<p>I am a senior applying regular decision to Notre Dame. I see there are already numerous "will I get in?" threads, but I want to know whether a particular aspect of my application will make much a difference. These are my "stats"</p>
<p>(I'm not trying to advertise my "accomplishments" here, I just want to paint an accurate picture for your analysis)
-White male
~3.78 GPA with a VERY hard class load (approx. max # of honors and AP classes possible for my school)
-33 ACT (35 superscored, I know it doesn't make a difference at ND)
-2080 SAT (its not as emphasized where I live)
-4 varsity letters (2 soccer [our team won state this year], 2 track)
-Played piano since ~age 4, piano has been more relaxed the last year or so, but I have been a finalist in a statewide competition 5 times, and have played in honors concerts at piano festivals.
-Unfortunately, my volunteer work is not extensive, but I do hospitality at my local parish (I'm Catholic), have done some volunteering at my local historical center, have played piano for service events (nursing homes, a few community events), and am a library aid at school, and that's about it.
-misc. honors include perfect attendance 10th and 11th grades, and letter of commendation for the PSAT (one of 5 in my school, and there were 2 semi-finalists).
-I also attended ND summer scholars, but from what I have read, this isn't really an indicator of much.
-Edit: I got a 4 on AP US history, and a 5 on AP Bio.</p>
<p>I got a couple solid recommendation letters from teachers, but I have another recommendation letter which could prove to be very helpful. It is from a neighbor/fellow church member who my family knows relatively well; he is an ND alumnus, and I feel his letter potentially has weight behind it, because there is a building on campus named after him. For the record, he offered to write it, I did not go hunting for a golden letter.</p>
<p>As my statistics seem to be mid road (maybe a bit lower) competitively, I do not expect this letter to be a ticket into ND, but rather hope it will set my application apart from my peers in a way that will give it a second glance. </p>
<p>What are your thoughts on this letter and my application in general? This may have been long winded, but all responses are appreciated. Thanks in advance.</p>
<p>To put it in perspective, I applied 13 years ago (I graduated from high school in 1999)…but your profile is almost exactly the same as mine was, except I am female and I was a swimmer instead of soccer/track (and to be honest, not a very good swimmer, so your soccer state championship is much better!). Same GPA, same ACT score, I had a 1450/1600 SAT (there was no writing test back then), and the exact same piano experience also. I didn’t have the letter from a big donor, although my dad attended ND - but he is definitely not a big donor, so your letter might be more impressive than my legacy status. I applied EA and was admitted.</p>
<p>What I actually think really set me apart was that I sent in a CD of my piano playing. I had no intention of majoring in music (I was REALLY burnt out on piano by that point), and although I was a member of ND’s marching band that was about the extent of my music involvement on campus. However, I do think the piano CD gave me an extra edge (They were not on Common App back then, but they specifically said to include supplements like that and that they would be forwarded to the appropriate department for evaluation). Since they are on Common App now, I would definitely recommend doing the arts supplement if you haven’t done it.</p>
<p>Because Notre Dame isn’t really known as an “arts school,” there aren’t as many applications from serious musicians. I agree that you should consider stressing that part of your application, because it would make you stand out from the pack of top student/athletes.</p>
<p>Not sure how much weight your neighbor’s letter will have. There are a lot of donor alums out there, and their letters on behalf of friends and acquaintances are one of the crosses that the Admissions Office has to bear. It doesn’t always brighten an Admissions Officer’s day to have to field tender inquiries from the folks in development about the status of applications of donors’ children and grandchildren, but when the relationships are more tenuous, such as in your case, it can really annoy them in a way that could adversely affect your chances. Especially if there are no current/future donations on the hook. </p>
<p>So, just keep that in mind when you consider your neighbor’s generous offer.</p>
<p>You’ll find that extra letters of recommendation do not hold that much value at Notre Dame. In fact, when they visited my school, they were pretty blunt about how many recommendations they wanted (one teacher, one counselor). Also, if you ever go on a campus visit, you can be sure that you will hear their story about this one kid who sent about 80 recommendation letters from family and alums and did not get in.
Your statistics are fairly similar to mine so I can empathize with you on the stress of applications, but essays will be a serious determining factor in your admission. The PSAT letters should come in handy, I sent mine to Notre Dame as well, along with UPenn. Also, like the people above said, the arts supplement is very useful especially if you can show them that it has taken immense time out of your life. To be so proficient in an extracurricular like music is a great way to set you apart.
Overall, I’d say you’ve got a solid shot at getting in. As long as you can be original in your essays, attract their attention with your musical talent, and back everything up with good scores and courses, I see no reason why you can’t get in.</p>