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How to Write the University of Notre Dame Essays 2024-2025

The University of Notre Dame has two supplemental essay prompts, with the second multiple options to choose from. These essays are short, so it’s important to use your word count wisely. Here’s how to write strong essays to improve your chances of acceptance.

Read these University of Notre Dame essay examples to inspire your writing.

University of Notre Dame Supplemental Essay Prompts

Prompt 1: Everyone has different priorities when considering their higher education options and building their college or university list. Tell us about your “non-negotiable” factor(s) when searching for your future college home. (150 words)

Prompt 2: Please choose three questions from the options below. Your response to each short-answer question should be between 50-100 words.

Option A: How does faith influence the decisions you make?

Option B: What is distinctive about your personal experiences and development (eg, family support, culture, disability, personal background, community)? Why are these experiences important to you and how will you enrich the Notre Dame community?

Option C: Notre Dame’s undergraduate experience is characterized by a collective sense of care for every person. How do you foster service to others in your community?

Option D: What compliment are you most proud of receiving, and why does it mean so much to you?

Option E: What would you fight for?

Everyone has different priorities when considering their higher education options and building their college or university list. Tell us about your “non-negotiable” factor(s) when searching for your future college home. (150 words)

This prompt asks you to reflect on the most important factor(s) you’re looking for in a college—the one or two things that you absolutely must have in your college experience. Notre Dame wants to know what you value most in your education and why that specific factor is so crucial to you. This will help them understand how you approach your college decision-making process and how well Notre Dame aligns with your goals.

Brainstorming Questions

• What is the one thing you cannot compromise on when choosing a college? Is it a specific academic program, a particular type of campus culture, or something else?
• Why is this factor so important to you? How has your past experience shaped this priority?
• How does this non-negotiable factor connect to your future goals or personal values?
• How will having this factor in your college experience help you succeed or feel at home?

What Makes a Good Response

A strong response will:

• Be highly specific: Clearly articulate your non-negotiable factor(s) and avoid vague or generic responses. Explain precisely why this factor is critical to you.
• Show personal connection: Tie your non-negotiable to your personal experiences, values, or aspirations. Demonstrate how this factor has influenced your past and will shape your future.
• Align with Notre Dame’s values: While you should be honest, consider how your non-negotiable might fit with Notre Dame’s mission, culture, and offerings. This can subtly show why Notre Dame is a good match for you.
• Stay focused: Given the 150-word limit, keep your response concise and on-topic. Avoid listing multiple non-negotiables; instead, focus on the one or two that matter most to you.

Hypothetical Student Examples

• A student passionate about social justice who values a university’s commitment to community service and ethical leadership. Their non-negotiable is a strong service-learning program that allows them to actively engage with and support underserved communities. They explain how volunteering at a local shelter in high school inspired them to seek a college that integrates service with academics.
• A student dedicated to sustainability and environmental science whose non-negotiable is a college with a robust sustainability initiative, including green buildings, renewable energy use, and opportunities for environmental research. They connect this to their upbringing in a rural area heavily impacted by climate change, where they saw firsthand the importance of environmental stewardship.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

• Being too broad or generic: Don’t say your non-negotiable is “good academics” or “a friendly campus” without providing specific reasons why these are vital to you. Explain why this factor is the dealbreaker for your college decision.
• Listing too many factors: Focus on one or two key non-negotiables rather than trying to cover everything you want in a college. This will help you craft a more focused and powerful response.
• Ignoring the connection to Notre Dame: Even though the prompt doesn’t ask directly about Notre Dame, it’s helpful to consider how your non-negotiable might connect with what Notre Dame offers, subtly indicating why you see it as your future home.

Good and Bad Examples

Good Example:

My non-negotiable factor is a strong service-learning program that allows me to integrate community service with my academic studies. In high school, I spent my weekends volunteering at a local homeless shelter, and this experience shaped my desire to pursue a career in social work. I’m looking for a college where I can continue this work while gaining the skills and knowledge to make a lasting impact. A college that emphasizes ethical leadership and community engagement is essential to my growth, both as a student and as a future advocate for social justice.

Why This is Good: This example is specific, ties the non-negotiable to the student’s past experiences and future goals, and subtly aligns with Notre Dame’s emphasis on service and ethical leadership.

Bad Example:

The most important factor for me is finding a college with a strong academic reputation. I want to attend a school where I can be challenged academically and have access to good resources. This is non-negotiable because I believe that a good education is the foundation for a successful future.

Why This is Bad: This example is vague and could apply to almost any college. It lacks personal connection, specificity, and fails to explain why this factor is crucial to the student’s unique goals and values.

A Quick Note About Prompt 2:

The main thing to note about Prompt 2 is its very small word limit. Rather than having 150 words like you do for Prompt 1, you’re only allotted 50 words for each of your responses to Prompt 2. However, these prompts are generally personality questions, so have fun with the few sentences you do have!

Prompt 2, Option A

How does faith influence the decisions you make (50-100 words).

This question asks you to reflect on your faith and its impact on your behavior and decision-making. It’s important to recognize that Notre Dame is a Catholic university, and was founded on Catholic beliefs and principles. However, it’s by no means just a Catholic school—it is open to students of all spiritual and religious backgrounds. So while about 80% of students at Notre Dame practice some form of Catholicism, there is plenty of space for students of other faiths to feel comfortable at Notre Dame.

Therefore, don’t feel like you can’t answer this prompt if you’re applying to Notre Dame as a member of another faith. “Faith” simply just refers to your religious background—and can even be extended to a more secular trust in something—so if your background has shaped or influenced your decisions, this is still a great prompt to answer.

However, if you’re not religious and you are applying to Notre Dame, consider answering another prompt instead. Not choosing to answer this prompt has no impact on your admission decision, Notre Dame is just giving students who have a special relationship with their faith a space to elaborate on what it means to them.

With all that being said, if you’re a Catholic student choosing to answer this prompt, it’s important to reflect not only on what your faith means to you now, but also on what that faith might mean to you at Notre Dame.

At Notre Dame, faith is directly tied to service learning and helping others in need, with more than 80% of students participating in service or service learning before they graduate . Perhaps you were part of a Catholic youth group over the course of your life—consider writing about the volunteer opportunities that you embarked on and how those experiences shaped your perspectives.

The prompt is specifically asking you to elaborate on how faith has shaped the decisions you make, so be sure to tie those experiences and perspectives to how you approach each day and each new obstacle.

If you are a member of a different faith, this is a great opportunity to shed some light on how your background has shaped you. Are there any cultural traditions or principles that you follow? Were there any obstacles or challenges to your faith you’ve faced along the way? Ask yourself these questions and more, and treat your faith as another aspect of your identity that has shaped who you are. In doing so, you should be able to see how you may fit in at Notre Dame and contribute to the principles of community service, generosity, and kindness.

Prompt 2, Option B

What is distinctive about your personal experiences and development (eg, family support, culture, disability, personal background, community, etc) why are these experiences important to you and how will you enrich the notre dame community (50-100 words).

This is a standard  diversity essay  in which you’re being asked to elaborate on some aspect of your identity. However, the main purpose of this prompt is not just for Notre Dame to understand the communities that have been essential in shaping your identity, but also to get some idea of how your experiences in your chosen community will translate to your future as a Notre Dame student.

Brainstorming your topic:

Remember that diversity encompasses several disparate aspects. It can include an ethnicity/race, country of origin, language, gender or sexual identity, geographical location, income class, disability or illness, personality trait, extracurricular interest, or something else entirely!

An aspect of diversity might also be something that taught you or inspired your passions, something that you were born into, or something you’re just now learning that you’re a part of. Basically, the chosen aspect of your diversity just needs to represent a part of yourself that is infallibly true.


We recommend focusing on just one aspect of identity to write about. While there may be several communities or groups you feel are a core part of your identity, 100 words will not be enough space to write about them all equally. However, if you do feel that one community is not enough to represent who you are, see if there’s a common thread between the communities you want to mention before diving in.

A quick note if you intend to write about your racial background: In June 2023, the United States Supreme Court  struck down the use of affirmative action  in college admissions. The ruling, however, still allows colleges to consider race on an individual basis, which is one reason many schools are now including diversity prompts as one of their supplemental essay prompts. If you feel that your racial background has impacted you significantly, this is the place to discuss that.

Tips for writing your essay :

Once you’ve chosen the aspect of your identity you want to write about, reflect on the impact that it’s had on your life and begin weaving that into your response. Think about the lessons you’ve learned along the way, the people you’ve met, and the experiences you’ve shared with them, or even perhaps the experiences they’ve shared with you. Also consider how being a part of this chosen community has impacted your goals and hopes for the future.

The part of your identity you’ve chosen to write about will have hopefully left all these impressions on you and more—and it will hopefully just be a matter of condensing your response to 100 words. It’s important to showcase your passion for and genuine investment in the part of your identity you write about, but make sure to keep it short and sweet.

Don’t feel like you have to embellish your diversity either. Remember that diversity can be defined as practically anything that makes up your identity—it doesn’t necessarily have to be something that has changed the course of your life. Take this example:

Raised in a tight-knit Filipino-American community, I learned the importance of bayanihan—the spirit of communal unity. Every weekend, our neighborhood gathered for potlucks, where elders shared stories of their struggles as immigrants and the younger generation learned the value of helping each other. Inspired by this, I organized cultural workshops at my high school, teaching classmates about Filipino traditions and encouraging cross-cultural understanding. At Notre Dame, I’ll contribute to the community by fostering cultural exchange and creating spaces where diverse voices are celebrated, much like the supportive network that shaped my upbringing.

Prompt 2, Option C

Notre dame fosters an undergraduate experience dedicated to the intellectual, moral, and spiritual development of each individual, characterized by a collective sense of care for every person. how do you foster service to others in your community (50-100 words).

This is a pretty straightforward  community service essay . You’re being asked to showcase the ways in which you’ll contribute to the overall campus community at Notre Dame. It’s important to note that this isn’t an essay about  what  communities you’ve been a part of in the past—instead, you should discuss  how  you’ve been an active service member in your community in the past or present.

The best route to follow when answering this prompt is to reflect on past experiences you’ve had with community service, and relate them to what the prompt says about Notre Dame as a whole. The answer for the prompt is practically laid out in the phrasing—right off the bat, the prompt tells us that Notre Dame is a school where the individual is characterized by the community. 

The school is portrayed as a place where no one is left behind, and everyone looks out for one another. So in order to respond successfully to this prompt, try to dissect how your past experiences may prove to be an example of this philosophy.

As with other similar community service essay prompts, it’s always better to write about a long-term commitment than something you’ve only done once or twice. While volunteering at a soup kitchen with classmates for a night is undoubtedly a good act of service to the community, it doesn’t reveal anything extraordinary about you or your passion for community service.

There’s a general rule of thumb for supplemental essays—the more specific you can be, the more unique you’ll sound. Really highlight the experiences you’ve had that say the most about who you are; the essay is less about  what  you did, and more about  why  you did it.

Your chosen experience should also be something that changed your perspectives or preconceived notions. Perhaps you realized the importance of rescuing animals from your time spent volunteering at the animal shelter, or maybe you developed more patience and empathy when working with children with special needs or disabilities. Whatever you choose to write about, it should highlight a passion or perspective of yours that you feel is important to your identity.

Tips for writing your essay:

With only 100 words to work with, it’s essential that you make your point strong so that it sticks with your reader. A great way to do this is to weave your actions, motivations, and perspectives into a vivid, relevant anecdote. This strategy gives you the chance to hook the reader right away and put them in your shoes. Write about what you saw, heard, or felt while volunteering or doing your act of community service. You might do this using the present tense for effect.

For example, writing  “Last Christmas, I drove around town to collect gifts for underprivileged families who otherwise couldn’t afford to give presents.”  doesn’t say anything about you, your perspective, or the impact the act had on you.

Instead, try  “As the hours ticked by and snow began piling on the street, I pushed my foot harder on the gas. Today was the last day I had to pick up donations for kids who would otherwise not be receiving Christmas gifts, and I was going to get to as many as I could.”  Not only does this paint a far more vivid picture of what the experience meant to you, but it shows your genuine passion and care for the act itself.

Once you’ve written about what you did, it’s time to connect your response to the ways in which you’ll take your experience and passion to Notre Dame. In the final few sentences of your response, write about what community service means to you overall, and why you’ll continue your efforts, both on and off campus at Notre Dame.

Community service can be as simple as lending a helping hand when needed, whether that be to a classmate, a friend, or someone in the broader community. You can write about forming or joining study groups, your desire to find community service opportunities at Notre Dame, or even how you hope to gain and listen to new perspectives both inside and outside of the classroom. Keep it short and sweet, and most importantly, keep it genuine!

Mistakes to avoid:

Besides keeping your response short, the biggest pitfall to avoid is having a pretentious or privileged tone. If your response makes it seem like you’re painting yourself as some kind of savior, embellishing your efforts, or looking down on those you helped, it will leave a sour taste.

It’s important to truly reflect on what community service means, not only to you, but to others. Even if you did a truly good thing for someone who needed it, make sure you maintain a balanced tone in your essay that doesn’t sound like excessive self-praise.

Prompt 2, Option D

What compliment are you most proud of receiving, and why does it mean so much to you (50-100 words).

This prompt asks you to reflect on a compliment that holds significant meaning for you. Notre Dame wants to learn about your values, personality, and what you take pride in. The compliment you choose to highlight should reveal something meaningful about who you are, and the explanation should connect this compliment to your personal experiences or character traits. Given the short word count, it’s meant to be concise but impactful.

Provide some brief context to who gave you this compliment and why, as well as how it stands out compared to others you’ve received. The history here is not the goal, though; establishing the nature of a personal relationship and the situation behind the compliment is totally fine, but make sure you’re focusing on what it means more broadly about your character.

The compliment you’re writing about should be one that made you feel particularly proud or appreciated and resonated with your personal values or self-image. The most important part of this prompt is to be specific and personal.

Choose a compliment that is unique to you and provides insight into your character. Avoid generic statements like “You’re smart” or “You’re kind” that could be said to anyone. Instead, opt for deeper compliments along the lines of “You have a natural ability to connect with people” and “You have a gift for storytelling.” These compliments are much more personal and can be tied back to talents, interests, and skills that you may have.

Then, explain why it matters so much to you. You can use it as a jumping-off point to discuss a wider aspect of your identity or to reveal more about your values and priorities. With a tight word limit, every word counts. Make sure your response is clear, focused, and free of unnecessary details.

Here’s an example:

The compliment I’m most proud of receiving came from my grandmother when she said, “You have a heart like your grandfather’s.” After I spent my summer helping her neighbors with groceries and organizing weekly visits for elderly community members, she saw in me the same compassion and dedication that defined my grandfather’s life. That compliment means the world to me because it reassured me that I’m carrying forward his legacy of kindness and service, something I strive to embody every day .

Prompt 2, Option E

What is worth fighting for (50-100 words).

This is another relatively profound question that you’re tasked with answering within 100 words, but your answer can be very revealing and insightful—you can discuss your hopes, goals, beliefs, values, and more. This is a great opportunity to showcase your priorities and how the first 18 or so years of your life have shaped your current perspectives.

Profound questions often elicit profound answers, and while this would be the place to share if you have a powerful and moving insight about life, by no means does your answer need to be some extreme revelation. It just has to be you.

Writing something authentic and personal will have a far greater impact than trying to overextend yourself and claim something bold like “humanity is worth fighting for.” That’s not to say that you can’t go that route, but it will take a lot more elaboration than you have space for in this response.

The nature of this prompt and the limited word count you have to work with means you’re going to have to think outside the box. Most of the answers you might think of quickly are likely too clichéd to make for a strong response—this includes things like fighting for love, family, the truth, change, etc. These statements are all arguably true, but they’re somewhat played out and won’t contribute to an impressive response that resonates with your reader.

Instead of using one of those, try to explore more specific niche things you truly value and think about why they’re important to you personally. For instance, perhaps your family comes from a culture with a language that doesn’t have too many native speakers remaining. You might therefore argue that the preservation of linguistic history is worth fighting for. You could write a response like the following:

“My Spanish grandparents speak Basque, which they’ve been trying to teach me. I love how Basque looks, sounds, and feels so different from other languages. Sadly, Basque has fewer than a million speakers. Considering all the languages that have been lost to time, preserving linguistic history is worth fighting for.”

No matter what your actual answer is, it’s essential that you weave a personal voice and connection to the topic into your response. With only a few sentences to work with, you might consider leading with a personal anecdote, then transitioning to the ways in which the topic is meaningful to you, as in the example above.

Where to Get Your Notre Dame Essays Edited for Free

Do you want feedback on your Notre Dame essays? After rereading your essays countless times, it might become difficult to see where your writing can be improved. That’s why we created our free Peer Essay Review tool , where you can get a free review of your essay from another student. You can also improve your own writing skills by reviewing other students’ essays.

Need feedback faster? Get a  free, nearly-instantaneous essay review  from Sage, our AI tutor and advisor. Sage will rate your essay, give you suggestions for improvement, and summarize what admissions officers would take away from your writing. Use these tools to improve your chances of acceptance to your dream school!

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August 8, 2024

The University of Notre Dame Supplemental Essay Prompts: 2024-2025

The University of Notre Dame has published its 2024-2025 supplemental admissions essays for applicants to the Class of 2029. This year, in addition to the Personal Statement on The Common Application , Notre Dame applicants are asked to respond to two of three essay questions in a maximum of 150 words and three of five short-answer prompts in 50 words or fewer.

2024-2025 Notre Dame Essay Topic and Short Answers

Short essay prompt.

Applicants are asked to respond to the following essay question in 150 words or fewer:

Everyone has different priorities when considering their higher education options and building their college or university list. Tell us about your “non-negotiable” factor(s) when searching for your future college home.

Students will ideally pick something that sings Notre Dame! Because the admissions committee isn’t asking, “ Why Notre Dame ,” students do not need to include a specific reference to a Notre Dame program, institute, activity, or tradition. But they should choose something that Notre Dame either does extraordinarily well or one can’t find at most other top universities.

Short Answer Questions

Students are asked to respond to three of the following five short-answer essay prompts in 50-100 words.

1. How does faith influence the decisions you make?

As a Catholic university, Notre Dame wants to understand how an applicant’s faith drives how they live their life. Students need not be religious to earn admission to Notre Dame. In fact, students need not even be Catholic. But Notre Dame’s admissions committee wants to feel that you appreciate the role faith can play in the lives of your peers and that you’re open to believing in  something  bigger than yourself.

2. What is distinctive about your personal experiences and development (eg, family support, culture, disability, personal background, community)?  Why are these experiences important to you and how will you enrich the Notre Dame community?

In the wake of the  Supreme Court outlawing the practice of Affirmative Action , many highly selective universities like Notre Dame have included this sort of community question in their supplements. To answer this essay question powerfully, students need not be underrepresented minorities to write a powerful response. The question is intentionally open-ended. If a student wishes to write about their faith and how they’ll bring their spiritual beliefs to Notre Dame, that works! If a student wishes to write about their disability and how they’ll bring a sense of activism for people with disabilities to Notre Dame’s community, that works too!

3. Notre Dame’s undergraduate experience is characterized by a collective sense of care for every person.  How do you foster service to others in your community?

Notre Dame, as a Catholic university, wants to see how you serve humanity. Ideally, applicants will showcase how they serve their community through their singular hook.

If their hook is applied mathematics, it would behoove an applicant to highlight how they’re addressing a community issue — like recycling or the school budget. If their hook is political science, they should write about how they’re agitating for change from a political standpoint with their town or city board (or its equivalent).

4. What compliment are you most proud of receiving, and why does it mean so much to you?

Applicants should avoid giving themselves a big pat on the back in their responses. The compliment should not relate to a significant accomplishment or be superficial. Instead, through brief storytelling, it should reflect their open-heartedness or depth of thought.

5. What would you fight for?

Notre Dame’s admissions committee wants to understand what matters to a student, what makes them tick, and how they’ll go about agitating for the change they wish to see in the world — starting on Notre Dame’s campus. In order to get a sense of the change they’ll fight for each day, the best predictor is the change they’ve fought for to date.

So Notre Dame applicants will ideally zero in on one specific story — one that hopefully ties into the singular hook they present to Notre Dame ( rather than well-roundedness ) — and, through that story, make it clear what matters to them and why.

Also, it’s important to note that students do not need to have successfully swayed others to take action. Maybe they failed to persuade their peers. That’s ok! The mere act of trying to agitate for change in a specific area, ideally related to the student’s hook, will present the applicant in a good light — even if they’re ultimately unsuccessful. In fact, their failure will only make them more human and more likable to the admissions committee.

Ivy Coach’s Assistance with Notre Dame Essays

If you’re interested in giving yourself the best chance of earning admission to Notre Dame by submitting essays that wow Notre Dame admissions officers, fill out Ivy Coach ’s complimentary consultation form , and we’ll be in touch to go through our college counseling services for seniors.

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Notre Dame Supplemental Essays 2024-25 — Prompts and Tips

August 23, 2024

The University of Notre Dame is a famed Catholic institution located outside the city of South Bend, Indiana. It is a dream college for many brilliant high school students around the globe, across all faiths. For the Class of 2028, the acceptance rate fell to 11%, roughly one-third the figure seen back in the late 1980s. This begs the question—if most of the 30,000 applicants to Notre Dame are academically qualified, how does the school decide which 3,400 to accept? While the answer to that question is, of course, multifaceted, one of the answers is that you need to take advantage of the Notre Dame supplemental essays.

(Want to learn more about How to Get Into the University of Notre Dame? Visit our blog entitled:  How to Get Into Notre Dame: Admissions Data and Strategies   for all of the most recent admissions data as well as tips for gaining acceptance.)

Your mission is to write compelling, standout compositions that showcase your exceptional writing ability and reveal more about who you are as an individual. There are several parts to Notre Dame’s writing supplement and you must answer a total of five prompts—two short answer (150 words or fewer) and three very short answer (100 words or fewer). Below are Notre Dame’s supplemental prompts for the 2024-25 admissions cycle along with tips about how to address each one.

Notre Dame Supplemental Essays 2024-25

Briefly share what draws you to the area(s) of study you listed. (100 words).

Note: you can choose up to three areas.

First, consider your academic area of choice, and then, identify interests and experiences that relate to it. What fascinates you about your chosen area(s) of study? Are there certain topics (encountered in or outside of school) that pique your curiosity? What confuses, surprises, or makes you want to learn more? The reader should finish this essay with a clear sense of your current academic motivations and passions.

Everyone has different priorities when considering their higher education options and building their college or university list. Tell us about your “non-negotiable” factor(s) when searching for your future college home. (150 words)

If you choose to answer this question, know that you’ll need to think very deeply about your answer. Admissions officers are going to receive scores of responses about aesthetically pleasing campuses and top-ranked sports teams. As such, dig deep into what your non-negotiable factors are, and think about which ones will be genuinely satisfied by attending Notre Dame. The strongest responses here will likely speak to some aspect of Notre Dame’s academic structure, social community, or general ethos . Ideally, the answer will communicate something important about how your academic and extracurricular priorities are a great fit for what Notre Dame has to offer.

Essays #3-5

Please choose three questions from the options below. your response to each short-answer question should be between 50-100 words.  .

1) How does faith influence the decisions you make?

Notre Dame is a Catholic university, and religion will be part of your education and experience. If you do consider yourself to be a religious, spiritual, and/or faithful person, how does that inform the way you move through life and make decisions?

If you’re not a religious or spiritual person and do not feel that faith has any impact on your decisions, you’ll likely want to avoid answering this one.

2) What is distinctive about your personal experiences and development (eg, family support, culture, disability, personal background, community, etc)? Why are these experiences important to you and how will you enrich the Notre Dame community?

Some students may have a powerful and deeply personal story to tell about their racial/ethnic identity, sexual/gender identity, family background, cultural background, or religious identity, among others; others may feel that there isn’t anything particularly compelling about their own identity in any one of those categories. Alternatively, you could also talk about your place in an affinity group, such as Dungeons & Dragons, anime, volleyball, chess, painting, film, or any other interest one can fathom that is a core, essential, can’t-imagine-life-without-it component of your identity. If so, this essay will likely be a perfect fit for you.

Notre Dame Supplemental Essays (Continued)

Although this prompt’s open floor plan may feel daunting, a good tactic is to first consider what has already been communicated within your Common App personal statement and activities list. What important aspect(s) of yourself have not been shared (or sufficiently discussed)? The admissions officer reading your essay is hoping to connect with you through your written words, so—within your essay’s reflection—be open, humble, thoughtful, inquisitive, emotionally honest, mature, and/or insightful about what you learned, how you grew, and how you hope to impact the Notre Dame community as a result.

3) Notre Dame’s undergraduate experience is characterized by a collective sense of care for every person.  How do you foster service to others in your community?

To truly understand where Notre Dame is coming from with this question, one needs to look no further than the school’s own mission statement: “Notre Dame wants to educate and inspire its students to be moral citizens within their communities and the larger world, to use their talents to the best of their ability, and to develop the generous sensibilities needed to relieve injustice, oppression, and poverty in all of their manifestations.”

If you have been involved in some type of charitable/community service endeavor throughout your high school years, this is a great opportunity to speak about that venture in more detail. Looking forward, how might you continue the work you’ve been doing? You can also connect your aspirations in this realm to specific service opportunities that are available at Notre Dame.

4) What compliment are you most proud of receiving, and why does it mean so much to you?

If you choose to write this essay, strive to be as humble as possible. The compliment you received should simply be a conduit for you to discuss the significance of one of your values, a quality you’ve developed, or a lesson learned.

For example, perhaps the compliment you’ll be writing about is when your principal pulled you aside to tell you that the Diversity Night you organized was one of the most seamless events he had ever seen. Avoid reiterating how great the event was and how everyone had a wonderful time. Instead, reflect on why this compliment was so meaningful. Is it because you were worried about how other students would react to the event? Or because it took you & your leadership team major blood, sweat, and tears to pull it off? Alternatively, are you hopeful that the success of the event will improve inclusivity at your school?

5) What would you fight for?

Out of everything on this Earth, what makes you tick? What keeps you up at night? What issue could you talk about or debate for hours? If you could address one problem in the world, large or small, what would it be? What values do you hold most dear? If you are answering at least one of these questions, you are on the right track with this essay. All the better if you have a truly dynamic and personal story to tell in this realm.

At its core, this essay is a chance to illustrate that you are a mature leader who follows their conscience. After all, this kind of young person would be a welcome addition to the Notre Dame community.

How important are the essays at the University of Notre Dame?

There are only two factors that Notre Dame considers to be “very important” to their evaluation process. They are: rigor of secondary school record and character/personal qualities. The next tier of “important” admissions factors includes class rank, GPA, recommendations, extracurricular activities, and the essays. Without question, the essays play a sizable role in the admissions process at Notre Dame. They can help the committee decide who to admit when choosing between similarly credentialed (GPA, test scores, etc.) applicants.

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How to Write the University of Notre Dame 2024-2025 Supplemental Essays

Every year, the University of Notre Dame challenges applicants to reflect on their personal experiences, values, and aspirations through its supplemental essays. For the 2024-2025 application season, Notre Dame has introduced a set of essays that provide candidates with an opportunity to delve into their academic interests, personal beliefs, and community involvement. Below, we’ll break down each prompt and offer strategic advice on how to craft compelling responses. Don't forget to check out Sups AI , an AI college counseling platform, which can be a game-changer in brainstorming and getting feedback on your essays.

Breaking Down the Prompts

First, let’s take a look at the required prompts:

Required: Briefly share what draws you to the area(s) of study you listed. (100 words)

Required: Everyone has different priorities when considering their higher education options and building their college or university list. Tell us about your “non-negotiable” factor(s) when searching for your future college home. (150 words)

Additionally, you will choose three from the following questions to answer:

How does faith influence the decisions you make?

What is distinctive about your personal experiences and development (e.g., family support, culture, disability, personal background, community)? Why are these experiences important to you and how will you enrich the Notre Dame community?

Notre Dame’s undergraduate experience is characterized by a collective sense of care for every person. How do you foster service to others in your community?

What compliment are you most proud of receiving, and why does it mean so much to you?

What would you fight for?

Now, let's delve into how to tackle each of these prompts effectively.

Crafting Your Responses

Prompt 1: briefly share what draws you to the area(s) of study you listed. (100 words).

In a mere 100 words, you need to concisely express why you are passionate about your chosen field(s) of study. Focus on pivotal moments, experiences, or influences that have piqued your interest. Avoid generic statements and strive to convey your genuine enthusiasm and curiosity.

For example, you might highlight a specific project, class, or mentorship experience that guided you towards your major. This prompt is a great way to set the stage for the rest of your application, showing not only your academic inclination but also your unique journey towards it.

Prompt 2: Everyone has different priorities when considering their higher education options and building their college or university list. Tell us about your “non-negotiable” factor(s) when searching for your future college home. (150 words)

This prompt demands introspection. Think about what truly matters to you in a college environment. Is it a strong sense of community, faculty accessibility, campus resources, or perhaps research opportunities? Be specific and personal. Explain why these factors are critical to your educational success and overall well-being.

For instance, if a tight-knit community is your non-negotiable, describe how you’ve thrived in such environments before and why Notre Dame's strong community ethos aligns with your needs.

Optional Prompts: Choosing the Right Three

Out of the five optional prompts, choose the three that best align with your personal strengths and experiences. Here’s how you might approach each:

1. How does faith influence the decisions you make?

If you have strong religious convictions, this prompt is a great opportunity to illustrate how faith guides your actions and decisions. Reflect on specific instances where your faith played a pivotal role in your life choices.

2. What is distinctive about your personal experiences and development (e.g., family support, culture, disability, personal background, community)? Why are these experiences important to you and how will you enrich the Notre Dame community?

This is your chance to highlight the unique aspects of your background. Choose experiences that have significantly shaped who you are. Explain how these experiences have prepared you to contribute to Notre Dame's diverse community.

3. Notre Dame’s undergraduate experience is characterized by a collective sense of care for every person. How do you foster service to others in your community?

Focus on your community service and volunteer work. Provide concrete examples of your efforts to give back and explain the impact of these activities on you and your community. Highlight any leadership roles or ongoing commitments.

4. What compliment are you most proud of receiving, and why does it mean so much to you?

Think about a compliment that reflects your core values or significant achievements. Explain why this recognition was meaningful and what it reveals about you. This prompt is great for showcasing humility, self-awareness, and values.

5. What would you fight for?

This prompt invites you to express your passion and convictions. Choose a cause or issue that you feel strongly about. Describe your involvement and what drives you to advocate for this cause.

Remember, you don’t have to navigate these essays alone. Sups AI is here to assist you with brainstorming, drafting, and refining your responses. Our platform has already helped thousands of students get admitted to top universities. By leveraging our AI tools and one-on-one chats with current students, you can ensure your essays stand out.

Good luck, and remember, your supplemental essays are an opportunity to convey your unique voice and experiences to the Notre Dame admissions committee. Make the most of this opportunity to tell your story.

University of Notre Dame 2024-25 Supplemental Essay Prompt Guide

Early Action: Nov 1

Regular Decision Deadline: Jan 3

University of Notre Dame 2024-25 Application Essay Question Explanations

The Requirements: 1 Short answer of 100 words; 1 Short Essay of 150 words; 3 Short Answers of 50-100 words each

Supplemental Essay Type(s): Why , Oddball , Community , Short Answer

Briefly share what draws you to the area(s) of study you listed. (100 words)

For this essay, let’s go beyond the obvious, “I love war documentaries, so majoring in History will be a great fit for me.” We get it, Ken Burns is your LeBron. But how might Notre Dame’s courses and professors shape you and teach you something new? 100 words isn’t a lot of space, but that doesn’t mean you can’t provide a detailed response. What do you absolutely love about your intended major? Bonus points if you can include what excites you about the department at Notre Dame—professors, classes, guest speakers, alumni—to show how their program and offerings will help you achieve your goals.

Please provide a response to the following question. The word count is a maximum of 150 words. 

Everyone has different priorities when considering their higher education options and building their college or university list. tell us about your “non-negotiable” factor(s) when searching for your future college home..

Notre Dame knows you have a lot of colleges to choose from, so they want to know that you have thought carefully about why you are applying to their school. Think about what factors unify all of the schools on your list: Are they all faith-based? Do they have D-1 sports teams? Are they all in a specific region? Are they all a certain size? Do they all offer an Organ or Sacred Music major? Once you’ve identified your “non-negotiables,” describe how Notre Dame fits the bill. The more specific and personal you can be, the more your answer will stand out, showing admissions that you have deeply considered what Notre Dame has to offer and how that matches what you’re looking for in an undergraduate program. 

Please choose three questions from the options below. Your response to each short-answer question should be between 50-100 words. 

1) how does faith influence the decisions you make, 2) what is distinctive about your personal experiences and development (eg, family support, culture, disability, personal background, community)  why are these experiences important to you and how will you enrich the notre dame community, 3) notre dame’s undergraduate experience is characterized by a collective sense of care for every person.  how do you foster service to others in your community, 4) what compliment are you most proud of receiving, and why does it mean so much to you, 5) what would you fight for.

Do not overthink your responses to these questions. Instead, identify the three that call to you and trust your instincts. Perhaps to answer #4, you want to tell admissions that the look on your sister’s face after you do her makeup means more to you than any verbal compliment could. Maybe you’ve been hoping for the opportunity to speak about the role religion plays in your life. #5 is perfect for the social justice advocates among you or those with strong convictions. If you opt to respond to prompt #2, focus on an experience or aspect of your background that has influenced who you are today and how that would help you make meaningful contributions to the Notre Dame community. For #3, you may be able to recycle a prior Community Essay sharing what you have done to support one of your communities. Just because these short answers are brief doesn’t mean you can rush through them. Leave yourself enough time to think through your responses and don’t forget to proofread!

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University of Notre Dame

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Want to see your chances of admission at University of Notre Dame?

We take every aspect of your personal profile into consideration when calculating your admissions chances.

University of Notre Dame’s 2023-24 Essay Prompts

Select-a-prompt short response.

Please choose two questions from the options below. Your brief essay response to each question should be no more than 150 words.

Notre Dame fosters an undergraduate experience dedicated to the intellectual, moral, and spiritual development of each individual, characterized by a collective sense of care for every person. How do you foster service to others in your community?

What is distinctive about your personal experiences and development (eg, family support, culture, disability, personal background, community, etc)? Why are these experiences important to you and how will you enrich the Notre Dame community?

Describe a time when you advocated for something you believed in and influenced others through thoughtful discourse to promote a deeper understanding of a difficult situation.

Please choose three questions from the options below. Your response to each short-answer question should be no more than 50 words.

Everyone has different priorities when considering their higher education options and building their college or university list. Tell us about your “non-negotiable” factor(s) when searching for your future college home.

What brings you joy?

What is worth fighting for?

What is something that genuinely interests you, and how does this tie to the academic area you hope to study at Notre Dame?

How does faith influence the decisions you make?

Common App Personal Essay

The essay demonstrates your ability to write clearly and concisely on a selected topic and helps you distinguish yourself in your own voice. What do you want the readers of your application to know about you apart from courses, grades, and test scores? Choose the option that best helps you answer that question and write an essay of no more than 650 words, using the prompt to inspire and structure your response. Remember: 650 words is your limit, not your goal. Use the full range if you need it, but don‘t feel obligated to do so.

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.

The lessons we take from obstacles we encounter can be fundamental to later success. Recount a time when you faced a challenge, setback, or failure. How did it affect you, and what did you learn from the experience?

Reflect on a time when you questioned or challenged a belief or idea. What prompted your thinking? What was the outcome?

Reflect on something that someone has done for you that has made you happy or thankful in a surprising way. How has this gratitude affected or motivated you?

Discuss an accomplishment, event, or realization that sparked a period of personal growth and a new understanding of yourself or others.

Describe a topic, idea, or concept you find so engaging that it makes you lose all track of time. Why does it captivate you? What or who do you turn to when you want to learn more?

Share an essay on any topic of your choice. It can be one you‘ve already written, one that responds to a different prompt, or one of your own design.

What will first-time readers think of your college essay?

University of Notre Dame

Fresh Writing

A publication of the University Writing Program

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Fresh Writing Submission Guidelines

Fresh Writing is a collection of exemplary first-year student writing at the University of Notre Dame. We consider essays—both traditional and multimodal—written by students in their first year of study at Notre Dame. We are especially interested in essays that are argumentative in purpose or inquiry-based in nature, with a clearly defined scope and audience. Specifically, our editorial board reviews and selects essays with the following criteria in mind:

Exemplary of the Genre

The piece successfully displays the essential rhetorical features of the genre. A researched argument, for example, will incorporate a sufficient number of sources and place different arguments in conversation with one another.

Ethical Argument

Rhetorical appeals (ethos, logos, pathos) are appropriately balanced and employed ethically. Reasonable counterarguments are addressed fairly. Evidence for the claims comes from credible sources, and sufficient reasoning is offered to defend each claim.

Rhetorical Virtue

The piece serves as an exemplary model of how college writers can practice intellectual courage, generosity, honesty, humility, knowledge, and wisdom.

Strength of Composition

The purpose of the essay is clear and the content is engaging. The writer establishes a distinct voice, reflecting a sophisticated awareness of language and diction based on the expectations of the intended audience. Attention to structure is evident for the medium, such as effective transitions, an orienting introduction, and a conclusion that provides rhetorical closure.

Inventiveness

The essay engages new ideas, proposes creative interpretations, perspectives, or solutions, takes on topics or problems which are understudied and/or extraordinarily relevant in disciplinary or public arenas. In other words, the essay takes some risks in its content or form, and those risks result in a product that should promote valuable discussion or otherwise challenge readers in a productive way.

Note: An essay need not be perfect in all categories. Strengths in one category can sometimes make up for weaknesses in others. Successful submissions will be at least good in all categories and extraordinary in at least one.

Fresh Writing does not accept submissions exclusively generated from AI, machine learning, or similar algorithmic tools. However, submissions authored by a human that contain AI-generated text may be accepted, provided that they include proper citation of the use of AI. See the MLA’s guide for citation of a range of uses of gen AI. All submissions should follow the University of Notre Dame’s general policy.

How to Submit

We are now accepting submissions for the 2024 issue of Fresh Writing. To be considered for the upcoming issue (due to be published in the summer of 2024), essays must have been written by a first-year student during the Spring 2023 or Fall 2023 semesters at Notre Dame. Though submissions are accepted on an ongoing basis, the final deadline for consideration for the next issue is January 12, 2024.

To nominate an essay, instructors should notify students of the instructor's wish to nominate the essay, then submit the essay on the student's behalf .

Students should not submit their essays directly.

File format preferences

• For text: .doc or .docx.
• For images: .jpg or .png
• For audio: .mp3, .wav., or .flac
• For video: .mp4 or .mov

For initial consideration of multimedia essays, we will allow the submission of a URL to a file housed elsewhere. If the essay is accepted, however, we will need the original file to be housed on our own multimedia accounts on YouTube or SoundCloud.

Plagiarism and Copyright Statement

All submissions should reflect the student writer's original thinking, with any borrowed ideas or material appropriately cited within the text and on a corresponding list of Works Cited (preferably in MLA format, though we will allow other documentation styles).

For submissions involving borrowed images, video, sound files, or other multimedia, we hold the writer responsible for educating themselves on U.S. Copyright Law and Fair Use Doctrine (we recommend visiting the Stanford Copyright and Fair Use Center as a starting point). For the purposes of Fresh Writing submissions, we ask that any borrowed material included in the submission meet one of the following criteria:

• the borrowed material is the writer's own, original work (e.g., a photograph taken by the student writer)
• the borrowed material is in the public domain or otherwise free of copyright
• the borrowed material is used with written permission of the copyright owner (must demonstrate this and provide appropriate citation information) or
• the borrowed material is used in accordance with Fair Use guidelines (with appropriate citation information still provided).

If you have any questions about submission guidelines for the 2024 volume, please contact the editors, Damian Zurro ( [email protected] ) or Whitney Lew James ( [email protected] ).

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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 .

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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.

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Notre Dame Supplemental Essays 2023-2024

By Eric Eng

The Notre Dame supplemental essays 2023-2024 provide a unique opportunity for students to showcase their fit for the esteemed institution. As the competition intensifies, understanding the nuances of these essays becomes paramount for a successful application.

How many supplemental essays does Notre Dame have?

The University of Notre Dame requires applicants to complete two supplemental essays as part of their application process. For the admissions cycle, Notre Dame provides three distinct essay prompts, and applicants are asked to select and respond to two of these.

Each response must be concise and impactful, with a maximum word count of 150. This structure allows applicants to showcase their experiences and values, aligning with Notre Dame’s holistic approach to understanding prospective students.

Specifics about the University of Notre Dame’s supplemental essays

Diving into the specifics, the Notre Dame supplemental essays 2023-2024 are crafted to reflect the university’s core values and traditions. Applicants are encouraged to draw from personal experiences, demonstrating their writing prowess and potential contributions to the Notre Dame community.

As these essays hold significant weight in the admissions decision, applicants must invest time understanding each prompt and articulating their responses with clarity and conviction.

What are the Notre Dame Supplemental Essays 2023-2024?

For the 2023-2024 application cycle, Notre Dame has introduced thought-provoking questions that challenge applicants to reflect on their journeys, commitment to service, and ability to advocate for their beliefs.

• “Notre Dame fosters an undergraduate experience dedicated to the intellectual, moral, and spiritual development of each individual, characterized by a collective sense of care for every person. How do you foster service to others in your community?”
• “What is distinctive about your personal experiences and development (e.g., family support, culture, disability, personal background, community, etc.)? Why are these experiences important to you, and how will you enrich the Notre Dame community?”
• “Describe a time when you advocated for something you believed in and influenced others through thoughtful discourse to promote a deeper understanding of a difficult situation.”

As mentioned earlier, each applicant must respond to two of these prompts, with a maximum word count of 150 words per response, allowing them to convey their perspectives concisely yet effectively.

How to write the Notre Dame Supplemental Essays 2023-2024?

Approaching the Notre Dame supplemental essays 2023-2024 requires a blend of introspection, authenticity, and clarity. Before diving into writing, applicants should reflect on each prompt, understand its underlying themes, and recall relevant personal experiences that align with the question.

It’s essential to remember that Notre Dame is not just looking for impressive stories but is keen on understanding the applicant’s character, values, and fit for the university. Therefore, each response should be deeply personal, highlighting the applicant’s journey, growth, and aspirations. Drafting multiple versions and seeking feedback can also be beneficial, ensuring the final response is genuine and compelling.

Notre Dame Essay Prompt 1

The first essay prompt for the University of Notre Dame’s 2023-2024 application cycle delves into the university’s core values. It reads: “Notre Dame fosters an undergraduate experience dedicated to the intellectual, moral, and spiritual development of each individual, characterized by a collective sense of care for every person. How do you foster service to others in your community?” This prompt invites applicants to reflect on and articulate their commitment to community service and the betterment of others, aligning with Notre Dame’s ethos of holistic development and collective care.

Understanding Prompt 1

To effectively respond to this prompt, it’s crucial to understand its two key components. Firstly, it emphasizes Notre Dame’s dedication to nurturing the intellect and its students’ moral and spiritual aspects.

Secondly, it focuses on service to others, particularly within one’s community. Applicants should interpret this prompt as an opportunity to demonstrate how their actions and initiatives contribute to the welfare of others. It’s not just about listing community service activities; it’s about showcasing the impact of these actions on the community and the individual.

Brainstorming Your Response: Prompt 1

When brainstorming responses, consider experiences where you’ve actively contributed to the well-being of others. Ideas could include:

• Volunteering Experiences: Detail specific instances where you volunteered and how it impacted the community and yourself.
• Leadership in Community Projects: Discuss any leadership roles in community service projects, focusing on how you inspired others and the outcomes of these projects.
• Personal Initiatives: Share any initiatives or projects you started addressing specific community needs.
• Overcoming Challenges: Reflect on challenges faced during your service and how you overcame them, emphasizing personal growth.
• Cultural or Religious Involvement: If applicable, discuss how your cultural or religious background has influenced your approach to community service.

Structuring Your Answer for Prompt 1

Your response should have a clear structure: an introduction, body, and conclusion. Start by setting the context of your involvement in community service. In the body, delve into specific experiences, focusing on your actions, motivations, and the impact of these actions. Use anecdotes and examples to bring your story to life. Reflect on what these experiences taught you about service, community, and personal growth.

Conclude by connecting these experiences to how you plan to continue this spirit of service at Notre Dame , aligning your values with the university’s mission. Remember, the key is to be authentic and reflective, providing a window into your character and commitment to service.

Notre Dame Essay Prompt 2

The second essay prompt for the University of Notre Dame’s 2023-2024 application cycle invites applicants to delve into the uniqueness of their journey. It asks, “What is distinctive about your personal experiences and development (e.g., family support, culture, disability, personal background, community, etc.)? Why are these experiences important to you, and how will you enrich the Notre Dame community?” This prompt is an opportunity for applicants to reflect on the aspects of their lives that have shaped their identity and how these elements contribute to the diversity and richness of the Notre Dame community.

Understanding Prompt 2

To effectively respond to this prompt, applicants must understand its focus on individuality and contribution to the community. The key is to identify aspects of your life that are unique to you – cultural backgrounds, family dynamics, personal challenges, or community involvements.

The prompt also asks why these experiences are essential, requiring a reflection on their impact on your personal growth. Lastly, it seeks to understand how these unique experiences will enable you to contribute to and enrich the Notre Dame community, aligning with the university’s diversity and holistic development values.

Brainstorming Your Response: Prompt 2

When brainstorming for this essay, consider experiences or aspects of your life that make you stand out. Ideas could include:

• Cultural Heritage: Discuss how your cultural background has shaped your worldview and values.
• Family Dynamics: Reflect on your family structure or experiences and how they have influenced your development.
• Overcoming Challenges: Share personal challenges, such as dealing with a disability or adversity, and the lessons learned.
• Community Involvement: Describe your role in community activities and how these have impacted you.
• Unique Experiences: Highlight any unique experiences that have significantly contributed to your growth.

Structuring Your Answer for Prompt 2

Begin your essay by introducing the distinctive aspect of your personal experiences or development. In the body, delve deeper into these experiences, explaining why they are important to you and how they have shaped your character, values, or goals. Use specific anecdotes or examples to illustrate your points and make your story engaging. Reflect on the lessons learned or the skills developed through these experiences.

Conclude by articulating how these unique aspects of your life will enable you to contribute to the Notre Dame community, aligning your journey with the university’s ethos. Remember, the goal is to provide a vivid and honest portrayal of who you are and how your unique experiences have prepared you to be an active and contributing member of the Notre Dame community.

Notre Dame Essay Prompt 3

The third essay prompt for the University of Notre Dame’s 2023-2024 application cycle focuses on advocacy and influence. It asks applicants to “Describe a time when you advocated for something you believed in and influenced others through thoughtful discourse to promote a deeper understanding of a difficult situation.” This prompt allows applicants to showcase their leadership, communication skills, and commitment to causes they are passionate about. It’s a chance to demonstrate how they can academically contribute to the Notre Dame community through active engagement and thoughtful discourse.

Understanding Prompt 3

To effectively respond to this prompt, it’s essential to understand its emphasis on advocacy, influence, and thoughtful discourse. The prompt explores the applicant’s ability to stand up for their beliefs and effectively communicate their ideas to others.

It’s not just about the cause or belief itself but about the approach taken to advocate for it and the impact of that advocacy. The key is highlighting your ability to engage others in meaningful conversation, promote understanding, and navigate challenging situations with empathy and insight.

Brainstorming Your Response: Prompt 3

Consider instances where you took a stand or led a cause when brainstorming for this essay. Ideas could include:

• School or Community Issues: Discuss when you address an issue at your school or community, such as advocating for policy changes or raising awareness about a social problem.
• Environmental Initiatives: Share your involvement in environmental advocacy, like organizing a local clean-up or leading a recycling campaign.
• Social Justice Causes: Reflect on your participation in social justice causes, such as equality, human rights, or access to education.
• Peer Leadership: Describe instances where you influenced your peers, perhaps by leading a group project or initiating a discussion on a controversial topic.
• Personal Beliefs: Discuss when you had to defend your beliefs or values, perhaps when they were challenged.

Structuring Your Answer for Prompt 3

Start your essay by setting the scene of the situation or issue you advocated for. Describe the belief or cause you supported and why it was necessary. In the essay’s body, detail the steps you took to advocate for this cause. Focus on how you engaged in thoughtful discourse, the challenges you faced, and how you overcame them. Use specific examples to illustrate your influence on others and the impact of your efforts.

Conclude by reflecting on what this experience taught you and how it has prepared you to contribute to the Notre Dame community. Remember, the goal is to demonstrate your ability to lead, communicate, and influence positively, aligning with Notre Dame’s thoughtful engagement and community development values.

How can applicants polish their essays?

Polishing the Notre Dame supplemental essays 2023-2024 is a crucial step that can elevate an applicant’s response from good to exceptional. While the initial drafts capture the raw emotions and ideas, refining these drafts ensures clarity, coherence, and a compelling narrative.

Polishing involves revisiting each sentence, ensuring that every word serves a purpose and that the overall flow is logical and engaging. It’s not just about rectifying grammatical errors but also about enhancing the tone, eliminating redundancies, and strengthening the narrative.

A well-polished essay will resonate more deeply with the admissions committee, showcasing the applicant’s experiences, values, and commitment to presenting their best self.

Tips on revising and editing the essays

• Read Aloud: Sometimes, hearing the essay can highlight awkward phrasings or inconsistencies that might be missed when reading silently.
• Focus on the Opening and Conclusion: The beginning should captivate the reader, and the conclusion should leave a lasting impression. Ensure both sections are solid and impactful.
• Eliminate Redundancies: Be concise. If a sentence or phrase doesn’t add value or provide new information, consider removing it.
• Check for Consistency: Ensure the essay maintains a consistent tone and voice.
• Seek Outside Perspectives: A fresh pair of eyes can sometimes offer invaluable insights and catch overlooked errors or ambiguities.

Importance of getting feedback from teachers, counselors, or mentors

Soliciting input for the Notre Dame supplemental essays 2023-2024 from trusted individuals like teachers, counselors, or mentors can be a game-changer. These individuals often bring a wealth of experience guiding students through the college application process and can provide insights that applicants might have yet to consider.

They can point out areas of improvement, suggest enhancements, and validate the essay’s strengths. Moreover, they can ensure that the essay aligns with the applicant’s overall application narrative and effectively showcases their fit for Notre Dame. Feedback not only refines the essay but also bolsters the applicant’s confidence, ensuring they submit their responses knowing they’ve put forth their best effort.

What are the submission logistics?

The Notre Dame supplemental essays 2023-2024 are typically submitted alongside the main application through platforms like the Common Application or Coalition Application. Applicants should ensure they have an active account on the chosen platform and are familiar with its interface.

The essays should be uploaded in the specified section for supplemental materials, ensuring that they adhere to any formatting guidelines provided by the university. As for the timeline, while the exact deadline can vary from year to year, Notre Dame usually has an early action deadline in the fall and a regular decision deadline in early winter.

Applicants should submit their essays well before these deadlines, allowing for any unforeseen technical glitches or last-minute revisions. Keeping an eye on the university’s official admissions page can provide clarity on specific dates and any changes to the submission process.

Any final checklist or reminders for applicants

Before hitting the submit button, applicants should run through a final checklist to ensure their essays are in impeccable shape:

• Proofread: Ensure there are no grammatical, spelling, or punctuation errors.
• Adherence to Word Limit: Double-check that the essays comply with the specified word count.
• Alignment with Prompts: Ensure that each essay directly addresses its respective prompt and doesn’t deviate from the topic.
• Formatting: Ensure consistency in font, spacing, and paragraph alignment.
• Backup: Always keep a saved copy of the essays in a separate document for reference or unforeseen resubmissions.
• Feedback: Have one final review from a trusted individual to catch any overlooked nuances.
• Submission Confirmation: After submitting, look for confirmation emails or notifications on the application platform to ensure successful submission.

Lastly, once the essays are submitted, it’s beneficial for applicants to take a moment to reflect on their journey, acknowledging the effort and authenticity they’ve poured into their Notre Dame supplemental essays 2023-2024. This reflection can provide a sense of closure and confidence as they await the university’s decision.

Take Your College Application to the Next Level with AdmissionSight

Embarking on the college application journey can be overwhelming, especially when crafting compelling essays that reflect your personality, values, and aspirations. The University of Notre Dame’s supplemental essays for the 2023-2024 application cycle are critical to your application, providing a unique opportunity to showcase your fit for this prestigious institution.

At AdmissionSight , we understand the nuances and challenges of the college admissions process. Our team of experienced consultants is dedicated to helping you navigate this journey, ensuring that your application stands out in a competitive pool of candidates. We offer personalized guidance, essay review services, and strategic advice to enhance your application and increase your chances of admission to your dream school.

Don’t leave your college future to chance. Contact AdmissionSight today and take the first step towards securing your place at the University of Notre Dame. Our expert consultants are ready to help you craft compelling essays, prepare for interviews, and present the best version of yourself to the admissions committee. Let’s make your college dreams a reality!

Want to assess your chances of admission? Take our FREE chances calculator today!

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Notre Dame Essay Examples

Feeling stuck as you begin to write your Notre Dame essay? By reading Notre Dame essay examples, you can prepare yourself to write your own Why Notre Dame essay. In this guide, we’ll take a closer look at some Notre Dame essay examples—specifically, some why school essay examples. By writing a strong why Notre Dame essay, you can maximize your odds in the admissions process.

It’s important to include specific details about Notre Dame in your Why Notre Dame essay. By reading through Notre Dame essay examples, you can find some inspiration for your own supplements. When you read Notre Dame essays that worked, you’ll learn more about what kind of essays function best. 

Reading Notre Dame essay examples can also help you learn what makes a strong structure for a college essay. So, pay attention to the grammar, content, and flow of each of these Notre Dame essays.

Soon, we’ll take a look at some Notre Dame essay examples. But first, let’s learn a bit more about Notre Dame. 

What kind of school is Notre Dame?

Notre Dame is a private, Catholic university located in Notre Dame, Indiana. With a total undergraduate enrollment of just under 9,000 , Notre Dame is considered a mid-sized university with a suburban setting. Moreover, Notre Dame is a research university , allowing students the opportunity to participate in original research projects. So, for students interested in conducting original research, the many innovative projects at Notre Dame can form a great foundation for a Why Notre Dame essay. 

As a Catholic university, Notre Dame’s culture centers around the Catholic faith. However, the school welcomes students from all religious backgrounds. You may find that many Notre Dame essay examples focus on Catholicism and service, as the Notre Dame questions address community and core values. Many Notre Dame essays that worked successfully detail a commitment to service and community. Other successful Notre Dame essay examples address topics of religious faith. 

Competitive Notre Dame admissions

Notre Dame is a competitive school as well. The Notre Dame acceptance rate is currently 15% , making it a “reach” school on many students’ college lists . With such a competitive applicant pool, you should put thought and effort into every aspect of your application. So, make sure to visit the Notre Dame admissions website for a full application overview. Researching different Notre Dame essay examples can also help you as you complete your Notre Dame application. 

Notre Dame Essay Requirements

The Notre Dame application requirements include several supplemental essays. One of these Notre Dame questions is required; the other four are options from which all students must select one. So, in total, each student will complete two Notre Dame essays. 

Here are the Notre Dame essay prompts: 

Students are required to complete two of the Notre Dame questions. While all students must complete the first prompt—the Why Notre Dame essay—students can choose from the other four prompts. 

Mind the word limit

All of the Notre Dame questions have the same word limit of 200 words. Our Notre Dame essay examples respond to a variety of prompts; by reading these Notre Dame essays that worked, you can learn how to approach any of the Notre Dame questions. The Notre Dame Admissions Office has also compiled guides and tips on writing the supplemental essays. 

Reading different Notre Dame essay examples for each of the different Notre Dame prompts can also help you pick which optional question to answer. Which essays do you find the most compelling? Additionally, which essay prompts most align with what you like about Notre Dame’s campus? Reading other Why School essay examples can also help you brainstorm. Notre Dame essays that worked can give you a solid sense of what a successful essay looks like. Moreover, these Notre Dame essay examples can help you focus on what speaks to you about Notre Dame’s campus. 

Writing Why School Essays

The Why School essay is a common supplemental essay prompt. In addition to the Why Notre Dame essay, you will likely need to write a number of why school essays. Schools like Northwestern , Duke University, Yale University , and the University of Chicago all have a Why School essay. It’s important to spend time and effort on your Why School essay, as it is the best chance to express your interest directly to college admissions offices.

Reading different Why School essay examples can help you learn about each school. Sample essays can also help you learn what other students find compelling about different colleges. Still, your Why School essay should reflect your own interests and passions. Research each school and highlight 1-2 aspects of each college in every Why School essay. If you’re feeling stuck, try to find Why School essay examples for your college of choice. 

Focusing your interests

It can be helpful to focus on your intended major when writing a Why School essay. However, you should plan to include 1-3 non-academic features as well. So, first, think about what you’d like to pursue in college outside the classroom. Then, look for a specific club, resource, or program at each school that aligns with these interests.

Many of the Notre Dame essay examples focus on community service, as Notre Dame is a Catholic university. So, for instance, pointing to specific community service opportunities at Notre Dame can bolster your Notre Dame essay. 

Research is also a key component in many Why School essay examples. The more you know about a given college, the stronger your essays will be. Many of the Notre Dame essays that worked showcase the deep knowledge students have around Notre Dame’s mission and programs. So, reading Notre Dame essay examples can help you with your research. We’ve also compiled a helpful list of tips for researching colleges in the next section if you need more help!

5 Tips for Researching Colleges

If you’re feeling stuck about your Why Notre Dame essay, we’ve compiled some tips on researching colleges. With thorough research, you can prepare yourself to write strong Why School essays that reference specific details. 

If you’re unsure about what to research for each school, we have some suggestions:

1. research your specific major.

Focusing on your major is a great way to find specific information about the college you’re applying to. Read through the course offerings and see if any classes pique your interest. Additionally, look for any research projects or professors to highlight as well. Connecting your academic goals to Notre Dame’s programs will show the admissions team that you genuinely want to attend. 

2. Learn about internship opportunities 

By learning about internship opportunities, you can gain an understanding of how a given college can help you reach your career goals. This can form a great topic for your Why School essay. Many colleges offer undergraduate research opportunities or career services that help connect students with local internships. Additionally, some schools allow students to work closely with faculty on research—look to see if there are any unique opportunities available. Think broadly about what you’d like to pursue with your degree, and find the specific programs that will help you get there. 

3. Consider study abroad and extracurricular programs 

Many students look forward to studying abroad during their undergraduate years. By researching a school’s study abroad options, you can connect your personal goals with their programs. So, look at each program and make note of any interesting or unique excursions, classes, or experiences. If the school does not offer study abroad programs, look for any interesting summer programs or clubs to mention in your essay. Telling admissions officers how you’ll involve yourself on campus can help communicate your excitement in the application process. 

4. Research the surrounding area

Many Why School essay examples will mention a school’s surrounding area. So, if you go this route, keep it specific. Is there a company or business in the area you’re interested in working for? What makes the surrounding area special? What about the town or city calls to you? However, remember that the college itself should form the foundation of your Why School essay. So, be sure to not spend too much time on the surrounding area in your essay—you should still focus primarily on the school’s campus. However, it’s important to know the surrounding area well before you apply to any school. 

5. Learn about the history 

Researching a school’s history can give you great insight into its core values and guiding principles. When was the school founded? How has it changed over the years? While you may not reference the school’s history directly in your essay, you can build your essay around the school’s mission and goals. Plus, you may learn something interesting that you can weave into your essay. Showing admissions officers that you’ve done your research is a great way to demonstrate your interest.

A helpful example

Let’s imagine a hypothetical student, Emma, who is submitting a Notre Dame application.  After reading some Notre Dame essay examples, Emma is ready to write her own. Emma plans to major in English, has organized several book drives in her community, and is heavily involved with her high school’s band. She also likes that Notre Dame offers a concentration in creative writing , as she wants to be an author after graduation. 

After researching Notre Dame, she knows that she wants to highlight the unique creative writing program, the robust community service programs, and the famous Notre Dame Marching Band . She’ll also mention specific courses she’s excited to take and a volunteer project she’s interested in pursuing. Inspired by reading Notre Dame essays that worked, she’ll focus on her commitment to volunteering and her community, highlighting Notre Dame’s core mission. Additionally, like many other Notre Dame essay examples, her essay will acknowledge Notre Dame’s long history and communicate her excitement to join campus. 

Notre Dame Essay Example

We’ve included an example of a Why Notre Dame essay in this section. As one of the many Notre Dame essays that worked, this essay is a great resource for students interested in Notre Dame. This essay also does a great job of including specific details about the student’s experiences and what excites them about Notre Dame: 

Why Notre Dame essay example

Essay prompt: why notre dame.

After one hour long information session at a random high school in Delaware, I was in love. But really, my interest in Notre Dame started well before this Tuesday in September of my senior year.

My sophomore year of high school, my guidance counselors encouraged me to make a list of what I thought I wanted in a college. These guidelines considered factors such as how far away I want to go from home and did I prefer an urban or rural environment. When I compared my list to everything the University of Notre Dame has to offer, I realized it is a perfect match. It fits all of the smaller components I desire including a beautiful campus, medium class size, varsity athletics and an array of extracurricular activities.

Notre Dame also matches the more significant items on my checklist. To be specific, I have attended Catholic school since I was three years old and my faith is an integral part of my life. I appreciate that attending Notre Dame would offer me the opportunity to continue my faith education in a comfortable, Christian environment.

Plenty of schools have strong academics, varsity athletics, and a religious background. Notre Dame has all three. But, that alone is not why Notre Dame is my “dream school.” What makes Notre Dame so special to me is its incomparable sense of community, service, and faith. Every aspect of student-life at Notre Dame is based on community. I want to be one of those students who will forever believe that their residence hall is the best on campus, a fan who cheers for the Irish in a sea of navy and gold, and a classmate who works with her peers to ensure learning and success for the entire class.

Service is another significant element of the Notre Dame experience. I value the put-others-first attitude and the desire to give back that Notre Dame students emulate. Finally, Catholic identity and faith formation do not take a backseat at the University of Notre Dame. I value the opportunity to attend mass in my dorm and grow in my faith surrounded by students and staff who support me in everything I do.

Why this Notre Dame essay worked

As with many Notre Dame essay examples, this essay speaks to what makes Notre Dame unique—namely, the school’s focus on service and Catholic values. The student’s passion about Notre Dame comes through, and it’s also clear that they’ve done extensive research on the extracurriculars and academics offered. 

Like other Notre Dame essays that worked, this successful essay highlights the school’s commitment to service. This writer actively highlights their commitment to service while also emphasizing how they’ll engage with the community at Notre Dame. 

If you’re wondering how to get into Notre Dame, reading Notre Dame essay examples like the one above can help you focus your supplemental essays. As you write, think about what makes Notre Dame unique and interesting to you. This can help guide your research and, moreover, will make your Why Notre Dame essay feel authentic to you and your goals. 

If you’re looking for additional resources, the Notre Dame admissions office has a guide on the supplemental essay. You can also find some additional tips on the Notre Dame questions here, as well as information on how to get into Notre Dame from U.S. News . 

Does Notre Dame care about essays?

Yes—notre dame cares about essays..

It’s hard to say exactly how the supplemental essays play into the Notre Dame admissions process, as the school reviews applications holistically. Still, it’s important to put time and effort into your Notre Dame questions. 

The Why Notre Dame essay lets you communicate directly with admissions officers and highlight why you’re applying to Notre Dame. Given the low Notre Dame acceptance rate, your essays are the best opportunity to stand out through the application process. The admissions officers at Notre Dame want to know why you want to join their community, and the Notre Dame questions aim to help you explain your reasons. 

Reading Notre Dame essays that worked can also help you learn which kind of students get into Notre Dame. The Why Notre Dame essay is one of the more personal elements of a student’s Notre Dame application, allowing admissions officers greater insight to your goals and academic passions. When you read Notre Dame essay examples, note how these essays connect each student’s profile to Notre Dame’s mission and values. If you’re wondering how to get into Notre Dame, focus your research on the Notre Dame essay examples. In doing so, you’ll gain a better understanding of what a successful application can look like. 

Other CollegeAdvisor Resources on Notre Dame

If you plan to apply to Notre Dame, CollegeAdvisor has many resources to help you. You can read our guide on Notre Dame here , where you’ll find helpful information such as application deadlines, Notre Dame’s location, information on tuition,  and popular majors. You can also watch our University of Notre Dame panel with alumni and current students. If you’re currently researching schools, our panel can teach you more about Notre Dame’s campus life and application process. 

University of Notre Dame Panel

For more information on the Why Notre Dame essay (as well as the other Notre Dame questions), you can read our Notre Dame essay guide here. This guide provides a deep dive on the Notre Dame application requirements and is a great place to start your research. In addition to Notre Dame essay examples, reading resources on how to get into Notre Dame can help prepare you for the admissions process. You can also read about our Client Success Story about the Whitaker Family—this can help you see what the application process looks like and how CollegeAdvisor can support you through it. 

Resources on Notre Dame majors

If you’re interested in majoring in business, CollegeAdvisor also has an in-depth guide on the Mendoza College of Business at Notre Dame. You can learn about the different business majors as well as the specific requirements for students in the business school. For students interested in the QuestBridge scholarship, you can read our guide here. The University of Notre Dame is a QuestBridge College Partner, meaning students can match with Notre Dame and receive a scholarship that covers the full cost of college. 

Majoring in Business at Notre Dame

Overall, CollegeAdvisor has plenty of resources available specific to Notre Dame, as well as resources on the college application process as a whole. You can also find more Why School essay examples in our guide here , and information on college application deadlines here . We also feature guides on How to Choose a Major and How to Pay for College. Additionally, you can find over 300 free college admissions webinars on a wide variety of topics in our library . 

Notre Dame Essay Examples – Final Thoughts

The Why Notre Dame essay is a central part of any student’s Notre Dame application. Reading Notre Dame essays that worked can help you jumpstart the writing process. It can also give you a solid framework for what kind of essays create a lasting impact. 

As we discussed, students can choose between four Notre Dame questions for their second supplement. Choose your topic carefully so that your essay highlights your strengths. The best Notre Dame essay examples showcase the core parts of the writers’ identities and describe how Notre Dame will help them achieve their goals. Connecting your experiences to Notre Dame’s overall mission and values can help your Notre Dame essay stand out. 

One last thing to remember

The biggest takeaway from our Notre Dame essay examples should be the importance of research. Make sure to research the specific programs and majors at all the colleges on your list. Our Notre Dame essays that worked highlight specific offerings. So, the time and effort you spend researching schools will pay off during the application process. 

If you’re feeling stuck in your research, you can read more about the college search here. Spend time looking through the Notre Dame Admissions website to keep up to date on the Notre Dame application requirements. While the application process can be daunting, familiarizing yourself with Notre Dame essay examples is a great place to start. 

Looking for personalized expert guidance as you respond to the Notre Dame questions? Click here to schedule a free consultation with our team. 

This article was written by senior advisor, Jess Klein . Looking for more admissions support? Click here to schedule a free meeting with one of our Admissions Specialists. During your meeting, our team will discuss your profile and help you find targeted ways to increase your admissions odds at top schools. We’ll also answer any questions and discuss how CollegeAdvisor.com can support you in the college application process.

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JD Vance’s Catholicism helped shape his views. So did this little-known group of Catholic thinkers

By his own account, Ohio Sen. JD Vance’s 2019 conversion to Catholicism provided a spiritual fulfillment he couldn’t find in his Yale education or career success.

It also amounted to a political conversion.

Catholicism provided him a new way of looking at the addictions, family breakdowns and other social ills he described in his 2016 bestselling memoir, “Hillbilly Elegy.”

“I felt desperate for a worldview that understood our bad behavior as simultaneously social and individual, structural and moral; that recognized that we are products of our environment; that we have a responsibility to change that environment, but that we are still moral beings with individual duties,” he wrote in  a 2020 essay .

His conversion also put Vance in close touch with a Catholic intellectual movement, viewed by some critics as having reactionary or authoritarian leanings, that has been little known to the American public until Vance’s rise to the national stage as the Republican vice presidential nominee.

These are not your father’s Catholic conservatives.

The professors and media personalities in this network don’t all agree on everything — even on what to call themselves – but most go by “postliberal.” Vance has  used that term to describe himself , though the Trump-Vance campaign did not respond to questions about where Vance sees himself in the movement and whether he shares some of the beliefs promoted by many postliberals.

Postliberals do share some longstanding Catholic conservative views, such as opposition to abortion and LGBTQ+ rights.

But where Catholic conservatives of the past have seen big government as a problem rather than a solution, the postliberals want a muscular government — one that they control.

They envision a counterrevolution in which they would take over government bureaucracy and institutions like universities from within, replacing entrenched “elites” with their own and acting upon their vision of the “common good.”

“What is needed … is regime change — the peaceful but vigorous overthrow of a corrupt and corrupting liberal ruling class and the creation of a postliberal order,” wrote Patrick Deneen, a prominent author in the movement, in his 2023 book, “Regime Change.”

Vance has signaled his alignment with some of what Catholic postliberals advocate. He’s said the next time his allies control the  presidency  or Congress, “  we really need to be really ruthless  when it comes to the exercise of power” and said Republicans should  seize institutions, including universities  “to make them work for our people.” He’s advocated for government  policies to spur childbearing , a notion reflected in  his digs  at “childless cat ladies” with allegedly no stake in America’s future.

Scholars who study this movement caution that Vance does his own thinking and doesn’t necessarily embrace everything proposed by postliberals — or by a subset of them known as integralists, who want a state working in tandem with the Catholic Church. The latter is not a label Vance has used for himself.

But Vance has spoken alongside prominent postliberals at public events and praised some of their work.

At an  Ohio conference  featuring a who’s who of Catholic postliberals in 2022, he told fellow speakers he has “admired a lot of you from afar” as “some of the people who I think are most interesting about what’s going on in this country.”

Vance praised Deneen’s book at a  2023 panel discussion  with the author, a professor of political science at the University of Notre Dame.

Vance has also met privately with leading postliberals, who have  posted photos  of their gatherings  on social media  and cheered his vice presidential nomination.

Catholic journals for years have bristled with debates about postliberalism, but with little public attention — in part because its adherents are few and its views are far from mainstream.

But now, postliberals have an avid listener in Donald Trump’s running mate.

“You can go from people writing on an unusual Catholic theology blog to the vice presidential candidate in the course of less than a decade,” said James Patterson, professor of politics at Ave Maria University in Florida.

Vance’s preoccupations show an influence from the movement, he said, citing his remarks about the childless.

“Most ordinary American Catholics would not treat a childless single woman with cats with this kind of contempt,” Patterson said. Even if Vance is not steeped in the philosophy, Patterson added, “he is picking up on the postliberal vibe.”

Some Catholics, including conservatives, have raised alarms about the company Vance has kept, saying postliberalism has historical connections to 20th century European movements that are associated with authoritarian regimes like Francisco Franco’s in Spain.

“We’re talking about people that prefer right-wing authoritarian regimes,” Patterson said.

In a postliberal society, Patterson wrote  in an August commentary in the online journal The Dispatch , citizens become “subjects” and personal liberties subjected to “administrative despotism.”

Vance has recently tried to downplay his Catholicism’s impact on policy-making.

Trump’s Supreme Court appointees provided the crucial majority to overturn Roe v. Wade, which had legalized abortion nationwide. But the issue has become a political liability, with voters in several states rejecting abortion restrictions.

Vance had strongly opposed abortion, in the runup to his 2022 senatorial win, saying at one point that “two wrongs don’t make a right” when referring to exceptions for rape and incest. The campaign said in an email Wednesday that he supports “reasonable” exceptions for rape, incest, and life of the mother.

But Vance has aligned with the Republicans’  first post-Roe platform  in 2024, in which it backed off from its longstanding support for nationwide abortion restrictions. He pledged he could “absolutely commit” that a Trump-Vance administration would not impose such an abortion ban.

Trump has spoken inconsistently about a ballot measure repealing Florida’s ban on abortions after six weeks of pregnancy.

After facing backlash from anti-abortion activists for seeming to indicate he would support the measure, Trump  said he would oppose it .

The Catholic Church’s U.S. bishops declared opposing abortion “our pre-eminent priority.”

Vance  told the New York Post  in August that Catholic social teaching “certainly influences how I think about issues.” But he acknowledged “there are a lot of things the Catholic Church teaches that frankly, Americans would just never go for.”

He added that in a democracy, “you have to give people their ability to have their own moral views reflected in public policy. There are a lot of non-Catholics in America and I accept that.”

Julian Waller, a political science professor at George Washington University, said Vance has numerous influences outside of Catholic postliberalism — from Trump-style populists to his mentor, tech billionaire Peter Thiel.

It remains to be seen whether Catholic postliberals would get prominent appointments in a Trump-Vance administration — or even how often they’d get their calls returned.

“Someone like JD Vance can read them, be interested in them, attend talks, know them personally, get insights from them,” Waller said. “But he’s not on the hook to obey them.”

For an example of what an administration using state power for postliberal ends might look like, Waller pointed to Florida and Gov. Ron DeSantis’ efforts to rid public higher education of diversity initiatives and critical race theory.

“If you want the model for what someone like JD Vance is really interested in, it’s probably the Florida model, forcefully changing institutions, capturing institutions,” Waller said.

Postliberals’ ideas vary, but there are common themes, said Kevin Vallier, author of “  All the Kingdoms of the World ,” a 2023 book on the modern postliberal and integralist movements and their centuries-old roots.

Depending on who’s talking, a postliberal regime change could involve encouraging childbearing, easing or removing church-state separation, banning pornography for adults and children alike, reimposing laws limiting business on the Sabbath, supporting private-sector unions and strengthening safety nets for the middle class.

It’s common to hear postliberals praising Hungary’s nationalist prime minister,  Viktor Orban , particularly for his use of financial incentives for families that have more babies. Orban has championed an  “illiberal democracy,”  which includes restrictions on  immigration  and  LGBTQ+ rights .

Vance has praised Orban for  Hungary’s subsidies to married couples  with children and for “smart decisions” in seizing control of universities.

Vance has echoed the regime-change rhetoric of using government, staffed by likeminded officials, for postliberal goals.

“You need to have a functional state that accomplishes some of the things that we care about. You need good people to go and work in that functional state,” Vance said a 2022 conference at Franciscan University of Steubenville, Ohio. It featured prominent postliberals like Deneen and Harvard Law School professor Adrian Vermeule.

Vermeule has advocated for “common-good constitutionalism,” in which the government enacts “strong rule in the interest of attaining the common good.”

Deneen and Vermeule declined requests for interviews.

Vance’s choice to speak at Steubenville underscored his affinity with postliberals, Vallier said.

“He could have given that talk anywhere,” said Vallier, a professor at the Institute of American Constitutional Thought and Leadership at the University of Toledo in Ohio. “Why is he appearing with these intellectuals if he’s not sympathetic to their ideas?”

Vance’s religious journey began in a family that rarely went to church when he was young, he wrote in “Hillbilly Elegy.” But he said his grandmother — the most stable adult in his turbulent household — regularly read the Bible and taught a Christianity that demanded hard work, forgiveness and hope.

For a time, the young JD embraced the strict biblical literalism of his father’s Pentecostal church, crediting it as a stabilizing force, he wrote.

But in college, Vance embraced what he later viewed as an arrogant and fashionable atheism.

Eventually, he wrote in a 2020 essay for the Catholic journal The Lamp, he concluded he “needed grace” to provide him the virtues to be a good husband and father.

“I needed, in other words, to become Catholic,” he wrote.

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University of Notre Dame

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Evaluation Criteria

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There’s no shortage of extraordinary applicants at Notre Dame.

As we evaluate applications, we admit students who excel within the context of our highly competitive applicant pool. We are proud of the students we enroll, and we understand that we can’t admit every incredible student who applies.

Here’s what we’re looking for:

1. academic performance in high school.

There’s no minimum grade point average or class rank required, but know this: You’re up against the best and the brightest in the world. The more rigorous your course selection, the better your grades, and the higher your class rank, the more competitive your application will be.

2. High school academic requirements

The University requires the completion of the following high school courses in order to be considered for admission. A unit is equivalent to the credit for a year of satisfactory work in an accredited secondary school. The two language units must be in the same language and a language offered by the University of Notre Dame.

Students are required to take 16 units during their high school career. This distribution will differ slightly based on the student’s intended area of study, but must include the following:

• 4 units of English
• 3 units of Mathematics - Algebra I, Algebra II, and Geometry (4 units preferred)*
• 2 units of Foreign Language (3-4 units preferred)
• 2 units of Science (4 units preferred)**
• 2 units of History/Social Science (3-4 units preferred)

*For students with an intended major within the College of Science, the College of Engineering, the School of Architecture, or certain majors within the College of Arts & Letters (Neuroscience and Behavior, Arts & Letters Pre-Health, Computer Science), 4 units of Mathematics are required, which must include an advanced Mathematics course (Pre-Calculus or Calculus).

**Students with an intended major within the College of Science or the College of Engineering must take a unit of Chemistry. Additionally the following majors require a unit of Physics:

• Applied and Computational Mathematics and Statistics
• Biochemistry
• Chemistry with Business
• Chemistry with Computing
• Computer Science (within Colleges of Sciences and Arts & Letters)
• Mathematics (within the Colleges of Science and Arts & Letters)
• Physics-in-Medicine
• All Engineering majors

It is also strongly recommended that students with the following intended majors take a unit of Physics:

• Architecture
• Biological Sciences
• Environmental Sciences
• Neuroscience and Behavior (within the Colleges of Science and Arts & Letters)
• Science Preprofessional Studies
• Arts and Letters Pre-Health
• Science- Computing
• Science- Education

Although we require at least 16 academic units for admission, our most competitive applicants will have four units in each major academic area and in the most rigorous level their high school offers. We do include algebra and/or foreign language courses completed during eighth grade in our count of admissions requirements. For example, if you earned credit for one full-year introductory French course as an eighth grader, then completed French II in ninth grade, both credits will be counted.

3. Standardized tests

Notre Dame is test-optional for the 2024 and 2025 application cycles:  Applicants may choose whether or not to submit their ACT or SAT scores. Learn more about our test-optional program and check out our test-optional FAQs for further information.

If you choose to submit your test scores with your application, self-report them. Once an admitted student confirms their enrollment to Notre Dame, they will be required to submit official score reports from SAT and/or ACT before they enroll. 

Please note that we will verify scores for all enrolling students, and any discrepancies between official and self-reported scores may jeopardize a student's place in the class.

If you submit multiple scores, we will superscore the tests for our evaluation. This means we will consider the highest composite score and highest scores on each section, regardless of test date. Note that we do not require the writing portion of the ACT or the SAT. 

Please visit the College Board website and ACT website for registration dates. 

 AP tests and IB tests are not required and are only used in the application process if scores enhance an application. They may also be used for credit and placement in the first year program. 

For students studying outside the U.S., please refer to our information for international students  on standardized testing and test flexible policy.

4. Extracurricular activities? More like passions.

World-class pianists. Well-rounded senior class leaders. Dedicated artists. Our most competitive applicants are more than just students—they are creative intellectuals, passionate people with multiple interests. Above all else, they are involved—in the classroom, in the community, and in the relentless pursuit of truth.

5. Letter(s) of evaluation

We require one letter of evaluation from every applicant. You may choose any high school teacher to write your letter, as long as he or she has taught you in a core academic subject area (math, science, English, social science, or foreign language) and knows you well. Your school counselor may also complete a counselor evaluation. The counselor evaluation is recommended but not required.

6. Essay: Reflect, have fun, show us who you really are.

The Essay portion of both the application and the Notre Dame Writing Supplement gives our Admissions Committee the opportunity to get to know you.

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.

We do not offer an interview as part of the admissions process, so it is through your essays that we are able to hear your voice, learn your sense of humor, empathize with your struggles. We get to know the real you, beyond lists of courses, numbers, and activities. View the most current essay questions here.  

Note: Applications with the current year's essay questions become available each year on August 1. 

7.  Examples of Talent (Optional)

If you intend to pursue a first or second major in the Department of Art, Department of Design, or the School of Architecture, applicants are welcome to submit examples of talent in a creative portfolio. Additionally, the Department of Music invites any applicant, regardless of intended major, to submit talent samples (video examples required.) All examples are submitted via SlideRoom .

Additional Requirements

Home-schooled applicants.

If you have any questions about applying as a home-schooled student, feel free to call the Admissions Office at (574) 631-7505.

International Baccalaureate (IB)

Students earning the IB Diploma program are asked to submit their predicted IB marks.  In general, students that apply for Notre Dame are enrolled in three higher-level IB courses and three lower-level IB courses.