<p>What do you think my chances are of getting in to Notre Dame if I apply regular decision?
I am a white male, which I know may play a decision in being admitted. I also am Episcopalian and I know that doesn't help either.</p>
<p>GPA: 3.96 Full IB Diploma (about 4.63 weighted) Top 5% of class
SAT: 1850 (ouch... I know) I plan on taking Bio and Chem SAT Subject in January.</p>
<p>Want to go into pre-med:
-IB Chem 2 & 3, IB Biology 2 & 3, Physics</p>
<p>ECs
-NHS member
-Founder of church worship band
-Varsity Cross Country and Track (have been running for 6 years)
-Work at Photography Studio and also as a basketball sideline scorer
-Top-6 Poster in State Science Fair (Acid Deposition)
-Conducted individual research at Oregon Health Sciences University and will be published next fall
-Help coach chess club for kids
-Assistant track coach at local middle school (volunteer)
-Self-directed and edited a 45 minute film that is on DVD and have since been hired to work on commercials for companies</p>
<p>Letters of Recommendation are pretty good.</p>
<p>What are my chances of getting into Notre Dame with all of this?</p>
<p>Your SAT, no doubt, is very low for ND. The most recent CDS for ND shows a composite of 1990-2260 as their middle 50%. Realize also that the lowest quartile probably encompasses recruited athletes, and applicants with some other hook. That having been said, don’t listen to much of what you hear on these chance threads. No one can predict what will happen come April (or December for EA). You might want to think about retaking the SAT in December and spending a few days really preparing. My D did so last summer and her composite has gone from 1870 to 2250, and she did nothing but take lots and lots of practice tests. Also, really make your essays shine. From what I’ve heard, ND puts a great deal of emphasis on them. If ND is your “dream school”, as it is for many, I would seriously consider another stab at the SAT. If not, no big deal. The only way you can say for sure that you won’t get in is if you don’t apply. Good Luck!</p>
<p>A good number of seats in the class are “hooked” to legacy/athlete/donor/URM status. As others have noted, the SAT scores for the “unhooked” seats are going to be higher. Indeed, based on the depth of its applicant pool, Notre Dame could easily fill those seats with valedictorians who have high SAT scores. But it doesn’t. So focus on what sets you apart from the other varsity athletes at or near the top of their class whose SAT scores are unremarkable. That would be your published research and your film work. Consider writing your essay about the film and your subsequent paid assignments, as they showcase both your creative and business ability, which is a rare combination among high school seniors.</p>