Chats » Prospective Student Pre-Deadline Chat
Katrina - Des Plaines, IL
Hi ND admissions! I took the ACT more than once. I scored my best composite and subscores in English, Reading and Science on one test, but scored better on the math portion on another test. Should I send both ACT tests? Does ND evaluate only the ACT composite score? Thank you!
ND Admissions
Katrina,
We only look at the ACT composite score. We do not break up the ACT sub scores and make our own composite. However, we will take the best composite score from all test taken, therefore, send in both tests!
Ivy - College Station, TX
If dorms are available for student use, how are they set up?
ND Admissions
80% of Notre Dame students live on campus. Dorms are single sex. Freshmen through seniors live in the same residence halls.
Colleen - Millington, NJ
What percent of out-of-state applicants does Notre Dame accept? What are the most popular states?
ND Admissions
Colleen,
Since we are a private institution, most of our students come from outside of Indiana. In face, over half of our student body travels from over 500 miles away to attend Notre Dame. Illinois, Ohio, Texas and California are among the states we receive the most students from.
Bruno Anaya - Puebla, Mexico
I participated this year, and won a third place, in the Mexican National Mathematics Olympiad (this is the national qualification competition for the International Mathematics Olympiad). I believe this participation is important for application to Notre Dame. Is it necessary to send, my diploma of participation, or will it suffice to state this participation on the application?
ND Admissions
Bruno,
Congratulations on your achievement! You do not need to send the diploma, just state your participation on the application.
Alysha - Beebe, AR
Does being Catholic affect your chances of being admitted to Notre Dame?
ND Admissions
Our admitted first-year population mirrors our applicant pool in many ways, including faith affiliation. It is not a significant point of evaluation, Alysha….we focus on your high school academic life, extracurricular involvements, written expression and school endorsements. Students who practice faiths other than Catholicism feel welcomed and comfortable here, and will add perspectives crucial to a rich, univerisity education/life. Hope to review your application soon!
joseph - el monte, ca
Does having been selected for numerous Academic scholarships help in the admissions selection for Notre Dame? If i am interested in a sport at ND, how would i contact the right authority to receive information?
ND Admissions
Hi Joseph,
If you have been selected for outside scholarships, that information certainly won’t hurt your chances of being admitted. In the end, however, most of our decision is based on your academics and extracurriculars (including personal statements and letters of recommendation).
Brendan - Pittsburgh, PA
If you took the SATs multiple times, Notre Dame will look only at the highest scores on each individual section and evaluate your score as the combination of these, correct?
The second time I took the SATs my critical reading and writing scores increased, however, I had an off-day on the math and my score fell 90 points from a 750 to a 660. Will Notre Dame give me the benefit of the doubt and look only at the higher score?
Also, I realize that ND does emphasize the writing score as much as the main two, however will the fact that I scored an 800 on the writing help me in any way?
ND Admissions
For the SAT, we will look at the highest subscore from multiple tests. For the ACT, we will take the highest composite score from a single test. A strong writing score is looked upon favorably.
Brittany - Latham, NY
Do you have any suggestions with respect to the essay. I want to write about my community service involvement but I'm afraid I would either sound like I'm trying to brag or that my essay would come across as though I am exploiting my activity?
ND Admissions
Hi Brittany,
Thanks for joining us tonight! My best suggestion in regards to the essay, is to make sure that with the essay you add an additional layer of information about yourself, so I wouldn’t encourage that you rehash your list of example. In your particular case, I think it is just fine to write about your community service involvement if you feel like you’re sharing more than what we would have learned by just looking at your activities list.
Joe - La Habra Hts., Ca.
If I wanted to try out or play baseball for Notre Dame, do the players live together? Also, are there fees for equipment and uniforms?
ND Admissions
Hi Joe,
For your first year, rooming assignments are made randomly. After that, you can choose your roommate, so if you want him to be a baseball player, you’re free to do that, but athletes and non-athletes are combined in the dorms (there is no baseball dorm, for example).
Mike - Glendale, AZ
Thank you for your response. One last question: Will submiting an instrumental recording help my chances if I am to only minor in music?
ND Admissions
The supplements are generally intended for those who want to major in that area.
Clare - Tampa, FL
I'm interested in writing for the student newspaper. Is there a way for me to contact them now to let them know that I am interested?
ND Admissions
You can email them at observer@nd.edu.
Roger - San Pedro Sula, Honduras
I am curious...Are most of your applicants strongly influenced by the religious life at Notre Dame?
What makes Mendoza a unique place to study business? I have heard that students enter Mendoza their second year.
Also: I am a Dual US and Honduran Citizen, will I be considered an international student for admission purposes? Even though US citizens are not required to send a Certificate of Finances I sent it already.
Thanks!
-Roger Larach
ND Admissions
Good evening. The Mendoza College of Business is currently ranked number 3 in the United States and the fact that we are a Catholic university then provides you with a good foundation in ethics and morality. As a dual US Citizen applying from outside the United States you will be evaluated as an international student for admissions purposes but as a domestic student for financial aid purposes (need-blind).
Chris - Safety Harbor, FL
This may not be the right place to ask, but do notifications of Notre Dame Scholars and Reilly Scholars go out at the same time?
ND Admissions
Thanks for your question, Chris—these are two separate notification processes, and do not go out simultaneously.
Bryce - Newburgh, IN
Is the student's advisor someone that is kept in frequent contact, or is it like high school where it is once and done?
ND Admissions
You’ll certainly have more than one interaction with your adviser, but the depth of your relationship will, to some degree, depend on you. In addition to the omnipresent support of your hall staff, you are assigned a first year adviser as well as a senior to help you when you arrive, and then you’ll get another adviser within your department once you choose your major. You’ll meet with this person at least once a semester, but it can certainly be more.
Veni - Singapore, Singapore
do you have any singaporean students on campus?
ND Admissions
Good evening. Although we currently do not have any Singaporean students at the University of Notre Dame, we have in the past.
Nicolas - El Paso, Texas
What three words would you use to characterize the student body of ND?
ND Admissions
Really. Good. Looking.
Haha, I kid!
Friendly. Dynamic. Intelligent.
Adeel - Wharton, NJ
I studied and researched much of ND's biology department, and science studies as a whole, but can you give a break down of how students react towards their departments or specific highlights of the science department.
ND Admissions
Adeel,
Generally, our students in the College of Science are very happy with their experience. They feel challenged, yet fully supported. There are great research opportunities for our students, as well as extraordinary facilities for undergraduates. For students who may find that the College of Science is not a good fit, it is fairly easy to switch to a different college after your first year.
Bruno Anaya - Puebla, Mexico
I read that you are need aware in the applications of International students. I am currently living in Mexico, so all my transcripts and school documents will be from a school in Mexico. However, I am a US green card holder. How do I qualify in this particular regard then? Will my application be considered need blind or need aware?
ND Admissions
Good evening. As a Permanent Resident you fall under our need-blind admissions policy.
Anh - Falls Church, VA
If you can talk about one negative aspect at Notre Dame, what will you say?
ND Admissions
I’m sure students have little things here and there which they wish would change about Notre Dame, but in general, I think our students are pretty satisfied with their experiences.
Sorry I can’t give you a specific answer, but I couldn’t think of something after ten minutes!
Amanda - Palm Coast, Fl
I am an IB student.How do you view these courses compared to honors or AP?
ND Admissions
Hello Amanda,
We consider IB courses to be most competitive (particularly, if an applicant is completing the IB diploma) In some schools, students take only IB courses and in others, students take a combination of AP and IB courses. Both paths are challenging and impressive.
Anh - Falls Church, VA
Does Notre Dame offer any co-op program?
ND Admissions
Good evening. No, we do not offer any co-op programs at the University of Notre Dame.
Sang Hee - Honolulu, HI
Does submitting the application early mean better chance of getting in?
ND Admissions
Good evening. No, applying to the University of Notre Dame during the Early Action period does not show more interest in the University. It is simply a service that we provide to students who want to know before Christmas of our final admissions decision.
Adeel - Wharton, NJ
What sort of extra curricular activities atnd out most at ND
ND Admissions
There are over 300 clubs and activities at ND, but I think some of the ones that stand out through our dorms. There are 28 dorms on campus, each with its own mascot and colors. Every dorm has a a choir, a number of sports teams (football, soccer, basketball, broomball, dodgeball…), does service events together, has it’s own governing council, and hosts dances and a campus-wide event, such as, say, a chariot-race or regatta.
Cody - Branchland, WV
If you are a student who has taken the hardest available courses does the university grant you some slack on actual scores?
ND Admissions
We want to ensure that every student we admit will be successful here. We like to see that a student has taken the most challenging courses and is at the top of his/her class; we also understand that not everyone is a strong test taker. But given the size of our pool, it’s a tough position for those students as there are many students who have taken the most challenging curriculum, are at the top of their class, and have strong SAT/ACT scores.
Veni - Singapore, Singapore
hello i am an international student and i am applying to notre dame for 2009. i have noticed that the international student % at mendoza are significantly low. I was wondering that is it very competitive for international students?
ND Admissions
Good evening. Students applying to the University of Notre Dame do not apply to a specific program or college within the university. Thus the percentage of international students in the Mendoza College of Business is not a reflection of the admit rate into it but rather the preference of what international students may choose to study at Notre Dame.
Adeel - Wharton, NJ
Hi I was a questbridge finalist and unfortunately i did not receive the match scholarship. I ranked Notre Dame as one of my colleges and sent all the information. Will I have to send a new css profile and materials or will they all carry over?
ND Admissions
Adeel,
You do not have to send the CSS PROFILE again. But we will need you to file the FAFSA and submit copies of your parents’ 2008 tax returns and W-2 forms once they are available. The 2009-2010 FAFSA goes online on January 1, 2009.
Vincent - North Andover, Massachusetts
Thanks for answering my previous question! I haven't had the opportunity to visit the Notre Dame campus yet, is there a communal area to work out? Or are most facilities found within or close to the dorms? I've made great friends in the weight room over my four years in high school, it would be a shame to lose that kind of community aspect.
ND Admissions
Hi Vincent,
No problem! There are lots of places to work out on campus. We have two workout facilities on campus, Rolfs Sports Recreation and Rockne Memorial, with Rolfs being the the newer of the two facilities. In addition, most of our residence halls offer a communal area to work out! So you’ll have plenty of options and won’t lose the community aspect you’ve come to enjoy.
Katrina - Falmouth, ME
I'm not sure which school to apply to because I am interested in business and economics. If I were to enroll in Arts and Letters how difficult would it be to transfer into the Business School?
ND Admissions
Katrina,
You don’t need to decide on your college until the end of your first year. In that time, you can explore courses in both colleges. If you select Economics as your intended major on your application, its not difficult to switch to the College of Business if you enroll.
Will - Lancaster, MA
I am currently a certified EMT in Massachusetts, which is very rare among people under the age of 18 and work on the ambulance in my town. Will an extracurricular activity such as this improve my chances of being admitted?
ND Admissions
Will,
Congrats on becoming an EMT! That is certainly something that will be unique in our applicant pool. The ultimate decision will be how your personal profile and academic accomplishments compare with the rest of the applicant pool. So, highlight your EMT experience, but know that the admissions decision will be based on a number of other factors as well.
James Griggs - Stilwell, KS
My dad is a Sigma Chi and I was interested in finding out information about this fraternity. How do I do that?
ND Admissions
Hi James!
Hope you and your father will not be disappointed, James, but Notre Dame does not offer Greek life here. Students do reside in halls by gender, so there is plenty of energy, loyalty, friendly competition and social life and mascots available, but instead of pledging, students are assigned their halls as first-year students, and typically remain in their initial residences. You should visit, if you have not yet done so – we will be happy to give you a comprehensive tour of the halls.
Jason - Los Angeles, CA
I am currently filling out my application through common application. I saw that Notre Dame requires a teacher recommendation. However, last June, my school closed due to a sex scandal and am now currently in a new school. In addition,I somehow lost contact with the teachers. I felt it wouldn't be a good idea to get a recommmendation from a teacher who taught me for only four month. Is it ok to just turn in a counselor report? Should I get a recommendation from one of my teachers in the new school?
ND Admissions
Jason,
We need a teacher evaluation to complete your application. We suggest that you ask one of your current teachers at your new high school.
kit - fairfield, ct
I've read articles about it being harder for girls to gain admissions into schools over boys since more girls attend college -- does ND have this issue and is this something you consider during the admissions process?
ND Admissions
Gender is not a primary consideration during the admissions process.
Jared - Anamosa, IA
Hi, I currently have a 3.77 G.P.A and am involved in many different groups and activites. My question is about the essays that I am writing, how much emphasis is put on the essays compared to grades and activites? I only ask because I want to write a superb essay but know that there will be some mistakes.
ND Admissions
Jared,
The essay can certainly play a significant role in our decision making process. I would focus on answering the question asked and writing well. With the amount of time you still have to write your essay, I would be surprised if there are any mistakes. Good luck!
Anh - Falls Church, VA
I would like to know that what factors that make Notre Dame unique. Personally, what is the first thing when you say about Notre Dame. As an out-state student, the distance is very important to me. Therefore, I would like to have a big picture about Notre Dame. I believe in your discretion.
ND Admissions
Anh,
This question has been answered earlier in the chat when we talk abou the things that make Notre Dame unique as a University.
Courtney Smith - Buffalo, NY
Do you know if the Air Force ROTC students at Notre Dame receive any additional room and board allowance?
ND Admissions
Good evening. ROTC students on a scholarship receive a stipend but it does not cover room and board.
Tracy - Ossining, NY
Hi! Thank you for this opportunity to contact Notre Dame. Could you tell me what a typical week (including weekends) is like at Notre Dame?
ND Admissions
Students go to class Monday through Friday. During their freetime in the week and on weekends, they play extracurricular sports, do servcie project, go to music programs, study, and socialize with one another.
Michael - Midland, TX
I am interested in trying out for the marching band, specifically the drumline. What are the audition requirements and who do I contact?
ND Admissions
Michael,
Tryouts for the marching band are usually held one week before the start of classes in the Fall. For more information please go to this link: http://www.nd.edu/~ndband/. Contact information for the band office is located at the lower right hand corner of the web page.
reeb - ,
Hi. I would like to know how many Pakistani or Saudi students apply and how many are currently enrolled at Notre Dame.
Does financial need impact the admission decision for international students?
ND Admissions
Good evening. Unfortunately, we currently do not have any Pakistani or Saudi students on campus. Also we are need-aware in the international admissions process, thus the financial need of an international student does play a part in the evaluation of an application.
Anne - Chicago, IL
Is there any financial aid/scholarship preference given to students admitted early vs regular?
ND Admissions
Dear Anne,
We do not differentiate financial aid packages based upon the early or regular admission program.
John - Great Falls, VA
I know that Notre Dame accepts the Common Application, but does the university use only that, or do you have an application of your own?
ND Admissions
John,
We are an exclusive member of the Common Application. We do not have a separate Notre Dame application.
Katrina - Des Plaines, IL
Hi ND admissions! I took the ACT more than once. I scored my best composite and subscores in English, Reading and Science on one test, but scored better on the math portion on another test. Should I send both ACT tests? Does ND evaluate only the ACT composite score? Thank you!
ND Admissions
Katrina,
We only look at the ACT composite score. We do not break up the ACT sub scores and make our own composite. However, we will take the best composite score from all test taken, therefore, send in both tests!
Ivy - College Station, TX
If dorms are available for student use, how are they set up?
ND Admissions
80% of Notre Dame students live on campus. Dorms are single sex. Freshmen through seniors live in the same residence halls.
Colleen - Millington, NJ
What percent of out-of-state applicants does Notre Dame accept? What are the most popular states?
ND Admissions
Colleen,
Since we are a private institution, most of our students come from outside of Indiana. In face, over half of our student body travels from over 500 miles away to attend Notre Dame. Illinois, Ohio, Texas and California are among the states we receive the most students from.
Bruno Anaya - Puebla, Mexico
I participated this year, and won a third place, in the Mexican National Mathematics Olympiad (this is the national qualification competition for the International Mathematics Olympiad). I believe this participation is important for application to Notre Dame. Is it necessary to send, my diploma of participation, or will it suffice to state this participation on the application?
ND Admissions
Bruno,
Congratulations on your achievement! You do not need to send the diploma, just state your participation on the application.
Alysha - Beebe, AR
Does being Catholic affect your chances of being admitted to Notre Dame?
ND Admissions
Our admitted first-year population mirrors our applicant pool in many ways, including faith affiliation. It is not a significant point of evaluation, Alysha….we focus on your high school academic life, extracurricular involvements, written expression and school endorsements. Students who practice faiths other than Catholicism feel welcomed and comfortable here, and will add perspectives crucial to a rich, univerisity education/life. Hope to review your application soon!
joseph - el monte, ca
Does having been selected for numerous Academic scholarships help in the admissions selection for Notre Dame? If i am interested in a sport at ND, how would i contact the right authority to receive information?
ND Admissions
Hi Joseph,
If you have been selected for outside scholarships, that information certainly won’t hurt your chances of being admitted. In the end, however, most of our decision is based on your academics and extracurriculars (including personal statements and letters of recommendation).
Brendan - Pittsburgh, PA
If you took the SATs multiple times, Notre Dame will look only at the highest scores on each individual section and evaluate your score as the combination of these, correct? The second time I took the SATs my critical reading and writing scores increased, however, I had an off-day on the math and my score fell 90 points from a 750 to a 660. Will Notre Dame give me the benefit of the doubt and look only at the higher score? Also, I realize that ND does emphasize the writing score as much as the main two, however will the fact that I scored an 800 on the writing help me in any way?
ND Admissions
For the SAT, we will look at the highest subscore from multiple tests. For the ACT, we will take the highest composite score from a single test. A strong writing score is looked upon favorably.
Brittany - Latham, NY
Do you have any suggestions with respect to the essay. I want to write about my community service involvement but I'm afraid I would either sound like I'm trying to brag or that my essay would come across as though I am exploiting my activity?
ND Admissions
Hi Brittany,
Thanks for joining us tonight! My best suggestion in regards to the essay, is to make sure that with the essay you add an additional layer of information about yourself, so I wouldn’t encourage that you rehash your list of example. In your particular case, I think it is just fine to write about your community service involvement if you feel like you’re sharing more than what we would have learned by just looking at your activities list.
Joe - La Habra Hts., Ca.
If I wanted to try out or play baseball for Notre Dame, do the players live together? Also, are there fees for equipment and uniforms?
ND Admissions
Hi Joe,
For your first year, rooming assignments are made randomly. After that, you can choose your roommate, so if you want him to be a baseball player, you’re free to do that, but athletes and non-athletes are combined in the dorms (there is no baseball dorm, for example).
Mike - Glendale, AZ
Thank you for your response. One last question: Will submiting an instrumental recording help my chances if I am to only minor in music?
ND Admissions
The supplements are generally intended for those who want to major in that area.
Clare - Tampa, FL
I'm interested in writing for the student newspaper. Is there a way for me to contact them now to let them know that I am interested?
ND Admissions
You can email them at observer@nd.edu.
Roger - San Pedro Sula, Honduras
I am curious...Are most of your applicants strongly influenced by the religious life at Notre Dame? What makes Mendoza a unique place to study business? I have heard that students enter Mendoza their second year. Also: I am a Dual US and Honduran Citizen, will I be considered an international student for admission purposes? Even though US citizens are not required to send a Certificate of Finances I sent it already. Thanks! -Roger Larach
ND Admissions
Good evening. The Mendoza College of Business is currently ranked number 3 in the United States and the fact that we are a Catholic university then provides you with a good foundation in ethics and morality. As a dual US Citizen applying from outside the United States you will be evaluated as an international student for admissions purposes but as a domestic student for financial aid purposes (need-blind).
Chris - Safety Harbor, FL
This may not be the right place to ask, but do notifications of Notre Dame Scholars and Reilly Scholars go out at the same time?
ND Admissions
Thanks for your question, Chris—these are two separate notification processes, and do not go out simultaneously.
Bryce - Newburgh, IN
Is the student's advisor someone that is kept in frequent contact, or is it like high school where it is once and done?
ND Admissions
You’ll certainly have more than one interaction with your adviser, but the depth of your relationship will, to some degree, depend on you. In addition to the omnipresent support of your hall staff, you are assigned a first year adviser as well as a senior to help you when you arrive, and then you’ll get another adviser within your department once you choose your major. You’ll meet with this person at least once a semester, but it can certainly be more.
Veni - Singapore, Singapore
do you have any singaporean students on campus?
ND Admissions
Good evening. Although we currently do not have any Singaporean students at the University of Notre Dame, we have in the past.
Nicolas - El Paso, Texas
What three words would you use to characterize the student body of ND?
ND Admissions
Really. Good. Looking.
Haha, I kid!
Friendly. Dynamic. Intelligent.
Adeel - Wharton, NJ
I studied and researched much of ND's biology department, and science studies as a whole, but can you give a break down of how students react towards their departments or specific highlights of the science department.
ND Admissions
Adeel,
Generally, our students in the College of Science are very happy with their experience. They feel challenged, yet fully supported. There are great research opportunities for our students, as well as extraordinary facilities for undergraduates. For students who may find that the College of Science is not a good fit, it is fairly easy to switch to a different college after your first year.
Bruno Anaya - Puebla, Mexico
I read that you are need aware in the applications of International students. I am currently living in Mexico, so all my transcripts and school documents will be from a school in Mexico. However, I am a US green card holder. How do I qualify in this particular regard then? Will my application be considered need blind or need aware?
ND Admissions
Good evening. As a Permanent Resident you fall under our need-blind admissions policy.
Anh - Falls Church, VA
If you can talk about one negative aspect at Notre Dame, what will you say?
ND Admissions
I’m sure students have little things here and there which they wish would change about Notre Dame, but in general, I think our students are pretty satisfied with their experiences.
Sorry I can’t give you a specific answer, but I couldn’t think of something after ten minutes!
Amanda - Palm Coast, Fl
I am an IB student.How do you view these courses compared to honors or AP?
ND Admissions
Hello Amanda, We consider IB courses to be most competitive (particularly, if an applicant is completing the IB diploma) In some schools, students take only IB courses and in others, students take a combination of AP and IB courses. Both paths are challenging and impressive.
Anh - Falls Church, VA
Does Notre Dame offer any co-op program?
ND Admissions
Good evening. No, we do not offer any co-op programs at the University of Notre Dame.
Sang Hee - Honolulu, HI
Does submitting the application early mean better chance of getting in?
ND Admissions
Good evening. No, applying to the University of Notre Dame during the Early Action period does not show more interest in the University. It is simply a service that we provide to students who want to know before Christmas of our final admissions decision.
Adeel - Wharton, NJ
What sort of extra curricular activities atnd out most at ND
ND Admissions
There are over 300 clubs and activities at ND, but I think some of the ones that stand out through our dorms. There are 28 dorms on campus, each with its own mascot and colors. Every dorm has a a choir, a number of sports teams (football, soccer, basketball, broomball, dodgeball…), does service events together, has it’s own governing council, and hosts dances and a campus-wide event, such as, say, a chariot-race or regatta.
Cody - Branchland, WV
If you are a student who has taken the hardest available courses does the university grant you some slack on actual scores?
ND Admissions
We want to ensure that every student we admit will be successful here. We like to see that a student has taken the most challenging courses and is at the top of his/her class; we also understand that not everyone is a strong test taker. But given the size of our pool, it’s a tough position for those students as there are many students who have taken the most challenging curriculum, are at the top of their class, and have strong SAT/ACT scores.
Veni - Singapore, Singapore
hello i am an international student and i am applying to notre dame for 2009. i have noticed that the international student % at mendoza are significantly low. I was wondering that is it very competitive for international students?
ND Admissions
Good evening. Students applying to the University of Notre Dame do not apply to a specific program or college within the university. Thus the percentage of international students in the Mendoza College of Business is not a reflection of the admit rate into it but rather the preference of what international students may choose to study at Notre Dame.
Adeel - Wharton, NJ
Hi I was a questbridge finalist and unfortunately i did not receive the match scholarship. I ranked Notre Dame as one of my colleges and sent all the information. Will I have to send a new css profile and materials or will they all carry over?
ND Admissions
Adeel,
You do not have to send the CSS PROFILE again. But we will need you to file the FAFSA and submit copies of your parents’ 2008 tax returns and W-2 forms once they are available. The 2009-2010 FAFSA goes online on January 1, 2009.
Vincent - North Andover, Massachusetts
Thanks for answering my previous question! I haven't had the opportunity to visit the Notre Dame campus yet, is there a communal area to work out? Or are most facilities found within or close to the dorms? I've made great friends in the weight room over my four years in high school, it would be a shame to lose that kind of community aspect.
ND Admissions
Hi Vincent,
No problem! There are lots of places to work out on campus. We have two workout facilities on campus, Rolfs Sports Recreation and Rockne Memorial, with Rolfs being the the newer of the two facilities. In addition, most of our residence halls offer a communal area to work out! So you’ll have plenty of options and won’t lose the community aspect you’ve come to enjoy.
Katrina - Falmouth, ME
I'm not sure which school to apply to because I am interested in business and economics. If I were to enroll in Arts and Letters how difficult would it be to transfer into the Business School?
ND Admissions
Katrina,
You don’t need to decide on your college until the end of your first year. In that time, you can explore courses in both colleges. If you select Economics as your intended major on your application, its not difficult to switch to the College of Business if you enroll.
Will - Lancaster, MA
I am currently a certified EMT in Massachusetts, which is very rare among people under the age of 18 and work on the ambulance in my town. Will an extracurricular activity such as this improve my chances of being admitted?
ND Admissions
Will,
Congrats on becoming an EMT! That is certainly something that will be unique in our applicant pool. The ultimate decision will be how your personal profile and academic accomplishments compare with the rest of the applicant pool. So, highlight your EMT experience, but know that the admissions decision will be based on a number of other factors as well.
James Griggs - Stilwell, KS
My dad is a Sigma Chi and I was interested in finding out information about this fraternity. How do I do that?
ND Admissions
Hi James!
Hope you and your father will not be disappointed, James, but Notre Dame does not offer Greek life here. Students do reside in halls by gender, so there is plenty of energy, loyalty, friendly competition and social life and mascots available, but instead of pledging, students are assigned their halls as first-year students, and typically remain in their initial residences. You should visit, if you have not yet done so – we will be happy to give you a comprehensive tour of the halls.
Jason - Los Angeles, CA
I am currently filling out my application through common application. I saw that Notre Dame requires a teacher recommendation. However, last June, my school closed due to a sex scandal and am now currently in a new school. In addition,I somehow lost contact with the teachers. I felt it wouldn't be a good idea to get a recommmendation from a teacher who taught me for only four month. Is it ok to just turn in a counselor report? Should I get a recommendation from one of my teachers in the new school?
ND Admissions
Jason,
We need a teacher evaluation to complete your application. We suggest that you ask one of your current teachers at your new high school.
kit - fairfield, ct
I've read articles about it being harder for girls to gain admissions into schools over boys since more girls attend college -- does ND have this issue and is this something you consider during the admissions process?
ND Admissions
Gender is not a primary consideration during the admissions process.
Jared - Anamosa, IA
Hi, I currently have a 3.77 G.P.A and am involved in many different groups and activites. My question is about the essays that I am writing, how much emphasis is put on the essays compared to grades and activites? I only ask because I want to write a superb essay but know that there will be some mistakes.
ND Admissions
Jared,
The essay can certainly play a significant role in our decision making process. I would focus on answering the question asked and writing well. With the amount of time you still have to write your essay, I would be surprised if there are any mistakes. Good luck!
Anh - Falls Church, VA
I would like to know that what factors that make Notre Dame unique. Personally, what is the first thing when you say about Notre Dame. As an out-state student, the distance is very important to me. Therefore, I would like to have a big picture about Notre Dame. I believe in your discretion.
ND Admissions
Anh,
This question has been answered earlier in the chat when we talk abou the things that make Notre Dame unique as a University.
Courtney Smith - Buffalo, NY
Do you know if the Air Force ROTC students at Notre Dame receive any additional room and board allowance?
ND Admissions
Good evening. ROTC students on a scholarship receive a stipend but it does not cover room and board.
Tracy - Ossining, NY
Hi! Thank you for this opportunity to contact Notre Dame. Could you tell me what a typical week (including weekends) is like at Notre Dame?
ND Admissions
Students go to class Monday through Friday. During their freetime in the week and on weekends, they play extracurricular sports, do servcie project, go to music programs, study, and socialize with one another.
Michael - Midland, TX
I am interested in trying out for the marching band, specifically the drumline. What are the audition requirements and who do I contact?
ND Admissions
Michael,
Tryouts for the marching band are usually held one week before the start of classes in the Fall. For more information please go to this link: http://www.nd.edu/~ndband/. Contact information for the band office is located at the lower right hand corner of the web page.
reeb - ,
Hi. I would like to know how many Pakistani or Saudi students apply and how many are currently enrolled at Notre Dame. Does financial need impact the admission decision for international students?
ND Admissions
Good evening. Unfortunately, we currently do not have any Pakistani or Saudi students on campus. Also we are need-aware in the international admissions process, thus the financial need of an international student does play a part in the evaluation of an application.
Anne - Chicago, IL
Is there any financial aid/scholarship preference given to students admitted early vs regular?
ND Admissions
Dear Anne,
We do not differentiate financial aid packages based upon the early or regular admission program.
John - Great Falls, VA
I know that Notre Dame accepts the Common Application, but does the university use only that, or do you have an application of your own?
ND Admissions
John,
We are an exclusive member of the Common Application. We do not have a separate Notre Dame application.
