<p>Hey everyone! I was wondering if anyone had an opinion to offer on the Notre Dame Pre-College Summer Scholars Program? I am very interested in attending Notre Dame (it is definitely by first-choice school), so I've been thinking about perhaps participating in this program. Do you think it would be a good opportunity to get a taste of what it is like being a student at Notre Dame? Do you think it's worth the $2500* price? Or would it be better for me just to visit over the summer and save the money. I'm not sure but I have to make my mind up quickly - when I asked about it the lady said I would not have long to apply. Just let me know what you think :) Thanks!</p>
<p>Yeah, the applications were due a week ago. I really wanted to apply, but it’s the same week as my dance recital and I didn’t want to have to try to make a decision if I didn’t make it, so I applied for Global Issues instead. Summer Scholars looked really fun too, I wish I could have applied! I would just apply and then decide after if you really want to do it. :)</p>
<p>if you can still apply, go for it! I went last summer, it was hands down the best experience of any of my summers in high school. If it is already your first choice school, this will definitely confirm it- everyone there is really cool and a lot of “bonding” happens in your specific track. You basically get a 2-week taste of an awesome college without being bogged down by any real academic work.</p>
<p>Yes, I think the price is worth it if it won’t come as a serious financial burden to your family.</p>
1 Like
<p>just for your information, I believe I read somewhere by other posters that there really isn’t a correlation between summer programs at ND and acceptance at ND - it would be more useful if you got waitlisted and they can pull the “I have loved ND since I came for a summer program” but other than that, I don’t think it impacts admissions very much.</p>
<p>^I think they do take note about your “demonstrated interest,” though. When we were there we asked our teachers if being there helped us get accepted, and without directly saying yes/no they said typically 50%+ of Summer Scholars who apply (most of them) are accepted.</p>
<p>^hankswim</p>
<p>Your comments are right on. Son was waitlisted and had previously attended Summer Scholars. In the send-off meeting with parents on campus, Summer Scholars director confirmed this “no guarantee of undergrad admission because of S.S. acceptance”. When pressed for a number (percentage) of Summer Scholar students who gain undergraduate admittance, the answer was then (Summer of 2009) “less than a third as an estimate”</p>
<p>I know it was one of the best things our son has ever experienced…only topped by being offered admisson off of the waitlist last spring. If you can swing it financially then do it!</p>
<p>^WestPaND - I think this is a classic case of it really helping off the wait list…when ND is looking to take off the wait list they want someone who has that “demonstrated interest” and taking part in a summer program definitely displays that…I don’t think the whole “demonstrated interest” does much in the regular application process as displayed by the fact that EA does not display real “demonstrated interest” - i have heard this a lot by the admissions staff over the years…</p>
1 Like
<p>Before my junior year I attended NDSS and it was a ton of fun. I would recommend it to anyone interested in the university. Like jester said, it’s a fun two week college experience without having to deal with rigorous academics.</p>