<p>atsen,
Thanks for your response to my question. It does give me and my d (who is considering Notre Dame) a good picture.</p>
<p>Actually, there is just one thing wrong with what you said regarding Theology. While it is certainly suggested that freshmen take a Theo or Philo class, it is not required. I know this because I am not taking a Theo or Philo my freshman year. The first semester, my schedule was basically done by my adviser, who didn't give me one. Second semester, I had four required classes I had to take plus a seminar. By the time I got to register for classes, there were no Theo or Philo seminars available. Instead, I am taking a political science seminar. You certainly have to take your six credits of each before graduating, though, just not necessarily any as a freshman.</p>
<p>Also, another note on the the Theology classes: you don't necessarily need to take a Christian/Catholic theology. There are other options, as well, such as comparative religion, Buddhist spirituality, and other such non-Judeo-Christian alternatives.</p>
<p>What about Greek/Roman mythology? This should be legit, I would think- afterall, mythologies are just religions that have fallen by the wayside.</p>
<p>Hey- </p>
<p>I am a current junior, and Notre Dame has been one of my dream schools for a while now - My dad went there, so I have been exposed to ND (especially the football team) for my whole life.</p>
<p>Anyway, I was simply wondering how the Anthropology or History department is, I know its rated high, but I really want to know what it is like. Also, I got my PSAT scores back, and they were not the best. Do you have any tips to raise my scores for the SAT (my mom wants to take me to a hypnotist, because I freak out before tests, and she thinks that is what lowers my scores...), and what score do you think the ND admissions would not even consider? Besides my theoretical test scores, my application is good.</p>
<p>Thank you so much!</p>
<p>Practice tests are very helpful! Not only do they offer samples of questions but you are also better prepared in terms of knowing what may be asked. Good Luck!</p>
<p>I got some of those practice tests for Christmas, however sad that sounds. I really need to sit down and go through them though, I just haven't had time! But thank you for the advice, I'm going to put some time aside this weekend to take one of the tests. Hopefully this will also help me determine if it really is the testing environment that causes me to panic, rather than a lack of knowledge. </p>
<p>Hope to see you in 2010!</p>
<p>What scores wouldn't they consider? Look at their scores on college board. I think unless you have a hook (URM status, recruited athlete, legacy whose parents donated a lot, etc.) the 25th percentile is pushing it. </p>
<p>Also, a bunch of my friends performed poorly on the SAT, but did very well on the ACT. Just be open to both.</p>
<p>Hello Cup o'Buddha,
The SAT was definitely the hardest part for me. I had to start studying for it my freshman year. It wasn't until Junior year that I found that practice tests were essential and the key to my success. I actually didn't like to sit down for a full 4 hours to take the practice tests but I would time myself and do a section at a time. I worked a lot at math since it was my strong point. I must have gone through about 20-30 practice tests and 6 books all in all. My parents enrolled me in the kaplan courses for SAT and the princeton review course for the ACT. I have never been a strong standardized test taker. I am just one of those people who has excpetional work ethic. By my senior year when I applied for my colleges, I had taken the SAT 4 times and the ACT 3 times. So the best advice I can give you is practice, practice, practice. It's the only way to become familiar with the tricks that the SAT throws at you. Hope this helps.</p>
<p>oh man atsen, you make me feel like a slacker... I only took the SAT once and i had no preparation for it except for the PSAT haha. I didn't even realize the essay came first or that it was only 25 minutes, as compared to the ACT's 35 minutes. But I suppose standardized tests have never phased me too much, so I'm probably lucky :)</p>
<p>Hello Atsen, I know you said you're not a science major but I also read that you felt biochem was a very difficult major. I'm interested in going premed and would really like to major in biochem. Is the major so difficult that it will be hard to balance other events with my schoolwork? Any insights are greatly appreciated!</p>
<p>Hello All,</p>
<p>I was wondering if anyone had any knowledge of the Summer Scholars Program at ND. In particular, how competitive the program is in admissions. The website states approximately 20 students in 14 different areas of study...280 students...but I was thinking - out of how many applications? Any input about this program would be great.</p>
<p>I did the Dante's Inferno track last summer. GREAT experience.</p>
<p>As far as competitiveness in admissions, I got in EA to ND so idk what that says, but I knew MANY people in the program with low stats (low only when talking about ND admissions) 26 ACT's and what not. It is competitive to a degree, but definitely not nearly as tough as getting into the school. </p>
<p>I suggest you do it. I know it's somewhat expensive but I know you can request financial aid. I was a little intimidated by it originally but it ended up being the highlight of my summer. They say it doesn't have an impact but I think it helps with getting into the school too.</p>
<p>Any other questions, reply or feel free to message me.</p>
<p>JR526</p>
<p>Thank you for the information. Was Dante's Inferno your first choice or did you just get put there.</p>
<p>How is the anthropology department at ND?</p>
<p>It was my second choice. I put psychology as my first choice but I didn't really care, I just wanted to attend the program. My stats are pretty high so I'm pretty sure I could have gotten in to any track, and that it was only because Dante's is the smallest track/least applicants so they wanted to fill it up more and leave another spot in psych for someone who only had popular options. Only one person in my class had dante's as their first pick. The trick is, if you really want to be in one of the more popular tracks (acting, business, film, life sciences, pre-law, psych) don't leave any of the less popular tracks as an option, otherwise you'll almost definitely end up there. However, if you don't think getting into the program is a sure thing for you (if your stats are on the low side) maybe include one of the less popular tracks to at least better your chances of getting accepted to the program. </p>
<p>Despite it being my second choice, Dante's is an EXCELLENT track to be in. Professor Cachey is one of the absolute foremost Dante scholars and has written several books on the topic. He's used to super-studious college students so he'd get a bit frazzled when we were acting like silly high school students, but he really is there to make it a good experience and is a great guy. It's also pretty interesting material, and he knows his stuff. You have several guest speakers and travel to Chicago to go to a library where we heard a professor from UChicago speak about Dante (not the most exciting trip as I live in Chicago). Also the Dante class is an hour shorter than most so you get a 2 hr lunch break which is awesome. Having a smaller (one of the smallest) class was great because we really did all become friends.</p>
<p>So yeah, I think that covers it. Again, let me know if you have more questions.</p>
<p>Thank You JR526 for the response</p>
<p>"The trick is, if you really want to be in one of the more popular tracks (acting, business, film, life sciences, pre-law, psych) don't leave any of the less popular tracks as an option, otherwise you'll almost definitely end up there. However, if you don't think getting into the program is a sure thing for you (if your stats are on the low side) maybe include one of the less popular tracks to at least better your chances of getting accepted to the program."</p>
<p>My question is - from your response (if your stats are on the low side)...could you clarify "on the low side" for the Summer Scholar Program.
Current stats as a H.S. junior are:</p>
<p>PSAT 197 Index
1st SAT 1240 (will sit for March exam...low score was for a number of reasons)
GPA (W) 3.98
Rank 28/367
AP Biology grade B - AP Exam 3 (taken in sophomore year)
Currently taking AP Chem, AP Calculus AB, & AP Language & Composition (A's through 2nd semester)
EC's: Varsity Cross Country (Letter 2 years), Basketball & Baseball (letters pending). NHS, French NHS (VP), Student Council, Key Club, Letterman Club, Volunteer Summer/Winter Youth Basketball Coach, Volunteer Little League Umpire, Parish Altar Server(8 years)
Awards: Distinguished Honors - 4.0 & above (2 years), PA Senate Letter of Academic Excellence (2+ years), Nomination to National Youth Leadership Forum on Medicine, Invitation to Congressional Student Leadership Conference, Math "Student of the Month" in our H.S. (multiple times)</p>
<p>Applied to Summer Scholars program for #1 Life Sciences and # 2 Business. Like you, my only objective is to get in... I LOVE ND. Oh well - let me know what you think my chances are. Any input you could give me would be greatly appreciated!</p>
<p>I think you're fine. As you said, SAT is a tad low, but I know people that were there with 26s and 27s (ACTs) who got in, so I think you'll be in. No guarantees, but it looks good.</p>
<p>JR526,</p>
<p>Thank You for the input. I appreciate your response and informed opinion. I know Summer Scholars would be an awesome experience. I have been on campus so many times as a spectator/fan...the thought of actually taking an active role as a summer student at Notre Dame - being part of the ND community - is almost overwhelming.</p>
<p>Thanks again...GO IRISH</p>
<p>does notre dame offer special deals on computers? if so, which ones? In their tech department, do they only fix certain kinds of computers like dell and macs, or will they offer free tech support no matter what brand?</p>