Hi all! I'm applying to Notre Dame and I'm currently working on the supplemental essays. I'm wondering if anyone has any advice on what specific aspects of the school or my personality/experiences I should focus on to make my essays stand out? Thanks in advance!
Hey there! Congrats on deciding to apply to Notre Dame. When working on your supplemental essays, it's essential to showcase your genuine interest in the university by matching your personal values with the school's mission/culture.
Do some research on Notre Dame's programs, clubs, and traditions to find unique aspects that genuinely resonate with you. For example, you could discuss their strong emphasis on community service, interdisciplinary learning, or living-learning communities, and then explain briefly how your past experiences have led to you developing an interest in that particular value.
You can do that by showcasing your passion for learning, involvement in extracurricular activities, or commitment to community building, and highlight how you'll contribute positively to Notre Dame's community. Try to avoid generic statements and cliches, opting for personal anecdotes that truly showcase your character.
For more detailed advice on each of Notre Dame's supplemental essays, you can check out CollegeVine's blog post breaking down how to tackle each prompt: https://blog.collegevine.com/how-to-write-the-university-of-notre-dame-essays.
Don't forget to proofread your essays carefully and consider asking someone you trust to provide feedback. CollegeVine can help here too: we offer both free peer essay reviews and paid reviews by expert college admissions advisors, depending on your needs. Good luck on your application!
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