Notre Dame - a reality check

Applying to College
1

<p>Good evening. I'm writing this in the wee hours of the morning - it's been one of those nights where college stress is making it rather hard to sleep. I'm a rising Senior at a relatively new Tennessee public school, and the uncertainty surrounding the world of college admissions has really put a damper on my social and academic lives as of late... Finding motivation is difficult when the road seems so uncertain. I'm hoping that some of you can help me relax a bit... Or at least let me know if I'm out of my league. </p>

<p>For some background about me... I have distinct passions in the areas of the arts, public speaking, and law - I have every intention to study political science and government for my undergraduate degree before moving onto Law School. Recently I visited the campus of Notre Dame (among other colleges such as Vanderbilt, Indiana, and Michigan) and simply fell in love with the atmosphere and character of the place. Frankly, it's the only school I've been to thus far that really feels like a place where I could spend four years. I'm so enamored with the college that I will be applying Early Action in August. </p>

<p>However, I honestly have no idea whether or not my resume would even warrant a second glance at a school like Notre Dame. My guidance councilors haven't exactly been helpful in telling me of my chances one way or another... Honestly, I just need some affirmation, be it what I want to hear or not.</p>

<p>As for my resume... I am nearly an all A student (some unfortunate personal circumstances in my sophomore year earned me a B and a C in one semester) with a 3.89 unweighted GPA and a 34 composite on the ACT. I have not yet taken the SAT. I am president of my school's band, an all-state singer in our school's choir, and I am an active participant and officer in our state's annual Model United Nations and Youth in Government conferences. I also play club rugby, which I hope to continue in college. My class rank is in the top ten percent, though it is harmed by the presence of several standard arts credits on my transcript. </p>

<p>Bearing all of this in mind... Do I have a legitimate chance at admission into Notre Dame, or should I start exploring other options - and if the latter, what sort of schools would you suggest with a similar atmosphere and character about them?</p>

2

<p>You seem to have a legitimate chance. One thing that I would try to add is something that is not connected directly to the school. For instance, helping with a politcal campaign, working with a local charity organization (or better yet running a fundraiser, etc) and trying to distinguish oneself with a state or national award. The biggest question that I always have is, can you afford the school?</p>

3

<p>I think you do. My best friend got into Notre Dame with statistics that aren’t nearly as high as yours. Obviously it is not a guarantee by any means, but I think you will have a good shot.</p>

<p>If you’re looking for other schools with similar atmospheres to ND, you’ve already mentioned Vanderbilt, Indiana, and Michigan. I’d suggest UVA, Duke (reach but still worth a look), UNC Chapel Hill, and maybe Texas-Austin or UGA.</p>

4

<p>I think you have a great chance… - I got in with a lower sat score…
Twp things I’d like to point out about ND’s application - put a lot of emphasis on the essays… they really consider them…and, secondly - show interest in the college - you could send them an additional research statement or an essay - just anything to show interest.</p>

5

<p>Mizzbee - funding is not an issue. I’m lucky enough to have a sizable college fund.</p>

<p>Thanks for the help and the confidence boost, guys.</p>

6

<p>Talk to BillyMc. He is going to be joining in fall 2011.</p>