<p>I am a rising senior, and currently have a 1340 on the SAT (640 CR, 700 M). I want to go to Notre Dame more than anything else, but I'm worried that my relatively low SAT scores will break my chances. I am taking the ACT in September, and the SAT again in October to see if I can bring those scores up. I took a practice ACT without previously looking at any questions or studying and got a 31, so hopefully I can get a higher score than that on the real ACT. However if for some reason I am unable to improve, are standardized tests a breaking factor? I have a strong transcript as well as impressive other factors, I'm just horrible at standardized tests. Thanks for any input!</p>
<p>Notre Dame, being what is sometimes referred to as the “Catholic Ivy”, is a very competitive school. All of the applicants are extremely motivated students. This makes the admissions process difficult. When the vast majority of applicants have high GPAs, the tipping-point is often boiled down to standardized test scores. That’s just the reality. However, despite what others may tell you, things like the SAT aren’t the only things that will move the scale in your favor. When I applied to Notre Dame my SAT scores weren’t very high. The reason I was accepted was because I reached out to the school. I made connections with professors, went to their summer programs (e.g. Summer Scholars), sent emails and made phone calls. That’s what Notre Dame really wants: a student who has the drive to do what is necessary to be successful. My advice would be a) try to improve your scores just a little, b) look at nd.edu and find people to connect with and share your desire to be a student at ND, and c) craft a stellar essay on your application. That last piece is really important, too…they want to hear your story…so tell it to them! 
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<p>Good luck friend. </p>
<p>~Nick </p>
<p>Thank you so much! I will definitely reach out to more of the professors, as I have already talked multiple times with my admissions counselor! Also I will make sure my essays are stellar…thank you for the advice!</p>
<p>Also consider applying Early Action. Some people believe it is easier. Definitely can’t hurt.
<a href=“http://admissions.nd.edu/admission-and-application/prospective-first-year-students/deadlines/”>http://admissions.nd.edu/admission-and-application/prospective-first-year-students/deadlines/</a></p>
<p>:)>- </p>
<p>My D was told NOT to apply EA unless you have a 1500 out of 1600 on your SAT and you are in the top 1% of your class. That is basically what ND is looking for when they fill their class. Good luck!</p>
<p>My DD was admitted EA and she did not have that high of stats. She was a 32 act 1420 SAT, but very well-rounded in ECs and very strong essays. </p>