could not, pursue the highes level courses avaialable at their schools. You will never know the decision outcome here unless you try! It is competitive, but we would like to review what you have accomplished academically and in your community!
Jin Uk - Fort Lee, NJ
What are the unique and interesting elements of Notre Dame that attract many students?
ND Admissions
Notre Dame offers strong academics, athletics, music programs, and community service programs that attract a diverse range of students.
Rangan - Troy, MI
Are there opportunities for ND students to start their own student organizations?
ND Admissions
Hi Rangan!
Thanks for submitting a question. There are in fact, opportunities for students to start there own clubs if your special interest is not organized on campus. If you’d like to learn more about about the process of starting your own club, please see this website: http://sao.nd.edu/studentgroups/listing/prospectivegps/index.shtml.
Richie - Springboro, Ohio
I would really like to know what Notre Dame looks for in their essays. You mentioned a personal story in one of the previous answers to a question, but I don't know how that can answer some of the essay topics. Could you please explain that a little more?
ND Admissions
Richie – one more suggestion, do have others critique your essays – ex. your parents, teachers, counselors – so the work is thoughtfully developed and constructed. Feedback is helpful!
George - houston, Texas
Whats the preferred leisure activity at ND?
ND Admissions
With over 280 student clubs and organizations, a full intramural sports complement, and 22 club sports, I would say there is one preferred activity. Our students typically participate in more than one activity.
Richie - Springboro, Ohio
Could you please talk a little bit about the essays? Thanks
ND Admissions
Richie, Hello from Notre Dame -
Most students will recount experiences in high school which have set them on track to say, be distinctive from others, ready to share their blessings, etc. and then continue to reflect on how an education at Notre Dame will enhance their uniquie qualities/abilites and prepare them to be successful in their careers and also serve others in life. Think about your meaningful high school experiences, how you reacted, matured and incorporated the lessons learned to develop your character/goals. Where do you expect to be in four years academically, and more importantly, who do you expect to be as a person? Good luck!
joseph - el monte, ca
Good even, i was wondering how string exactly is the science department at ND?
ND Admissions
Joseph,
Students in our College of Science learn from professors renowned for their research, have the opportunity to participate in undergraduate research, and combine their knowledge with the vision to change the world. Many students go on to be very successful in graduate school following their undergraduate experience here. Find out more about our College of Science.
Brendan - Pittsburgh, PA
I am applying normal admission, however two of my classmates were accepted early, and at least three more will be up for normal admission as well. Does the fact that two students from my school have already been accepted, and that three more who are potentially qualified for admission are applying, hurt my chances of getting in? Is there a possibility of any of us being strongly considered for admission only to be turned down because Notre Dame has already accepted several of our classmates?
ND Admissions
Brendan,
Notre Dame does not use quotas or caps when making admissions decisions. An admission decision is based on how an individual applicant competes against the standards set by the applicant pool. If everyone from a particular high school competes well against the applicant pool, then everyone from that high school will be admitted. Conversely, if no one from a particular high school competes well against the applicant pool, then no one will be admitted.
Zhemin - Wuhan,
I'm a little confused because I'm a Chinese undergraduate and I'm applying for the graduate program the next Fall. So is the chat also required for graduate applicants?
ND Admissions
Sorry—this chat is only for undergraduate applicants. For answers to graduate school questions, please contact their office. Thanks!
Everistus - Abuja, Nigeria
Please I'm not sure but is the financial aid address the same as the admissions office address? And thank you for the time and effort spent to answer all our questions.
ND Admissions
Hi Everistus – The Undergraduate Admissions Office and the Office of Financial Aid maintain two separate physical addresses. As an international student, however, your Financial Aid Application and Certification of Finances should be sent to the Undergraduate Admissions Office.
University of Notre Dame Office of Undergraduate Admissions 220 Main Building Notre Dame, IN 46556
Brendan O'Neil - Greenwich, CT
If I indicate that I wish to major in some form of business at the Mendoza College, is my application considered differently than a student who applies to the College of Arts and Letters? Additionally, since Mendoza is such a highly touted program, do my chances of acceptance decrease and if so, to what extent?
ND Admissions
Brendan,
When you apply to Notre Dame your application is not treated any differently based on your intended major. Whether or not you are admitted will depend on how your academic and non-academic accomplishments compare to the rest of the applicant pool. If you are admitted, you are not admitted to a particular College or major. Students do not declare their college and/or major until the end of the first year, at the earliest.
Ralph - St. Louis, MO
As a parent of a prospective ND student I have recently become unemployed, but I did receive a severance package that will inflate my 2008 income. This severence is what my family will live on until I find new employment. I have no other prospective 2009 income. My concern is that the higher 2008 income will improperly weigh against my daughter's chances for adequate aid in the fall of 2009. Is there someway that I can get this information across on her financial aid requests? Do you have any other suggestions?
ND Admissions
Hi Ralph,
We are truly sorry to hear of your loss of employment. We will keep you in our prayers and hope that new employment opportunities will come your way in 2009. We understand that in situations like this, families may have what we call “one-time income.” While the FAFSA does not allow for written explanations on income, the CSS/Financial Aid PROFILE does allow space for families to clarify aspects of their income that may be irregular. We encourage you to explain your circumstances on the CSS/Financial Aid PROFILE. If this form does not allow enough space for you to sufficiently explain your financial situation, you are always welcome to submit an additional letter to the Office of Financial Aid. We ask that you keep the Office of Financial Aid informed on any changes in your employment or income, especially throughout the application process. We always appreciate any clarification a family can provide us with.
Jazmine - Northwest Indiana,
What academic programs or extracurricular activities are offered at N.D. for minority students? It seems, the opportunities are relatively low for minority groups, especially for admissions into very prestigious universities, like N.D. I am a Latino American and have excelled academically in my coursework all throughout my education. I am graduating a year early, as a 16-year old high-school graduate, have a 4.0 G.P.A. and a 2010 SAT score. Would N.D. seriously consider my application?
ND Admissions
Hi Jazmine,
Thanks for joining us tonight! Here at Notre Dame, we offer a number of different academic programs and extracurricular activities for minority students. Just to name a few of the things offered, we have an Institute devoted to Latino Studies. They offer everything from a major and minor to academic support to study space. To learn more, please visit http://latinostudies.nd.edu/. As for extracurricular activities, we have M.E.C.H.A., Ballet Folklorico Azul Y Oro, Coro Primavera de Nuestra Senora, La Alianza and so many more. And these are just a few of the activities devoted to Hispanic students! If you’d like to learn more about other cultures, there are plenty of opportunities for that as well!
Scott - Kaneohe, HI
Is there a certain format for the admissions essays? Does it have to be MLA, double-space, etc.
ND Admissions
The essay can be single spaced. We suggest between 250 and 400 words. The essay can be in MLA format.
Bryce - Newburgh, IN
With admissions being over $200,000 over the course of four years, how is that the average debt only comes out to be around $20,000?
ND Admissions
Hi Bryce – We are very fortunate to be able to keep the average student debt to a minimum. Last year the University of Notre Dame awarded over 75 million in need based university scholarships to our students.
Ryan - Anamosa, Iowa
Hi, I wrote an essay on my Eagle Scout project and I was wondering if it is necessary to upload a few newspaper clipings on my project with some additional information that wasn't included in the essay.
ND Admissions
Good evening. Feel free to send us any extra information that you think might be beneficial for us to know of during the evaluation of your application. Thank you.
Janet - ,
Hi! If I take the APs in 2009 before I enter Notre Dame can I bypass some courses? Are there any specific policies for different courses that may not be replaced by APs?
ND Admissions
Good evening. For most AP courses a score of 4 or 5 will give you placement and credit. With regards the type of classes it depends on the score and your intended major. Your Academic Advisor your first year will help guide you through the process once you have been admitted by ND the summer before your first semester.
Anita - Parlier, CA
What is the percentage of minorities?
ND Admissions
Last year’s incoming undergraduate class was 20% ethnically diverse, which does not account for international students. Last year’s undergraduate international percentage was 3%.
Nicolas - El Paso, Texas
Hi, I would at some point during my college career like to study abroad. How easy is it to do so? Must I be fluent in the language first? Thanks!
ND Admissions
Good evening. About 60% of our students study abroad during their Sophomore and/or Junior year at Notre Dame in one of our 30 programs in 23 different countries. Of all of those programs the only one with a pre-requisite in a foreign language is our program in Germany.
Christina - Alexandria, VA
Hello! I am in the process of applying to UND, and I was wondering how well college credits from other schools transfered. I have taken two courses over the summers at the local community college, and just wanted to see if they would transfer easily.
ND Admissions
These courses will not transfer to Notre Dame. We will look at them as rigorous and will count them as high school units.
Richie - Springboro, Ohio
How can a personal story answer the essay questions Notre Dame has to apply? Because it just does not seem to me a personal story is what the questions are looking for.
ND Admissions
Because we do not conduct interviews as part of the application the essays are a really good place for an applicant’s personality to really come out. Personal stories oftentimes are used to relate concrete examples to substantiate certain characteristics about an applicant. That’s not to say that the same cannot be accomplished through simple prose.
Rangan - Troy, MI
Now that I can only apply regular decision, will it hurt my chances of being admitted?
ND Admissions
Not at all! Everyone has the same chance of being admitted whether they apply in Early Action or Regular Action. Don’t worry about it!
Kyle - , KY
I know that theology is a mandatory class at ND, and i was wondering if the class would be taught in a way to accept different religions, im an intense follower of judaism.
ND Admissions
Hi Kyle,
Because we are a Catholic university, we feel that it is a part of our mission to educate our students in the Catholic faith. At the same time, it is important that our students learn about different religious perspectives and beliefs. Religion is taught, not forced upon our students. We hope that you will grow deeper in your own faith, while learning about Catholicism and other world religions.
Janet - ,
"... and then work with your first year advisor over the summer before freshman year." Who is my first year advosor? And do I have to work on it even before entering ND? Thank you!
ND Admissions
Students are assigned a first year advisor over the summer before their freshman year.
Paulo - La Ceiba, Honduras
Good evening. I would like to pursue a career in a architecture at Notre Dame. I am aware that the architecture curriculum mainly focuses on classical architecture, however, would you encourage students to pursue such a career even though they are interested in more contemporary architecture as well.
ND Admissions
Paulo,
We think that getting a good, strong foundation in classical architecture at the undergraduate level will prepare a student well should he/she decide to branch out to different styles of architecture in the work world or graduate school.
Krissy - Hackettstown, NJ
Is it really best to apply undecided?
ND Admissions
Hello Krissy!
Actually, it is the opposite here at Notre Dame! You must indicate a potential major on your application, but it is not an obligation nor will you be evaluated as that “type” of student. All first-year students apply to the First Year of Studies Program, a year of discernment when students explore various academic possibilities.
Students choose their appropriate colleges at the end of freshman year and during sophomore year, they finalize their first major. Some students will eventually opt for second majors as well.
Brendan - Pittsburgh, PA
There are certain courses at my high school where the teachers are so challenging to the point where almost no one gets an A in them. However on paper these honors or AP courses won't look any different than their counterparts at other schools where it is easier to get a good grade. How much does Notre Dame do to take this possibility into account?
ND Admissions
Brendan,
We will look to your counselor’s evaluation or high school profile for more information about those exceptionally tough courses. We will want to know the grade distribution in those courses if the school provides it.
Pat - Darien, CT
Hi! I haven't been able to take an AP course until this year, and now I am currently taking 2 of them. Will Notre Dame consider that in their decision?
ND Admissions
Pat,
Yes, we will look at the rigor of your high school curriculum when we evaluate your application. So it is good that you are taking two A.P. courses this year.
John - Traverse City, MI
Hello. What opportunities are available for students to travel abroad? When can students participate in these opportunites?
ND Admissions
Hello John,
There are many opportunities for students to study abroad. In fact, 58% of our undergraduates study abroad at some point during their four years. Most students will travel during the fall or spring of their junior year, but summer and year-long travel opportunities are also available. Students go abroad for various reasons – to study, do service, or participate in research. Check out our website for more information. Service Opportunities Research Opportunities
Ivy - College Station, TX
After freshmen year, is it okay to mix and match courses from multiple colleges?
ND Admissions
Hi Ivy,
Depending on the requirements for your major, you should be able to mix and match some classes between different colleges. After all, this is your education, so we want to make sure you get what you want out of it!
James Griggs - Stilwell, KS
I am interested in entering the Notre Dame's business program. I was wondering what type of opportunities are available after graduation?
ND Admissions
There are a slew of opportunities that can be found through our career center. I know for business majors, we are a huge feeder for the Big Four and the premier consulting firms like Accenture, Bain & Co., BCG, and McKinsey & Co. As an IT Management major, I did ERP implementation for PepsiCo during my summers.
Michael - Midland, TX
Are there any acceptance notifications sent prior to April for applications submitted as "regular action"?
ND Admissions
Michael,
All regular action applicants will be notified via postal mail during the first week of April. Notre Dame does not have rolling admissions.
Sang Hee - Honolulu, HI
I took the French subject test that I did not need to take and was not ready for. For other subject tests, I took Korean with Listening and Math2. I took three subject tests in total. Will the bad score in French affect my admission?
ND Admissions
We use SAT II exams as supplemental tests, so they can only help during the admissions process.
Bryce - Newburgh, IN
Does ND help pay for studying abroad?
ND Admissions
Bryce,
Notre Dame charges the same tuition if you study abroad as if you were on campus. However, we are on of the few Univesities that will cover your air travel expenses from your home town to the place you study, and back again. Your financial aid package will still be in effect if you choose to study abroad.
