<p>Hello! I'm a junior from Indiana. I am really interested in Notre Dame, but according to online data my scores just seem sort of average. If anyone has any advice on what I could improve on, what my chances are, or how I could increase my chance of financial aid, I would really appreciate it. The fact that my brother was rejected has made me really worried about my chances. Any input is appreciated!</p>
<p>DESCRIPTIONS</p>
<p>Junior</p>
<p>Race: White Caucasian Male</p>
<p>Class Rank: 1/590</p>
<p>GPA: 4.7 or 4.0 (Unweighted)</p>
<p>SCORES</p>
<p>SAT: 2270</p>
<p>ACT: ?</p>
<p>AP CLASSES</p>
<p>World History (5)
US History (5)
Art History (5)
Psychology (5)
Biology (5)
Spanish (4) (I might retake it because I took this class junior year)
Spanish lit (?)
English (5)
English Comp (5)
Calc BC (5)
Micro Econ (?)
Macro Econ (?)
Chemistry (?)
Physics (?)
Government (5)
Comparative Government (5)</p>
<p>Extra Curriculars</p>
<p>Orchestra (4 Years)
200+ Service Hours for Church/ Youth Ministry
Silver Presidential service award (75+ hours of community service)
Captain of Quizbowl (Academic team)
Captain of Academic Challenge History/Science Teams
Varsity Swimming</p>
<p>You’re GPA and rank cannot be improved; I’m not sure how you can that that is “average.” If you’re worried about SAT score then take it again to improve. SAT IIs also look great if you do well on them and I’m sure you can get 770+ on two or three of them. With a halfway decent essay and the current credentials you have a great chance of being accepted.</p>
<p>Edit: Financial aid at ND is based chiefly on need. There is not much you can do aside from telling your parents to quit their job to increase your financial aid from ND. Try to get 3rd party merit based scholarships.</p>
<p>By average I meant compared to the students that are being accepted to ND. I really appreciate in the input. I’ve just been a bit concerned by some of my close friends being rejected with grades similar to mine.</p>
<p>You have the grades and the scores, so no worries on that front. What do you play in orchestra, and do you have any interest in the ND Band? I hear that can help, but only if you actually want to do it. Just a thought.</p>
<p>Anyway, just write killer essays, pick good teachers for recommendations, assemble a back-up plan, and hope without getting too attached. Good luck!</p>
<p>How much can the interest/involvement in music at ND impact an application? Does anybody know how the material is evaluated in the application process?</p>