<p>So i am applying to Notre Dame and Michigan for this upcoming spring/winter semester and i need some advice with the essays. Michigan's essay topics, diversity, education progress and greatest setback allow me to be creative in my essay. I managed to incorporate into the essays my topics well while still making it interesting. Notre Dame on the other hand has the essay as this: </p>
<p>How does the University of Notre Dame, as you know it now, satisfy your desire for a particular kind of learning and future? You should include your academic reasons for choosing the major you have listed. If you have had a change in major or extenuating circumstances, be sure to explain it. Present yourself in a carefully written, honest reflection.</p>
<p>Should i attempt to be creative or straight to the point about what, academically, there is at notre dame and not at the school i am at now or any other. I want the essay to be to the point but i also don't want it to be boring... Any advice?</p>
<p>I think that particular essay prompt boils down to the - agreed it's rather dry - "why our school" essay. Hard to be creative in that. But just speak in your own voice about what ND offers that fits you better, and your planned major. Write well.... but I don't think it's easy to be creative with it. If you can, that's a bonus. Maybe try a catchy beginning or ending paragraph.</p>
<p>thanks. i mean i talked to an admissions counselor about it and, she just said don't mention all the stuff about notre dame, like mystique and environment - assume the admissions committee knows all that and don't bore them with knowledge they already know. thanks though</p>
<p>Yes, don't mention what they already know. But.... find out enough about specifics that they offer in your major/special research interests of profs that match yours/special ECs which they have that fit you.....</p>
<p>More than the average "man on the street" or ND applicant knows. That is the kind of thing you want to show in this essay. Or, I have seen transfer essays where the writer talks about how little class participation and engagement there is in his current school and how dynamic the classes he visited at the transfer school were.... that kind of thing.</p>