Being naturally drawn towards schools with prestigious history and strong athletic spirit, I've been seriously considering Notre Dame. That said, I've seen that their acceptance rate is relatively low. Could anyone shed some light on how competitive it actually is? What qualities does the university specifically look for in prospective students?
Notre Dame has indeed built up a reputation for its rich history and athletic spirit, making it a popular choice among many students. The acceptance rate at Notre Dame has tended to hover around 12-15% over the past few years, emphasizing the selective nature of the admissions process.
Notre Dame looks at several factors while evaluating applicants. Here are a few of them:
1. Academics: Strong academic performance is paramount. That includes your grades, the rigor of your high school course load — they'll notice if you took AP or honors classes when they were available — and test scores (although they are test-optional for the 2024-2025 application cycle).
2. Extracurricular Activities: Notre Dame also values students who've shown commitment to extracurricular activities. Having around 8-10 extracurriculars is great, but quality is more prized than quantity. Notable achievements or leadership roles, especially those related to your intended field of study, would demonstrate your dedication.
3. Essays: Your application essays carry weight too. These provide an opportunity to convey your personality, values, and reasoning behind choosing Notre Dame. Avoid generic answers and instead, weave in details that convey why you'd be a good fit for their community.
4. Recommendations: Recommendations from teachers or counselors can provide insight into how well you work in academic and extracurricular settings.
5. Community Engagement: Notre Dame places a strong emphasis on community, service, and leadership. Evidence of these qualities through community service, leadership roles, or involvement in your local community would resonate well with them.
Remember, these are just broad guidelines and every applicant is evaluated holistically. It's your unique combination of qualities and experiences that would make you a good fit for Notre Dame.
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