RD Chances

Colleges and Universities A-Z University of Notre Dame
1

<p>Hi guys! I'm really interested in ND and was wondering if you guys could give me an estimate of my chances of being admitted. </p>

<p>Grades: 3.7 UW GPA through 6 semesters, probably a 3.75 after 7th semester. </p>

<p>Rank: top 10% (barely)</p>

<p>ACT: 33 Composite, 35E, 31M, 31R, 33S, 11W, 34E/W</p>

<p>Course rigor: regular school only offers one AP, which I am taking. I also attend a school for accelerated math and science students that provides advanced courses in math and science. I am taking 2 out of the 3 APs offered there. I also will have taken 4 classes at the local community college.
Senior year schedule/grades (1st semester):
AP English L&C - A
POSC 200 - American Syst of Govt - A
HIST 202 - Modern Global History - A
AP Calculus BC - A-
Environmental Biology - A
Anatomy & Physiology - A</p>

<p>Extracurriculars:
I have attended two different different schools and was homeschooled out of the country for another year, so I haven't been too involved in school related ECs. But I do have lots of volunteer hours and other stuff.
Canvased for political campaigns in 2008.
Am involved in our church youth group. Attended a community service camp over the summer in Dayton, OH that lasted a week, in which we did a variety of volunteer projects for underprivileged community members.
Also volunteer twice a month at our church soup kitchen.
While I was out of the country (in Bolivia), I gave computer lessons over the summer to kids in our rural community who otherwise would not have had access to computers.
Played on the varsity soccer team as a freshman.
Had a full time (40+ hrs/wk) job over the summer. </p>

<p>Intended major(s): Political Science and Economics</p>

<p>Essays:
I feel they were very good. Common App essay was about how I have benefitted from living a multicultural and multinational life. ND supplemental essays:
Research: I would want to research the effect, positive or negative, that Bolivia's nationalization of its oil and gas has had on the welfare of poor Bolivians (poverty, income inequality, employment, etc).
Issue engaged morally & intellectually: talked about reconciling my homosexuality and my faith... Is this too risky of a topic for a Catholic school? I don't come off as arrogant or conceited on either side of the issue.
Why ND: talked about how ND provides a quality education and prepares students to go out and better the world, serve the global community and not just themselves. </p>

<p>Hook: URM (Hispanic), dual citizen Bolivia&USA (not sure if that means anything). </p>

<p>Honest opinions on my chances would be appreciated. Thanks!</p>

2

<p>EC’s may be perceived as being light, but you probably have a decent shot.</p>

3

<p>Your class rank isn’t great, but with an upward grade trend and strong schedule, it shouldn’t hurt you much. Your ACT score is fine, typical for an admitted student.</p>

<p>Your extracurricular activities lack leadership, which could be an issue, though your school situation does seem to create a situation where it would be more difficult for long-term club commitments. Still, it depends on how the committee sees it. Other than the relative lack of leadership, your activities seem good. Service is big on campus.</p>

<p>Your essays sound solid. As for whether talking about homosexuality will hurt you, it depends on who reads the essays, but my guess would be no. The student body itself seems pro-gay-rights overall, with an active gay-straight alliance club, so I doubt the people in admissions are anti-gay, despite being Catholic.</p>

<p>Admission is very tough for any non-athlete, non-legacy student, so don’t get your hopes too high. However, I’d say that you’ve got a decent shot. Good luck.</p>