Hey guys, Notre Dame is my dream school. But I’m really in a tight spot right now. Throughout my high school years, I never really thought much of building a “college portfolio.” And I also thought AP classes were for students who wanted to graduate early from college since AP classes give college credit. I didn’t know that they also were an indicator of how a student is able to ‘challenge himself‘ and ‘demonstrate college readiness’
I didn’t want to graduate early in college, so I purposely didn’t take many ap classes even though my school offers a lot of them. Ahhh anyways here are my stats:
Gpa: 3.74 weighted and 3.76 unweighted (I think)
Ap classes: AP drama, AP poetry, and AP art. 5’s on all exams
SAT:1320
Extracurriculars:
4 year varsity wrestler. Lettered all four years. I also was a state qualifier but don’t know if that counts. I was also recruited for the women’s all star team.
officer in fccla responsible for group meetings e.t.c
-Won poetry out loud for state.
-Helped a company design technical writing for website.
-Volunteered with women in Africa to cook and distribute food to impoverished areas for two summers.
-Has had published books distributed for free to children in Africa.
-volunteers with aspiring teen musicians in South central LA to help enhance musical talents.
-Heavily involved in theater
Has 100,000+ views for my stories on Wattpad (don’t know if this is an achievement or not since it’s Wattpad haha)
-completely fluent in Korean. I taught myself how to speak it even though it’s not my culture. (This obviously isn’t an extracurricular but I didn’t know where else to put it)
Hooks: I’m the only black girl in an all white school. I basically live in an all white city. I lived in the poor parts of Africa for 8 years of my life which is why I do a lot of volunteer work and other stuff there a lot.
Living in Africa also gave me SIGNIFICANT educational setbacks so I hope they take that into account as well.
-Notre dame rarely gets diversity from the area I live.
My essays are very good. I had them reviewed by a couple people and also got good reviews. They really showcase who I am personally and how much I will be able to contribute at Notre dame, which I hope factors into their holistic review.
I waived FERPA but Im sure my rec letters were good because I got them from teachers who really knew my personality.
I really really really regret not taking that many AP classes but I will be taking the AP exams in may for AP environment, AP economics, and AP chem even though I didn’t take the actual class but I’m naturally good in those areas.
Can any of y’all chance me or like tell me that someone with similar stats was able to get in??? Some other schools im applying to are tufts, Tulane, and university of pittsburgh, the uc schools and some others
I understand you are applying as International Student, which makes it more complex to chance your application for the forthcoming RD admission round. Presumably you are aware of the fact that Notre Dame, like the other colleges on your list, is need aware for international students:
"International FAQs
Is the admission process need-blind for international students?
We are need aware for international students, meaning that a student’s ability to pay does affect the admissions decision. Every non-U.S. citizen is required to submit a Certification of Finances and supporting financial documents via their applicant status portal as part of the application for admission.
Is financial aid available for international students?
We offer need-based financial aid for international students, but it’s limited and competitive. To apply for financial aid, you must submit the Certification of Finances, as well as the CSS Profile."
This being the case, please be aware of above-mentioned requirement to submit a CoF with supporting financial documents as part of your Regular Decision application on the status portal, for your application to be considered. This is separate from the CSS profile, which will ony be required in case you are applying for need-based institutional financial aid.
In terms of application evaluation criteria, here is a brief overview:
Hey! thanks for the information. Maybe I could have been clearer, but I’m not an international student. I lived in Africa for 8 years, but I’m a citizen of the U.S and currently live here.
The volunteer work I currently do in Africa is over summer break when I travel back there. And Notre Dame doesn’t get diversity from the state I live as in an american state which is where I currently reside.
@“Shazi student 8” Thank you for clarifying this point. In terms of U.S. Geographic break down and other numbers, Notre Dame has a national footprint:
U.S. Geographic break down:
East - 24%
South - 14%
Central Midwest (MI,OH, IN, WV) - 19%
Midwest - 15%
Southwest - 6%
West - 14%
Other numbers:
Outside of U.S. States - 8%
U.S. Students of Color: Hispanic, Asian, African American, Native American - 26%
Male - 52%
Female - 48%.
Your URM status, on the other hand, could possibly work to your advantage, if the university considers you part of this group. Nevertheless, Notre Dame’s SAT Range (Mid 50%) is 1410-1540, the 25th percentile score is 1400, and the 75th percentile score is 1550. Notre Dame’s average GPA for admitted students was 4.07 a few years ago and likely will be noticeably higher for this and future admission cycles.
I hope ND works out for you! What are “AP Drama” and “AP Poetry?” Are they classes given in your school? Because they aren’t College Board AP classes - are they?
thanks for the information! My stats are pretty low, so my URM status could definitely help. I’ve also been very successful as a female wrestler, so that might help too. Do you know how holistic Notre Dame is? I’m sure if they look at my application beyond stats, I might have a chance.
However, I do completely understand how much of a reach it is for me. But I’ve also heard admission offices can be pretty random at times, so you really never know your chances.
All anyone can say is apply and give it your all, but understand that ND is a reach.
Be sure to take the time to create a balanced application list which includes match and safety schools that appear affordable (run net price calculator) and that you would be excited to attend.