<p>Hey guys, just wanted to let you in on my experiences last year with the Notre Dame waiting list...</p>
<p>Basically, my advice to you is don't give up! I can't stress that enough. The impression that I got last year is that Notre Dame is very good with its waiting list; unlike some other schools that take maybe 10 on a list of hundreds, ND always seems to take a lot. Last year, I was one of them. </p>
<p>The first thing I did was call my admissions rep and ask what I could do to maximize my chances. Even though I basically knew the things she would tell me ahead of time, I think it at least showed that I was still very interested in Notre Dame. One of the things they will probably tell you is to keep updating your file...so do it! I sent something to ND at least once a week while I was on the list. Even if it was something that really wasn't a huge deal (I sent in photocopies of certificates stating I had won local Scholastic writing awards, a letter saying I had won a local essay contest, etc.), I sent it to them to show that Notre Dame was on my mind. I also don't think it hurt that I sent in a letter to the admissions office before finding out my decision. If Notre Dame is your first choice and you haven't stated that already, let them know (be sure to let them know WHY too). </p>
<p>I couldn't believe it when I got a call from my admissions rep the first day they were sending out waitlist acceptances saying I had gotten in. I really think that what made me stand out from the crowd was my interest, and the fact that I was willing to keep working to get accepted. Even though you may have some shaky stats (like I did), you can still get in...just be passionate about it and let it show. Anyway, I hope that helps a little bit. I know they always tell you to send them updates, but I just wanted to let you all know that it really does work. God bless and good luck!</p>
<p>Thank you SO much! I just called them today and talked to the counselor actually. Hopefully it will work out for me the way it worked out for you... I will be sending in everything supplemental that I can! You've given me a lot of hope, I appreciate it a ton.</p>
<p>I didn't really qualify for aid, so I wasn't expecting anything in the package. I did end up getting a $2500 (Stafford?) loan and $2000 of on-campus work for a total of $4500 for both semesters if I remember correctly...sorry I can't help you more with that.</p>
<p>As for my "good" stats, I had a 1440 SAT I and an 800 SATII writing, but the other two weren't as great (660's on IC and Lit). I also was a National Merit commended student (by one point) and was named a winner (there were a couple hundred I think) in a semi-prestigious writing contest my senior year. I was 29/~520 when I first applied, but that changed to 20/~500 after my first semester. I thought my essay was pretty creative/good as well.</p>
<p>As for the bad, I hadn't taken any AP's before senior year, and even then I only had 3 "official" AP courses. I was in the highest level of English and Social Studies at my school all four years, and took all 5 years of offered language, but I was in the college-prep strand for math all four years and science my junior year. I didn't even bother taking a science my senior year, so I only had 3 years of that. I also had a pretty glaring C- in a science course when I was a freshman which I thought might kill me.</p>
<p>So unless you're into analyzing stats, you probably don't care. Either way, that's what they were...I hope that helps, let me know if there's anything else you want to know!</p>
<p>everydaynew, hey, thanks for the words of encouragement. i have been composing a letter stressing my desire to attend ND...will call counseling as well. emails, too...i just read on another thread how the applicant pool was higher than ever, etc...sort of intimidating! but i think they got less people applying than the 2 previous yrs? anyway, i guess it's impossible to guess, since who knows how the numbers will come out...</p>
<p>mhawk - if we both get in, we will have to meet and celebrate! good luck!</p>