Lots of Questions from Rising HS Senior

Colleges and Universities A-Z University of Notre Dame
1

I’m going to be a senior next year, and I’m getting ready to apply (scary how fast the date is approaching).

Some quick info:
UW gpa: 3.94 (two bs both in APUSH)
Act: 34C (36E, 34M, 34R, 32S)
Sat: 1550 (750 R/W, 800 Math)
Legacy
Couple of solid ECs

I have 3 questions for anyone willing to help (it’s greatly appreciated)

  1. Retake either SAT or ACT? I got an opinion on this and ended up taking the sat instead of the act again, so I’m seeing if any recommendations change.
  2. REA or RD? I’m not sure my gpa will get better or worse, and Notre dame is hands down my number 1. I have a couple interesting ECs, and I’m wondering if I’m competitive enough for REA.
  3. If I don’t retake, should I send my sat, act, or both? Act was second try and sat was first.

I know these are all sort of subjective, but some new perspective would be really helpful. Also if you have any tips, I’d be really appreciative.

2

Talk to your geographic admissions officer about RD/EA. They will give you specific advice based on your application. Students who could have been admitted RD may be rejected EA, so this is a strategic decision.

3
  1. I would retake the SAT since ND will superscore and you have only taken it once.
  2. REA if your "resume" is not likely to significantly improve.
  3. I would probably send them both

With your stats and being a legacy, I see no downside to applying REA. You would almost certainly get accepted or waitlisted. There is almost a zero chance that you would get denied, unless you have some skeletons in the closet that you are hiding.

I’m not saying you are guaranteed to get accepted, but being a legacy with those stats, I think it is highly likely.

4

I also think you should apply EA, and that you’ve got a good shot at admission. I do not think you need to retake the SAT or ACT. Good luck!

5

I don’t think you need to retake the SAT. http://admissions.nd.edu/apply/admission-statistics/
And I’d apply EA, especially with the legacy.

Use the essays to impress upon the admissions committee why you love ND/why it is your top choice.
Good luck.

6

I would not retake and I would apply REA.

7

What is your approximate class rank? If it’s not the top 1-2%, give some serious consideration to applying REA instead of EA. Remember that the EA pool is extremely competitive, with many applicants who have already earned A’s in multiple AP courses. You do have strong scores, but so do most of those in the EA pool and if you are admissible in EA you will also be admissible in the REA pool. ND is forced to turn down plenty of applicants (including legacies) with top scores and grades, so make an effort to set yourself apart in the essays, other than by stressing your love of ND. And choose a teacher NOW who can write a thoughtful description of your unique qualities, while your stellar class performance is fresh in his or her mind.

8

Notre Dame only has REA and RD

9

Do not retake. Apply EA.

10

Thanks everyone for the help. I’ve decided to not retake and apply EA. As for the class rank, my school is sort of an anomaly. I go to a large public highschool that had 3 kids apply last year (1 got in). We are right next to a school that pretty much serves as an ND feeder (seriously, a ridiculous amount of kids go). My class doesn’t rank, but it gives an award for top 5% at the end of first semester Junior year, which I received. Despite not sending a lot of kids, the yield from our high school is really high. Our naviance graph suggests that we’re in good standing with ND. My counselor told me to apply EA, so I’m trusting his (and a lot of people on here) advice. I plan on writing some killer essays and hope for the best next year. Thanks again!

11

I would agree that being top 5% and with those scores you should be applying EA. Polish up those essays and good luck!

12

Don’t bother retaking either test. Your scores are very good. And applying EA won’t hurt you, especially since you say ND is your top choice, but please don’t be discouraged if you end up deferred to RD. It’s happened to dozens of students that I’ve worked with and I promise, it’s no big deal. Your chances are good whether you get in EA or RD. You should like a stellar applicant.
Best of luck buddy. Let me know if you have questions during the application process. I’m here to help.
Best –

13

I just want to put it out there that not all class ranks are created equal. At an elite private high school you will often see the top 25% all going to Ivies, Stanford, Chicago, MIT, Hopkins, Duke and the elite liberal arts schools (e.g., Williams, Pomona). It’s the raw stats that matter at these schools, not rank, since they have already self-selected their students based on ability, unlike a public school. Regardless, you seem like an extremely strong candidate based on the stats and I see no real upside to retaking standardized tests. But keep in mind that ND looks for leadership so if there are opportunities available to you for that, particularly in connection with your existing ECs, I would go for it.

14

I would apply EA if I were you. However, is there a downside to retaking the SAT (besides doing it)? I’d recommend trying it again. Also, if one of your counselors could talk up the admissions rep about you, that will also help. Good luck and GO IRISH!!