What if you know somebody that knows somebody?

Colleges and Universities A-Z University of Notre Dame
1

<p>Can a friend of the family put in a positive word for a high school student when he applies to Notre Dame? This is not Forrest Gump goes to South Bend. Rigor of high school courses is on the high side, ACT and GPA are within the bands. </p>

<ol>
<li> However what would be the reaction of an Admissions Counselor? </li>
<li> Would we do more harm than good?</li>
<li> Does every second application come with friend of friend’s endorsement?</li>
</ol>

<p>The family friend is on one of Notre Dame’s Boards, not the BOT. I am sure he would know how to understate the case.</p>

2

<p>I believe that ND is very accustomed to applicants pulling out all the stops. When the former head of admissions Dan Saracino came to speak at my son’s high school he mentioned that every year they get glowing recommendations from senators, bishops and notable alumni. I do not think it hurts an applicant, but Saracino implied that the benefits of such recommendations were negligble. If it were my kid, I’d say what the heck, it’s worth the shot!</p>

3

<p>My younger daughter was wondering the same since she was scared that her stats (33 ACT, 4.0 UW, lots of activities, leadership) would be enough to make it in the early action round. Her uncle is an alum and a generous donor, my older daughter (a freshman at ND) has a roommate whose father works at ND, and we have a friend whose boss donated a dorm (literally). Both of my daughters decided NOT to mention any of their “connections”, and we asked the connections we knew not to speak or write on our daughters’ behalf. Here was our reasoning - if you have attended an ND info session, the admissions counselors make it clear that they only want one single teacher recommendation and no additional recommendations of any kind. The counselors address the issue of trying to use “connections”, and they specifically ask applicants not to ask for non-teacher recommendations. The counselors state that they just don’t have the staff to read multiple letters. We were scared it would annoy the counselors if we ignored their advice. Luckily, both of my daughters were accepted early action, so we don’t regret our decision. It’s also nice to know that they were accepted on their own merit.</p>

4

<p>The world is not all fair. In the real world, a lot of the time it’s not WHAT you know but WHO you know. </p>

<p>If you have connections then use them. Be silly not to take advantage of them.</p>

5

<p>We are not talking about a formal recommendation in your electronic file. What we are talking about is a conspiracy to wink. The friend of the family makes a phone call to someone’s supervisor and gives a very under-stated low key endorsement.</p>

<p>It is sometimes hard to pick out the difference between the last 500 admitted and the last 500 rejected. All that is needed that a tie- breaker for a qualified student not a blank check for a slacker.</p>

6

<p>Clearly OP, you want all to say its all, and that this person should make the phone call and give you and “unfair” advantage. You of better odds of flipping a coin and getting your way than all of us saying that. Y not? Flip a coin and let fate decide.</p>

7

<p>OK you are correct I was wrong, no winks, no phone calls and drive straight down the middle of the road.</p>

8

<p>ThinkSnow,</p>

<p>In our Son’s admission process the time for added letters of rec. and alumni support came during the waitlist - that really is the time admissions wants to see and hear everything about why you belong at Notre Dame and no where else. Son’s RD admission application was done exactly as ND outlined with no added anything.</p>

<p>Good Luck & GO IRISH!</p>

9

<p>Agree with WEST Pa ND ^^^, should you be waitlisted, are you prepared to offer additional support at that time? If you use up all of your support up front, are these same people going to go to bat for you again, should you be waitlisted?</p>

<p>Agree that applicants should follow the directions…they are there for a reason.</p>

10

<p>Son is on the waitlist. Is it time to bring in the heavy artillery?

  1. A family friend is on one of Notre Dame’s Boards.
  2. Sons best friend has an Uncle Works that works for Notre Dame.
    The question is:
    What would be the reaction of Admissions?
    Would we do more harm than good?</p>

<p>All should be done with an understatement.</p>

11

<p>This is why people hold Notre Dame in such high regard.</p>

12

<p>Do I detect a hint of sarcasm?</p>

13

<p>If you personally know someone on the board of trustees or director of admissions, I would use them at this time. The best friends uncle that works there is not impressive or likely to result in anything.</p>

14

<p>We were told that for anyone to contact admission after the fact and ask about John Does is counter-productive. The best advice was to beg with eloquence.</p>