Chats » Early Action Admitted Student Chat 2008/2009
Katie - Wausau, WI
When will I know which dorm I will be staying in and who I'll be rooming with?
ND Admissions
Katie,students are usually notified of housing assignments and roomates by mid-July.
Robert - Los Angeles, CA
What would you say to non-Catholics or Christmas/Easter Catholics worried about ND being overbearingly Catholic?
ND Admissions
Robert,
While we are proud of our Catholic identity, what you make of your spiritual and faith experience is completely left up to you. It is our hope that students who are both Catholic and non-Catholic grow deeper in their faith (regardless of denomination) during their Notre Dame experience. You will not be forced to attend masses or participate in faith sharing groups, but students have found that being open to these opportunities helps strengthen their Notre Dame experience.
Brandon - Cleveland, OH
How does the Physical Education requirement work?
ND Admissions
Hi Brandon,
Unless you are a varsity athlete or ROTC student at Notre Dame, there is a year of physical education required. You will be able to do six different rotations, and there’s quite a bit of variety, which you can find here . You must also be able to pass a basic swim test to begin the year.
Chrissy - Montville, NJ
Is there guaranteed four hear housing?
ND Admissions
Hi Chrissy,
Housing is guaranteed for all four years. You are randomly assigned to a dorm your freshman year (it almost always works out well, I promise), but after that you are free to choose your roommate and your dorm. Most people stay in the same dorm all four years, although some seniors do move off campus. I have been in my dorm for four years, and I love it!
Alexia - ,
I have noticed that UND offers internships for their students to make up for credits. Can students with enough credits simply do internships to gain experience?
ND Admissions
Yes, they certainly can! We encourage students to do internships in their area of interest over the summer.
Brenna - Rochester, NY
Is it difficult to get the classes you want your first year?
ND Admissions
Brenna, most students will be able to register for most of the courses they want. One significant exception would be University Seminars which average 16 students each. There are also some disappointments with foreign langauage courses at certain levels in certain semesters because the demnad can be high and the classes are under 20 in size.
Robert - Los Angeles, CA
How popular is the Environmental Science major?
ND Admissions
Environmental Science in an interdisciplinary program at Notre Dame, which exposes students to views of the environment from biological, chemical, and geological perspectives. Students really enjoy this major as they are encouraged to participate in environmentally oriented summer research projects and internships. Some choose to do Environmental Sciences as a first major, while others use it as a second major with their first in either Arts and Letters or in Business. If you are interested in this major, you may also want to look at the Environmental Geosciences program in the College of Engineering.
Andrea - Champaign, IL
What appliances are allowed in dorm rooms?
refridgerator? microwave? television?
ND Admissions
Hi Andrea,
Refrigerators and televisions are great for any dorm room and definitely allowed. Microwaves, toasters, and coffee makers are not allowed, but all of the dorms have at least one microwave and toaster for everyone to use. Some other things you might want to think about getting for your room are a carpet or rug and lots of storage containers.
Dan - Weymouth, MA
Since I do not live close to Notre Dame, do many students stay on campus most of the time? And are there activities on weekends?
ND Admissions
Between academics, athletics, and extra curricular activities there is always something happening on campus. Student Activities and Student Union Board do an excellent job of providing entertainment throughout the weekend. In the past we’ve had big name artists like Jack’s Mannequin, Third Eye Blind, and Ok Go come to campus, hypnotists, comedians, even actors from The Office! Legends nightclub also has free concerts, trivia nights, dance clubs, and comedians Thursday-Saturday all year long.
While students do stay pretty busy around campus, it’s really easy to get out into the South Bend area. Having a car is definitely not a necessity; students ride the Transpo bus system for free, many cab companies have special student discounts, and there are daily buses and trains into Chicago which is about 90 miles from South Bend.
Marguerite - Fox Point, WI
I was honored to find out that I was a Notre Dame Scholar in my admission letter, and something was mentioned about this tying in to applying for financial aid. Will being a Notre Dame Scholar give me a better chance of receiving aid?
ND Admissions
Marguerite,
Congratulations on your distinction as a Notre Dame Scholar! You should be very proud of this accomplishment.
All financial aid at Notre Dame is based upon demonstrated financial need. Students who are identified as Notre Dame Scholars typically receive less loan in their package (with more need-based scholarship).
Shannon - Shoreview, MN
What do we need to send in for our mid- and end-of-year reports? Is there a special form or can we just send in our latest transcript?
ND Admissions
You may send your 7th semester grades now, and forward your final, official transcript after graduation from high school. Your First Year advisor will expect to review a complete history of your high school academic performance prior to advising you on your initial classes at Notre Dame.
Adam - New Palestine, IN
What is the average percentage of students receiving need-based assistance; and, what is the average percentage of support provided for those students?
ND Admissions
Hi Adam,
Approximately 44% of the Freshman Class received University Scholarship assistance in 2008/2009; over 45% of all undergraduates received some form of gift aid from the University. Approximately 80% of the students received some form of financial aid.
Gina - `Cleveland, `OH
What criteria is needed to be accepted into the Keough-Naughton Institute for Irish Studies to minor in Irish Studies?
ND Admissions
Gina, there is no application process for the minor Irish Studies. Any student who takes the Irish langauge courses through the intermediate level is welcome to complete the minor.
Whit - Jackson, MS
I have read that Notre Dame sends out a letter during the summer that has information about purchasing laptops. Is there any way to recieve this information now if I want to purchase a laptop sooner?
ND Admissions
Hi Whit,
Here’s what our Office of Information Technology recommended students get for last fall.
George - Chicago, il
Does ND give any monetary award for National Merit Finalists who name ND as their first choice school?
ND Admissions
George,
Notre Dame does not participate in the matching program for National Merit Finalists. We would strongly encourage you to complete the financial aid process so we may evaluate your eligibility for our need based scholarship program.
Evan - Washington, IL
What does First year studies entail? What are some of the courses that you would take if you were a Freshman at the University of Notre Dame?
ND Admissions
The First Year of Studies assigns English, mathematics and science to all first-year students as a required set of courses. Additionally, two electives are required. These electives are exploratory courses to verify intended majors and/or Universisty requirements such as philosophy and theology.
Often, students bypass some of their first-year classes via AP and IB credit.
Luis - Ellicott City, Maryland
I am planning to go to an overnight stay with the Engineering department, what should I bring?
ND Admissions
You will be staying in a dorm with a host student, so plan on bringing all you would need for an overnight visit, including extra towels in case your host doesn’t have extras. The Engineering Department will give you an information packet with tons of info about the College of Engineering, a schedule for the weekend, and meal passes. The only other thing I can think of is paper and a pen to write down any other information you would need, but the College is great about providing you with lots of information. Other than that, enjoy your visit!
Ava - Sudbury, MA
Does social life exist outside football games in the fall? =)
ND Admissions
Hi Ava,
Yes! While football games bring students together as a community throughout the fall, there are many additional social activities available for students. Some examples include The Show, dorm dances, interhall sports, and cultural shows such as Asian Allure. There are plenty of activities going on throughout the year. You probably won’t have enough time to enjoy it all!
Andre - Jacksonville, FL
Do a majority of the students use laptops? If so, is there a particular brand that would be beneficial, for example a mac vs a PC
ND Admissions
Hi Andre,
Yes, a majority of students have laptops, although you are not required to have a computer. You can purchase either a Mac or a PC on your own, or through the university. You’ll get more information about buying a computer in the mail this summer and here are the specifications for last fall.
Brenna - Rochester, NY
What is happening with the expanision of the Joyce Center?
ND Admissions
Brenna,
The Joyce Center is currently undergoing a 60,0000-square foot, $25 million expansion and renovation of the south dome – home to our men’s and women’s basketball team. The renovated arena will be named Purcell Pavilion at the Joyce Center, in honor of Philip J. Purcell II, a graduate and trustee who has donated $12.5 million toward the project.All bleachers in the arena will be replaced with blue chair-back seats, dropping seating capacity from 11,418 to 9,800. A 16,500-square foot stadium club will overlook the floor at the arena’s south end. Other improvements will include updated concessions areas, more public restrooms and additional seating options for the disabled. A new main entrance will be constructed on the south side of the building, and the ticket office will move to the first floor. Most of this should be completed in late fall of 2009.
Stephen - midland, MI
If my family believes that we cannot afford the financial aid package is it possible to further explain the situation and obtain a better package?
ND Admissions
Stephen,
We try to offer the best financial aid package possible with our first decision as we consider many factors. I would encourage you to include any special circumstances on the CSS/PROFILE in the comment section. If there are additional circumstances or documentation you would like us to consider, please send that written information directly to our office so we may consider this information up front. With that said, Stephen, if you have concerns after receiving your package, we will reconsider the package if you have additional circumstances which were not originally included in our evaluation.
Emily - Greenville, SC
Are there any special scholarship opportunities for Girl Scouts? If so, what are they?
ND Admissions
Hi Emily,
There is a scholarship for Girl Scouts – the Clara M. Anthony Memorial Scholarship. Students wishing to apply for this scholarship must apply for financial aid by filing both the FAFSA and the CSS/Financial Aid PROFILE. For more information on the financial aid application procedures, please visit our website at http://www.nd.edu/~finaid/apply/index.shtml.
All University Scholarships funds, including the Clara M. Anthony Memorial Scholarship, are awarded based on a family’s demonstrated financial need as determined by the FAFSA and the CSS/Financial Aid PROFILE. Please keep in mind that the funds for this scholarship are limited; upon receiving your aid application we will review your eligibility and review the availablity of funds. If you are interested in this scholarship, please email our office at finaid@nd.edu and notify us.
Alexandra - Walnut Creek, CA
If I passed the AP English Lang. & Comp. exam last year, will I get additional credit for the AP English Literature exam? Or does Notre Dame give credit to only one of the AP English tests?
ND Admissions
Alexandra, you can gain credit for FYC 13100 through either AP English exam. No credit can then be earned through the other.
Andrea - Champaign, IL
Can freshman have cars on campus?
ND Admissions
Hey Andrea!
Freshmen can have cars second semester if they have good grades. Otherwise, you can always find a friend in your dorm who would be more than happy to let you tag along on trips to Target, the mall or out to dinner.
Robert - Los Angeles, CA
Someone I know thinks ND is a "super conservative, super religious, stuck up, rich, white school". I that just a stereotype?
ND Admissions
I would definitely say that this characterization of Notre Dame is a stereotype. Like any college, ND has students from different backgrounds with differing religious and political views. We take our identity as a Catholic school seriously, but religion is certainly not forced upon anyone. We are proud to be ND students, but I would never consider ND students to be stuck-up, and we are definitely not all rich (lots of students have jobs on campus to make their spending money or to help pay for books). Notre Dame is admittedly more conservative and religious than some schools, but there is not a lack of individuality or independent thinking among students.
Elynn - Caldwell, ID
If I have already filed the FAFSA and the CSS/PROFILE, but need to make some corrections, is the deadline for those corrections still Feb. 15?
ND Admissions
Hi Elynn,
For the University of Notre Dame, we do not require that you submit changes (unless you would prefer to do so) because we require all first-time applicants for financial aid to send copies of their Federal tax returns through the College Board IDOC service. We will use that information to update your application.
Marie - El Paso, Tx
What are the dorms like? Which ones have air conditioning? Which ones (if any) have public kitchens? And what other than bedding, a computer, and shampoo etc. am I supposed to bring?
ND Admissions
Hey Marie!
The dorms are all very different—some are very old with lots of character and fireplaces and beautiful windows, while others are cinderblock palaces :) The air conditioned dorms for girls are McGlinn, Welsh Fam, the Pasquerillas, and Ryan (which is not open now, but I think should be open next fall). All the dorms have public kitchens, but if you do a lot of baking/cooking, I would recommend bringing your own supplies/utensils cause they are usually pretty low on pots and pans. In terms of what you should bring, I would say cleaning supplies, lots of warm clothes, things to do like movies & games, some basic dishes (like a plate, bowl, and set of silverware) in case you want a bowl of cereal or a PB sandwich in your room.
Karen - Franklin, TN
When will athletes for the Fall semester of 2009-2010 be moving in? My daughter will be playing softball.
Thank you
ND Admissions
Karen, most students will move in on Friday, August 21. The only student-athletes to move in early will be those in fall sports, such as football and soccer.
Michael - Pittsburgh, PA
I remember seeing that any scholarships not listed on the original Award Letter must be reported, and may result in an adjustment to the University's gift aid. How will any originally reported scholarships affect the amount of gift aid I would be eligible for? Thanks!
ND Admissions
Michael,
As you indicate, the receipt of any scholarship, grant, or loan not listed on the original Award Letter must be reported to the Office of Financial Aid as soon as the student is notified of the award letter; this is true at any school.
The University of Notre Dame has a generous policy in terms of outside scholars. Since we meet financial need, the financial aid award may be adjusted by reducing the Federal Perkins Loan (if applicable), Federal Work-Study and the Federal Subsidized Stafford Loan. The University Scholarship will only be reduced if the outside scholarship exceeds these self-help resources.
Dan - Weymouth, MA
I am a golfer, but I'm not great at it. Are there opportunities, whether intramural or just reserving tee times, to golf even if not on the team?
ND Admissions
Hi Dan,
There are plenty of opportunities to golf… just not this time of the year. There’s a basic 9-hole course right on campus that offers good rates for students . The Warren Golf Course is just off campus, has been used as a preliminary site for the NCAA championships and is pretty challenging. Rates are here . Usually there will be a golf scramble or two you can sign up for through your dorm.
Nick - clinton township, mi
When will I find out about financial assistance? Although Notre Dame is my first choice, I have received several other scholarship offers that I cannot afford to pass up. They include full rides, etc.
ND Admissions
Hi Nick,
The first step is to be sure you have filed both the 2009/2010 FAFSA and CSS/Financial Aid PROFILE. Our office will review this information contained on these applications and determine a financial aid package for you. It is also important to keep the IDOC deadline of March 1, 2009. Starting in February, any student that submits a CSS/Financial Aid PROFILE will receive notification from IDOC. This notification will specifically request additional documents our office is requesting for the student’s file. The student will then submit these documents to IDOC, who would then electronically send the data to Notre Dame (and any other school the student applies to who uses both the CSS/Financial Aid PROFILE and IDOC). The closer to the deadline we recieve any additional documentation requested, the sooner we will be able to send your Financial Aid Award Letter to you. Our goal is to begin mailing early action Financial Aid Award Letters by mid-March.
Brenna - Rochester, NY
What is the best way to get a part time job apart from work study?
ND Admissions
Hey Brenna!
If you want to work, there are more than enough opportunities to get a job without doing work/study. I think they may give preference to work/study kids, but there are so many jobs that you will not have any trouble getting one :) You can do anything from work in a library to a dining hall or restaurant to being a tour guide, tutor, lifeguard, fitness class instructor…you name it.
Jamie - New Canaan, CT
Do I bring my own computer to campus? If so, do you provide a list of specs that would help me choose the right fit for college and for ND support services?
ND Admissions
Hi Jamie,
You can purchase a computer on your own or buy one through the university that includes a small education discount. Either a PC or a Mac will work and be supported once you’re here. Here are the specifications for last fall.
Bryan - Houston, TX
If I have submitted my CSS Profile and FAFSA, will we receive a notification that the university has received it? If so when?
ND Admissions
Bryan,
We do not send a specific notification that we received your applications. You can be pretty sure we received them if you check your Student Aid Report electronic communication and the CSS/PROFILE acknowledgment form and Notre Dame is listed. You are welcome to call our office in a week or so and we can confirm receipt.
Jamie - New Canaan, CT
Which carrier provides the best cell phone coverage on campus?
ND Admissions
Hey Jamie!
I have Verizon and am really pleased with my service. I have friends who have Cingular and AT&T as well and all have had good service. It wasn’t always this good, but a few years ago the University put a lot of work into making the reception better on campus.
Katie - Wausau, WI
If I'm interested in majoring in business, have I already been accepted into Mendoza or do I need to apply to get into the business school later?
ND Admissions
You are accepted to the first year of studies, and will take a well rounded curriculum during your first year. During the second year, you will begin ot take business classes.
Kaitlin - San Diego, CA
Do admitted students have to submit mid-year reports to the admissions office or just final reports?
ND Admissions
If you have been admitted, we will just anticipate receiving your final high school transcript, reflecting your senior year, with an academic performance commensurate with your earlier high school semesters.
Christopher - Rancho Palos Verdes, CA
What is the average class size at Notre Dame? Are there any classes taught by TA's?
ND Admissions
The average class size is 27 students. Over 90% of classes are taught by professors.
Katie - Wausau, WI
When will I know which dorm I will be staying in and who I'll be rooming with?
ND Admissions
Katie,students are usually notified of housing assignments and roomates by mid-July.
Robert - Los Angeles, CA
What would you say to non-Catholics or Christmas/Easter Catholics worried about ND being overbearingly Catholic?
ND Admissions
Robert,
While we are proud of our Catholic identity, what you make of your spiritual and faith experience is completely left up to you. It is our hope that students who are both Catholic and non-Catholic grow deeper in their faith (regardless of denomination) during their Notre Dame experience. You will not be forced to attend masses or participate in faith sharing groups, but students have found that being open to these opportunities helps strengthen their Notre Dame experience.
Brandon - Cleveland, OH
How does the Physical Education requirement work?
ND Admissions
Hi Brandon,
Unless you are a varsity athlete or ROTC student at Notre Dame, there is a year of physical education required. You will be able to do six different rotations, and there’s quite a bit of variety, which you can find here . You must also be able to pass a basic swim test to begin the year.
Chrissy - Montville, NJ
Is there guaranteed four hear housing?
ND Admissions
Hi Chrissy, Housing is guaranteed for all four years. You are randomly assigned to a dorm your freshman year (it almost always works out well, I promise), but after that you are free to choose your roommate and your dorm. Most people stay in the same dorm all four years, although some seniors do move off campus. I have been in my dorm for four years, and I love it!
Alexia - ,
I have noticed that UND offers internships for their students to make up for credits. Can students with enough credits simply do internships to gain experience?
ND Admissions
Yes, they certainly can! We encourage students to do internships in their area of interest over the summer.
Brenna - Rochester, NY
Is it difficult to get the classes you want your first year?
ND Admissions
Brenna, most students will be able to register for most of the courses they want. One significant exception would be University Seminars which average 16 students each. There are also some disappointments with foreign langauage courses at certain levels in certain semesters because the demnad can be high and the classes are under 20 in size.
Robert - Los Angeles, CA
How popular is the Environmental Science major?
ND Admissions
Environmental Science in an interdisciplinary program at Notre Dame, which exposes students to views of the environment from biological, chemical, and geological perspectives. Students really enjoy this major as they are encouraged to participate in environmentally oriented summer research projects and internships. Some choose to do Environmental Sciences as a first major, while others use it as a second major with their first in either Arts and Letters or in Business. If you are interested in this major, you may also want to look at the Environmental Geosciences program in the College of Engineering.
Andrea - Champaign, IL
What appliances are allowed in dorm rooms? refridgerator? microwave? television?
ND Admissions
Hi Andrea, Refrigerators and televisions are great for any dorm room and definitely allowed. Microwaves, toasters, and coffee makers are not allowed, but all of the dorms have at least one microwave and toaster for everyone to use. Some other things you might want to think about getting for your room are a carpet or rug and lots of storage containers.
Dan - Weymouth, MA
Since I do not live close to Notre Dame, do many students stay on campus most of the time? And are there activities on weekends?
ND Admissions
Between academics, athletics, and extra curricular activities there is always something happening on campus. Student Activities and Student Union Board do an excellent job of providing entertainment throughout the weekend. In the past we’ve had big name artists like Jack’s Mannequin, Third Eye Blind, and Ok Go come to campus, hypnotists, comedians, even actors from The Office! Legends nightclub also has free concerts, trivia nights, dance clubs, and comedians Thursday-Saturday all year long.
While students do stay pretty busy around campus, it’s really easy to get out into the South Bend area. Having a car is definitely not a necessity; students ride the Transpo bus system for free, many cab companies have special student discounts, and there are daily buses and trains into Chicago which is about 90 miles from South Bend.
Marguerite - Fox Point, WI
I was honored to find out that I was a Notre Dame Scholar in my admission letter, and something was mentioned about this tying in to applying for financial aid. Will being a Notre Dame Scholar give me a better chance of receiving aid?
ND Admissions
Marguerite,
Congratulations on your distinction as a Notre Dame Scholar! You should be very proud of this accomplishment.
All financial aid at Notre Dame is based upon demonstrated financial need. Students who are identified as Notre Dame Scholars typically receive less loan in their package (with more need-based scholarship).
Shannon - Shoreview, MN
What do we need to send in for our mid- and end-of-year reports? Is there a special form or can we just send in our latest transcript?
ND Admissions
You may send your 7th semester grades now, and forward your final, official transcript after graduation from high school. Your First Year advisor will expect to review a complete history of your high school academic performance prior to advising you on your initial classes at Notre Dame.
Adam - New Palestine, IN
What is the average percentage of students receiving need-based assistance; and, what is the average percentage of support provided for those students?
ND Admissions
Hi Adam,
Approximately 44% of the Freshman Class received University Scholarship assistance in 2008/2009; over 45% of all undergraduates received some form of gift aid from the University. Approximately 80% of the students received some form of financial aid.
Gina - `Cleveland, `OH
What criteria is needed to be accepted into the Keough-Naughton Institute for Irish Studies to minor in Irish Studies?
ND Admissions
Gina, there is no application process for the minor Irish Studies. Any student who takes the Irish langauge courses through the intermediate level is welcome to complete the minor.
Whit - Jackson, MS
I have read that Notre Dame sends out a letter during the summer that has information about purchasing laptops. Is there any way to recieve this information now if I want to purchase a laptop sooner?
ND Admissions
Hi Whit,
Here’s what our Office of Information Technology recommended students get for last fall.
George - Chicago, il
Does ND give any monetary award for National Merit Finalists who name ND as their first choice school?
ND Admissions
George,
Notre Dame does not participate in the matching program for National Merit Finalists. We would strongly encourage you to complete the financial aid process so we may evaluate your eligibility for our need based scholarship program.
Evan - Washington, IL
What does First year studies entail? What are some of the courses that you would take if you were a Freshman at the University of Notre Dame?
ND Admissions
The First Year of Studies assigns English, mathematics and science to all first-year students as a required set of courses. Additionally, two electives are required. These electives are exploratory courses to verify intended majors and/or Universisty requirements such as philosophy and theology. Often, students bypass some of their first-year classes via AP and IB credit.
Luis - Ellicott City, Maryland
I am planning to go to an overnight stay with the Engineering department, what should I bring?
ND Admissions
You will be staying in a dorm with a host student, so plan on bringing all you would need for an overnight visit, including extra towels in case your host doesn’t have extras. The Engineering Department will give you an information packet with tons of info about the College of Engineering, a schedule for the weekend, and meal passes. The only other thing I can think of is paper and a pen to write down any other information you would need, but the College is great about providing you with lots of information. Other than that, enjoy your visit!
Ava - Sudbury, MA
Does social life exist outside football games in the fall? =)
ND Admissions
Hi Ava,
Yes! While football games bring students together as a community throughout the fall, there are many additional social activities available for students. Some examples include The Show, dorm dances, interhall sports, and cultural shows such as Asian Allure. There are plenty of activities going on throughout the year. You probably won’t have enough time to enjoy it all!
Andre - Jacksonville, FL
Do a majority of the students use laptops? If so, is there a particular brand that would be beneficial, for example a mac vs a PC
ND Admissions
Hi Andre,
Yes, a majority of students have laptops, although you are not required to have a computer. You can purchase either a Mac or a PC on your own, or through the university. You’ll get more information about buying a computer in the mail this summer and here are the specifications for last fall.
Brenna - Rochester, NY
What is happening with the expanision of the Joyce Center?
ND Admissions
Brenna,
The Joyce Center is currently undergoing a 60,0000-square foot, $25 million expansion and renovation of the south dome – home to our men’s and women’s basketball team. The renovated arena will be named Purcell Pavilion at the Joyce Center, in honor of Philip J. Purcell II, a graduate and trustee who has donated $12.5 million toward the project.All bleachers in the arena will be replaced with blue chair-back seats, dropping seating capacity from 11,418 to 9,800. A 16,500-square foot stadium club will overlook the floor at the arena’s south end. Other improvements will include updated concessions areas, more public restrooms and additional seating options for the disabled. A new main entrance will be constructed on the south side of the building, and the ticket office will move to the first floor. Most of this should be completed in late fall of 2009.
Stephen - midland, MI
If my family believes that we cannot afford the financial aid package is it possible to further explain the situation and obtain a better package?
ND Admissions
Stephen,
We try to offer the best financial aid package possible with our first decision as we consider many factors. I would encourage you to include any special circumstances on the CSS/PROFILE in the comment section. If there are additional circumstances or documentation you would like us to consider, please send that written information directly to our office so we may consider this information up front. With that said, Stephen, if you have concerns after receiving your package, we will reconsider the package if you have additional circumstances which were not originally included in our evaluation.
Emily - Greenville, SC
Are there any special scholarship opportunities for Girl Scouts? If so, what are they?
ND Admissions
Hi Emily,
There is a scholarship for Girl Scouts – the Clara M. Anthony Memorial Scholarship. Students wishing to apply for this scholarship must apply for financial aid by filing both the FAFSA and the CSS/Financial Aid PROFILE. For more information on the financial aid application procedures, please visit our website at http://www.nd.edu/~finaid/apply/index.shtml. All University Scholarships funds, including the Clara M. Anthony Memorial Scholarship, are awarded based on a family’s demonstrated financial need as determined by the FAFSA and the CSS/Financial Aid PROFILE. Please keep in mind that the funds for this scholarship are limited; upon receiving your aid application we will review your eligibility and review the availablity of funds. If you are interested in this scholarship, please email our office at finaid@nd.edu and notify us.
Alexandra - Walnut Creek, CA
If I passed the AP English Lang. & Comp. exam last year, will I get additional credit for the AP English Literature exam? Or does Notre Dame give credit to only one of the AP English tests?
ND Admissions
Alexandra, you can gain credit for FYC 13100 through either AP English exam. No credit can then be earned through the other.
Andrea - Champaign, IL
Can freshman have cars on campus?
ND Admissions
Hey Andrea!
Freshmen can have cars second semester if they have good grades. Otherwise, you can always find a friend in your dorm who would be more than happy to let you tag along on trips to Target, the mall or out to dinner.
Robert - Los Angeles, CA
Someone I know thinks ND is a "super conservative, super religious, stuck up, rich, white school". I that just a stereotype?
ND Admissions
I would definitely say that this characterization of Notre Dame is a stereotype. Like any college, ND has students from different backgrounds with differing religious and political views. We take our identity as a Catholic school seriously, but religion is certainly not forced upon anyone. We are proud to be ND students, but I would never consider ND students to be stuck-up, and we are definitely not all rich (lots of students have jobs on campus to make their spending money or to help pay for books). Notre Dame is admittedly more conservative and religious than some schools, but there is not a lack of individuality or independent thinking among students.
Elynn - Caldwell, ID
If I have already filed the FAFSA and the CSS/PROFILE, but need to make some corrections, is the deadline for those corrections still Feb. 15?
ND Admissions
Hi Elynn,
For the University of Notre Dame, we do not require that you submit changes (unless you would prefer to do so) because we require all first-time applicants for financial aid to send copies of their Federal tax returns through the College Board IDOC service. We will use that information to update your application.
Marie - El Paso, Tx
What are the dorms like? Which ones have air conditioning? Which ones (if any) have public kitchens? And what other than bedding, a computer, and shampoo etc. am I supposed to bring?
ND Admissions
Hey Marie!
The dorms are all very different—some are very old with lots of character and fireplaces and beautiful windows, while others are cinderblock palaces :) The air conditioned dorms for girls are McGlinn, Welsh Fam, the Pasquerillas, and Ryan (which is not open now, but I think should be open next fall). All the dorms have public kitchens, but if you do a lot of baking/cooking, I would recommend bringing your own supplies/utensils cause they are usually pretty low on pots and pans. In terms of what you should bring, I would say cleaning supplies, lots of warm clothes, things to do like movies & games, some basic dishes (like a plate, bowl, and set of silverware) in case you want a bowl of cereal or a PB sandwich in your room.
Karen - Franklin, TN
When will athletes for the Fall semester of 2009-2010 be moving in? My daughter will be playing softball. Thank you
ND Admissions
Karen, most students will move in on Friday, August 21. The only student-athletes to move in early will be those in fall sports, such as football and soccer.
Michael - Pittsburgh, PA
I remember seeing that any scholarships not listed on the original Award Letter must be reported, and may result in an adjustment to the University's gift aid. How will any originally reported scholarships affect the amount of gift aid I would be eligible for? Thanks!
ND Admissions
Michael,
As you indicate, the receipt of any scholarship, grant, or loan not listed on the original Award Letter must be reported to the Office of Financial Aid as soon as the student is notified of the award letter; this is true at any school. The University of Notre Dame has a generous policy in terms of outside scholars. Since we meet financial need, the financial aid award may be adjusted by reducing the Federal Perkins Loan (if applicable), Federal Work-Study and the Federal Subsidized Stafford Loan. The University Scholarship will only be reduced if the outside scholarship exceeds these self-help resources.
Dan - Weymouth, MA
I am a golfer, but I'm not great at it. Are there opportunities, whether intramural or just reserving tee times, to golf even if not on the team?
ND Admissions
Hi Dan,
There are plenty of opportunities to golf… just not this time of the year. There’s a basic 9-hole course right on campus that offers good rates for students . The Warren Golf Course is just off campus, has been used as a preliminary site for the NCAA championships and is pretty challenging. Rates are here . Usually there will be a golf scramble or two you can sign up for through your dorm.
Nick - clinton township, mi
When will I find out about financial assistance? Although Notre Dame is my first choice, I have received several other scholarship offers that I cannot afford to pass up. They include full rides, etc.
ND Admissions
Hi Nick, The first step is to be sure you have filed both the 2009/2010 FAFSA and CSS/Financial Aid PROFILE. Our office will review this information contained on these applications and determine a financial aid package for you. It is also important to keep the IDOC deadline of March 1, 2009. Starting in February, any student that submits a CSS/Financial Aid PROFILE will receive notification from IDOC. This notification will specifically request additional documents our office is requesting for the student’s file. The student will then submit these documents to IDOC, who would then electronically send the data to Notre Dame (and any other school the student applies to who uses both the CSS/Financial Aid PROFILE and IDOC). The closer to the deadline we recieve any additional documentation requested, the sooner we will be able to send your Financial Aid Award Letter to you. Our goal is to begin mailing early action Financial Aid Award Letters by mid-March.
Brenna - Rochester, NY
What is the best way to get a part time job apart from work study?
ND Admissions
Hey Brenna!
If you want to work, there are more than enough opportunities to get a job without doing work/study. I think they may give preference to work/study kids, but there are so many jobs that you will not have any trouble getting one :) You can do anything from work in a library to a dining hall or restaurant to being a tour guide, tutor, lifeguard, fitness class instructor…you name it.
Jamie - New Canaan, CT
Do I bring my own computer to campus? If so, do you provide a list of specs that would help me choose the right fit for college and for ND support services?
ND Admissions
Hi Jamie,
You can purchase a computer on your own or buy one through the university that includes a small education discount. Either a PC or a Mac will work and be supported once you’re here. Here are the specifications for last fall.
Bryan - Houston, TX
If I have submitted my CSS Profile and FAFSA, will we receive a notification that the university has received it? If so when?
ND Admissions
Bryan,
We do not send a specific notification that we received your applications. You can be pretty sure we received them if you check your Student Aid Report electronic communication and the CSS/PROFILE acknowledgment form and Notre Dame is listed. You are welcome to call our office in a week or so and we can confirm receipt.
Jamie - New Canaan, CT
Which carrier provides the best cell phone coverage on campus?
ND Admissions
Hey Jamie!
I have Verizon and am really pleased with my service. I have friends who have Cingular and AT&T as well and all have had good service. It wasn’t always this good, but a few years ago the University put a lot of work into making the reception better on campus.
Katie - Wausau, WI
If I'm interested in majoring in business, have I already been accepted into Mendoza or do I need to apply to get into the business school later?
ND Admissions
You are accepted to the first year of studies, and will take a well rounded curriculum during your first year. During the second year, you will begin ot take business classes.
Kaitlin - San Diego, CA
Do admitted students have to submit mid-year reports to the admissions office or just final reports?
ND Admissions
If you have been admitted, we will just anticipate receiving your final high school transcript, reflecting your senior year, with an academic performance commensurate with your earlier high school semesters.
Christopher - Rancho Palos Verdes, CA
What is the average class size at Notre Dame? Are there any classes taught by TA's?
ND Admissions
The average class size is 27 students. Over 90% of classes are taught by professors.
