notre dame college personal statement

Choose Your Test

• Search Blogs By Category
• College Admissions
• AP and IB Exams
• GPA and Coursework

4 Tips for Writing Amazing Notre Dame Essays

College Essays

The University of Notre Dame is one of the most prestigious universities in the United States. It attracts the best and brightest students from around the country, and its acceptance rate shows that. For the 2021-2022 school year, they admitted only 15% of applicants . Because most applicants have amazing grades and transcripts, your Notre Dame application essays will be one of the most important ways for you to stand out from the crowd!

This guide will walk you through everything you need to know about writing Notre Dame's application essays. First, we'll give you an overview of the Notre Dame supplement. Then we'll walk you through each essay individually and answer the following questions:

• What is the essay asking you to do?
• What makes for a good answer?
• What are some potential essay topics?
• Are there pitfalls you should avoid?

And finally, we'll give you four top tips for taking your Notre Dame essays to the next level. So let's get started!

Why Are the Notre Dame Application Essays Important?

The hard truth is that getting into Notre Dame is tough. Only 15% of applicants in 2020/2021 were accepted, which makes Notre Dame even harder to get into than schools like Georgia Tech and Vassar !

And because Notre Dame attracts top talent, admitted students also boast excellent standardized test scores. In fact, the average Notre Dame student scored between a 1460–1540 on their SAT or a 33–35 on their ACT.

So what kind of applicants get admitted? According to the Notre Dame Office of Undergraduate Admissions , Notre Dame is looking for well-rounded, passionate students who excel in the classroom and are involved in the community. Here's how Notre Dame sums up the importance of the essay portion of your application:

"The writing supplement gives us an opportunity to get to know you in a more personal way outside of your stats. So, let your personality shine, take risks, and remember that there is no right answer."

In other words, admissions counselors want to know the  real  you. These essays are your chance to show admissions counselors that you're the whole package, especially since Notre Dame does not conduct admissions interviews.

That means your essay responses will be one of your only opportunities to show admissions counselors that you're an excellent fit for their university .

Let's take a closer look at the Notre Dame supplement, which you'll have to fill out as part of your overall application.

An Overview of the Notre Dame Supplement

The Notre Dame supplement is available through either the Common App or the Coalition App websites. The Common App and the Coalition App are online platforms that let you apply to multiple colleges at once. If you aren't sure what they are or how to use them, check out our guides to filling out the Common App and the Coalition App , which include tips for tackling the personal essays!

Here's where things get a little bit tricky: the Notre Dame supplement is submitted in addition to the application you have already filled out. That means you will be submitting additional essays specific to Notre Dame on top of the essays you've written for your universal application package. That's why it's called the Notre Dame supplement!

The 2 Parts of the Notre Dame Writing Supplement

The supplement itself asks you to write and submit two additional essays, which are split into two groups:

• First, there's the mandatory essay . This is the prompt that everyone who applies to Notre Dame must answer.
• For your other essay, you're given a choice between four prompts and must answer one.

The online portals give you a maximum of 200 words to respond to each prompt. That's not very much space! But remember: your admissions essays are about quality, not quantity.

Now that you have a general sense of the Notre Dame supplement, let's take a closer look at each essay topic.

Essay 1: "Why Notre Dame?"

Notre Dame is a Catholic university, founded by members of the Congregation of Holy Cross, with a mission to educate the hearts and minds of students. What excites you about attending Notre Dame?

Remember: this essay topic is mandatory, which means you must answer it to complete the supplement. But don't worry...we're going to walk you through the process!

What Is the Essay Asking You to Do?

This prompt is essentially the "Why This College?" question. This is a common supplemental essay question designed to help admissions counselors understand why Notre Dame—and literally no other university!—is the perfect school for you. The "Why Notre Dame" prompt also serves another purpose: it helps them get a sense of how you, as both a student and as a person, will contribute to the Notre Dame community.

Y our job is to show admissions counselors that you're the perfect fit for Notre Dame, and vise versa.

What Makes for a Good Answer?

If you want to knock this essay out of the park, here's what you should do.

#1: Do your homework.

The key to writing an amazing "Why Notre Dame?" essay is showing admissions counselors that you've really dug into the resources and opportunities available at the school. Doing this proves you're more than interested—it shows you're passionate and motivated, too.

As you research, look at specific classes you might be interested in taking and/or professors you might want to research under. ( Here's a list of all the colleges and departments at Notre Dame to get you started !) For example, if you want to program the next Alexa, you'll want to mention taking classes like Artificial Intelligence and Software Development Practices. Or if curing cancer is more your thing, you can mention working with Dr. Jessica Brown , who is researching RNA to better understand how cancer works.

#2: Not sure what you want to major in yet? No problem.

This is a common question we get when it comes to the "Why This College?" essay. The simple answer is: it's okay to not know! Admissions counselors know that your major isn't set in stone, but they do want to see that you're thinking about the future. Even if you're not 100% certain about what you want to do in the future, pick a potential academic field for the sake of writing this prompt.

#3: Plan to address the "mind" and the "heart."

You probably already noticed that the application prompt very specifically mentions two concepts: the "mind" and the "heart." Notre Dame is a religiously affiliated institution, and while they don't require all students to be religious, part of their core mission is to foster "the development...of those disciplined habits of mind, body, and spirit."

So in your response, you need to make sure you're doing more than just talking about how Notre Dame will shape you academically. Admissions counselors also want to see how the school will shape you as a person. You'll have to address both of these things in order to accurately answer the prompt!

#4: Don't overlook the Notre Dame community, either.

The prompt specifically asks you about how the Notre Dame experience will impact you, which means admissions counselors want to know more about how you'll fit into the Notre Dame community.

For instance, if you were in theatre in high school, you might want to participate in Shakespeare at Notre Dame ! Also, many departments have their own student organizations (like the American Studies Club or Beta Gamma Sigma , a business honors society). Make sure you check departmental pages for this information.

One quick note about religion: Notre Dame is a Catholic university, so many of i ts community programs are religiously affiliated . Unless you're serious about becoming a member of one of these groups, don't mention it in your essay. Admissions counselors read thousands of applications every year, and they will know if you're being sincere!

#5: Start narrowing things down.

Now that you've done your research and have a list of classes, professors, programs, and extracurriculars, choose the two or three things that stand out most. You only have 200 words, so you need to give yourself space to talk about the items you've chosen!

#6: Relate your topics to your goals .

Remember, your job is to show admissions counselors that Notre Dame is the only school for you. Explain how the classes, programs, and activities you've mentioned will put you on the path to achieve your goals while growing as a person.

For example, if you want to study adolescent psychology, explain how your coursework and experience at Notre Dame will help you go on to research how social media affects adolescents' brain development. By making it personal, you'll be able to emphasize how Notre Dame is the only place that can set you on the path to success.

What Are Some Potential Essay Topics?

Along with the examples we mention earlier in this section, here are a few other topics you might consider for this essay:

• Talk about how you hope to contribute to a specific ongoing research project with professor in your department.
• Explain your future career goals and mention how joining specific campus organizations will help put you on the path to success.
• Discuss how you want to take classes in two departments in order to think about a problem in your future profession in new ways.

Are There Pitfalls You Should Avoid?

Avoid these mistakes so you don't leave the wrong impression with admissions counselors.

#1: Avoid generalities

Make sure you're being as specific as possible about what makes Notre Dame special. Don't just say you're excited to attend because of the school's study abroad programs—most, if not all, major colleges in the United States offer study abroad. What specific programs does Notre Dame offer that you can't find anywhere else?

The same goes for talking about your career interests. Don't say that you want to stop climate change. How do you want to do that? How will specific classes, professors, and research opportunities at Notre Dame help you save the world?

#2: Leave sports out of it

We know, we know: part of the appeal of Notre Dame is joining the legion of Fighting Irish. But unless you're joining one of the athletic teams, focus on academics, career, and service opportunities instead.

#3: Don't sound bored

The question asks about what makes you excited to attend Notre Dame, so let your passion show through in your writing.

Essay 2: Choose Your Prompt

For this section of the Notre Dame essay supplement, you're given three essay prompts, and you'll choose one to answer. Again, you'll have a 200 word limit. 

How to Choose Your Prompt

For some people, choosing the prompt is the hardest part! There are a few things you can do to make this easier.

#1: Choose the prompt that lets you share new information

Go through the list and rule out any prompts that you've already discussed as part of your Common App or Coalition App. Some of the Notre Dame supplement essays involve talking about similar topics to the Common App and Coalition App essay prompts. Make sure you choose a Notre Dame essay prompt that lets you talk about something fresh and new!

#2: Brainstorm every prompt

Take an afternoon and write down potential ideas for every prompt below. Don't worry about whether the ideas are good or not—just write them down! Once you're done, take a look at which prompts give you the opportunity to share something new that you haven't already mentioned in your application.

#3: Read ahead

Take a minute to read through the Notre Dame essay example topics below. See if any of the ideas or strategies jump out to you!

Now let's take a closer look at each prompt and how to answer them.

People in the Notre Dame community come from many different places, backgrounds, and walks of life. How is where you’re from a part of who you are?

What Is This Essay Asking You to Do?

The purpose of this essay prompt is to learn more about what makes you who you are. This is your change to (briefly!) show how your background, be it cultural or geographical or anything else, has shaped you into the person you are now. You don't have a lot of room, but try to be as specific as possible.

A major part of this essay is explaining how it relates to who you are as a person, so be sure to choose a topic that you feel will give readers a bit of a better insight into who you are.

What Makes a Good Answer?

#1: Be honest. Don't be tempted to choose a topic that you really don't care that much about but feel will "impress" Notre Dame. It'll result in a weak essay they'll see right through. 

#2: Explain why your background is important to you. This probably the most important part of your response since it shows readers what makes you tick.

#3: Give examples. Give specific examples of how your background has shaped you. Do you have certain family or cultural traditions? Places you visit? Holidays? Go into detail!

#1: Lying . As we mentioned above, don't make up an interest to try to impress the admissions team. Faking your background is a very bad idea, and won't help your application. Notre Dame wants to get to know the real you. Show them.

#2: Forgetting to tie it back to yourself. So your town has an annual rubber duckie festival? Great! But how does that relate back to you? Notre Dame didn't ask this question to learn more about your home; they want to know about you!.

Tell us about a time when you advocated for something you believe in.

In this essay, you get the chance to not only show what you believe in, but what you're willing to do in order to defend it. In short, it's a great way to show off your character, something Notre Dame cares a lot about. The causes closest to you offer great insight into who you are and what you value.

#1: Choosing an appropriate topic. You may care very, very much about which order the S tar Wars movies should be viewed in, but try to pick something that shows your character and beliefs.

#2: Reflecting on your actions. Remember to say why you felt compelled to advocate for what you believed in. What were the stakes? What did it mean to you? And how did you feel after?

#1: Spending too long setting the scene. You only have 200 words, so you'll need to establish the setting as quickly as possible.

#2: Being vague. Another major pitfall in answering this question is being too vague and general. For example, stating something like, "After I told the school board we needed to focus more on sustainability in our school and lunch supplies, it felt good" isn't quite enough. Why did you feel good? What else did you feel? And what happened afterward?

If you were given unlimited resources to help solve one problem in your community, what would it be and how would you accomplish it?

This essay prompt asks you to choose something in your community that you want to fix. This works in two parts: first, you get to show what you care about in your community. Are you focused on environmental justice? A specific neighborhood? A school? A group of people?

Second, you get to dream big and solve the problem yourself , which shows off your creativity and dedication.

#1: Explaining the problem. You'll need to begin by describing the problem, and stating clearly why it's so important to you to solve. Why this specific issue? Why does it matter, and what are potential consequences? How would it help your community?

#2: Describing the solution . In order to show how much thought you've given to this problem, you'll need to take care in providing the solution. You have unlimited funds to solve it, but this isn't the time to get goofy. Instead, think forward to the future: make sure your solution isn't a quick fix, but something more long term.

#1: Not taking the prompt seriously. Make sure you choose a real problem in your community. You may personally find it terrible that there's no frozen yogurt place in town, but try to dream a little bigger. Notre Dame takes their prompts fairly seriously, and they want to know what you value.

#2: Being too general. You only have 200 words, but try to get as specific as possible. If you're advocating for a community skate park, for example, say precisely how that will help the area, who will be positively impacted, and what your unlimited funds will go toward.

What is the greatest compliment you have ever been given? Why was it meaningful to you?

This essay prompt wants you to think about how you see yourself, and why . There are many types of compliments you can choose from, but try to choose one that reflects your values. Perhaps someone pointed out your helpfulness, which made you realize how much you value service. Or maybe you were praised for a talent or skill you've worked very hard on.

#1: Sincerity. This is a tricky prompt. It can be really hard to talk yourself up, and that's precisely what they're asking you to do. Be your truest self, and make sure you do a lot of inner reflection about which topic you choose.  

#2: The right topic . There are many different types of compliments, and they all feel great! But not all of them will reveal what Notre Dame wants from you. It feels wonderful when someone compliments your eyes, but that could be a little tricky to translate into a short essay.

#1: Humblebragging. It's hard! In a lot of ways, this essay is asking you to brag about how awesome other people think you are. But remember to focus this essay on how you accepted the compliment, and what happened to you internally. 

#2: Not reflecting enough. Remember the last part of the prompt: you need to say why this compliment was meaningful to you. Really think about this part. Did it give you confidence that you needed? Did it make you see yourself in a new light? Did it change the way you acted?

4 Tips for Writing a Killer Notre Dame Essay

Follow these four tips to write a great Notre Dame essay that'll show the school who you are and why they want to admit you.

#1: Be Authentic

You're unique, with your own passions, experiences, and beliefs. Admissions counselors want to try to learn more about the "you" behind the transcript, so don't be afraid to let your personality shine through in your essays. Even more importantly, don't try to fabricate stories about yourself that you think will impress the admissions board. We guarantee that there are plenty of compelling things about you! Besides, admissions counselors have a finely tuned lie detector; they'll know if you're making things up.

Admissions counselors look to your essays to learn more about you. That's why it's important to be yourself! Here's what the Notre Dame Admissions website has to say about being authentic: "Your essays are the most enjoyable part of the application reading process. Why? Because we learn about important decisions you've made, adventures you've survived, lessons you've learned, family traditions you've experienced, challenges you've faced, embarrassing moments you've overcome."

#2: Deal With the Religion Question

Not everyone who gets into Notre Dame is religious, but it's important to know that some older demographic surveys show that the student body is up to 85% Catholic . Likewise, institutionally reported data indicates that a student's religious affiliation and/or commitment is considered in the admissions process . So if you are religious and haven't already mentioned that elsewhere, you might consider discussing it in your Notre Dame application essays.

But be careful! Make sure you review Notre Dame's mission and commitments to make sure your answers align with the university's beliefs. Additionally, don't beat a dead horse. Every response shouldn't revolve around religion—Notre Dame is looking for well-rounded students with a variety of interests and passions.

And if you're not religious, don't lie to try and make yourself a more appealing candidate. Like we mentioned earlier, admissions counselors read thousands of applications every year. They'll be able to tell if you're being honest or not.

#3: Jump Right In

Abandon the long-winded introduction! You only have 200 words, so make every one count. To do that, get right into your topic from the very first sentence. If that feels weird, don't worry: you can write a sentence or two of introduction to get you started, then delete it when you start revisions.

#4: Show, Don't Tell

Use descriptive words to paint a picture for your reader. Don't say "I was so nervous to sing in the talent show." Instead, say something like, "My palms were sweaty and I thought I might faint, but I walked on stage and sang anyway." One tells the reader what you did, and the other gives the reader a glimpse at your experience.

What's Next?

Notre Dame is one of the top 20 colleges in the US , so you know admission is competitive. Using an acceptance calculator can help you better understand your chances of getting in .

Notre Dame accepts both the Common App and the Coalition App. Not sure which one you should use? Don't worry: we've got a handy-dandy guide to make your decision a breeze .

Both the Common App and the Coalition App require additional essays beyond the ones we discussed in this post. (Yep, that means even more writing! Yay!) Thankfully, we have in-depth guides for both the Common App essays and the Coalition App essays .

Trending Now

How to Get Into Harvard and the Ivy League

How to Get a Perfect 4.0 GPA

How to Write an Amazing College Essay

What Exactly Are Colleges Looking For?

ACT vs. SAT: Which Test Should You Take?

When should you take the SAT or ACT?

Get Your Free

Find Your Target SAT Score

Free Complete Official SAT Practice Tests

How to Get a Perfect SAT Score, by an Expert Full Scorer

Score 800 on SAT Math

Score 800 on SAT Reading and Writing

How to Improve Your Low SAT Score

Score 600 on SAT Math

Score 600 on SAT Reading and Writing

Find Your Target ACT Score

Complete Official Free ACT Practice Tests

How to Get a Perfect ACT Score, by a 36 Full Scorer

Get a 36 on ACT English

Get a 36 on ACT Math

Get a 36 on ACT Reading

Get a 36 on ACT Science

How to Improve Your Low ACT Score

Get a 24 on ACT English

Get a 24 on ACT Math

Get a 24 on ACT Reading

Get a 24 on ACT Science

Stay Informed

Get the latest articles and test prep tips!

Ashley Sufflé Robinson has a Ph.D. in 19th Century English Literature. As a content writer for PrepScholar, Ashley is passionate about giving college-bound students the in-depth information they need to get into the school of their dreams.

Ask a Question Below

Have any questions about this article or other topics? Ask below and we'll reply!

University of Notre Dame

The Center for Health Sciences Advising

College of Science

• Home ›
• Application Process ›

Personal Statement

Personal statement of your motivation and activities, including a description of your 15 most important activities.

What do the schools want to know?

• Motivation and interests
• Character, honesty, responsibility, maturity
• Initiative, leadership, team player
• Empathy, human relation skills, diversity experience
• Intellectual curiosity
• Informed about the field

University of Notre Dame

Pre-Law Student Board

• Home ›
• Applying to Law School ›

Personal Statement

What is the personal statement.

According to the Notre Dame Law School website:

"The personal statement should provide the Admissions Committee with insights about the applicant and the applicant's interest in pursuing a legal education. The most effective personal statements also typically provide further insight into the writer's personality, background, professional interests, or matters that are not fully present in other parts of the application." 

Where can I get help with writing the Personal Statement?

In the Fall of 2020, representatives from Notre Dame, Duke, and Villanova Law Schools participated in a panel discussion about writing the Personal Statement and answered questions of students. Below is the link for the Zoom recording of that event, and it is highly encouraged to watch this panel to learn more about the Personal Statement. 

Personal Statement Workshop Recording

Seven Steps to Developing the Personal Statement

• Start the personal statement prep journal right away. Jot down legal questions that come to your mind; legal issues that come up in a class discussion; an experience you have that further confirms your reasons for wanting to practice law; etc. When it comes time to draft the personal statement you have so much more to start with than a blank page!
• Admissions representatives want to read  your authentic voice , not an adjusted blog or personal statement template.
• It's fine to start with an interesting story that leads your reader into why you want to practice law; what experience(s) have led you to this decision to practice law.
• Usually 1 1/2 to 2 pages; put a header with at least your name, possibly "Personal Statement" and your LSAC number, on each page.
• One paragraph is dedicated to why that law school, unless the law school allows an optional essay on "why their law school."  This must not be a "fill-in-the-blank" with the law school's name.
• Plan for 3-5 drafts of the personal statement.
• Schedule a review of your personal statement with the pre-law advisor at Mereulo Family Center for Career Development through  Handshake  or with the  Mendoza College of Business pre-law advisor .

What are your chances of acceptance?

Calculate for all schools, your chance of acceptance.

Your chancing factors

Extracurriculars.

How to Write the University of Notre Dame Essays 2019-2020

Nestled 100 miles outside of Chicago in South Bend, Indiana lies the University of Notre Dame. Currently ranked #18 in National Universities by US News , and #11 overall for Best Undergraduate Teaching, the University of Notre Dame is home to about 8,600 undergraduate students enrolled across eight colleges and schools and 75 major programs. Priding itself on its distinct culture and achievements in research, Notre Dame aims to cultivate its unique community rooted in faith and enriched by its students’ and faculty’s constant pursuit of knowledge. 

And they’ve done just that. Attracting over 20,000 undergraduate applications each year, Notre Dame is quite selective, with an acceptance rate of 15.8% for the class of 2023. 

Students can apply to Notre Dame through either the Common Application, the Coalition Application, or Questbridge Application. While the restrictive Early Action Deadline is November 1, students have until January 1 to apply to the school regular decision. In addition to the Common App, Coalition or Questbridge personal essay, applicants must complete three shorter supplemental essays in order to be considered for admission to Notre Dame. While the first of these prompts is required for all students, the second prompt allows students to choose from among four options for the two they’d like to answer. Want to know your chances at the University of Notre Dame? Calculate your chances for free right now.

Want to learn what University of Notre Dame will actually cost you based on your income? And how long your application to the school should take? Here’s what every student considering University of Notre Dame needs to know.

Writing the University of Notre Dame Supplement

It’s no easy task to craft a compelling narrative in only a few words, especially when the stakes are so high. As Notre Dame only asks for shorter written supplements in addition to the common app personal statement, you’ll need to be strategic about how you make your case.

While it can be tempting to experiment with structure and format on school-specific supplements, a 200 word essay might not be the best place to test out your wayfaring poems or prose. But don’t be discouraged—brevity doesn’t have to mean a death sentence for your creativity, and often the most memorable responses are those with a clearly (and efficiently) articulated message.

What excites you about the University of Notre Dame that makes it stand out from other institutions?   (200 words)

Everyone applying for undergraduate admission will respond to this prompt, so it’s important to make your essay stand out for all the right reasons. “Why school” essays, like this one, invite you to reflect on how the school’s opportunities fit with your personal goals. Admissions counselors want to know whether your interest in the school is genuine. 

Specificity is crucial to the “Why School?” essay, and while you’ll likely write quite a few essays of this kind, it’s important that each essay exudes as much passion and thought as the last. Consider the programs, resources, and activities you care about most, and what differentiates them from similar opportunities at other schools. Identifying examples that you can speak to genuinely and comprehensively is crucial to a successful execution here. So do your research and find something or somethings that, well, excite you about the school. These *things* should be a specific as possible. 

Generic statements like “Religion is important to me” or “I want to take advantage of the study abroad options available” are too broad and cookie-cutter, as they can be used for many universities across the US (many colleges have a religious affiliation and most colleges offer opportunities to study abroad). Rather, turn this around to demonstrate how going to a strong Catholic institution will strengthen your spiritual roots or how a service trip that Notre Dame offers to Nicaragua can give you the chance to work with underserved communities and use your Spanish skills.

Pro Tip: It’s important to keep the unique culture and values of each school in mind when crafting supplemental essays. As an unapologetically Catholic institution, the University of Notre Dame places a special emphasis on students actively contributing to their community and seeking to improve the world around them. While you needn’t be Catholic or even religious to become a valuable member of the campus community, it’s important to think about how your values and interests fit into this larger picture. As you write your essay, think about how this culture of service will influence your college experience and even perhaps your career more broadly. Addressing this alignment in your essay will demonstrate a deep understanding of the campus community, and give admissions counselors a good idea of how you might fit into it.

Prompt 2: Please choose two of the following prompts and respond in about 200 words:

A quick note about choosing prompts. Before immediately setting your mind on two prompts, try brainstorming ideas for each of the four options provided. Start to draft bullet points or mini paragraphs to get a sense for which prompts you may be more passionate about. There is no right or wrong prompt, but some prompts will allow you to unleash more of your personality or tell more of your story — which will frame your application in a more positive light.

Here are a few questions to ask yourself before you choose your prompts:

• Which prompts will allow you to really showcase your personality (especially generosity and a commitment to service)?
• Which prompts are you more passionate about?
• Which prompts do you think will allow you to have a stronger, more confident voice?
• Which prompts will allow you to discuss something meaningful that cannot be found anywhere else in your application?
• Which prompts will allow you to further showcase your desire to attend Notre Dame?

Your GPA and SAT don’t tell the full admissions story

Our chancing engine factors in extracurricular activities, demographics, and other holistic details. We’ll let you know what your chances are at your dream schools — and how to improve your chances!

Our chancing engine factors in extracurricular activities, demographic, and other holistic details.

Our chancing engine factors in extracurricular activities, demographic, and other holistic details. We’ll let you know what your chances are at your dream schools — and how to improve your chances!

Option A: The founder of the University of Notre Dame, Father Edward Sorin, C.S.C., was only 28 when he established the University with the vision that it would become a “powerful means of doing good.” We have always known that young people can be catalysts for change. What is one way that you have made an impact in your community?

Essentially, this prompt is asking, “How have you supported others?”

As Notre Dame explicitly outlines the importance of community and service across its website, it should come as no surprise that admissions would like you to reflect on your role within your community as part of the application process. The strongest essays will be the most personal, addressing a time where you helped out a family member, friend, team, club or special interest group. You want to show how you specifically had an impact on the people around you and were there to support them through a challenge or process. 

Avoid talking about raising money for an organization or 5Ks that you did for a certain cause. While those activities may mean a lot to you, they are very common activities (think ice bucket challenge) and don’t highlight the direct impact you as an individual had on your community.

Focus on an example in which you really worked, even demonstrated leadership (whether formal or informal) in order to make a difference. Perhaps you proposed a community engagement initiative in your school’s chapter of a nationwide club. Why did this cause matter to you? What was the outcome?

Or maybe you acted as a mentor to underclassmen, helping them navigate the transition to high school and teaching them important skills like organization and time management. While stories like these may seem mundane, they clearly demonstrate how you personally supported others in your community and made them feel welcome in their new high school environment. 

Remember that we don’t all have cinema-worthy backstories to share with admissions counselors. But that doesn’t mean that our stories aren’t worth being told. In fact, as readers, we often tend to carry with us the stories which we could connect to in some way. That means that you give your story power in the way that you choose to tell it. So be reflective! Talk about how you felt throughout the process and what you learned about yourself. 

Lastly, be honest with yourself. If community service wasn’t always your strongest suit, don’t take this prompt as an opportunity to play up an experience that you don’t truly value. You have options here, so there’s no need to force your stories and experiences to fit this prompt.

Option B: If you were to bring a new friend to your hometown and give them a personal tour, what is a meaningful place you would show them?

This prompt asks you to reflect on your personal experiences in a more creative way. In cases like this one, you can easily overthink what the prompt is asking you to do. Remember that admissions counselors want to get to know you as an individual. That means understanding how you think and interact with the world around you. What better way to glimpse that than to ask about a place in the world that you particularly enjoy?

Take a step back and really think here. It’s OK if your favorite place is your bedroom or your school library. The most important element to tackle here is the implicit “why” of the question. Why is the end cubicle in the public library your favorite spot? Is it because you found the initials of a hometown hero scrawled into the corner of the desk? Was it where you finally mastered proofs after having struggled to understand them for weeks in geometry?

Perhaps your favorite place is more private.  Maybe it’s the shady spot under an old willow tree in your backyard. Maybe this is where you and your sister could always make peace after having a huge argument. Whatever that meaningful place is, reflect on what makes it so meaningful to you personally. As with all college essays, your answer here doesn’t have to allude to some groundbreaking discovery or life-altering event. You don’t have to cure cancer in order for your lab to be a meaningful place, nor do you have to have dug up a time capsule for your backyard to matter. 

Explaining the meaning of your sacred spot will help give admissions officers a good sense of who you are, what you value, and even perhaps how you may contribute to your campus community. So have fun with this question and reflect on a place that genuinely matters to you. There’s no such thing as a wrong answer here, only a poorly supported one. 

Option C: Defend an unpopular opinion you hold.

Like the last option, this prompt allows for some out-of-the-box thinking and creativity. It asks you to show how you think by having you reflect on an unpopular opinion you hold.

This prompt can go either incredibly wrong or incredibly right. Unpopular opinions can be unpopular because they are more nuanced or complex than the dominant narrative, or they can be unpopular because they are ignorant or harmful. Applying to a school with a strong Catholic value system like Notre Dame allows very little wiggle room if your unpopular opinion falls within the latter category. 

There are a few topics which you’d want to avoid really in any college essay, and some that may be more specific to Notre Dame. For one, it’s a good idea to avoid bashing any real-life political figures, as you never know who’s reading your essay. Spending your 200 words eviscerating a senator could alienate your audience in ways that a critique of popular shows like Friends wouldn’t. The same goes for any divisive social issues, like abortion, especially since Notre Dame might be more conservative than most universities. While it’s important that we hold our personal, professional, and political beliefs with conviction, pounding them on the desk of an admissions counselor isn’t the best way to do it, especially if your beliefs might be especially controversial and negatively impact your chances of acceptance. 

As a general rule of thumb, you should also avoid defending illegal activities. While the nation has certainly begun to decriminalize activities that have historically been considered illegal, penning an ardent albeit well-written defense of smuggling marijuana from Colorado to Kansas isn’t likely to score you any points with an admissions office. 

You should also avoid any topic that might feel like a “cop-out.” At its heart, this prompt wants to hear about your thought process behind a personal opinion that many people are likely to disagree with. You should not interpret “unpopular” as something that people will likely support, but hasn’t received enough attention. For instance, you might feel strongly about child homelessness in the US, which isn’t necessarily “popular” since it’s not at the forefront of national debate, but you shouldn’t use this as a topic for this essay; the general public is unlikely to disagree that we need a solution to child homelessness. Your opinion is not unpopular here—the topic itself is just not popular.  You want to be sure to pick an opinion that is actually unpopular, but not alienating. 

We can’t stress enough how much Notre Dame values community and helping others. Consequently, an essay which in any way devalues (whether intentionally or not) disadvantaged groups would be a poor topic choice here. Unpopular opinions shouldn’t be devoid of empathy in any case, but especially when it comes to applying to schools with such strong core value systems. 

While we’ve listed quite a few Don’ts here, it’s important that you do reflect on something that matters to you. As with any essay, you’ll need to defend the “what” with authenticity and conviction, so you shouldn’t just pick any old topic because it’s “safe.” Perhaps your unpopular opinion is that the Adventures of Huckleberry Finn doesn’t deserve its place in the canon of English literature. Maybe you’ve read novels which both depict childhood and address race in more thoughtful ways relevant to the 2019 young reader. 

Or maybe you think that technology hasn’t jeopardized human interaction. Maybe you’d argue that you can form equally deep, meaningful relationships in online games as you can hanging out at the park after school. Whatever your unpopular opinion is, commit to it and defend it in a way that provokes your reader to reflect on their own stance. While it may not change minds, the most successful response will cause your reader to think, and perhaps want to learn even more. 

Option D: Many high schools have books that are required reading. Thinking beyond the common examples, what book do you believe should be on your school’s reading list and why?

The last of the four prompts asks you to reflect on your school’s required reading list. Essentially admissions counselors want you to select a book that you’ve read outside of class and to make a defensible argument of why others should read it too. 

Students shouldn’t be afraid of this prompt, even if they aren’t an aspiring English major, as you can attack this prompt from multiple perspectives. Perhaps there’s a book that you read as background information when working on a project. This is the type of reading that wasn’t required, but that you instead chose to do as a way to better educate yourself on a topic or issue, whether it be historical, scientific, or really anything else. How do you think other students in your school could benefit from reading it?

You could also discuss reading that you chose to do entirely for fun. Maybe you’ve recently read a really impressive novel or a thought-provoking essay. Whether it’s a non-fiction piece on climate change, a collection of short stories from an up-and-coming author, or a beautifully written novel, think about something you’ve read that left a strong impression. You’ll need to clearly and concisely articulate what the book is, why and how it impacted you, and how you think it could benefit your classmates. 

It can be a difficult task unpacking all the great moments in a piece of literature, so be sure that you’ve understood what you read well enough to distill and summarize it down to its key components. From there, you can reflect on why others should read the piece too. 

Some Final Thoughts

Regardless of which prompts you choose to answer, you’ll need to follow some general guidelines in order to craft the best responses possible. Here are some final tips to keep in mind:

DO: give yourself time  

Writing a short essay can often seem like a straightforward and deceptively quick process. This isn’t always true. Clear and concise writing often takes more time, as you need to communicate your arguments effectively and in a compelling manner without fluff. While you can build your thesis over the course of a few lines in a longer multi-paragraph essay, you’ll need to jump right into your narrative in a short answer, in a way that still feels thoughtful. Clumsily jumbling together broad and lofty ideas won’t get you far with a 200 word prompt, so leave yourself enough time to plan, draft and redraft your response until it’s ready for submission.

DON’T: regurgitate what’s on the website

It’s important to demonstrate that you’re a quality fit for both the rigor and culture of any school. However don’t just write what you think admissions counselors want to hear. Instead reflect on what about the school aligns most with your goals, values and interests and communicate that in your essay using clear and specific examples. Then reflect on how you as an individual will fit into that picture and what unique perspective you’ll bring as a member of the campus community. 

DO: Be Specific

It’s important to tailor any prompt to the specific school it’s intended for. That means including specific details and examples relevant to the school. Don’t simply say that you want to study at a research university. Mention a unique course that aligns with your academic interests a special club that allows you to develop your extracurricular passions.

DO: Be true to yourself

It’s counterproductive to spend hours and hours writing about things that don’t truly matter to you. So be honest! Highlight the things that you care about most and talk about how you hope to pursue them further while on campus. If diversity isn’t key to your interest in a school, then don’t pretend that it is. If you are a standout student in Chemistry, but begrudgingly show up to French class everyday, then don’t pen a response about how foreign language changed your worldview. 

Admissions counselors want to get to know you outside of your test scores and GPA and essays are your opportunity to really introduce yourself in your own voice. So take a deep breath and know that no one could ever be better equipped to showcase you than you .

Want help with your college essays to improve your admissions chances? Sign up for your free CollegeVine account and get access to our essay guides and courses. You can also get your essay peer-reviewed and improve your own writing skills by reviewing other students’ essays.

Related CollegeVine Blog Posts

Notre Dame Essay Guide: 2022-2023

Notre dame essay guide quick facts: .

• University of Notre Dame acceptance rate: 19% — U.S. News ranks Notre Dame as a highly competitive school. 
• Notre Dame application: Notre Dame accepts the Common Application, the Coalition Application on Scoir, and the Questbridge Application. 
• Common App or Coalition Application essay
• 1 (200-word) required Notre Dame essay question
• 1 (200-word) additional essay: applicants must respond to 1 of 4 prompts
• Notre Dame is a Catholic university located in suburban Notre Dame, Indiana.
• #1 Notre Dame Essay Tip: Start early so you have enough time to focus on the Notre Dame essays. Supplements are just as important as your Common App essay, so don’t leave them to the last minute.

Not sure how to approach the Notre Dame essay prompts? Our guide to the Notre Dame essay supplemental essays will show you exactly how to write engaging Notre Dame essays and maximize your admissions odds. If you need help responding to the Notre Dame essay prompts, create your free account or schedule a complimentary advising consultation o n line .

Does Notre Dame have supplemental essays? 

Yes, Notre Dame requires all applicants to complete Notre Dame supplements. You will submit your Notre Dame supplemental essays in addition to your personal statement on the Common App or Coalition App.  

Need some help writing your Common App essay? Get great tips from our Common App essay guide .  A strong Common App essay, in addition to well-written University of Notre Dame supplemental essays, will only bolster your application. 

Notre Dame essay requirements:

There are two Notre Dame supplemental essays. Both of the Notre Dame supplemental essays are required for all applicants. 

The first Notre Dame essay prompt essentially asks, “Why Notre Dame?” The second of the required Notre Dame essays, however, is more open-ended. For the second essay, each applicant must choose one of four additional Notre Dame supplemental essay prompts to answer.

Keep reading this guide for a breakdown of each of the Notre Dame essay prompts. Every Notre Dame application essay has a limit of 200 words. So, you don’t have many words to impress Notre Dame admissions with your Notre Dame essays.

What are the Notre Dame supplemental essays?

The Notre Dame supplemental essays are on the Common App site . You can also visit the Notre Dame Admissions site for details about each of the Notre Dame essay prompts. The Notre Dame website also offers a full list of their evaluation criteria beyond the Notre Dame supplemental essays.

In your Notre Dame supplemental essays, you will discuss your motivations for applying to the school as well as your background and experiences . As you write, remember the purpose of the Notre Dame essay prompts—to help the Notre Dame admissions committee get to know you. 

Don’t view the Notre Dame essays as just another part of the Notre Dame requirements. Instead, think of the Notre Dame supplemental essays as opportunities to tell your story and persuade the reader that you will contribute to and benefit from the Notre Dame community. 

Notre Dame Essay — Prompt 1 ( Required ):

Notre dame is a catholic university, founded by members of the congregation of holy cross, with a mission to educate the hearts and minds of students. what excites you about attending notre dame (200 words)..

This Notre Dame application essay essentially asks you, “Why Notre Dame?” 

While you’ve likely seen this sort of “why school” essay prompt, the best Notre Dame supplements will specifically address specific details. Your Notre Dame essays should go beyond your in-class education to discuss your growth as an individual and community member. How will Notre Dame help you achieve your academic, personal, and life goals?

In this Notre Dame application essay, think about reasons why Notre Dame specifically will help you achieve your ambitions. As you write your Notre Dame supplements, try to be personal and specific. You may want to use this first required Notre Dame essay to write about particular moments or people that have shaped your decision to apply. Additionally, in your Notre Dame essays, include the programs, organizations, and groups that you plan to join. Why do these programs excite you? How will you grow and learn? 

Mention your intended majors and minors

If you are applying to a specific major and/or minor , mention it in your Notre Dame application essay. Are there classes that interest you? Professors you would like to do research with? Your Notre Dame essays also might discuss a unique intersection of fields you would like to study. Try to seamlessly infuse your Notre Dame supplemental essays with details specific to you. A successful response to the Notre Dame essay prompts will be a cohesive narrative that shows the reader that you will succeed at Notre Dame.

In your Notre Dame supplements, include opportunities that are less academic in nature. Perhaps you want to get involved with Campus Ministry or the Center for Social Concerns. Do you want to play intramural sports ? Study abroad? By integrating these elements into your Notre Dame essays, you will show the admissions team how you will contribute to the Notre Dame community. 

Make every word count

You only have 200 words to write this Notre Dame essay, so make sure every word counts. In your Notre Dame supplements, don’t paint your undergraduate years as a means to an end. Notre Dame is a vibrant community where you will inevitably grow and change. Yes, you will be prepared for the “real world” and gain an immense network of alumni resources. However, that’s not what the admissions team wants to see in your Notre Dame essays. 

In your Notre Dame application essay, don’t just write about common traditions, emotional connections, or your attachment to Notre Dame’s Catholic theology. Instead, in your Notre Dame essay, focus on the specific parts of Notre Dame that interest you. 

Notre Dame Essay Reflection Questions: 

• Is your Notre Dame essay response both specific and personal?
• Do you address why this school attracts you in this Notre Dame essay?
• Does your Notre Dame application essay discuss your identity as it relates to Notre Dame?

Notre Dame Essay — Additional Questions:

Choose one of the following options (200 words), #1 – people in the notre dame community come from many different places, backgrounds, and walks of life. how is where you’re from a part of who you are.

With the first prompt, Notre Dame admissions wants to see how your background has shaped who you are today.  Strong Notre Dame supplemental essays will not only show how applicants’ backgrounds have formed their identities, but also how they will bring that diversity to Notre Dame’s campus . 

You can respond to the first of the four Notre Dame supplemental essays in many ways. Perhaps you’re a first or second generation immigrant, and a certain culture has played a large part in your upbringing. Or, perhaps you’re the first born sibling of eight and have teetered the line between older sibling and extra parent. Or, maybe you just live in a small town that has its own traditions that have shaped your childhood. Anything that has played a role in who you are today is fair game in this Notre Dame application essay. 

If responding to this prompt, make sure you choose something that you can write passionately about. Remember, Notre Dame admissions needs to see what you will bring to campus in these Notre Dame supplemental essays. How has your community shaped you, and how will you share that with the Notre Dame community? Strong responses to the University of Notre Dame supplemental essays will not only show who you are, but what you will be able to share with the Notre Dame community during your time on campus. 

#2 – Tell us about a time when you advocated for something you believe in.

The second of the Notre Dame Supplemental essays is all about passion for a cause. Notre Dame admissions looks for students who actively pursue their values. So, this Notre Dame application essay should show how you publicly supported a cause that you believe in.

For this Notre Dame essay, “advocacy” can mean a variety of things. A moving response to this Notre Dame application essay could be something as simple as writing about a time when you spoke up and helped someone to understand a different perspective. When writing this Notre Dame essay, think about how you have created some sort of change or made an impact by speaking up about something you value.

Respond to this prompt, like the other Notre Dame supplemental essays, with as much detail as possible. In this Notre Dame application essay, talk about why you advocated something and how it made a change. How did the experience with advocacy affect you? How might it affect your future?

#3 – If you were given unlimited resources to help solve one problem in your community, what would it be and how would you accomplish it?

Choose the third of the Notre Dame supplemental essays if you think of yourself as a passionate problem-solver. The solution to the problem you tackle in this Notre Dame essay doesn’t need to “save the world.” You don’t have to write about solving something as grandiose as climate change in your Notre Dame application essay. In fact, successful Notre Dame supplemental essays will speak on a solution to a problem that is meaningful to you. 

In your Notre Dame application essay, you may even choose to address a problem that you’ve started working towards already. What else could be done to solve the issue? How would it create change? Strong Notre Dame essays will revolve around impact.

Don’t forget the “why”

In your response to this Notre Dame application essay prompt, you should include how and why you would want to tackle this particular issue affecting your community. Your Notre Dame essay should teach your reader something about you—not just about your topic. Be sure to articulate why you have chosen to help solve this problem in this Notre Dame essay. What does your Notre Dame application essay show about your identity and values?

Students may choose to write about something related to their intended area of study in the third of the four Notre Dame supplements. However, don’t feel limited to make the problem and your solution relate to academics in this Notre Dame essay. Remember that in all of the Notre Dame supplemental essays, Notre Dame admissions wants to learn more about you. You certainly have interests outside of academics; talk about them in this Notre Dame application essay. 

Dreamers may be inclined to respond to this Notre Dame application essay. Get creative with your solution. Just make sure that your passion for solving this particular problem shows in this Notre Dame essay. 

#4 – What is the greatest compliment you have ever been given? Why was it meaningful to you?

The last of the Notre Dame supplemental essays asks applicants to think about the best compliment they have ever been given. When writing this Notre Dame application essay, try not to get too caught up in the actual compliment. This Notre Dame essay, similar to the other Notre Dame supplemental essays, is all about how it relates back to you. Strong Notre Dame essays will show the impact that compliment had on you. Out of all the compliments you’ve ever received, why did that particular one get logged in your memory?

When responding to this Notre Dame essay, show why the compliment was so meaningful. In this Notre Dame application essay, the compliment itself doesn’t matter; its importance to you does. Does the compliment speak to who you inherently are? Or was it from someone that you particularly admire? This Notre Dame application essay is all about the depth behind the compliment. 

Successful University of Notre Dame supplemental essays will not brag. A strong response to the last of the Notre Dame essay prompts will focus on the impact the receiving that compliment had on you.

Which Notre Dame essay prompt should I choose?

Each of the Notre Dame essay prompts allows you to discuss something different. There’s no right or wrong topic to choose when it comes to the Notre Dame essays. Instead, choose the prompt that speaks to you most. 

The best strategy to choose your Notre Dame application essay is to brainstorm a topic or two for each. Think about how you might respond to these Notre Dame essay prompts by writing a few bullet points for what you would include in your Notre Dame essays. Then, choose the Notre Dame application essay that best lets you showcase your identity. 

• Does your choice of the Notre Dame essay prompts allow you to best show who you are?
• In your Notre Dame application essay, do you avoid repeating content from elsewhere on your application?
• Is your Notre Dame essay clear and concise?

How do I write Notre Dame’s supplemental essays?

How do you write strong Notre Dame supplements that will enhance your Notre Dame application? Let’s discuss some strategies for responding to the Notre Dame essay prompts. 

The most successful Notre Dame supplemental essays will be genuine, personal, and specific. You should choose engaging and authentic topics for your Notre Dame essays. Remember, your readers evaluate your Notre Dame supplemental essays for both content and writing ability. It’s not only about what you say in your Notre Dame essays, but also how you say it.

It may feel daunting to fit everything you want to say in two 200-word Notre Dame application essays. Approach each of your Notre Dame essays with a plan. Brainstorm first, then make a detailed outline for each Notre Dame application essay. Once you have an outline, write and revise. Clear and concise writing will help you maximize your space. Every word matters in the University of Notre Dame supplemental essays. 

The “so what?”

Most importantly, include the “so what?” in your Notre Dame supplemental essays, particularly when describing your own experiences. You should provide enough context that your reader understands your narrative , but your Notre Dame essays should ultimately answer why this story matters. What skills can you highlight in each Notre Dame application essay? How did your mindset shift? What values does your story reveal about who you are? Why did you choose to tell this story?

Leave yourself time to proofread and polish your Notre Dame supplemental essays. Remember, your Notre Dame essays help the admissions team understand who you are beyond your grades and test scores. So, don’t underestimate their importance. These Notre Dame essays are much more than mere Notre Dame requirements. Think of each Notre Dame application essay as a chance to at depth to your Notre Dame application narrative.  

How important are Notre Dame’s supplemental essays?

Well, how important are Notre Dame essays to the Admissions Committee? 

The University spends time each year determining their Notre Dame essay prompts. The admissions team changes the prompts at least slightly each year, and they sometimes unveil entirely new questions. This year’s Notre Dame essay prompts are significantly different from last year’s. This year’s Notre Dame requirements also signify a shift toward quality over quantity—in the second Notre Dame application essay, students used to choose two prompts rather than just one. 

Ultimately, what does Notre Dame look for in essays? Authentic and well-written stories about what makes you who you are. Use this essay guide to write Notre Dame supplemental essays that stand out. Engage your reader through interesting stories, vivid descriptions, and an actionable plan for your time on campus. These details will make your Notre Dame essays stand out.

5 Tips for Writing the Best Notre Dame Supplemental Essays: 

Successful Notre Dame supplemental essays will vary based on an applicant’s personal experiences and future goals. However, there are certain things that will help when taking on any of the University of Notre Dame supplemental essays. 

How to write stand out Notre Dame essay responses:

#1 – start early.

Give yourself time to edit and revise each of your Notre Dame supplemental essays! Notre Dame has two deadlines : Restrictive Early Action on November 1, 2021 and Regular Decision on January 1, 2022. Give yourself plenty of time to complete the Notre Dame requirements.

#2 – Ignore the stats

Don’t worry about things like the Notre Dame acceptance rate when you are working on each Notre Dame application essay. Instead, try to write the best Notre Dame essays possible. Forget all of the Notre Dame requirements and just focus on the Notre Dame supplements when writing. 

#3 – Opt for passion

You have full control over your Notre Dame essays. Choose a topic that you can write passionately about and pay close attention to the message that your Notre Dame supplements send. Each Notre Dame application essay serves as your introduction to the admissions committee. 

#4 – Look at the big picture

Consider the entirety of your application before submitting. Make sure that each essay says something new. No two successful Notre Dame essays are the same, just like no two Notre Dame students are the same.

#5 – Be yourself

The Notre Dame supplements really are the best opportunity to just be you. Don’t focus on what you think admissions wants to hear in each Notre Dame application essay. Let your experiences, passions, and goals leap off the page and impress Notre Dame admissions. Successful Notre Dame supplemental essays will show who you are and what’s important to you. 

Notre Dame Supplemental Essays — Final Thoughts

Notre Dame is an undoubtedly special university to attend. Don’t try to tell the admissions team what you think they want to hear in each Notre Dame application essay. Be yourself and tell your story . Do your research to make sure each of your Notre Dame supplemental essays shows why you belong at Notre Dame. Remember that passion is key, so get excited about your responses to each Notre Dame application essay. Good luck!

Want to learn more about the Notre Dame admissions process? Check out this Snapchat take over from a current Notre Dame admissions counselor for tips on essays and insight into the university’s holistic application review process.

Notre Dame is an undoubtedly special university to attend. Don’t try to tell the admissions committee what you think they want to hear. Instead, be yourself and tell your story. Finally, do your research to make sure each of your Notre Dame supplemental essays shows why you belong at Notre Dame. Good luck!

For more CollegeAdvisor.com resources on Notre Dame, including stories from CollegeAdvisor students who were accepted to Notre Dame , click here . Want help crafting your Notre Dame supplemental essays? Create your free account or schedule a no-cost advising consultation online .

Personalized and effective college advising for high school students.

• Advisor Application
• Popular Colleges
• Privacy Policy and Cookie Notice
• Student Login
• California Privacy Notice
• Terms and Conditions
• Your Privacy Choices

By using the College Advisor site and/or working with College Advisor, you agree to our updated Terms and Conditions and Privacy Policy , including an arbitration clause that covers any disputes relating to our policies and your use of our products and services.

Join Now to View Premium Content

GradeSaver provides access to 2365 study guide PDFs and quizzes, 11012 literature essays, 2781 sample college application essays, 926 lesson plans, and ad-free surfing in this premium content, “Members Only” section of the site! Membership includes a 10% discount on all editing orders.

Boston College

Personal statement anonymous, some students have a background, identity, interest, or talent that is so meaningful they believe their application would be incomplete without it. if this sounds like you, then please share your story..

In my hometown, Nanchang, China, the Gan River divides the city into two worlds. One side of the river has enjoyed much government investment: skyscrapers are adorned with beaming neon lights, and beacons are announcing the economic prosperity of China.

I grew up on the other side of the river. Most of my childhood was spent running through rich rice paddies, catching grasshoppers, and listening to my neighbors speaking with a sense of envy about the other side of the river. They would always remind me of an old Chinese proverb, “a knowledgeable person travels ten thousand miles.” They encouraged me to go out, and see the broader world.

Is the outside world better? This question haunted me and motivated me to travel—ten thousand miles from home to Tanzania in the summer of 2015 on a service-learning trip.

Following our Tanzanian guide, Alex, through the countryside, I was entranced by lush green maize fields, straw-roofed huts, and pastures for cattle, goats and sheep. Soaking in all the beauty, I started to believe that perhaps things in the outside world were, indeed, better, just as my neighbors had promised. But the thought made me feel uneasy.

This feeling kept me up that night as I lay in a sleeping bag on the cold ground...

GradeSaver provides access to 2312 study guide PDFs and quizzes, 10989 literature essays, 2751 sample college application essays, 911 lesson plans, and ad-free surfing in this premium content, “Members Only” section of the site! Membership includes a 10% discount on all editing orders.

Already a member? Log in

Jump to navigation

• Visit Campus
• Apply to Saint Mary's
• Transfer Students
• Financial Aid
• Accepted Students
• Academic Programs
• Study Abroad
• Academic Calendar
• Course Catalog
• Graduate Studies
• Accelerated Bachelor's to Master's Programs
• Housing & Dining
• Campus Safety
• Student Resources
• Inclusion & Equity
• Parent Resources
• Prism for Parents
• Center for Faith, Action, and Ministry
• Center for the Study of Spirituality
• Holy Cross Education
• Campus Liturgy Schedule
• Alumnae Resources
• Career Services for Life
• Avenues The College Magazine
• Varsity Sports
• Club Sports
• Saint Mary's Intramurals
• Angela Athletic & Wellness Complex
• Impact of Giving
• How to Give
• Gift Planning
• Office of the President
• News & Stories
• Venue Rentals
• Your Career Awaits
• Exploring Interests and Majors
• Jobs and Internships
• Graduate and Professional School
• Post-Graduate Service
• Make an Appointment
• Saint Mary's Student Portal
• Preparing Students for Life
• A Network of Empowered Women
• Recruit Saint Mary's Students
• Why Recruit Saint Mary's Students?
• Post Your Jobs and Internships

Personal Statement: Sample Outline

“Saint Mary’s has given me the confidence to pursue my dreams.”

Sample Outline

A sample outline for personal statements.

This outline is meant to be a guide to writing a personal statement. It does not represent the only format for a personal statement. Take the information that is most helpful to you and adapt it to meet your specific needs!

Introductory Paragraph Although you may be tempted to jump right into a narrative of your earliest accomplishments, begin instead by focusing on why the law school/med school/grad school has attracted your interest and why you consider yourself an able candidate for the position. This opening paragraph need not be extensive, but it should sketch out your view of yourself as a capable individual who has the necessary confidence, maturity, and talent to success in this venture. Somewhere in your introductory paragraph, either in your first or last sentence, you should define yourself in a succinct way (this corresponds to the function of a thesis statement in an ordinary essay).

The Body of the Personal Statement, Part 1: The Recent Past Saint Mary’s students generally tend to be reluctant to beat their own drum, either out of politeness or humility. But remember that only you can put your best foot forward and that all other candidates will do the same. A personal statement should not be egotistical, but it should not be modest. Your readers will be looking for reasons to stop reading your essay, so use all your ammunition (it isn’t bragging if you can back up your assertions with facts). When you write about your educational and/or employment background in the next two or three paragraphs, emphasize how these experiences and activities helped to shape the person you have become (in addition, of course, to family and other influences—but keep those references to a minimum to keep the spotlight on you). Find ways to illustrate the value of your educational and work experiences, providing as much detailed commentary as you can to make your experiences interesting to the reader.

The Body of the Personal Statement, Part 2: The Present Add a paragraph or two presenting yourself as you are now. Stress the qualities that you believe best characterize you such as confidence, maturity, intellectual curiosity, and the determination to succeed. This part of your essay will answer the following question: who are you now and why? Once again, the more concrete you can be regarding your positive self-image, the more likely the reader is to accept what you say about yourself as more than mere rhetoric.

The Body of the Personal Statement, Part 3: The Future In a paragraph or two, present a positive forecast of your future developement in relation to the specific career or profession you wish to pursue. Obviously, you will feel more confident and have a more specific idea about your immediate future, rather than your long-range plans, but visualizing your professional identity two or three decades from now demonstrates both vision and determination. In this part of the personal statement you may wish to address some of the following questions: How will the grad school/law school/med school you are presently pursuing be an important stepping stone leading to your life’s work? What do you hope to accomplish in life? What are your personal goals and/or career objectives? How do you see yourself evolving in the next several years?

The Concluding Paragraph After forecasting your future, you may be tempted to end your personal statement on that visionary note. But a brief conclusion will help by summarizing, for the reader’s benefit, your past accomplishments, your present sense of identity, and your future goals. Try to make your last sentence a real clincher so that the reader has a vivid impression of you.

The Most Important Step Now that you have written the first draft of your personal statement, prune it mercilessly so that only the most essential points remain. Edit your work thoroughly, as well, to make your sentences more concise and declarative. Remember, not everything in this guideline sheet will be applicable to every potential audience, so tailor your personal statement to the specific task at hand. Above all, don’t be discouraged by any rejections. Your diligence and belief in yourself will eventually be rewarded. Good luck!

Please upgrade your browser:

In order to view and use this website properly you will need to upgrade to any of the following supported browsers for FREE:

We no longer supports Internet Explorer 8 and earlier because Microsoft is phasing out support. It has too many limitations that are holding back new feature development and there are much better browsers available for free . We strongly recommends that you upgrade now. Thank you.

• Applications Closed

Applications are now closed

Our applications have now closed for September 2024. We are no longer enrolling students as there are no places available for September 2024 entry.

For students who wish to study with us in September 2025, we will be holding open days on Saturday 12th October and Saturday 23rd November. You can register for our open day here . Our application form will reopen for these students in September 2024.

University of Notre Dame

Undergraduate Admissions

Transfer Applicants

• Home ›
• Apply ›
• Resources For ›

Notre Dame aims to admit a limited number of exceptional transfer students each year, who will enrich our campus through their involvement, passions, care for others, and demonstrated academic excellence.

To be eligible for transfer to Notre Dame, students must have completed at least one full academic year in a degree-seeking program at another college or university after graduating from high school. Students who are concurrently enrolled in both high school and college programs should follow our first-year admission process .

Evaluation Criteria

All transfer students must apply to a specific college and major at Notre Dame. To present a competitive application, you should have:

Appropriate coursework for your desired major and outstanding academic performance in those courses.

Completion of required courses for your college with a grade of ‘B’ or higher.

A competitive college GPA. In recent years, the average GPA for admitted students has been 3.75 or higher.

At least 24 transferable credits and a minimum of one year of college enrollment at an accredited institution. Please note that dual-enrollment courses do not count toward this minimum.

An impressive high school academic record.

A well-crafted personal statement that explains your interest in Notre Dame, your academic and professional goals, and how transferring to Notre Dame can contribute to achieving them.

SAT or ACT assessment scores ( optional for 2024 and 2025 application cycles )

For a complete list of required application materials and instructions, please refer to our Application Instructions .

Dates and Deadlines

Spring enrollment.

• Application Deadline: October 1, 2024
• Decision notification between December 1, 2024 - January 5, 2025

Apply for Spring Enrollment

Fall Enrollment

• Application deadline: March 15, 2025
• Decision notification between May 20 - June 14, 2025

Apply for Fall Enrollment

More information about the Fall and Spring Enrollment plans can be found under  Apply .

Major Availability

The consideration of a student’s past academic performance along with the availability of space within their desired major are crucial factors in our decision-making process. The number of open spots in specific programs can vary annually. Some of our sought-after majors such as Neuroscience and Behavior, Mechanical and Aerospace Engineering, Computer Science, Business Analytics, and Finance have very limited availability in a given year. Students who are interested in being considered for more than one program, have the opportunity to indicate an alternate intended major on their application.

Once admitted to a particular major, a student will not be allowed to change to another major at the University without the permission of their dean.

To learn more about each of our colleges and schools, explore their websites:

College of Arts and Letters

College of Engineering

College of Science

Keough School of Global Affairs

Mendoza College of Business

School of Architecture

Course Selection

To learn more about what classes you need to take for your intended major in order to present a strong application, please view our required courses . It is imperative that you have the prerequisites needed for your intended course of study, so carefully review the required curriculum for your intended college and major.

When deciding what additional classes to take, we recommend aligning your course selection with  Notre Dame’s Core Curriculum . The Core is organized around 11 Ways of Knowing and establishes a strong foundation in the liberal arts for all Notre Dame students. Regardless of intended major, interested transfer applicants should prioritize taking: a writing-intensive course such as writing and rhetoric or English composition, and courses in the quantitative reasoning and science and technology categories. These would include courses such as calculus, statistics, natural sciences and physical sciences.

We encourage you to browse our frequently asked questions . We also have additional information for international transfer students .

If you have any remaining questions after reviewing our website, please email [email protected] .

Notre Dame vs. Northern Illinois: Free stream, start time, TV, how to watch

• Updated: Sep. 07, 2024, 10:16 a.m.
• | Published: Sep. 07, 2024, 10:16 a.m.

Notre Dame quarterback Riley Leonard (13) looks to pass against Texas A&M during the first quarter of an NCAA college football game Saturday, Aug. 31, 2024, in College Station, Texas. (AP Photo/Sam Craft) AP

• Nick O'Malley | [email protected]

Notre Dame is back in action in a Week 2 matchup against Northern Illinois. Saturday’s game will air on TV via NBC. Fans can watch college football games for free by signing up for a trial of fuboTV .

• LIVE STREAM : Sign up here to watch college football games

The No. 5-ranked Fighting Irish are fresh off a season-opening win against Texas A&M on the road. Now, Riley Leonard & Co. will play in friendlier confines at Notre Dame Stadium in South Bend. On the other side, the Huskies are also coming in with a 1-0 record -- due to a win against FCS Western Illinois last week.

How to watch Notre Dame vs. Northern Illinois | College Football Week 2

What time does the game start? What TV channel will it air on? - Saturday’s game starts at 3:30 p.m. EST from Notre Dame Stadium in South Bend, Indiana. The game will air on TV nationally via NBC.

Live stream info : fuboTV | Sling | DirecTV Stream | Peacock - Fans can watch the game for free by signing up for a trial of fuboTV or DirecTV . Meanwhile, all NBC games are also available for streaming via Peacock .

Fans with a cable subscription can also use login credentials from their TV provider to watch via NBC Sports .

More coverage via the Associated Press

Northern Illinois (1-0) at No. 5 Notre Dame (1-0), Saturday at 3:30 p.m ET (NBC)

BetMGM College Football Odds : Notre Dame by 28

Series record: First meeting.

WHAT’S AT STAKE

Now that Notre Dame has a big road win and a much more manageable schedule, it cannot afford a hangover. And third-year coach Marcus Freeman almost certainly will remind his players — if they need it — about what happened against Marshall in 2022. For Northern Illinois, it could be the biggest game in school history — and a victory would be the most significant in school history.

KEY MATCHUP

Young Notre Dame offensive line vs. Huskies pass rush. Northern Illinois defensive end Roy Williams made a statement last week by sacking Western Illinois quarterback Nathan Lamb on the first play of the game. He finished with a career-high six tackles. The Fighting Irish line is still growing into the job with a freshman left tackle, Anthonie Knapp, and a sophomore left guard, Sam Pendleton.

PLAYERS TO WATCH

Northern Illinois: WR Trayvon Rudolph caught four passes for 104 yards in last week’s season-opening win and QB Ethan Hampton went 18 of 20 for 328 yards and five TDs. It’s a potentially dangerous combination.

Notre Dame: DBs Xavier Watts and Benjamin Morrison. The play-making All-Americans both have shut-down ability and NFL aspirations. To earn the first-round status they crave, both need to have good seasons and show no regression.

FACTS & FIGURES

Notre Dame is 10-0 all-time vs. Mid-American Conference foes. … Notre Dame wide receiver Jordan Faison, who caught two passes for 12 yards against Texas A&M, will sit out this week with an ankle injury. … The Huskies’ last win against a non-MAC ranked opponent came in 2003, 19-16 over then No. 21 Alabama. ... Notre Dame is one of five power programs to win eight or more game each of the last four seasons. The others are Alabama, Clemson, Georgia and North Carolina State.… Northern Illinois’ starting offensive line includes two sixth-year players and two fifth-year players. The group of five have appeared in a total of 177 games with 119 combined starts. … The Huskies have held 10 of their last 14 opponents to 24 or fewer points.

If you purchase a product or register for an account through a link on our site, we may receive compensation. By using this site, you consent to our User Agreement and agree that your clicks, interactions, and personal information may be collected, recorded, and/or stored by us and social media and other third-party partners in accordance with our Privacy Policy.

Notre Dame vs. Northern Illinois FREE LIVE STREAM (9/7/24): Watch college football, Week 2 online | Time, TV, channel

• Updated: Sep. 07, 2024, 1:30 p.m.
• | Published: Sep. 07, 2024, 1:30 p.m.

Notre Dame quarterback Riley Leonard (13) warms up before the start of an NCAA college football game Saturday, Aug. 31, 2024, in College Station, Texas. (AP Photo/Sam Craft) AP

• Cayden Steele | NJ Advance Media for NJ.com

No. 7 Notre Dame faces Northern Illinois on Saturday, September 7, 2024 (9/7/24) at Notre Dame Stadium in Notre Dame, Indiana.

Fans can watch the game for free via a trial of DirecTV Stream and fuboTV .

Here’s what you need to know:

What: NCAA Football, Week 2

Who: Notre Dame vs. Northern Illinois

When: Saturday, September 7, 2024 (9/7//24)

Where: Notre Dame Stadium

Time: 3:30 p.m. ET

Channel finder: Verizon Fios , AT&T U-verse , Comcast Xfinity , Spectrum/Charter , Optimum/Altice , Cox , DIRECTV , Dish , Hulu , fuboTV , Sling .

Live stream: fuboTV (free trial) and DirecTV Stream (free trial)

AP college football story:

SOUTH BEND, Ind. (AP) — Notre Dame quarterback Riley Leonard showed his teammates what he was all about with an early scramble and a subsequent slide that drew a first-quarter targeting penalty on Texas A&M defensive back Dalton Brooks last weekend.

Leonard got up, dusted himself off and went right back to work — a business-as-usual moment that struck a chord on the Fighting Irish sideline.

“Taking a hit like he did, the targeting penalty, a lot of people would have been shaken up by that,” wide receiver Beaux Collins said. “They would have been rattled and thrown off. I felt he was poised the whole game. I didn’t see any type of worry, no type of doubt in his eyes.”

Neither did anyone else, which was a key reason coach Marcus Freeman pursued Leonard when he entered the transfer portal.

That decision already is paying dividends at Notre Dame, which moved up two spots to No. 5 in the AP Top 25 after a 23-13 victory over the then-No. 20 Aggies. Leonard threw 18 of 30 for 158 yards and ran 12 times for 63 yards.

On Saturday, he gets to do it all over again when the Irish (1-0) face Mid-American Conference opponent Northern Illinois (1-0). And after being a two-year starter at Duke, the veteran doesn’t expect any butterflies when he plays in one of college football’s most revered venues, Notre Dame Stadium.

“As the game builds up, I become more and more emotionless, because I’m more confident,” Leonard said. “Nerves come with lack of preparation. Everybody that comes to Notre Dame has a goal and a legitimate chance to go to the NFL. Everybody here is like, ‘Hey, can we watch film; hey, what do you think about this?’”

The 6-foot-4, 216-pound former Alabama prep star certainly knows about the mystique of Irish football, everything from Knute Rockne to “Rudy.” And he was part of a new chapter last season when he suffered a high sprain of his right ankle late in Duke’s 21-14 loss to Notre Dame .

Irish quarterback Sam Hartman, who played previously at Wake Forest, waited outside the injury tent after the game ended to check on Leonard. Leonard emerged on crutches, and the two briefly chatted.

Whether that influenced Leonard’s eventual decision to join the Irish this season isn’t clear. Leonard has said he chose Notre Dame because of the camaraderie he found among the players. The last few months have only confirmed his initial impression.

“We’ll be sitting in the locker room drawing up plays,” Leonard said. “When you see somebody in the facility late at night, watching film, that’s just going to drive you to go later than him and watch more film than him. That’s the atmosphere and the culture here.”

It shows with the dual-threat quarterback’s unusual leadership style.

“He’s kind of like a chill dude at all times throughout the game,” Collins said. “I didn’t know what to expect from him. He’s definitely the leader that we needed.”

Leonard brings an experienced hand, too.

He was 250 of 392 passing with 2,967 yards, 20 TDs and six interceptions during his first season as Duke’s starter but was limited by injuries last season. He threw 95 of 165 for 1,102 yards and three TDs while rushing 124 times for 699 yards and 13 scores before a season-ending left toe injury in late October.

But it’s not just what he does on the field that makes him special.

His penchant for learning has helped him thrive in Notre Dame’s offensive system and lead the team in front of a rocking, raucous 107,000 fans at Texas A&M, too.

“He picks things up fast,” Notre Dame offensive coordinator Mike Denbrock said. “I think he’s a guy who seeks details. He wants detailed information. He wants detailed feedback, whether that’s positive or negative, so he can go and learn as a player.”

But as gritty as Leonard’s start was last weekend, his finishing kick also turned heads around South Bend, giving the Irish and their fans a glimpse of how promising this season could be with Leonard behind center.

“To finish the fourth quarter with an eight-play, 85-yard TD drive that was the difference,” Freeman said. “That’s really the moment where we were able to say: ‘We have this. We’ve got the game.’”

MORE SPORTS COVERAGE

• NFL Week 1 Vikings vs. Giants odds, best prop bet: Paydirt for RB Jones
• Eagles’ Kellen Moore used this to help Jalen Hurts, and it led to success for the offense
• Former Rutgers coaching candidate Joe Moorhead: Greg Schiano is ‘right man for Rutgers’
• Slippery grass in Brazil brings Eagles, Packers together in griping about the gridiron’s surface
• What channel is the Los Angeles Rams vs. Detroit Lions game on today (9/8/24)? | LIVE STREAM, time, TV, channel for NFL Sunday Night Football

Thank you for relying on us to provide the journalism you can trust.

Cayden Steele may be reached at [email protected]

If you purchase a product or register for an account through a link on our site, we may receive compensation. By using this site, you consent to our User Agreement and agree that your clicks, interactions, and personal information may be collected, recorded, and/or stored by us and social media and other third-party partners in accordance with our Privacy Policy.