Hello CC. In the spirit of Christmas I decided to create this post in the hopes that it may help someone else down the line. Just a brief introduction about myself and then I will take any and all questions anyone has about ND. Merry Christmas everyone.
I am a current sophomore at Notre Dame, and I transferred in this year from another college ranked in the top 60 in the country. I know a few people who attended in the past, so I also know about freshman admission. Let me first say this: Notre Dame is not for everyone, as no college in the country is. There truly is no perfect school in the United States. However, if you are willing to get involved, put yourself out there, challenge yourself in and outside the classroom in an amazingly supportive community and environment at a school ranked #15 in the country, #3 in alumni support and with top tier athletic programs, Notre Dame may be the place for you. There are drawbacks of course. You will not spend weekends in Santa Monica or at the beach, but today is December 25th and it is 60 degrees in South Bend. It’s not as bad you would think weather wise, and that is the only significant con I can come up with off the top of my head. Four years in a colder climate is nothing people when you see the ND starting salaries.
To those who were not accepted early, but really wanted to get in. As I mentioned before, I am a transfer student. It is possible to still come here if you really want to. I get the disappointment, frustration, I really do. But, go to another school with your eyes wide open and embrace it—you may love it. I really enjoyed my old school because of the friends I made—friends that will still be in my life, and I talk to almost daily. Transferring is not the end of the world, and your Notre Dame journey may not be over either if you pursue this route. You could also attend Notre Dame for graduate school. Or, you could still cheer for Notre Dame as millions of people across the country do even if they aren’t alums. The best thing is seeing students, fans, parents and alums all interacting on football gamedays.
To those who got accepted and are deciding, or considering applying or are looking for more information on the school, I’m happy to answer questions and give back. I lurked on here a lot last year while waiting on my acceptance, so trying to pay it forward some.
@irish2022 - Merry Christmas. I will second the notion that the ‘Perfect School tm’ is not reality. Every school can become an amazing experience for you to grow and learn. It is very tempting to think and feel the only way you will be happy is if you go to school ‘x’. Nope, simply not the case. Your dream school is an idea you have developed in your mind. You may get to the dream school and have a nightmare roommate or awful professor. Poof! the dream is gone.
I encourage all students to have an open mind. Even high performing students can be happy at state schools or small LACs. Be open to the possibilities.
My perspective - West Point graduate. Military Academies only hit my radar my junior year in high school. It turned out to be a great fit for me.
My sons had a variety of experiences. Oldest - ASU Barrett, Chem major with business minor. Next two are twins - both NMF. Twin 1 applied to several Ivies, NW, USC, UCLA and UC Irvine. He only got into UC Irvine and ASU. Enjoying ASU Barrett as a CS major. Due to graduate early, may finish with Masters in 4 years. Twin2 applied to USC, UCLA, UC Irvine, Michigan, ASU and Notre Dame (RD). His first choice was USC, but they rejected him. It came down to UCLA v. ND. He is at ND as a sophomore and absolutely loves it. Just got a text from him that he just finished marching with the band down Main Street at Disney World. He is a double major in Accounting and Music.
@irish2022 Thanks for the post. I am in the somewhat same boat as you. I am actually a student at Holy Cross, across the street. I applied for transfer as a sophomore and for the spring semester and was denied admission. However, I am not giving up hope and am applying one last time for the fall semester of 2020. I just wanted to reach out for any advice you could give? Go Irish!!!
Thanks for your offer to help! Do you have any idea how many of your transfer class got housing? Were most people able to get into a dorm? I know that could change this year with the 3 year requirement to stay on campus, possibly leaving less available rooms. Thanks!
@WLVGirl it really depends. They say it isn’t guaranteed and there is a lottery, but I know many transfers who did get housing, many who didn’t and some who moved into housing after the first semester. The ironic part is most students (non-transfers) want to move off campus and rent a house or on Eddy Street, and most transfers off campus really want to get on campus housing…nobody is ever happy lol
@clinirish hang with it!!! It is difficult to transfer in obviously as I am sure you know, but being at Holy Cross is probably an advantage. I say probably because it does depend on many factors probably out of your control. I will say this…the best thing you can do is communicate interest and have a discussion/dialogue with an admissions representative. What I mean by this is establish a discussion/ask questions to an admissions officer. Try to build a relationship so that when they sit down and look at your application, they know who you are before they even read it. That would be my best advice. Then also try to get strong grades and show involvement in whatever ways possible at HC. Then some of it is luck! Go to the Grotto once or twice and see what happens! Good luck!
Could you share a little bit more about your experience transferring into Notre Dame? (housing, getting involved, making friends, academic transition) I just got accepted as a transfer and am SO excited, but I’m trying to make sure I make the right decision. I tried to PM you but for some reason CC won’t let me!! Thanks so much for volunteering to help out all of us!!!