University of Notre Dame

Some students have a background or story that is so central to their identity that they believe their application would be incomplete without it. If this sounds like you, then please share your story. It happened out of sheer stubbornness. Seemingly overnight, I went from being a cross country runner to the girl on crutches. … Read more Common App Essay- Central Story

Write about a time you failed I heard the final call for my race. By now I should have been done with my warm up jog and run-outs and heading over to the check-in tent, spikes in hand, ready to run the 3200 meter race at the State Championship meet. Instead of pinning on my … Read more The Time I Quit- A Runner’s Perspective

A range of academic interests, personal perspectives, and life experiences adds much to the educational mix. Given your personal background, describe an experience that illustrates what you would bring to the diversity in a college community, or an encounter that demonstrated the importance of diversity to you. In a classroom occupied by thirty students, I … Read more Diversity to me

Evaluate a significant experience, achievement, risk you have taken, or ethical dilemma you have faced and its impact on you. It was our last scrimmage game before the start of the 2009 Valparaiso girls’ varsity basketball season. The clock counted down not only the time left in the game but also how many seconds I … Read more Another Door Opens

Students at the University of Notre Dame are passionate! Their passion gives direction and definition to campus academic, community, and spiritual life. Recognizing that you have already provided us with a list of your extracurricular activities, please briefly describe your greatest passion and tell us how it defines and directs you. I stood on my … Read more My Passion for Literature

Describe an aspect of your childhood/upbringing that shaped the person you are today. Describe an aspect of your childhood/upbringing that shaped the person you are today.In a navy blue Volvo station wagon my entire childhood evolved. Inside, memories rested alongside the hardened French fries and squashed fruit snacks that lined the plastic leather interior.Growing up … Read more A Newfound Nostalgia

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. I zoomed in on my character with a few quick swipes using my drawing tablet pen. The blocky character was made out of … Read more Common App essay – Pixel Art

Notre Dame is an adventure that will develop more than just your intellect. Blessed Basil Moreau, founder of the Congregation of Holy Cross, believed that to provide a true education “the mind will not be cultivated at the expense of the heart.” What excites you about attending Notre Dame? (required response, 150-200 words) As I … Read more Why Notre Dame?

Some students have a background, identity, interest, or talent that is so meaningful they believe their application would be incomplete without it. If this sounds like you, then please share your story. In my hometown, Nanchang, China, the Gan River divides the city into two worlds. One side of the river has enjoyed much government … Read more Personal Statement

In an essay of about 300 words, tell us more about yourself, describing interests and accomplishments which are not indicated elsewhere on this application. The question was “1. Having a diverse and exciting community of students is an important component in determining a great university. How can I contribute to that population?”As I sat at … Read more Hidden Interests