<ol>
<li><p>Am I going to have a hard time getting admitted?</p></li>
<li><p>More importantly, am I going to have a hard time on campus if I am admitted?</p></li>
</ol>
<p>Are there not enough secular liberal colleges out there? You might be better off at one of those.</p>
<p>Although I appreciate your interest in Notre Dame, I was wondering the same thing as MM2028. Admissions isn’t based on your political persuasion, your religious affilliation, or the color of your skin, but those factors may come into consideration as far as diversity goes, and you would certainly add to Notre Dame’s diversity. As long as your academics, your standardized test scores, and your extracurriculars are good overall, you’ve got the same shot at being admitted as an Irish Catholic.</p>
<p>Why would you want to go to a more conservative catholic school? Although I’m sure there is healthy discussion on campus about politics and religion, I think you would have a harder time fitting in at ND rather than a white, middle class catholic kid.</p>
<p>I expect you would have a better than average shot at admittance, since you provide diversity that Notre Dame is looking for. A better question is whether it is an environment you’d be comfortable with. The best way to determine that is to visit, and talk to others who share minority status.</p>
<p>I would say to apply and visit - make sure to sleep over and really experience ND - ND is great for some people, but may not be a good fit for others … Good Luck!</p>
<p>One does not have to be catholic or religious to appreciate the moral, ethical and spiritual (not necessarily religious) aspect of Notre Dame or any catholic university. I went to a catholic school as a non-catholic and loved it. There is something magical about it and again, I enjoyed and appreciated the moral, ethical and devoted atmosphere. Besides Notre Dame does need diversity, otherwise it becomes too much of a bubble. The admissions counselors strongly encourage non-catholics to apply if they can appreciate the above noted aspects and have a commitment to “others” ie for community service. I encourage you to speak to one of the admissions directors and discuss this topic. Besides I was more devoted to my faith than many of my catholic friends even after 4 years. Still am. Oh and I am still friends with all my mostly white catholic school mates all of whom were lovely non-judgmental people. the others you just ignore.</p>