<p>Daughter is a rising high school senior. Her two older siblings are Domers, one a recent graduate, one a current student. She has her heart set on going to Notre Dame too. Although her stats are almost identical to her brother and sister it just seems like it is getting harder and harder to get into ND and we don't know whether she should apply early or regular.<br>
95.0 average (top 5% of her class)
Best SAT 730 verbal, 700 math (took it 3 times so I don't think it will go up)<br>
Took hardest courses but it is a small school (only offers 4 AP classes)
two varsity sports
very involved in music (plays oboe)
Class officer three years
President of the Key Club (lots of community service)
Girl Scout Gold Award
Any thoughts on when she should apply? Thank you!</p>
<p>It appears just based on this info, that she might have a shot at early. Have her work on the essay, as it could be a critical tipping point. Has she spoken to the local rep for your area? That might help as well. Good Luck!</p>
<p>I would say regular, just because her stats/activities are very good, but not excellent as in the "obvious admit" type thing. I think she has a good chance at admission, but that might be stronger if she applies regular. At least that's my opinion. Best of luck, ND is an awesome school!</p>
<p>regular, definitely. good luck!</p>
<p>I would have to disagree. I think she would be a good early candidate. She's strong enough were I think she would at the very least be deferred. In this opportunity she can further demonstrate her interest in the university through email updates describing new acheivments and activities. This is what I did. I sent three emails "the perfect amount" according to the admissions officers that let me in. Deferral is a wonderful opportunity to keep yourself in the admin officer's head. </p>
<p>That being said, Notre Dame now uses the common application and we expect a "10 to 30 %" increase in applications. Thus, the pool will be more competitive with a larger number of well qualifed applicants vying for the same number of spots. Our admissions stats for the class of 2012 was a 24.5% acceptance rate. This number is sure to go down if we jump from the previous 14500 applications to say 18000. Of course this is relative but still.</p>