<p>I've been dreaming of attending Notre Dame ever since I can remember. My parents and both of my Grandpas attended there. I just don't know if I have the grades to get in. I am a junior at a rigorous catholic high school in New York State and have a GPA of about a 3.0 . I'm trying to pull my GPA up but i just don't know even if I did get it to a 3.3 or better if at this point I can get in. I have not taken any APs or Honors classes and really struggled freshman year but over time my grades have gotten more consistent at around the 3.0 mark. I was in band freshman and sophomore year and have about 65 hours of community service (i want to get more). The PSAT was not good at about a 150. The only extracurriculars that I've taken part in is the stage crew for some of the plays. I guess my question is at this point can i get in, and if being a legacy and attending a very difficult and selective catholic high school will help me have a better chance? Any feedback is greatly appreciated. Thank You.</p>
<p>Even legacy won’t save you… legacy helps only when one can make it in without.</p>
<p>Maybe you could attend Notre Dame for some grad school, like law school or business school. Or get better grades at another Catholic college and then transfer.</p>
<p>Since you are a Junior, there is still time to shore up some of the areas you mention like service hours, etc. I would suggest in your case that you should pursue something in a big way service wise- create or lead a new charitable effort that makes a difference, tutor less advantaged students in your area, or all of the above. Take whatever preparatory steps are necessary to boost your standardized test scores. Legacy is a good thing, but it probably will not offset a less than impressive overall resume at Notre Dame.</p>
<p>ND is one of several schools that has the luxury of admitting the exact mix and diversity of qualified students that they wish. Not everyone there has stellar academic record, but you can bet that virtually everyone there is admitted there for a “reason”, mostly as demonstrated by accomplishments or specific talents of some sort. They are inundated with applications from 4.0 HS students who also went to private or public schools with exceptionally high standards, so that will likely not get you any bonus compensation points for a GPA that is otherwise just decent. </p>
<p>Do something that will make you stand out. Set up tme to talk to an admissions counselor at ND and ask them the type of student thay are currently looking for and use that to guide your strategy. Start now and then apply. You will never know the answer until you receive it.</p>