@Domer85 I think there’s something to be said about how everyone who’s applying to Notre Dame will have great options in April (after all decisions have been released).
ND is about 20-25% alumni kids. That’s about double what any other top 20 school does with legacies. But even with that, more alumni kids get rejected than accepted. If everyone could get in, then everyone wouldn’t want to go there…
Schools definitely lose some donations from alumni by rejecting their kids. But they more than make up for it since the admitted alumni kids trend very strongly towards full tuition payors.
Great article for everyone to read about last years admissions and Notre Dame being holistic and not all about scores.
I kind of chuckle a bit when I read comments from Don Bishop about “Admissions is using test scores less than we used to.” Not so much because he’s not stating the truth, but the issue is that the raw numbers keep going up regardless…as the overall pool keeps increasing in quality.
Here’s data for the last 6 years, 5 years of Common Data Set info and the most recent class data based on the student profile as cited in Courtney Kelly’s summer snapchat:
Class of 2021 (admitted students) ACT mid-50% 32-35 source: ND admissions snapchat (July 2017)
Class of 2020 (enrolled students) ACT mid-50% 32-35 source: ND’s 2016-17 CDS filing
Class of 2019 (enrolled students) ACT mid-50% 32-34 source: ND’s 2015-16 CDS filing
Class of 2018 (enrolled students) ACT mid-50% 32-34 source: ND’s 2014-15 CDS filing
Class of 2017 (enrolled students) ACT mid-50% 32-34 source: ND’s 2013-14 CDS filing
Class of 2016 (enrolled students) ACT mid-50% 31-34 source: ND’s 2012-13 CDS filing
By the way, I hope every single person on this EA thread gets accepted this evening, if today’s the day. I am blown away by everyone’s profiles, and just seeing the profiles on here highlights yet again how much of a crapshoot it is to get accepted to a selective school like ND. Good luck everyone!!!
I have been literally shaking since I got the email last week to set up the portal! I cannot wait any longer! I really hope tonight is the right date!!!
Good Luck to everyone! All my daughter’s friends are wearing ND sweatshirts today to support her. I am also wearing mine. Roll on 18:42!!!
@Domer85 we are Alum, so are 6 aunts/uncles, and grandfather. My son was born at ND while my husband was a graduate student (2nd ND degree). I’m expecting a deferral as my son is mid range on stats. Hope it’s not a rejection, of course. I am afraid a lot of family members will be disappointed if he doesn’t get in. He truly loves it there, so I know it will be hard on him too. We have many friends and some family that have applied and have not been accepted despite of their parents being Alum.
“My son was born at ND while my husband was a graduate student (2nd ND degree).” I bet that made for a great “Why ND” essay. 
Best of luck to your son!
Thank you @suzy100. The 175 word count was definitely a challenge for that essay. Best of luck to you too!
I will be so upset if they completely juke us and we don’t get to hear today…
@ anxious2themax I think it’s a go for today. We heard from a current student last night who is credible.
@My5Kiddos hoping you’re wrong and your son gets a Yes. My nephew was mid range and got in prob due to legacy. I m absurdly anxious and unable to distract myself. My kid is well qualified on stats and character but I’m still uneasy. Older siblings got in but ultimately chose other schools.
I know we will find out in 4 hours, but I’ve enjoyed reading the ‘do you think I will get in’ posts and the replies that come in. So here are my son’s stats:
- 33 ACT
- GPA is 4.44 weighted and a 3.85 unweighted
- Ranked 13 out of 165
- He has taken every AP/Honors class possible all 4 years in every subject
- President of Debate Team
- Multiple honors in NSAD (Debate and Speech)
- Misc other clubs; Spanish, Science, etc.
- Amigos (6 weeks last summer in a full cultural emersion in Ecuador; working with local youth and helping them create a sustainable business)
- K-12 Catholic school
- Other various volunteer opportunities (Tutoring, working with kids while parents attend English class, food kitchen)
- Majors: Political Science / Spanish … thinking Pre-Law
I have similar stats and I’m really hoping it is enough to get some good news tonight! Good Luck to your son!
My stats would usually qualify me for admission but there are a few kids with legacy applying from my high school. Even though my grades and scores might be higher I’m worried they’ll beat me out.
@2KansasKids and kitkat2018 great stats! Its amazing how similar everyone’s stats are applying REA. I haven’t seen a single score below 4.5GPA/33ACT with a ton of extracurriculars and service. I have no idea how ND filters. Essays maybe? We’ll know soon.
@VegasRoller my SAT is equivalent to lower than that, I’m not that competitive but it was worth a shot so I guess I am below what you said haha. My public school is very bad with academics and I feel as though I was deprived of the education I should have gotten. For example my school only offers 3 AP classes. I took all the duel enrollment classes possible and was not able to take one of them because only two kids passed the exam to get into it.
This is going to be the longest 3 and a half hours of my life…
That’s kind of how I’m applying too. My ECs and grades are lower than most in this thread, but I figured I’d give a shot. If I don’t get in I won’t be too heartbroken. Best of luck to you!
@lukefos63 and kevinH35 you guys will be the ones to get in. Good luck!