Notre Dame Supplemental Essays 2023-24

Notre Dame Supplemental Essays 2023-24

Wondering how to approach the Notre Dame supplemental essays? We’ve got you covered. 

The University of Notre Dame, located in the vibrant state of Indiana, is renowned as one of the top private universities in the nation. With a rich history of academic excellence and athletic success, Notre Dame attracts a dynamic community of students. Consequently, the Notre Dame admissions process is competitive. So, given the school’s low acceptance rate of just 13%, students should do all they can to stand out.

Understanding the Notre Dame supplemental essays

If you’re wondering how to get into Notre Dame, we’re here to help. In addition to maintaining a solid academic record, the Notre Dame supplemental essays play a key role in the Notre Dame application process. In fact, your Notre Dame supplemental essays can be the thing that makes or breaks your application.

This guide will explore strategies for gaining admission to the University of Notre Dame. We will delve into the Notre Dame requirements and dissect the Notre Dame admissions criteria so you know how to approach the admissions process. We’ll also analyze the Notre Dame essay prompts and provide valuable insights to help you craft strong Notre Dame essays. By the end of this guide, you will be prepared to craft compelling Notre Dame supplemental essays that make a lasting impression on the Notre Dame admissions committee.

Ready to learn how to get into Notre Dame with strong Notre Dame supplemental essays? If so, let’s go!

Notre Dame Admissions: Quick Facts

Please note that essay requirements are subject to change each admissions cycle, and portions of this article may have been written before the final publication of the most recent guidelines. For the most up-to-date information on essay requirements, check the university’s admissions website.

Does Notre Dame require supplemental essays?

Yes, the University of Notre Dame requires students to submit Notre Dame supplemental essays. As stated on their website, Notre Dame supplemental essays allow admissions to “get to know you!” 

In total, applicants must submit the Notre Dame Writing Supplement as well as the Common Application or Coalition Application. This supplement—which contains the Notre Dame supplemental essays—is accessible to registrants on either application platform. It should be submitted electronically.

The Notre Dame Writing Supplement is a valuable tool for the admissions team, offering applicants a chance to present themselves beyond the confines of their academic statistics. Applicants are encouraged to allow their individuality to shine through in their responses. The school also encourages students to take creative risks and remember that there is no definitive “correct” response to the prompts.

How many essays does Notre Dame require?

To meet Notre Dame requirements, applicants need to answer two brief Notre Dame essay questions that are less than 150 words and three short answer essays that are less than 50 words. This makes for a total of five Notre Dame supplemental essays and responses. However, keep in mind that three of these will be quite short. 

In the following sections, we will dive deeper into the Notre Dame supplemental essays by looking at the Notre Dame essay prompts. We’ll also provide advice on how to choose the right Notre Dame essay prompt to enhance your application.

What are the Notre Dame supplemental essays?

As discussed, the Notre Dame supplemental essays include two 150-word essays. For Notre Dame supplemental essays, applicants can choose between three Notre Dame essay prompts. Of these options, each student will select two Notre Dame essay prompts to complete. 

In the next sections, we will discuss the three Notre Dame essay prompts. Then, we’ll help you decide which to select for your Notre Dame supplemental essays.

Notre Dame Essay Prompts 

The three Notre Dame essay prompts for your application are as follows:

Choosing the right Notre Dame essay prompt for you

As noted, the first requirement for Notre Dame supplemental essays is to respond to two Notre Dame essay prompts. However, there are three prompts that you can choose from. 

Overall, applicants should select the prompts that highlight their experiences and strengths. So, choose prompts that allow you to present a compelling and authentic narrative about yourself, your values, and how you can enrich the Notre Dame community. Each prompt also offers a unique chance to showcase different aspects of your character and experiences.

We will use this section to break down each Notre Dame essay prompt. Then, you can select the best Notre Dame essay prompt to enhance your application. 

Notre Dame essay prompt #1 is ideal for applicants who have actively contributed to their communities. So, this community service essay is perfect for you if you can reflect on your experiences, values, and personal growth related to service. You should also demonstrate a genuine dedication to caring for others.

Notre Dame essay prompt #2 best serves applicants with unique and meaningful personal experiences that have shaped their character and values. This can include factors like family, cultural background, personal challenges, or experiences within their community. So, you should select this prompt if you have a compelling narrative about how these experiences have influenced you. You should also discuss how you plan to contribute to the Notre Dame community based on these experiences.

Notre Dame essay prompt #3 suits applicants who have advocated for a cause or belief and successfully influenced others through meaningful and thoughtful discourse. So, you should choose this prompt if you can provide a well-detailed account of the situation, your role, the challenges you faced, and the outcome. It’s also an opportunity to showcase your leadership and communication skills.

Notre Dame Essay – Short Answer Responses

In addition to the Notre Dame supplemental essays, Notre Dame requires applicants to craft three short answer responses that are 50 words or less. For the three short answer responses, you must select from five short answer prompts.

How to approach short answer essays

To approach these short answer essays effectively, applicants should consider the following tips:

Select the Most Relevant Prompt

Start by carefully reading and considering all the prompts provided. Then, choose the one that resonates most with your experiences, values, and goals. This ensures that your response is authentic and directly addresses the question. Here are some ideas that connect with each prompt:

“Non-Negotiable” Factor(s)

Focus on key elements essential to your college choice, like academic programs, values, or campus culture.

Joy

Highlight a personal passion, hobby, or activity that genuinely brings you happiness.

Worth Fighting For

Discuss a cause, belief, or principle you are deeply committed to defending.

Interest Tied to Academic Area

Briefly mention a specific interest or hobby and connect it to your intended major or field of study.

Faith’s Influence

Explain briefly how your faith guides your decisions or values in life.

Be Direct and Clear

You should use clear and concise language to communicate your thoughts. So, avoid unnecessary words or complex sentences. Instead, get straight to the point to ensure your message is easily understood.

Highlight Impact

If applicable, emphasize the impact of your chosen factor, joy, cause, interest, or faith on your life or decisions. Explain why it’s important to you and how it has shaped your perspective.

Review and Revise

After composing your paragraph, take the time to review it. Additionally, consider sharing your response with others for feedback. They can provide valuable insights to make your writing more effective.

Is Notre Dame hard to get into?

The University of Notre Dame is highly competitive. As a prestigious university with lots to offer, the university receives thousands of applications yearly. Last year, Notre Dame received an impressive 28,000 applications, reflecting its popularity among prospective students. Overall, with a low acceptance rate of 13%, Notre Dame’s selectivity is evident.

The university also sets high standards academically, with mid-50% SAT scores ranging from 1450 to 1530 and mid-50% ACT scores ranging from 33 to 35. However, its commitment to a holistic admissions process is what truly sets Notre Dame apart. In fact, the university actively seeks students who go above and beyond in various areas.

Moreover, Notre Dame takes pride in looking beyond academics, valuing a well-rounded student body. The statistics from the Class of 2027 are telling: 43% of accepted students were captains of a varsity sport, 87% participated in community service, 44% were involved in music, drama, fine arts, or dance, and 26% were head of a major school organization. These figures also underscore Notre Dame’s emphasis on character, leadership, and diverse extracurricular commitments.

Does Notre Dame care about essays?

So, does the University of Notre Dame care about Notre Dame supplemental essays? Absolutely!

Notre Dame takes pride in its rigorous admissions process. While academic excellence is crucial, Notre Dame recognizes that true potential extends beyond grades. The Notre Dame supplemental essays also play a key role in the school’s holistic review process.

Additionally, for the 2023-2024 admissions cycle, Notre Dame University has embraced a test-optional policy, reflecting its commitment to evaluating applicants beyond standardized test scores. Instead, Notre Dame places more emphasis on the Notre Dame supplemental essays, viewing them as a means to assess the links between students’ values and the university’s mission.

The emphasis on Notre Dame supplemental essays reflects the university’s goal of admitting students who resonate with its values of intellectual, moral, and spiritual development and a collective sense of care for every person. The Notre Dame essay prompts also offer applicants a platform to share their personal stories, experiences, and aspirations. This enables the admissions team to better understand each candidate’s unique qualities and perspectives.

As a result, crafting impactful Notre Dame supplemental essays is paramount for you. These Notre Dame supplemental essays, moreover, don’t just let you show off your writing skills. Rather, they serve as a window into your character, revealing your commitment to enriching Notre Dame’s community. 

How do I make my Notre Dame essays stand out?

Crafting strong Notre Dame University supplemental essays can enhance your application and make a lasting impression on the admissions committee. These Notre Dame essays allow you to reveal your true self and share your life experiences. They also let you articulate how you would contribute to and thrive within the vibrant community at Notre Dame University. 

Here are some valuable strategies to ensure that your Notre Dame supplemental essays stand out:

Immerse Yourself in Notre Dame’s Culture

Before delving into your Notre Dame University supplemental essays, take the time to immerse yourself in the university’s values, programs, and culture. Familiarize yourself with what makes Notre Dame unique.

If You’re Not Sure, Research

When crafting your Notre Dame supplemental essays, remember this key tip: if unsure, research! In addition to knowing about the university’s programs and values, if you are having trouble writing your Notre Dame essays, be sure to take advantage of the school’s many online resources. 

Showcase Genuine Interest

Demonstrate your genuine interest in Notre Dame by integrating your knowledge of the school into your Notre Dame essays. Highlight specific features that resonate with you, such as academic programs, faculty, or campus initiatives.

Embrace Authenticity

Approach your Notre Dame University supplemental essays authentically. Share personal stories and experiences that have shaped your identity and aspirations. Overall, avoid generic responses. Instead, emphasize what sets you apart as an individual.

Craft Engaging Narratives

Transform your Notre Dame supplemental essays into captivating narratives. Use vivid and descriptive language to engage your readers. Moreover, tell your stories in a way that captivates and resonates with the admissions committee.

Proofread and Polish

Before submitting your Notre Dame supplemental essays, meticulously proofread and edit them. Ensure impeccable grammar, punctuation, and clarity in your writing.

Your Notre Dame supplemental essays are a powerful platform to convey your passion, perspective, and potential as a future member of the Notre Dame community. By following these strategies for your Notre Dame University supplemental essays, you can create an application that showcases your unique qualities. This will help you highlight why you would be an invaluable addition to the Notre Dame University community.

More Notre Dame resources from CollegeAdvisor

CollegeAdvisor offers even more resources to help you feel confident as you complete your application to the University of Notre Dame. Here are some of our favorite resources to check out:

Notre Dame Supplemental Essays – Final Tips

Navigating the University of Notre Dame supplemental essays can seem overwhelming. However, think of these essays as your chance to shine. 

The Notre Dame supplemental essays provide a unique platform to convey your character, values, and alignment with the university’s mission, which places a significant emphasis on intellectual, moral, and spiritual development and a collective sense of care for every person.

In this guide, we delved into the world of Notre Dame supplemental essays and Notre Dame requirements. So, by now, we hope you feel well-equipped to submit Notre Dame University supplemental essays that complement your application and demonstrate what makes you unique.

To assist you in completing your Notre Dame supplemental essays, here are some final takeaways:

Understand the Importance

Recognize the significance of Notre Dame supplemental essays in the admissions process. These essays offer a unique opportunity to go beyond your academic achievements and reveal your personal qualities. Moreover, Notre Dame supplemental essays allow you to showcase your character, values, and alignment with the university’s mission. So, use them to show why you are an ideal fit for their community.

Know Your Prompts

Familiarize yourself with the specific Notre Dame essay prompts and their nuances. Each prompt is carefully crafted to elicit specific information about you. So, take the time to read and understand each prompt carefully. Then, consider which one resonates most with your experiences and values. 

Craft Authentic Narratives

One of the most powerful aspects of your Notre Dame University supplemental essays is the opportunity to share authentic stories and experiences that have shaped your identity and aspirations. Reflect on your life journey, the challenges you’ve faced, your moments of growth, and the experiences that have profoundly impacted you.

Showcase Genuine Interest

Integrate your knowledge of Notre Dame University into your Notre Dame essays to demonstrate your genuine interest and understanding of the institution. Admissions committees appreciate applicants who have taken the time to research the university beyond surface-level information. 

Conciseness is Key

Given the word limits for Notre Dame University supplemental essays, being concise is of utmost importance. Every word you use should serve a clear and distinct purpose in advancing your narrative. Concise writing respects the reader’s time and showcases your ability to communicate ideas clearly and precisely.

Proofread and Polish

Meticulously proofread and edit your essays. Carefully review them for errors in grammar, punctuation, and clarity. Typos and grammatical mistakes can detract from the impact of your essay and give the impression of carelessness. Additionally, seek feedback from teachers, mentors, or peers to gain fresh perspectives on your writing.

By incorporating these strategies into your Notre Dame University supplemental essays, you can create essays that meet the requirements, stand out, and make a lasting impression on the admissions committee. Best of luck with your application and writing your Notre Dame supplemental essays!

This article was written by senior advisor, Ashley Hollins. Are you looking for more admissions support? Click here to schedule a free meeting with one of our Admissions Specialists. Our team will discuss your profile during your meeting 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.