<p>Anyone with inside scoop on Notre Dame and what they are really looking for. My DS hits all their "mid-50" targets (and then some!) but typically ND only offers one or two spots at his (private) high school each year, and those are #1 and 2 in class. </p>
<p>Here are his stats:
ACT 33 (early junior yr., no test prep)
GPA 4.1 (weighted, top 10% in class)
AP History (5), AP Chem (3)
Tons of EC with leadership positions (football captain, selected member of 2 school leadership organizations)
Has worked PT for 2 years
PSAT 214 (waiting to hear cut off score for NMSF in MN)</p>
<p>Sadly, he's already feeling defeated that he has no chance at Notre Dame :( He's thinking about retaking the ACT in Dec. but wonders if a rise of 1 or 2 points will really even help him.</p>
<p>Ok, first, tell him to take a deep breath. Now exhale. Without much detail about all his activities, how they may tie in with his academic interests, any “hook” he might have, or other things that will be a part of his application, it’s hard to tell, but from what you have said, I think he has a perfectly good chance at ND. His ACT is smack in the middle, and my daughter has a friend who was admitted EA last year with a 33, tons of ECs, athletics, leadership, etc. Write fantastic essays, be in touch with your regional rep, and, above all, relax! (My daughter will be applying this year as well, and this is the exact thing I keep telling her!)</p>