Chats » Early Action Admitted Student Chat 2008/2009
Na Kyum - Seoul, Korea
Hello. Is there any interdesciplinary program or self-design major in Notre Dame?
ND Admissions
Both! There are interdisciplinary programs across all fields, and there is an option to design your own major at ND. You will work with an adviser to closely detail your plans for study, and you will be able to take courses in the relevant disciplines.
Kyle - Leavenworth, KS
Is there a train from South Bend to Chicago? Is Chicago somewhat accessible by the students or is it common to make trips up there?
ND Admissions
Hi Kyle,
Thanks for your question. There is a train that runs from the South Bend Airport to downtown Chicago (Randolph and Michigan). It’s a really affordable and convenient way to get to the city if you’re interested in going for a weekend. I’d say that a vast majority of students take advantage of how accessible Chicago is at some point in their Notre Dame career, but to be quite honest, there’s so much happening on campus that students are not fleeing campus to go to Chicago or anywhere else on the weekends. Notre Dame is just too much fun!
Kathy - Boise, ID
Could you tell me a little bit about Air Force ROTC on campus.
ND Admissions
Hi Kathy,
Notre Dame has Army, Navy, Marine and Air Force ROTC on campus. You can apply for a scholarship for AFROTC, though that process is completely separate from Notre Dame’s admissions or financial aid process. Being in the ROTC program involves additional academic and physical fitness requirements. You can learn more about the unit here .
Adam - Chicago, IL
I can't ever find anything on Journalism as a major at ND. Could you share some info with me or provide a nice link? Thanks.
ND Admissions
Adam,
While we don’t have a Journalism major, students interested in pursing this field often major in American Studies.
Chris - Youngstown, OH
Do athletes receive preferential treatment in terms of the availability of athletic facilities? this is the case at other universities im interested in
ND Admissions
Chris,
Notre Dame has dedicated athletic facilities for varsity athletes on campus, most notably The Gug
However, Notre Dame also has two dedicated indoor athletic facilities for traditional students: The Rockne Memoraila and Rolfs Rec Center. There are also a host of other locations on campus the students can take advantage of. Students can often use varsity athletic facilities when not in use by varsity teams. For example, the men and women interhall football championships are held in Notre Dame stadium each November. Here is a clip from ESPN about interhall football at Notre Dame: ESPN on Interhall Football at ND
Marybeth - Grosse Pointe Farms, MI
I know someone who took dance classes at St. Mary's College throughout her years at Notre Dame. Would those classes count for credit towards graduation?
ND Admissions
They would be pure elective credits, and would most likely not count towards graduation. That being said, it is still a great opportunity that you would certainly be able to do, while fulfilling all requirements to graduate on time at ND.
John - Easton, CT
What makes the Notre Dame housing system unique?
ND Admissions
John,
Notre Dame’s housing system is the center of our community life on campus. The mission of our 28 residence halls is to build a faith-sharing community with a foundation of support networks spread throughout. Dorms are locations where students are able to build relationships with students of diverse backgrounds and ideologies. Each of our residence halls is single-sex, and students are randomly assigned to roommates, rooms, and dorms. It is truly a place that many students call “home”.
Andrea - Champaign, IL
Are students not majoring/minoring in theatre able to participate in plays and musicals?
ND Admissions
It is not necessary to be a major or minor to participate in many of the performances on campus
Kerriann - Franklin Lakes, NJ
When my Dad went to ND, crowded dorms were an occurrence, with some freshmen being assigned rooms in basements of dorms. What is the status today, and what is the chance that I might be assigned a room below ground in a dormitory?
ND Admissions
Hi Kerriann,
I have never heard of anyone living in the basement of their dorm in my four years at ND, so I think (and hope!) that rooms below ground are a thing of the past. We are actually opening a new women’s dorm this year to help with crowded rooms, and a new men’s dorm opened this year. Freshmen dorm rooms are generally small, but once you make them your own they do not seem so cramped anymore. Sometimes freshmen have one more person in their room than upperclassmen might have (for example, most of the rooms in my dorm are doubles and there are about three forced triples for freshmen in the dorm). In general, though, I don’t think the rooms are too overcrowded.
Gina - Cleveland, OH
Is there an opportunity to take violin lessons for novice players?
ND Admissions
Yes, Violin Lessons are offered. Students may do this for an extracurricular or for 1 credit in a semester.
Andrea - Champaign, IL
Is it easy for vegetarians to find food to eat on campus?
ND Admissions
Hi Andrea,
The dining hall has a number of choices every day and night—including options for vegetarians. While I myself enjoy a good piece of meat, I know my sister, who just graduated from ND and is a vegetarian, had no problem finding delicious food to eat everyday. If you ever visit, I think you’ll find yourself pleasantly surprised with the dining halls!
Patrick - Marshfield, MA
At my high school all of the assignments and class schedules are on-line. Does Notre Dame have something similar to this?
ND Admissions
Yes, more and more, assignments, tutoring, tests, lecture notes and class registration are taking place online.
Jessica - Boise, ID
Does the audition CD for a music scholarship need to be received by Jan. 31 or postmarked by Jan. 31?
ND Admissions
Jessica,
My understanding is that the CD can be postmarked by January 31 and still be considered.
Jake - Buffalo, NY
I hear that there's some sort of curfew rule at ND... What exactly are the specifics, and is it strictly enforced to the point where it's a nuisance? Thanks.
ND Admissions
Between midnight and 9 am on weeknights, students of the opposite sex are not allowed in the others’ residence halls. This rule applies from 2 am to 9 am on weekends. For more information, visit this link and click on Parietals
Luke - Valencia, CA
What day does orientation begin for incoming freshmen? Are there any orientation activities on Thursday August 20th or does it start on Friday August 21st when we move in?
ND Admissions
Hi Luke,
Thanks for joining us tonight! All orientation events for incoming freshmen students begin on Thursday, August 20th and come to a close on Sunday, August 23rd. I hope that helps!
Chris - Linwood, NJ
I'm visting the University over President's weekend. I know to expect cold...but what can I expect in activities around campus that might be interesting? Also, what is South Bend like outside of Notre Dame?
ND Admissions
So glad you are visiting! It will be cold, but there will be athletic, musical, theatrical and hall-related events to make your stay fun! Are you staying with a friend or host provided by us? Rest assured that the friends you make will keep you busy! South Bend is not a traditional college town, but it does offer good restaurants, a civic theatre, museums, a symphony, varied shopping venues and of course, proximity to Chicago by train. We are also building a new college town adjacent to the campus, full of shops, cafes and bookstores. You will stay busy!
Brian - Knoxville, TN
Do NBC or ESPN hire students to work on the sports telecasts on campus? If so, how/where do I sign up?
ND Admissions
Hi Brian,
There aren’t any regular employment opportunities that I’m aware of. You may be able to get an internship at the local NBC affiliate, WNDU, which is right on campus. That wouldn’t necessarily involve ND sports broadcasts though. I could be wrong, there are plenty of ND connections at NBC and ESPN, and a summer internship may be your best route.
John - Chicago, IL
I am planning on attending the Reilly Visitation Weekend. The departure time is listed for 8 am on Tuesday. Coincidentally, I have a baseball game on Tuesday and I need to be in school to be eligible to play. So, would it be possible for me to get picked up Monday night after the events are finished?
ND Admissions
Absolutely! Contact the office you need more details.
Emily - Greenville, SC
How do students become involved with the campus publications (The Observer, etc.)?
Also, who should I speak to about training with the Varsity rowing team as a novice?
ND Admissions
Hey Emily!
Once you get to campus, you can go to the Observer office in the basement of South Dining Hall to speak with someone who works there about getting involved. As for the rowing team, I think they send out a letter towards the end of the summer recruiting girls for rowing. If you would like to get ahead of the game, I would go to nd.edu and look up the rowing coach’s name and email and contact them yourself just to show your interest. I bet you would be able to do more than train with the team—you could probably row on it! A lot of the girls who end up rowing here did not row before they came here. Most were just really strong athletes who picked up rowing in college.
SUNKANMI - AKOKA, LAGOS
I WOULD LIKE TO KNOW THE REQUIREMENTS FOR A TRANSCRIPT FROM THE UNIVERSITY OF LAGOS, AND IF ANY EXAM LIKE SAT IS NEEDED FOR THE TRANSCRIPT?
ND Admissions
Hi Sunkanmi,
As long as the transcripts has all of your grades and classes, you will be fine. The SAT is required for all of our applicants, so if the score is not on your transcript, make sure you send a score report from the College Board.
Bob - Los Angeles, CA
how competitive is the intramural men's football? are there tryouts or anything?
ND Admissions
Interhall is pretty serious. Check out this link. There are tryouts, but dorms usually have more than one team.
Talar - Cold Spring Harbor, NY
What does the Honors Program at ND entail?
ND Admissions
The Honors Program at Notre Dame is very small, highly selective and available only for students of certain majors. Although it can be a nice addition to one’s Notre Dame experience, it is unlikely that it will define it. As a member of the HP, you will take part in special seminars taught by favorite campus faculty, you will have guaranteed summer research funding, and you will have access to the glorious HP lounge, complete with free snacks.
Brooke - Dallas, TX
How and when can I apply for housing? Are there any dorms for freshman girls that have private bath options? thanks!
ND Admissions
Hi Brooke,
Once you send in your letter saying that you will be attending Notre Dame, you will be randomly assigned to a dorm. You will probably get your housing assignment sometime in July. Although there is no questionnaire, the dorm and roommate assignments almost always work out really well. Most people stay in the same dorm all four years; all of them are unique. There are no private bath options for freshmen, although, depending on what dorm you are in, you may have that option in later years. I was actually very nervous about community bathrooms, but I adjusted to them very quickly and am not bothered by them anymore.
Brennan - Los Angeles, CA
How strict is ND on student parties or drinking? Does a student who is caught drinking and is underage get punished and how?
ND Admissions
Brennan,
All students are responsible for complying with University regulations and Indiana laws regarding possession or consumption of alcohol. Any person under 21 years of age is underage in the State of Indiana. All students are expected to comply with Indiana law at all times. Students may be subject to disciplinary action for underage consumption, possession or transportation of alcoholic beverages. Depending on the severity of the offense, students must face disciplinary actions with the Office of Residence Life and Housing or with the South Bend Police Department.
Maria - Birmingham, AL
On a trip to ND, I noticed that the students seemed to identify themselves with their dorm, like they would with a sorority or fraternity at other schools. Is this the case?
ND Admissions
There is no Greek life on Notre Dame’s campus, but the residence hall system fosters a strong sense of community that is very similar to that of fraternities and sororities. Students develop loyalty to their residence halls and usually remain in the same dorm their entire time on campus.
Chrissy - Montville, NJ
Do you know what the percentage of students who recieve job offers after graduating from the business school is? thanks
ND Admissions
Our career center is a wonderful resource at Notre Dame. We typically find that 99% of our students are placed after graduation.
Renee - Rockville, MD
If we want to use our AP Scores to fulfill some first year classes, do we still need to take the actual class exam to pass that course? Or the AP score simply gets us passed.
ND Admissions
Renee, if you earn the required score on a particular AP exam, you will earn the credit and not need to take any other test.
Patrizia - Mishawaka, IN
Hi! I'm applying to other schools, like Duke, for engineering. What is it about Notre Dame's program that separates it from other schools of the same size and prestige?
ND Admissions
We feel a Notre Dame education is a truly holistic one as we expect our students to grow intellectually, socially, and spiritually. The strength of our community along with our school spirit and alumni connections, we feel, is unparalleled.
Jack - Briarcliff Manor, NY
How often do average ND students make trips to Chicago?
ND Admissions
It depends on the student. There are usually so many things going on around campus that Chicago is a last resort if your at a lost for things to do. I really like to shop and drive up to Chicago about twice a semester, which is a lot for a typical ND student. Some of my friends may only go once a year aside of connecting flights home, whereas I knew a girl that went nearly every weekend!
Christine - Ft. Lauderdale, FL
I plan to major in architecture.
What is the size of a typical class?
If there are any juniors participating in this chat who went to Italy for junior year abroad, what was that experience like?
I live in Florida so winter will be new to me. What tips do you have for me on handling my first winter?
Thank you!
ND Admissions
Hey Christine!
I hear ya on the Florida thing—I grew up in the south myself and the weather has definitely been the biggest adjustment for me. I would say that you should buy the warmest coat and boots you can find. Knee length coat, hats, scarves, mittens, gloves, and boots. My biggest mistake was thinking I could get away without those things like I had for so long. Unfortunately, the best thing to do is just to accept the weather and dress for it. And believe it or not, there are a lot of adorable cold weather clothing/accessories out there. Maybe look now for a coat while all the good sales are on :)
Bob - Los Angeles, CA
I heard that there are hiking trails on campus. Is that true? If not, are there any hiking opportunities nearby?
ND Admissions
Please see above answer—there are trails nearby, but “hiking” may be a generous name for them.
Michael - Knoxville, TN
How do AP Language credits carry over to ND?
ND Admissions
Michael, similar to all other AP credit situations it depends on your program of study. The Colleges of Arts and Letters and Science have a language requirement of completing the intermediate level.of a language. If you have AP credit for the intermediate level, Arts and Letters will require you to take one more course in the language while Science will use that same credit to complete the requirement.
John - Chicago, IL
If you are accepted to the Glynn Honors Program, do you have to become a member or can you choose if you want to join the program?
ND Admissions
If you are accepted to the Glynn Family Honors Program, it will be up to you to decide if you join.
Gregory - Peabody, MA
How can you become a team manager for a sports team?
ND Admissions
Hi Gregory,
You can start off as a manager during the second semester of your freshman year and work your way up to the head manager of a specific team here on campus. It’s a great program and a great opportunity to get involved in Irish athletics. You can find more information at their website, http://www.nd.edu/~managers/index.html
Erin - Littleton, CO
Is it possible for an engineer to study abroad the spring semester of their sophomore year?
ND Admissions
Spring semester of sophomore year may be early, but there are some sophomores who choose to go abroad. Because engineering is such a structured major, it may be more workable to go abroad during the normal time frame, which is a semester junior year.
Mark - North Oaks, MN
Are there any foreign dining resturants on campus or nearby? How about some Asian or Greek food :)
ND Admissions
There are plenty. For Asian food, it depends on what you’re looking for; we have everything from Chinese to Japanese to Korean to Vietnamese to Thai. If you try J. W. Chen’s tell her Covington sent you. There a number of good Greek places around campus too. There’s King Gyros for a more fast food Greek place. Nick’s Patio is open 24 hrs and I saw Brady Quinn there almost every time I went.
Shannon - Shoreview, MN
I've heard rumor that along with the new engineering building on campus, a second is being built off campus that will be a collaboration between the school and local companies. Any truth to this rumor? Can you elaborate on the plan?
ND Admissions
We are building an “innovation park” that will cooperate a great deal with our science and engineering colleges. It will be a short walk away from our front gates and we are excited to have it open. Feel free to check it out: http://www.innovationparknd.com
Patrick - Marshfield, MA
How much more difficult do students think the Glynn Family Honors Program is compared to the regular course of studies in terms of the time commitment?
ND Admissions
Hi Patrick,
The Honors Program will afford you some excellent academic and research opportunities, but it will involve a significant time commitment. You can learn more about the program from their website and they may be able to put you in touch with a current students. Some first hand advice may give you a little bit better idea.
Chrissy - Montville, NJ
I'm sorry to ask so many questions, but how much do tickets to the football games cost for students? Thanks!
ND Admissions
Hey Chrissy!
Student tickets usually cost about $279 for the six or seven home games. It was probably some of the best money I ever spent :) Of course, I live for ND football, but you will too once you get here if you don’t already :)
GO IRISH!
Min Gyu - ,
How many international students get scholarship?
ND Admissions
We try to spread our scholarship funds to as many international students as possible. In the end, it depends on how many students we have apply for aid and the quality of our applicant pool. But rest assured, we do our very best!
Na Kyum - Seoul, Korea
Hello. Is there any interdesciplinary program or self-design major in Notre Dame?
ND Admissions
Both! There are interdisciplinary programs across all fields, and there is an option to design your own major at ND. You will work with an adviser to closely detail your plans for study, and you will be able to take courses in the relevant disciplines.
Kyle - Leavenworth, KS
Is there a train from South Bend to Chicago? Is Chicago somewhat accessible by the students or is it common to make trips up there?
ND Admissions
Hi Kyle,
Thanks for your question. There is a train that runs from the South Bend Airport to downtown Chicago (Randolph and Michigan). It’s a really affordable and convenient way to get to the city if you’re interested in going for a weekend. I’d say that a vast majority of students take advantage of how accessible Chicago is at some point in their Notre Dame career, but to be quite honest, there’s so much happening on campus that students are not fleeing campus to go to Chicago or anywhere else on the weekends. Notre Dame is just too much fun!
Kathy - Boise, ID
Could you tell me a little bit about Air Force ROTC on campus.
ND Admissions
Hi Kathy,
Notre Dame has Army, Navy, Marine and Air Force ROTC on campus. You can apply for a scholarship for AFROTC, though that process is completely separate from Notre Dame’s admissions or financial aid process. Being in the ROTC program involves additional academic and physical fitness requirements. You can learn more about the unit here .
Adam - Chicago, IL
I can't ever find anything on Journalism as a major at ND. Could you share some info with me or provide a nice link? Thanks.
ND Admissions
Adam,
While we don’t have a Journalism major, students interested in pursing this field often major in American Studies.
Chris - Youngstown, OH
Do athletes receive preferential treatment in terms of the availability of athletic facilities? this is the case at other universities im interested in
ND Admissions
Chris,
Notre Dame has dedicated athletic facilities for varsity athletes on campus, most notably The Gug
However, Notre Dame also has two dedicated indoor athletic facilities for traditional students: The Rockne Memoraila and Rolfs Rec Center. There are also a host of other locations on campus the students can take advantage of. Students can often use varsity athletic facilities when not in use by varsity teams. For example, the men and women interhall football championships are held in Notre Dame stadium each November. Here is a clip from ESPN about interhall football at Notre Dame: ESPN on Interhall Football at ND
Marybeth - Grosse Pointe Farms, MI
I know someone who took dance classes at St. Mary's College throughout her years at Notre Dame. Would those classes count for credit towards graduation?
ND Admissions
They would be pure elective credits, and would most likely not count towards graduation. That being said, it is still a great opportunity that you would certainly be able to do, while fulfilling all requirements to graduate on time at ND.
John - Easton, CT
What makes the Notre Dame housing system unique?
ND Admissions
John,
Notre Dame’s housing system is the center of our community life on campus. The mission of our 28 residence halls is to build a faith-sharing community with a foundation of support networks spread throughout. Dorms are locations where students are able to build relationships with students of diverse backgrounds and ideologies. Each of our residence halls is single-sex, and students are randomly assigned to roommates, rooms, and dorms. It is truly a place that many students call “home”.
Andrea - Champaign, IL
Are students not majoring/minoring in theatre able to participate in plays and musicals?
ND Admissions
It is not necessary to be a major or minor to participate in many of the performances on campus
Kerriann - Franklin Lakes, NJ
When my Dad went to ND, crowded dorms were an occurrence, with some freshmen being assigned rooms in basements of dorms. What is the status today, and what is the chance that I might be assigned a room below ground in a dormitory?
ND Admissions
Hi Kerriann, I have never heard of anyone living in the basement of their dorm in my four years at ND, so I think (and hope!) that rooms below ground are a thing of the past. We are actually opening a new women’s dorm this year to help with crowded rooms, and a new men’s dorm opened this year. Freshmen dorm rooms are generally small, but once you make them your own they do not seem so cramped anymore. Sometimes freshmen have one more person in their room than upperclassmen might have (for example, most of the rooms in my dorm are doubles and there are about three forced triples for freshmen in the dorm). In general, though, I don’t think the rooms are too overcrowded.
Gina - Cleveland, OH
Is there an opportunity to take violin lessons for novice players?
ND Admissions
Yes, Violin Lessons are offered. Students may do this for an extracurricular or for 1 credit in a semester.
Andrea - Champaign, IL
Is it easy for vegetarians to find food to eat on campus?
ND Admissions
Hi Andrea,
The dining hall has a number of choices every day and night—including options for vegetarians. While I myself enjoy a good piece of meat, I know my sister, who just graduated from ND and is a vegetarian, had no problem finding delicious food to eat everyday. If you ever visit, I think you’ll find yourself pleasantly surprised with the dining halls!
Patrick - Marshfield, MA
At my high school all of the assignments and class schedules are on-line. Does Notre Dame have something similar to this?
ND Admissions
Yes, more and more, assignments, tutoring, tests, lecture notes and class registration are taking place online.
Jessica - Boise, ID
Does the audition CD for a music scholarship need to be received by Jan. 31 or postmarked by Jan. 31?
ND Admissions
Jessica,
My understanding is that the CD can be postmarked by January 31 and still be considered.
Jake - Buffalo, NY
I hear that there's some sort of curfew rule at ND... What exactly are the specifics, and is it strictly enforced to the point where it's a nuisance? Thanks.
ND Admissions
Between midnight and 9 am on weeknights, students of the opposite sex are not allowed in the others’ residence halls. This rule applies from 2 am to 9 am on weekends. For more information, visit this link and click on Parietals
Luke - Valencia, CA
What day does orientation begin for incoming freshmen? Are there any orientation activities on Thursday August 20th or does it start on Friday August 21st when we move in?
ND Admissions
Hi Luke,
Thanks for joining us tonight! All orientation events for incoming freshmen students begin on Thursday, August 20th and come to a close on Sunday, August 23rd. I hope that helps!
Chris - Linwood, NJ
I'm visting the University over President's weekend. I know to expect cold...but what can I expect in activities around campus that might be interesting? Also, what is South Bend like outside of Notre Dame?
ND Admissions
So glad you are visiting! It will be cold, but there will be athletic, musical, theatrical and hall-related events to make your stay fun! Are you staying with a friend or host provided by us? Rest assured that the friends you make will keep you busy! South Bend is not a traditional college town, but it does offer good restaurants, a civic theatre, museums, a symphony, varied shopping venues and of course, proximity to Chicago by train. We are also building a new college town adjacent to the campus, full of shops, cafes and bookstores. You will stay busy!
Brian - Knoxville, TN
Do NBC or ESPN hire students to work on the sports telecasts on campus? If so, how/where do I sign up?
ND Admissions
Hi Brian,
There aren’t any regular employment opportunities that I’m aware of. You may be able to get an internship at the local NBC affiliate, WNDU, which is right on campus. That wouldn’t necessarily involve ND sports broadcasts though. I could be wrong, there are plenty of ND connections at NBC and ESPN, and a summer internship may be your best route.
John - Chicago, IL
I am planning on attending the Reilly Visitation Weekend. The departure time is listed for 8 am on Tuesday. Coincidentally, I have a baseball game on Tuesday and I need to be in school to be eligible to play. So, would it be possible for me to get picked up Monday night after the events are finished?
ND Admissions
Absolutely! Contact the office you need more details.
Emily - Greenville, SC
How do students become involved with the campus publications (The Observer, etc.)? Also, who should I speak to about training with the Varsity rowing team as a novice?
ND Admissions
Hey Emily!
Once you get to campus, you can go to the Observer office in the basement of South Dining Hall to speak with someone who works there about getting involved. As for the rowing team, I think they send out a letter towards the end of the summer recruiting girls for rowing. If you would like to get ahead of the game, I would go to nd.edu and look up the rowing coach’s name and email and contact them yourself just to show your interest. I bet you would be able to do more than train with the team—you could probably row on it! A lot of the girls who end up rowing here did not row before they came here. Most were just really strong athletes who picked up rowing in college.
SUNKANMI - AKOKA, LAGOS
I WOULD LIKE TO KNOW THE REQUIREMENTS FOR A TRANSCRIPT FROM THE UNIVERSITY OF LAGOS, AND IF ANY EXAM LIKE SAT IS NEEDED FOR THE TRANSCRIPT?
ND Admissions
Hi Sunkanmi,
As long as the transcripts has all of your grades and classes, you will be fine. The SAT is required for all of our applicants, so if the score is not on your transcript, make sure you send a score report from the College Board.
Bob - Los Angeles, CA
how competitive is the intramural men's football? are there tryouts or anything?
ND Admissions
Interhall is pretty serious. Check out this link. There are tryouts, but dorms usually have more than one team.
Talar - Cold Spring Harbor, NY
What does the Honors Program at ND entail?
ND Admissions
The Honors Program at Notre Dame is very small, highly selective and available only for students of certain majors. Although it can be a nice addition to one’s Notre Dame experience, it is unlikely that it will define it. As a member of the HP, you will take part in special seminars taught by favorite campus faculty, you will have guaranteed summer research funding, and you will have access to the glorious HP lounge, complete with free snacks.
Brooke - Dallas, TX
How and when can I apply for housing? Are there any dorms for freshman girls that have private bath options? thanks!
ND Admissions
Hi Brooke, Once you send in your letter saying that you will be attending Notre Dame, you will be randomly assigned to a dorm. You will probably get your housing assignment sometime in July. Although there is no questionnaire, the dorm and roommate assignments almost always work out really well. Most people stay in the same dorm all four years; all of them are unique. There are no private bath options for freshmen, although, depending on what dorm you are in, you may have that option in later years. I was actually very nervous about community bathrooms, but I adjusted to them very quickly and am not bothered by them anymore.
Brennan - Los Angeles, CA
How strict is ND on student parties or drinking? Does a student who is caught drinking and is underage get punished and how?
ND Admissions
Brennan,
All students are responsible for complying with University regulations and Indiana laws regarding possession or consumption of alcohol. Any person under 21 years of age is underage in the State of Indiana. All students are expected to comply with Indiana law at all times. Students may be subject to disciplinary action for underage consumption, possession or transportation of alcoholic beverages. Depending on the severity of the offense, students must face disciplinary actions with the Office of Residence Life and Housing or with the South Bend Police Department.
Maria - Birmingham, AL
On a trip to ND, I noticed that the students seemed to identify themselves with their dorm, like they would with a sorority or fraternity at other schools. Is this the case?
ND Admissions
There is no Greek life on Notre Dame’s campus, but the residence hall system fosters a strong sense of community that is very similar to that of fraternities and sororities. Students develop loyalty to their residence halls and usually remain in the same dorm their entire time on campus.
Chrissy - Montville, NJ
Do you know what the percentage of students who recieve job offers after graduating from the business school is? thanks
ND Admissions
Our career center is a wonderful resource at Notre Dame. We typically find that 99% of our students are placed after graduation.
Renee - Rockville, MD
If we want to use our AP Scores to fulfill some first year classes, do we still need to take the actual class exam to pass that course? Or the AP score simply gets us passed.
ND Admissions
Renee, if you earn the required score on a particular AP exam, you will earn the credit and not need to take any other test.
Patrizia - Mishawaka, IN
Hi! I'm applying to other schools, like Duke, for engineering. What is it about Notre Dame's program that separates it from other schools of the same size and prestige?
ND Admissions
We feel a Notre Dame education is a truly holistic one as we expect our students to grow intellectually, socially, and spiritually. The strength of our community along with our school spirit and alumni connections, we feel, is unparalleled.
Jack - Briarcliff Manor, NY
How often do average ND students make trips to Chicago?
ND Admissions
It depends on the student. There are usually so many things going on around campus that Chicago is a last resort if your at a lost for things to do. I really like to shop and drive up to Chicago about twice a semester, which is a lot for a typical ND student. Some of my friends may only go once a year aside of connecting flights home, whereas I knew a girl that went nearly every weekend!
Christine - Ft. Lauderdale, FL
I plan to major in architecture. What is the size of a typical class? If there are any juniors participating in this chat who went to Italy for junior year abroad, what was that experience like? I live in Florida so winter will be new to me. What tips do you have for me on handling my first winter? Thank you!
ND Admissions
Hey Christine!
I hear ya on the Florida thing—I grew up in the south myself and the weather has definitely been the biggest adjustment for me. I would say that you should buy the warmest coat and boots you can find. Knee length coat, hats, scarves, mittens, gloves, and boots. My biggest mistake was thinking I could get away without those things like I had for so long. Unfortunately, the best thing to do is just to accept the weather and dress for it. And believe it or not, there are a lot of adorable cold weather clothing/accessories out there. Maybe look now for a coat while all the good sales are on :)
Bob - Los Angeles, CA
I heard that there are hiking trails on campus. Is that true? If not, are there any hiking opportunities nearby?
ND Admissions
Please see above answer—there are trails nearby, but “hiking” may be a generous name for them.
Michael - Knoxville, TN
How do AP Language credits carry over to ND?
ND Admissions
Michael, similar to all other AP credit situations it depends on your program of study. The Colleges of Arts and Letters and Science have a language requirement of completing the intermediate level.of a language. If you have AP credit for the intermediate level, Arts and Letters will require you to take one more course in the language while Science will use that same credit to complete the requirement.
John - Chicago, IL
If you are accepted to the Glynn Honors Program, do you have to become a member or can you choose if you want to join the program?
ND Admissions
If you are accepted to the Glynn Family Honors Program, it will be up to you to decide if you join.
Gregory - Peabody, MA
How can you become a team manager for a sports team?
ND Admissions
Hi Gregory,
You can start off as a manager during the second semester of your freshman year and work your way up to the head manager of a specific team here on campus. It’s a great program and a great opportunity to get involved in Irish athletics. You can find more information at their website, http://www.nd.edu/~managers/index.html
Erin - Littleton, CO
Is it possible for an engineer to study abroad the spring semester of their sophomore year?
ND Admissions
Spring semester of sophomore year may be early, but there are some sophomores who choose to go abroad. Because engineering is such a structured major, it may be more workable to go abroad during the normal time frame, which is a semester junior year.
Mark - North Oaks, MN
Are there any foreign dining resturants on campus or nearby? How about some Asian or Greek food :)
ND Admissions
There are plenty. For Asian food, it depends on what you’re looking for; we have everything from Chinese to Japanese to Korean to Vietnamese to Thai. If you try J. W. Chen’s tell her Covington sent you. There a number of good Greek places around campus too. There’s King Gyros for a more fast food Greek place. Nick’s Patio is open 24 hrs and I saw Brady Quinn there almost every time I went.
Shannon - Shoreview, MN
I've heard rumor that along with the new engineering building on campus, a second is being built off campus that will be a collaboration between the school and local companies. Any truth to this rumor? Can you elaborate on the plan?
ND Admissions
We are building an “innovation park” that will cooperate a great deal with our science and engineering colleges. It will be a short walk away from our front gates and we are excited to have it open. Feel free to check it out: http://www.innovationparknd.com
Patrick - Marshfield, MA
How much more difficult do students think the Glynn Family Honors Program is compared to the regular course of studies in terms of the time commitment?
ND Admissions
Hi Patrick,
The Honors Program will afford you some excellent academic and research opportunities, but it will involve a significant time commitment. You can learn more about the program from their website and they may be able to put you in touch with a current students. Some first hand advice may give you a little bit better idea.
Chrissy - Montville, NJ
I'm sorry to ask so many questions, but how much do tickets to the football games cost for students? Thanks!
ND Admissions
Hey Chrissy!
Student tickets usually cost about $279 for the six or seven home games. It was probably some of the best money I ever spent :) Of course, I live for ND football, but you will too once you get here if you don’t already :)
GO IRISH!
Min Gyu - ,
How many international students get scholarship?
ND Admissions
We try to spread our scholarship funds to as many international students as possible. In the end, it depends on how many students we have apply for aid and the quality of our applicant pool. But rest assured, we do our very best!
