College Application Essays That Got Into Notre Dame

Generated with sparks and insights from 7 sources

Introduction

Notre Dame is a highly selective university, making strong essays crucial for a successful application.
The university requires two brief essay responses and three short-answer responses as part of the application.
Examples of successful essays often include personal anecdotes, clear motivations, and specific references to Notre Dame's resources and values.
Common themes in successful essays include service to others, personal growth, and alignment with Notre Dame's mission and community values.
Reading examples of past successful essays can provide inspiration and guidance but should not be copied.

Example 1: A student discusses their motivation to serve Alzheimer's patients, tying personal experiences to their academic and career goals.
Example 2: A student describes their passion for innovative education methods and their dream to start a school.
Example 3: A student shares a tradition from boarding school that fostered a sense of community and intellectual discussion.
These examples highlight the importance of personal stories and specific goals.
Successful essays often mention specific Notre Dame resources or faculty members.

Notre Dame requires two brief essay responses, each with a maximum of 150 words.
Applicants must also complete three short-answer responses, each with a maximum of 50 words.
Prompts include questions about service to others, personal experiences, and advocacy.
Short-answer questions cover topics like personal interests, faith, and what brings joy.
The prompts are designed to understand the applicant's values and how they align with Notre Dame's mission.

Be genuine and honest in your writing; admissions officers can tell when an essay isn't authentic.
Use specific examples and anecdotes to illustrate your points.
Research Notre Dame thoroughly and mention specific resources or faculty members.
Show how your experiences and goals align with Notre Dame's values and mission.
Proofread your essays multiple times to ensure they are free of errors.

Service to others and community involvement are common themes in successful essays.
Personal growth and overcoming challenges are also frequently highlighted.
Essays often reflect a commitment to Notre Dame's values, such as faith and intellectual curiosity.
Many successful essays include a clear vision of how the applicant plans to contribute to the Notre Dame community.
Essays that demonstrate a deep understanding of Notre Dame's mission and culture tend to stand out.

Notre Dame values intellectual, moral, and spiritual development.
The university emphasizes a collective sense of care for every person.
Service to others and community involvement are central to Notre Dame's mission.
The university has a strong Catholic identity but welcomes students from all religious backgrounds.
Notre Dame aims to educate both the mind and heart, fostering a holistic educational experience.

Notre Dame's admissions website provides detailed information on application requirements and deadlines.
CollegeVine offers a peer essay review tool for feedback on your essays.
CollegeAdvisor.com provides guides and examples of successful Notre Dame essays.
The Notre Dame admissions office has published tips and guides on writing the supplemental essays.
Webinars and panels with Notre Dame alumni and current students can provide insights into campus life and the application process.