Applying to Notre Dame.

[Legacy93]

I've had a couple of kids from my high school transfer into ND, and the one piece of advice I have to pass along is to check if classes you are taking where ever you decide to attend will transfer to ND. One of the kids thought he would transfer in as with 3 semesters worth of credit and ended up with only 2 semesters of credit actually transferring. That kid went to Bradley University his first year, and the other I know went to Illinois Central College. If you have any more questions feel free to pm me.

 

[irish0227]

I would be joining you in that application but they don't have my major, and if your SAT scores were lower than what they want try the ACT. I found they were a lot easier and I did substantially better on them than the SAT's

 

[GowerND11]

I attended HCC my freshman year with the intent to transfer to ND. I realized pretty quickly, however, that, for me, ND was not the right fit for me. I made the most out of my year at HCC, made great friends there and at ND (Sorin Otters and Howard Ducks). I will tell you, though, that I had about 6 or 7 friends and HCC that were able to transfer into ND. It is certainly possible. Make sure to look at what ND wants credit wise from transfers and get involved at both schools. Take the advice of what some others said, and take the SATs multiple times.

 

[Classic Irish]

I have a brother and a sister who went to Holy Cross and then transferred into ND. I obviously don't know your particular circumstances, but I think that's a good route to go. Best of luck.

 

[RDU Irish]

Run a 4.4 forty, that should help your chances. (can't believe no one beat me to that one).

Seriously though, kill that next SAT. Kaplan for math and PR for verbal. I didn't prep my SATs (twenty years ago) and was amazed when I got to school how much others prepped and stressed out over the SAT. Still got into ND but my SAT definitely didn't carry me, although math was pretty strong and I applied saying I wanted to be an engineer (which lasted two days once on campus).

Then ten years ago I prepped like mad for the GMAT and destroyed it. Kaplan for math, Princeton review for verbal. I even bought the prep books with computer tests from a used book store because I am a cheap arse. From that experience I know I could have added 100 or 200 points to my SAT if similar resources were available then.

It's summer so hopefully you have time to kill some practice tests. If you really want it bad, give up plenty of rec time and hit those practice tests early and often.

So, move to an obscure state (they like them some geographic diversity) and get your hands on recent Kaplan and Princeton Review study guides. Focus on your weaker subject but don't neglect the strong one either!

Also consider the business school is overflowing. Sciences are starving for bodies. Depending on you passion and aptitude, directing your essays toward a less popular school within the university may help too.

 

[Pa Golden Tate Fan]

I plan to be a History Major.

 

[Pa Golden Tate Fan]

Run a 4.4 forty, that should help your chances. (can't believe no one beat me to that one).

Seriously though, kill that next SAT. Kaplan for math and PR for verbal. I didn't prep my SATs (twenty years ago) and was amazed when I got to school how much others prepped and stressed out over the SAT. Still got into ND but my SAT definitely didn't carry me, although math was pretty strong and I applied saying I wanted to be an engineer (which lasted two days once on campus).

Then ten years ago I prepped like mad for the GMAT and destroyed it. Kaplan for math, Princeton review for verbal. I even bought the prep books with computer tests from a used book store because I am a cheap arse. From that experience I know I could have added 100 or 200 points to my SAT if similar resources were available then.

It's summer so hopefully you have time to kill some practice tests. If you really want it bad, give up plenty of rec time and hit those practice tests early and often.

So, move to an obscure state (they like them some geographic diversity) and get your hands on recent Kaplan and Princeton Review study guides. Focus on your weaker subject but don't neglect the strong one either!

Also consider the business school is overflowing. Sciences are starving for bodies. Depending on you passion and aptitude, directing your essays toward a less popular school within the university may help too.

What would be an example of a less popular school on campus?

 

[ClausentoTate]

I plan to be a History Major.

Do Medieval Studies man, Father Jenkins and a couple CEOs have a degree in it and it's the best program in North America. Not to mention there are only ~15 graduates in it per year (14 my year, 18 the year before)... and not because it's selective.

 

[Grahambo]

While on the subject, curious, how do military veteran transfers do when trying to transfer in to ND?

 

[RDU Irish]

What would be an example of a less popular school on campus?

From what I have seen, pretty much all sciences have seen mass exoduses to the business school. Maybe I was a trend setter twenty years ago? I suspect applying saying business school is your goal down the road is more difficult than saying you want to be a chemist or engineer. I really don't know about the liberal arts schools.

 

[RDU Irish]

While on the subject, curious, how do military veteran transfers do when trying to transfer in to ND?

I would hope the military ties give strong preference to veterans. Our ROTC program is pretty stout too. From a business standpoint, vets with GI bill money have to look good.

 

[arrowryan]

Good luck getting into Notre Dame, it is truely a magical place. Keep Holy Cross as your back up school and try to transfer to Notre Dame after a couple years if you don't get in the first time.

Also, if you go to HC then you can join forces with Domer23 and I as we dominate intramural football, basketball, and ultimate frisbee!!!

 

[RuntheBall]

One thing I would caution against is applying with the intent of engineering/ science (or art and letters/ whatever) just because you think stand a better shot there. It is probably true the engineering is a bit easier to get into, but you need a solid math SAT score and awesome math grades (maybe even AP Calc) and probably a good physics grade too. If you apply engineering but the classes you took/ your grades in those classes don't make it look like you are/ could be an engineer don't do it. The same kind of goes for science or whatever you apply. Make sure what you are applying for matches (kind of) what your classes/ SAT records show.

Others have said this too, but the essays are so important. You have obviously been exposed to ND and know what the school is about. Show that, and how ND fits into your life, into your essay (or at least one of them). If I were an admissions counselour (which Im not), Id take someone with a stellar easy that I know would love to be at ND over some kid with killer SAT's that didnt show much enthusiasm and applied "just cause". They want to see you want it.

 

[Jason Pham]

What would be an example of a less popular school on campus?

As mentioned above, the Colleges of Science and Engineering are relatively small. That said, the selectivity doesn't drop off for these schools so that shouldn't be a factor in applying as an incoming freshman.

As for transferring, unlike applying as an incoming freshman, you will apply to a specific college and a specific department, each of which having a significant say in whether you are admitted. Because of this, I wouldn't apply to a school or a department because it seems less popular since they'll pick up in your personal statement the insincerity of your desire to transfer into that department. Apply to history if you want history. Additionally, I believe that as a transfer, you commit to staying put in your College for at least two semesters before switching to something else. While you could still take classes in another college, this might put you behind if you transferred into one College with the intent of finishing up in another. Also, as an FYI since it doesn't seem to apply to you anyway, Notre Dame does not permit transfers in the School of Business.

 

[Rack Em]

As mentioned above, the Colleges of Science and Engineering are relatively small. That said, the selectivity doesn't drop off for these schools so that shouldn't be a factor in applying as an incoming freshman.

As for transferring, unlike applying as an incoming freshman, you will apply to a specific college and a specific department, each of which having a significant say in whether you are admitted. Because of this, I wouldn't apply to a school or a department because it seems less popular since they'll pick up in your personal statement the insincerity of your desire to transfer into that department. Apply to history if you want history. Additionally, I believe that as a transfer, you commit to staying put in your College for at least two semesters before switching to something else. While you could still take classes in another college, this might put you behind if you transferred into one College with the intent of finishing up in another. Also, as an FYI since it doesn't seem to apply to you anyway, Notre Dame does not permit transfers in the School of Business.

I transferred and change my major after 1 semester. It was a pain in the *** because I had to get departmental approval and overrides for every class in that major. I'm currently doing work for class, but I'll send out PMs to everyone that wants one on this topic later today.

 

[Jason Pham]

I transferred and change my major after 1 semester. It was a pain in the *** because I had to get departmental approval and overrides for every class in that major. I'm currently doing work for class, but I'll send out PMs to everyone that wants one on this topic later today.

I think changing majors isn't a problem. I think they don't want you switching from one College to another as easily though. I could be wrong though. Anyway, that does sound like a pain.

 

[NDPhilly]

What were you guys who got in SAT scores? Right now going into junior year I feel pretty good about getting in but we will see.

 

[arrowryan]

What were you guys who got in SAT scores? Right now going into junior year I feel pretty good about getting in but we will see.

You just have to have to stay focused. Both times when I took the SAT I lost focus becuase it is such a long test.

Make sure you take it twice because I can almost promise you that you will get a better score the second time

 

[DillonHall]

2240 (1510), good not great

 

[IrishRugger2013]

2240 (1510), good not great

Dude, I would say thats more than good. I got a 2190 (1490)

 

[RDU Irish]

Boy am I out of it. I don't even know what the new scoring means. I think I got a 1250 SAT and my GMAT was 750. Don't remember the sub-scores but math was very good on SAT and I did go in blind thinking engineering would great for me. I could tell I was over my head day one and got the hell out. Zero chicks wasn't encouraging either. Freshman year of studies makes it easier for incoming freshmen to be flexible.

I agree with Jason though, don't make crap up to try to get in. I would just say if you have an aptitude AND an interest in a particular field of study might as well play it up a bit if that particular school is having a harder time putting butts in those seats. Colleges of Science and Engineering are not necessarily small by choice. If I were in admin, I would come up with a five year engineering program b/c those guys kill themselves over four, like a "buy four get one free" tuition deal.

 

[NDBoiler]

Boy am I out of it. I don't even know what the new scoring means. I think I got a 1250 SAT and my GMAT was 750. Don't remember the sub-scores but math was very good on SAT and I did go in blind thinking engineering would great for me. I could tell I was over my head day one and got the hell out. Zero chicks wasn't encouraging either. Freshman year of studies makes it easier for incoming freshmen to be flexible.

I agree with Jason though, don't make crap up to try to get in. I would just say if you have an aptitude AND an interest in a particular field of study might as well play it up a bit if that particular school is having a harder time putting butts in those seats. Colleges of Science and Engineering are not necessarily small by choice. If I were in admin, I would come up with a five year engineering program b/c those guys kill themselves over four, like a "buy four get one free" tuition deal.

"You know, Purdue has a solid school of engineering too."
--NDBoiler

 

[gkIrish]

1330 sat I think...got in straight up no transfer in 2006.

 

[kmader]

I very much agree with the advice to take it more than once.. and definitely practice beforehand. I took it a total of three times (once during sophomore year, once during junior, and once during senior year) and my score (1860 the first time), went up 160 points the second time and another 290 the third. Granted, I was also aging an entire year during that time, but the experience of taking the test was helped me out significantly. If for some reason you don't want to take the test more than once, I'd highly suggest studying.

I think in general I share the advice of others. If you actually are interested in a particular major, go ahead and mention that, but don't pick something to try and cater to what they're looking for. As well, if you have anything you are particularly passionate about, I'd let that come out in the way that you talk about it.. in general I think that's a positive for them, knowing that there's a field or topic that motivates you on its own.

Just my two cents.
Good luck sir!