Dreaming of Notre Dame University - How to Get In?

So, my dream school is Notre Dame University but I gotta admit, the admission process is freaking me out a bit. What do you think are the main things I should focus on to get into ND? Any strategies, anecdotes, or wisdom would be much appreciated.

First off, congratulations on setting your sights on a respected institution like Notre Dame University. You're already off to a good start by seeking advice to enhance your candidacy. Let's talk through some factors that could make your application stand out.

1. Academics: Notre Dame values academic excellence, so a strong GPA and rigorous course load are crucial. The university takes into account all aspects of your academic profile, including your school's curriculum, the complexity of your classes, and your overall performance. Irrespective of standardized test scores being optional, high scores can undoubtedly boost your chances if you are comfortable submitting them.

2. Extracurricular Activities: Colleges, including Notre Dame, are keen to see commitment and leadership in your activities. This doesn't necessarily mean you need to have a laundry list of activities on your resume. What's important is to show deep involvement, leadership, or notable achievements in a few areas. Whether you're a dedicated community volunteer, a sports team captain, or president of a club, these positions show your ability to contribute outside the classroom.

3. Essays: Notre Dame will ask you to answer a couple of short essays in its supplement. These essays are important because they not only reveal your writing skills but also offer insight into your personality, values, and passions. Ensure that your responses are thoughtful, genuine, and reflect who you are. Take this opportunity to demonstrate your fit with Notre Dame's community and values and express why you're particularly interested in this university.

For tips on how to tackle Notre Dame's current school-specific essay prompts, check out this blog post from CollegeVine: https://blog.collegevine.com/how-to-write-the-university-of-notre-dame-essays

4. Letters of Recommendation: Positive endorsements from a teacher or a guidance counselor who knows you well could provide an extra edge to your application. So, choose your recommenders wisely - those who can provide specific examples of your intellectual curiosity, character traits, or contributions to class and speak to your readiness to handle Notre Dame's rigorous academic environment.

Balancing these components should give you a strong application. Remember that Notre Dame looks at your application holistically - every part matters in building a picture of who you are as a student and a person. Let all parts of your application speak about who you are and why Notre Dame would be a good fit for you.

Good luck with the application process!