<p>So I was writing the "Why Notre Dame" essay; it's the only essay I have yet to complete for Notre Dame. The thing is, the service mentality of Notre Dame really fits with my extracurriculars and is a major point as to why I am applying to the university. I tried to incorporate a small story but the 200 word limit was too imposing so I ended up just writing about the programs I would pursue at Notre Dame. When I read it now, in comparison to my other two essays, it sounds stone cold - I mean it sounds almost emotionless. I've gotten why reasons across, except I'm like a robot who's just pinpointing specific programs. Could someone give some advice to spice it up? Perhaps a non Class of 2019 applicant can read and critique? </p>
<p>Sorry I can’t really help, but I feel your pain. I’m struggling with how creative I should be. I have one written about the Notre Dame community, but it feels so generic.</p>
<p>I recommend going with original (less generic) version, but take the time to whittle the fat and simplify your sentences. You can get it to 200 words eventually. Google college essay writing tips that show you examples of wordiness and empty phrases. There are some great sites out there. Good luck! My D is applying as well and she’s not finished with her essays either :(</p>
<p>To be honest, I don’t think there is a good answer for this. I think it is really difficult to write a story in such a small amount of space. I got into Notre Dame EA, and personally, I did not have a particular story. I split mine up into program and personal; part of it referred specifically to the ethical aspect of Mendoza, and the other talked about my experience at a summer program at ND. I think it is possible to make the nitty gritty stuff about programs personal, but it takes some work.</p>
<p>I would actually pick one program you want to write about the knock it out of the park. If you talk about too many areas, you can’t give it the warmth you are looking for. You really want to show how you will fit into ND. Being really passionate about one area doesn’t mean you won’t participate in others. Good luck!</p>
<p>@hobo65 I met the 200 word limit on the get us hooked essay. I followed the bold faced instructions. I’m assuming that as long as we follow those, then we should be okay.</p>
I am a current sophomore at ND and have talked to quite a few current students about their “Why ND” essay. I know you’ve probably heard it a thousand times from every college, but the best advice is to be yourself. Make your essay personal enough that your best friend could sift through hundreds of nameless essays and pick your essay out as having your voice. If you like the volunteering aspects of ND, just say that. I wouldn’t go too deep into exactly what clubs you want to join, but talk about things like why you are interested in volunteering and what ND can offer you that you like more than other schools. Message me with any questions you have!