Chances at ND for Non-Legacy/Minority/Athlete?

Colleges and Universities A-Z University of Notre Dame
1

<p>I realize that these "chance me! chance me!" things are rather self indulgent and don't really accomplish anything except relieving anxieties regarding admissions. However, after reading up on ND's sizable "goal" percentages for legacies, minorities, and varsity athletes, a topic that was mysteriously omitted from the campus tour and presentation, I'm rather curious about my chances of being admitted, being none of the above.</p>

<p>Here are my pretty basic statistics:</p>

<p>Public school
Sends some students to top schools (UofC, Northwestern, etc) but also a ton to community college and smaller liberal arts colleges.
GPA - Unweighted: 3.68
GPA - Weighted: 4.20
Class Rank: top 5 or 6% (not reported)
Class Size: 350</p>

<p>As for class difficulty:
I've taken all the hardest classes available, meaning all honors and AP classes, and I'm enrolled in full AP's next year (fun fun fun!) </p>

<p>Scores: I'm pretty sure that I'm sending my SAT, but I don't know about ACT</p>

<p>I only took SAT once (not really expecting to use the scores other than for national merit purposes), and I'm taking the sat ii's in the fall so I'm not taking it again.</p>

<p>SAT I Math: 800
SAT I Critical Reading: 800
SAT I Writing: 670</p>

<p>My best ACT: 35:</p>

<p>Math:36
Reading:34
Science:36
writing:32</p>

<p>Extracurriculars:
Significant Extracurriculars: Academic Bowl Team(9-12), Junior State(10-club began-12), Robotics Team(11-12)-competitive.
Athletic Status:Golf (10-jv), Lacrosse(9-varsity,10-varsity, possibly 12, maybe one of the captains, but since I didn't play junior year, I don't know)
Volunteer/Service Work: Soup Kitchen, USO volunteer, Church work
Honors and Awards: National Honor Society, National Merit Finalist (likely/hopefully given my score and past cutoff scores)
I've also got some other non-school related hobbies and sports, but couldn't think of how to include them in the "stats profile" form.</p>

<p>Also, if you think I'm likely to or could potentially get in, should I apply EA or RD?</p>

<p>Another quick question:
When you send your score report, is there any way to not let the college see your essay? Mine was absolutely awful, and my handwriting was even worse. I don't want this to give a bad impression.</p>

<p>Thanks for your time!</p>

2

<p>You played varsity, so doesn’t that make you an athlete?</p>

3

<p>I meant that I’m not going to be an D1 athlete at ND, probably just intramural/club stuff. I thought that (unofficially), they aim for 25% of the students to be in the athletics program, but I might be mistaken.</p>

4

<p>i would go EA as your course-load obviously stands out, your SAT are amazing and ACT’s are very good as well. </p>

<p>nothing is a definite, but i think you have a very good chance. </p>

<p>remember though, really try to pick one extra-curricular and improve it in some way - this is a great essay topic if you really improved an activity that you participated in - it shows passion and what you are “fighting for”</p>

5

<p>Thanks for the advice. I’ll definitely work on improving my ec’s. </p>

<p>As for EA, the national merit status isn’t announced untill fall. Is there any way to include this for early application? </p>

<p>Also, how bad will my gpa hurt my odds at e.a.? Should I wait until first semester grades are in and apply regular decision?</p>

6

<p>I would apply early. It is non binding so you don’t have anything to lose. Admissions will tell you that you should apply early if there is nothing that will improve your application by waiting until the end of first Semester. (EG grades and class load). Good Luck!</p>

7

<p>some big things that ND looks for in Early Action is that you need to be a clear “favorite” in the admissions process meaning they are sure you will be very competitive with the students in the regular admission (this means taking the hardest course load and great SATs both of which you have). In Early Action you are either accepted, deferred (which means you are with the Regular Decision students and submit more info if needed, or denied - this is only for those who they know will not be competitive with the Regular Decision students). I would be shocked if you were denied in Early Action, so I would say go and try it. If not you are deferred and then have to wait as if you had applied Regular Action.</p>

8

<p>If I were deferred, would I be able to submit more info from my 1st semester?</p>

<p>Also, are you sure my gpa isn’t too low? That’s the part I’m anxious about, and I know it’s going to go up a little (to 4.23 probably) 1st semester.</p>

9

<p>You can definately add more from first semester. In general, ND cares more about taking hard classes and challenging yourself (like you have) then padding your GPA. I really think you will be OK! You have as good a shot as any for ND. Have confidence, a few prayers won’t hurt either. Go for it!!!</p>

10

<p>I would give you a 95% chance of getting in. =]</p>

11

<p>I agree with bulinskimom - they want to see you challenged yourself than see that you sat back and took cupcake classes and have a 4.0 GPA - they also only look at your unweighted GPA - and even that is hard because of the different ways GPA is calculated.</p>