<p>I just finished my junior year, will be applying for Notre Dame class of 2016
I'm wondering whether or not applying ED would be smart for me.
GPA: 4.6/5 UW 5.26/5 W
Rank: 34/677
ACT: 33 (retaking, should be able to get 34 or 35)
SAT: 2150
4 AP's thus far, taking 5 senior year (micro+macro, BC, Eng lit., Comp sci)</p>
<p>Other:
Paid tutor 11th- brought failing geometry student to a C both semesters
National Merit _________- scored 217 on PSAT, unsure what level I will reach
Lifeguard during summer
Lector and AV crew at church (Lutheran! Eep!) approx. 4 hrs/ month</p>
<p>Teacher recs will be solid
Counselor is advisor for NHS, says I'm best president they've ever had by far, rec will be glowing</p>
<p>I appreciate any advice/commentary! Thanks guys!</p>
<p>I’m no authority on this because I’m in your grade (and applying to ND too!), but I think you’d have a pretty good shot applying early. Does ND actually have ED? I thought it was only EA. Regardless, what I’ve heard is that applying early at ND can’t really hurt you. The University officially says you should only apply EA if you’re at the top of the applicant pool (and I’d say you’re close enough if not there anyway). However this is probably just because they don’t want everyone applying EA and then having to do all their admissions work before Christmas. Think of it this way: if you get accepted EA, all the better for you. If you get deferred, you’re just put in the RD pool of applicants. If you’re rejected, you wouldn’t have been accepted in RD either. </p>
<p>Obviously I don’t know that much, but at least personally I’d say you could go through with EA just to see how it goes. From what I’ve seen of other ND “chances” I’d say things look pretty good for you as far as getting in. But again, I’m not an expert by any means, so it’s probably best to get some more feedback from people on here, any alumni you know, or even the admissions office themselves. They’re (supposedly) very honest and straightforward with these kinds of things, especially if they can chat about what kind of applicant you are. </p>
<p>Good luck! Applications still seem kinda far off but they’ll be here before we know it. Enjoy your summer!</p>
<p>Thanks HoKnows! I appreciate it! Notre Dame is by far my #1 choice, do you have any advice as to what I should do over this summer to bump up my chances?</p>
<p>I’m applying to ND this fall for early action. We’ve got almost identical resumes, so in my opinion, you should go EA too. But that’s just me. From the info you’ve given and what I’ve read about ND (and I’ve read a lot, it’s been my dream school since idk when…), I’d have a hard time seeing them reject you. Good luck!</p>
<p>kessman47 - here is my take on the situation. My D applied EA and was admitted. Remember it is about quality and committment to your EC’s (your summer job) that will matter most. Do not fill your summer with meaningless things just to put it on your application. I think EA acceptance always comes down to having a killer essay. something that makes you stand out or at least catch their eye. Good Luck</p>
<p>34 is great. That’s a safe number for ND. And it’s reflected in your SAT too, so my opinion is that you’re good for test scores right now, unless you were planning on taking the SAT again in Oct? Idk. Anyway, my advice for both of us is to work on the common app essay, since I’ve heard they don’t usually change much, if at all. :]</p>
<p>Alright well here is what i have heard in the past couple years. </p>
<p>Do not apply to Notre Dame early unless you are 100% sure you can get in (sounds stupid doesn’t it) they have a little higher acceptance rate early, but it is misleading because of there reputation for denying “good applicants” early. </p>
<p>If you get the 34 on the ACT’s apply early. If not, just wait till regular.</p>