<p>I was wondering if my chances of getting into ND would be decreased if I am not Catholic?</p>
<p>Also, I'm actually Greek Orthodox Christian, so I was wondering if it would be foolish to get a rec from my priest at church. It would not have anything in it comparing the churches- I heard that was a taboo subject, for my Greek Orthodox friend wrote an essay about that and was rejected (she was accepted to Northwestern among other good schools). Ideally, it would just talk about how great I am, what I've done, blablabla.</p>
<p>ND is 85% Catholic, but I don't think your orthodoxy would necessarily disqualify you. You might write an essay on why you would WANT to go to such a predominantly Roman Catholic institution. (Sentences are coming to mind: "The first time I saw Touchdown Jesus, I..." and "When I saw the white dove on the Statue of the Holy Hand-off..." ) If you can convince them with that - you might just get in (all stats being exemplary, of course).</p>
<p>For what it's worth, I know two girls(sisters) who are Greek Orthodox and were accepted to ND. Both had great academic records. They both loved it and felt completely comfortable there.</p>
<p>I'm pretty sure as long as you are christian it's fine.
Sure they look upon catholic's with slight favor, although you'll never be able to prove it, it would only 'hurt' if you were say non-christian. Religion is a question on the app, so it obviously means something!</p>
<p>Take this situation for example
You have two applicants both equally qualified.
One Christian, one non-christian.
who is the christian institution more likely to accept?</p>
<p>I think that you are arguing apples and oranges when you say greek orthodox or catholic, I don't see it mattering.</p>
<p>They would probably be impressed with an Orthodox student wanting to come to Notre Dame. I think that the students are 85% Catholic because probably 90% of their applicant pool is Catholic. I have met people who are non-Catholic Christians, Muslims and Hindus (interestingly no Jews, although there is a well-represented Jewish contingent on the faculty). That being said if you are a particularly religious person, you would love ND because the religious opportunities, while based in Catholicism, are unmatched among large universities. Mass is tailored to you as a teenager and thus it attracts students who are not Catholics. There is even an atheist in our dorm who goes to Mass because he enjoys it so much.</p>
<p>This is such a misconception. People look at that 85% number, and they think that the school must be giving special treatment to Catholics. That's just not the case. The applicant pool is around 80% Catholic, meaning that its just natural for the same number to be accepted.</p>
<p>Have to agree with you Tim--also have to agree with danbrenn as son is not Catholic, he is protestant. I really do not think being Catholic is the ticket into ND--they are looking for strong candidates and indeed look at the WHOLE package. I am sure that perhaps they are trying to maintain their Catholic identity as evidenced by the professors that are hired, but I also think that the university is also trying to maintain a balance of diversity among students. I may be wrong as I am not a ND alum, but I still believe bottom line that apps are looked at as a whole, not based on whether one is Catholic or not!</p>
<p>OK--let's put this question into proper perspective....most kids who are interested in attending ND already know about the whole Catholic thing....why would someone want to go here if they were not already rooted in a strong faith?? </p>
<p>ND is not for the queasy in spirit....</p>
<p>No matter how great the football team is (and, unfortunately, it is looking a little weak this season...) it doesn't make up for the fact that this is a religious institution....and thank God for that! </p>
<p>It doesn't matter if one is Catholic or Protestant, Notre Dame is looking for the BEST wholesome, well-rounded, intelligent, God-LOVING students it can find! All to the glory of God!</p>
<p>If a student is anti-religion, an atheist, etc....then, they will never be happy at ND ----no matter how much hype surrounds the "rah-rah" part of the university, because ND "practices what it preaches".</p>
<p>If a prospective Protestant student at ND loves God, then they will find a home there. It is trully a blessed place. There are so many resources there for Protestant students. </p>
<p>Oh, and by-the-way, my daughter (Class of 2010), is Protestant....and LOVES
Notre Dame! She has never felt that she was in the minority, although she isn't sure about the whole Catholic worship protocol...she says she is going to try to get to know the priest in her residence hall so that she won't feel left out!</p>