<p>Hi everyone, I am a junior (soon to be senior) and I have a few questions. </p>
<p>I will be applying next year so I was wondering how much importance ND puts on test scores. It seems like everyone who was accepted this year had at least a 32 on the ACT. I have above average scores (ACT: 30 SAT 2050, 1380) but I know they aren't really anything special. I just barely fit in the middle 50% for SAT and don't fit at all in the ACT middle 50%. But I feel like Notre Dame is the absolute perfect school for me (please ignore my user-name). So, basically I was wondering if anyone who got accepted recently had stats similar to mine or any type of wisdom to pass on surrounding the application process. </p>
<p>Also, are scores considered any heavier in EA than RD? in other words, would I be flat out rejected if I applied EA with my scores even if the rest of my app is strong? </p>
<p>Thank you guys for the help!</p>
<p>you never know, but try not to dwell on it. 32 is considered the “cutoff” for ACT scores, but obviously some must be under that as well. </p>
<p>just work on what you can, and see if you can improve your scores. only send the test that you did the best on (sat or act) so use a conversion table to see which are better i guess…</p>
<p>i mean i got rejected with a 33 regular 34 dream score from high school if you are asking for specific examples ( it was early action.) </p>
<p>acceptance rates are a lot higher for nd during EA than in regular.</p>
<p>don’t worry about things you can change though, hopefully you will be able to show the admissions people when the time comes how much u deserve to be there. </p>
<p>good luck</p>
<p>I think ND does place a great deal of importance on standardized tests; however, it’s not everything! Of the eight students at my school who were accepted at ND this year, I had the highest SAT scores (1480/2280, including 800s on both CR and W); however, I was originally waitlisted regular decision (accepted in the first waitlist round). Grades and class rank (my slightly weaker area), extracurriculars and service, recs, and essays all play big parts in the process as well. </p>
<p>If you want stats, check out the ND section of CC’s Stats Profiles (under “Discussion Menu” at the left of your screen). There’s a lot of helpful info there!</p>
<p>You have strong test scores that you should be proud of; if the rest of your app is strong, you should have a relatively good shot! I would recommend taking the SAT/ACT at least twice each, even if you’re okay with your scores now. On the SAT, shoot for at least the high 600s on each section. Practice a little over the summer but don’t go overboard…like I said, tests aren’t everything. </p>
<p>Other advice? Essays, essays, essays. At this point, your grades are pretty much set (but don’t slack off first semester this fall!), most of your extracurriculars have been completed, and your test scores won’t radically change. The essays are the final things which you have total control over in this process. Brainstorm over the summer and come up with creative, well thought-out topics to write about. In a sea of 2050s, 4.0s, and NHS members, your essays are what will make you stand out and push your application into the “yes” pile. 
</p>
<p>As far as EA and RD go, ND recommends that you apply EA only if you are extremely strong across the board. They are more conservative in EA admissions. If you have time, retake one or both of the tests in the fall if you’re up to it, talk to your guidance counselor, and then make a decision about which path to pursue.</p>
<p>Best of luck!</p>
<p>Thanks so much for all the advice! I checked out the Stats Profiles and it was really reassuring to see that not everyone that got accepted had the world’s best test scores!</p>
<p>If I were you I would try to get that ACT above 32. Ive heard from numerous people (friends and parents, etc) that there is indeed something of a cutoff at about 32. Don’t sweat it though, coming up two points from a 30 isn’t as impossible as it seems.</p>