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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 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.

Want personalized assistance with your Notre Dame supplemental essays?

If you are interested in working with one of College Transitions’ experienced and knowledgeable essay coaches as you craft your Notre Dame supplemental essays, we encourage you to  get a quote  today.

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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!

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How to write the university of notre dame essays, updated for 2024-2025.

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

Explanation:

Your answer to this question should be anecdotal and specific in nature. With only 100 words to work with, you should start your answer with a very brief narrative conveying that which piqued your interest in your subject of choice, then write a few sentences about why it interests you. Your description should include examples of how you have already pursued this topic, both in and outside of the classroom—you should demonstrate to admissions officers that you have pursued this interest in hands-on ways during your high school years. Doing so will not only show that you have more than a passing interest in the field, but it will also paint a picture of how you will use your core passion to enrich their campus community. If space allows, name specific subfields or research areas you are looking forward to pursuing in college to broaden and deepen your engagement with the subject matter, including one or two opportunities specific to Notre Dame.

Working in a research laboratory this summer taught me what it means for a group of people to work together towards a common goal that supersedes their personal gain. Though our field is far from discovering a cure for cystic fibrosis, the chloride secretion research I devoted my summer to deepened my passion for biology and the study of genetic mutations. I would be thrilled to major in biology at Notre Dame, concentrating in evolutions and genomics, and joining professors Nerenberg and Cerrone on their CF research endeavors.

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)

Given that you have likely compiled your college list within the last six months, your response to this prompt should be fresh in your mind. Take some time to reflect on the qualities, characteristics, or aspects that you consider non-negotiable in your future college or university. These are the factors that are most important to you and that will significantly impact your decision. You should go back through the notes you took during college visits and other materials you compiled as you evaluated schools on your list for inspiration. Due to the limited word count, whittle your topic down to one or two important factors rather than trying to list them all. Then, share the personal, academic, or professional reasons that make these factors a priority in your college search. Finally, in one sentence or so, explain how your non-negotiable factor(s) align with your academic and personal goals. Discuss how choosing a college that prioritizes this factor(s) will contribute to your future success and well-being.

Making the decision to attend a Catholic high school was not easy; I’d been admitted to my local STEM magnet high school, ranked as the number one STEM high school on the East coast. Yet, I knew intuitively that I wanted my education to align with my religious values and that attending Saint Anne’s would offer me the opportunity to ground my academic growth in my faith. During my time there, I blossomed in my understanding of how faith can inform the way one chooses to navigate the world. Now, equipped with the knowledge that I want to pursue a career devoted to the service of those born with genetic conditions, I seek an undergraduate institution that offers both a world class education and a pedagogy rooted in faith and service. In other words, I know I want to call Notre Dame home for the next four years.

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 institution, and the admissions committee is seeking to understand how the religious environment and mission of the school aligns with your own personal beliefs. Regardless of your faith background, consider how your choices are informed by spiritual conviction (whether religious or secular) and how you intend to carry those convictions into the next stage of your education.

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?

A classic diversity question, this prompt gives you the opportunity to share something about who you are or what you have experienced that will set you apart from other applicants. Notre Dame seeks to admit a diverse group of students to their incoming class every year, so the more unique and distinctive your choice, the better. Though you only have 50-100 words to answer this question, be sure to both name and describe the unique factor or experience and convey how it will help you contribute to your future community. Remember that whatever you choose, it should not be mentioned elsewhere in your application. Rather, it should shed light on a new facet of your applicant profile and serve to set you apart from your peers.

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?

This is your chance to write about the community service work you have participated in throughout your high school career. Choose a specific and well-documented example of how you have fostered service to others in your community. This could be a single event or an ongoing initiative, but it should be meaningful and impactful. Because you only have 50-100 words, be sure to focus your response on your unique contributions and the impact you have had on others, rather than on the cause or the reason why you are committed to the particular service opportunity (though you should make a brief mention of your motivation or passion). Finally, briefly share your plans for future involvement and how you intend to further contribute to positive change in the communities of which you are a part.

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

While you should be thoughtful and reflective in choosing the compliment you wish to write about, note that the most important element of this essay is your description of its meaning to you. Rather than offering an opportunity to brag, this question seeks to understand your core values. Do you hold personal growth, kindness, academic excellence, wit or a particular skill or accomplishment in high regard? What does this say about who you are and what you want for yourself and your future? Select a compliment that truly speaks to who you are and what you value. It could be related to your character, work ethic, kindness, creativity, or any other quality that you hold in high regard. The compliment doesn’t have to be grand or come from someone with authority—it could be something small but significant that left a lasting impression on you, or it could have particular meaning for you because it came from someone you didn’t expect it to come from. What will make the difference between a good essay and a great one is your thoughtful articulation of why the comment was meaningful to you.

“You’ll be able to succeed in anything you set your mind to accomplishing. It will be both a blessing and a curse.” My math teacher’s words weighed heavily on me as I walked out of my last day of junior year. We had grown close after I’d attended his extra help lunch sessions four days a week for most of the year, determined to earn straight As in my weakest subject. I knew he was impressed by my determination, but his words helped me to realize just how far this quality will bring me as I look to my future.

5. What would you fight for?

This question is aimed at understanding your core values and deeply held convictions. When you name what you believe is worth fighting for, be sure to also explain the significance of the cause or belief. This could be because it addresses a pressing societal need, upholds a moral principle, or aligns with your personal values.

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How To Write The University of Notre Dame Supplemental Essays (2019-2020)

Pierre is a leading college and graduate admissions consultant with extensive experience in education and entrepreneurship. His advice has been featured on Forbes.com, U.S. News, CNN Business, the Washington Post, ABC News, Business Insider, and more.

***Interested in reading our Harvard supplemental essay guide for the 2020-2021 application cycle? Click here! https://www.hceducationconsulting.com/post/how-to-write-the-university-of-notre-dame-supplemental-essays ***

You’ve got three essays to write for Notre Dame. Everyone must answer the first question (“Why This College?”). Then you get to choose two prompts from a list of four. For each essay, Notre Dame recommends a 200-word limit.

Here’s how Notre Dame phrases the “Why Us?” prompt:

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

Pretty straightforward. Although I like the use of the verb “excite” here—it’s a nice reminder that choosing a college isn’t just about boring data like U.S. News rankings and average salaries six months after graduation. What excites you about Notre Dame?

What excites you, but also what excites you ? See the difference? Part of this question is about Notre Dame, but part of it is about you and your excitement. You need to show Notre Dame that you know a great deal about the school, and have good reasons for applying there (rather than just anywhere), but you also need to provide them with enough information about yourself and your achievements to show that you’re a good fit.

Your task here is to show Notre Dame that:

You know what you want to study (make a major up if you’re actually undecided—just choose what makes most sense based on your past experiences);

You can talk about some upper-level classes you’d like to take at Notre Dame (in line with your academic direction. Don’t mention anything that’s readily available at other universities—pick something interesting and unusual);

You can mention a few professors you’d be interested in working with (again, who teach in a subject related to your academic path. These should be tenured professors, or at least professors you suspect will be around for the next four years. Not sure how the vicious academic hierarchy works? Ask us );

You have a sense of which extracurricular clubs and organizations you’d like to be a part of (do your research—the clubs you choose to discuss should be a logical extension of your past academic and extracurricular achievements);

You have identified any other academic or extracurricular opportunities that Notre Dame and the area will provide you with.

Again, this essay isn’t just about Notre Dame. It’s also about you. Make sure you’re relating what you want to do at Notre Dame to your past experiences—that the professors and courses that interest you will help you build on your most impressive achievements.

Please provide responses to TWO (2) of the following questions:

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

As always, the danger inherent in such prompts is appearing to be making yourself out to be some kind of hero. Remember that sparking a national movement (or founding a university) isn’t a prerequisite for getting into Notre Dame or any other great school.

And in fact, this question asks explicitly what you have done in your community . You’re welcome to think small and close to home.

I would encourage you to spend some time thinking about what “community” means to you. When I suggest that you think small and close to home, I don’t mean you necessarily have to talk about your neighborhood, or school, although you can. You may have a strong connection to an online community, for example. The important thing here is making a strong case for a specific community that is meaningful to you, and what you’ve done to make an impact there.

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

This is a great opportunity for you to link a place to a value or quality that is very important to you. I’m a big fan of connecting objects and places to core values, mostly because values (freedom, curiosity, etc.) tend to sound like empty platitudes until they become personal. Places and objects are a great way to make values personal in an essay.

I would highly recommend responding to this question, and I’d begin by asking yourself: which of my core values don’t yet come across in my application materials? Maybe your Common App essay makes it really clear that you prize autonomy, empathy, and adaptability, and that you have a unique relationship to these values. But maybe you’re also a really competitive and funny person, and you haven’t yet had a chance to show that.

Now ask yourself: is there a place in my hometown that represents competition or humor? Your mind may immediately go to the baseball field at your high school where you play, or the movie theater where you enjoy watching funny films. Ideally, I’d love to see less predictable places. Ideally, your place should relate to the value you want to show in a highly personal way—the connection doesn’t need to be obvious to anyone other than you. The point of the essay is to explore that connection. Maybe there’s a bridge over a stream where you and your sister used to play Poohsticks, and this place represents competition for you. (Google “Poohsticks” if you’re not an A.A. Milne fan.) This example says far more about you and far more about your hometown than if you were to talk about your baseball field. (If you’ve ever flown in a plane you know these are all over the place. So are high school baseball players.) Instead of a movie theater, maybe there’s a cafe where you regularly attend comedy open mics. Or maybe there’s an even less common, more personal place that represents humor for you.

Defend an unpopular opinion you hold.

Let me first say that this is a very easy one to mess up. Sometimes there is a reason that our opinions are unpopular, for one. Whether we’re in the right or in the wrong, feeling like we’re in the minority can lead us to rant and rave about everyone who misunderstands us. That is not what this essay is for. Don’t disparage anyone else.

I generally recommend against writing about political and religious opinions. They’re divisive, for one. More importantly, however, they’re almost never original.

My recommendation for this one is to write about a quirky, unexpected opinion. Write about a truly unusual hill you’d die on. If you can demonstrate something really meaningful about yourself by writing a short piece on how the thing you like most about air travel is the food, about how the best Starbursts are the yellow ones, or about how Jar Jar Binks is the best character in any Star Wars film, go for it. Keep in mind that this unpopular opinion should say something meaningful about the core values you have not yet had a chance to share with your admissions officers.

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

I love that first sentence. If you are not from one of these many high schools that require that you read specific books, that could be very interesting to talk about.

What’s a little tricky about this question is that, unless you’re a pretty serious reader, you risk falling into certain traps. Just because a book wasn’t required reading for you doesn’t mean it’s a highly original choice. (For example, no one ever made me read 1984 in high school—I read it on my own. But it’s still one of the most typical examples of high school reading.)

Keep in mind that this is still a 200-word response—you need to answer the “why” question here. So whatever you choose should be highly personal, but you should also be able to make a case for why your entire high school would benefit from reading the book. In other words, “it’s my favorite novel/collection of poems/self-help book” isn’t a good enough reason. Your choice should reveal one of your core values—something you think is worth sharing with others.

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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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Tackling the Personal Essay: Tips from a Notre Dame Admissions Counselor

Published: August 30, 2024

Author: Zach Klonsinski

If you ask almost any admissions professional which part of reading applications is their favorite, it’s likely their answer will be a resounding, “The essays!” Essays are where we get to engage with students’ hopes, fears, dreams, life experiences (and more) in their authentic voice. We are humbled every year getting to “meet” all the incredible young people who are applying to Notre Dame through their essays!

Yet, writing an essay introducing yourself can be really hard. Maybe you’ve never done so before, or you haven’t for a really long time, and often it will seem really awkward. That’s OK!

It feels hard because it is–or at least it can be.

Don’t worry, though! I love sharing tips with applicants about the personal essay that will hopefully help you see it as an opportunity to learn more about yourself and then share that discernment with the colleges who will be fortunate enough to receive your application!

Getting started

The easiest way to get started is by simply brainstorming! I love using pen and paper (I’m anti-pencil, though I realize that may be a divisive opinion). The physical materials help me feel less constrained by technology, though you may find the technology comforting.

Use bulleted lists or short phrases to capture ideas, life experiences, values, and more. Every day, set aside five minutes to write about yourself or your college discernment process without stopping to think. Where does your mind lead you when you get out of your own way?

Ask your friends and family to help you identify values that are important to you or things that make you.. well… you! Often it’s easier to highlight and say nice things about someone else than it is ourselves, so lean on those who know you well!

Group these collective nuggets to see if any patterns or stories emerge. Do you see any prompts on your application that align with your brainstorming? The Common Application, for example, has seven to choose from, including a make your own prompt! Start writing on one that makes you pause, as that means you might have something to say! Don’t be afraid to go longer than your word count or to use an atypical form of writing.

While that specific level of chaos may not work for you, I always recommend staying away from sentences and avoiding constraining yourself while writing because…

Editing is more than spelling and grammar!

When we want to “edit” something, it can be tempting to start–and just as quickly end–with spell check. (Yes, your essay should have proper spelling and grammar, but please know we are not reading your essay with a red pen “grading” every single comma.)

What is far more important–though also far more intimidating–is your essay’s content.

What really improved my writing actually had nothing to do with me–rather, it was finding trusted editors to give me honest and constructive feedback. While it’s tempting to have your best friend or family member read your essay, I’ve found my best editors possess a strong rhetorical mind, ask thoughtful questions, and are not afraid to tell me when something isn’t working the way I think it is.

This may describe someone close to you, but maybe not. Maybe there’s a classmate or teacher who you have always admired, even if you don’t know them that well. Editing is an incredibly vulnerable process; don’t be afraid to lean into that vulnerability! I promise that a strong editor who works with your voice and style–rather than rewriting your essay how they would have–will help bring forth an authentic essay you didn’t even realize you could write!

Speaking of, authenticity will lead to your best essay

The best application essay is the one that helps us get to know you. Period. Full stop. Any topic can be a good topic, any topic can be a bad topic. At the end of the day, the topic you choose to write about is only a gateway to help us get to know you!

Let’s think of it another way. Say you printed out your essay at your school, without your name or other identifying information on it, and someone who knows you picked it up and read it. If they said, “I bet this is (your name)’s essay,” I can already tell you’re on the right track. There’s something truly you about it!

Where can I find more about writing application essays?

I’m so glad you asked! On our On-Demand Sessions webpage , you can find a number of helpful recorded sessions from our College Application Workshop series. One of them, co-presented by yours truly, is called “Crafting the Perfect College Essay”. My colleague Maria Finan and I present our own tips and tricks for about 20 minutes and then take questions from a virtual audience for the remainder of the 45 minute session. I invite you to check it out, as well as the other sessions we have recorded!

Ready to Write Your App Essays? Advice from an Admissions Counselor on the Notre Dame Supplement

Zach Klonsinski is a senior assistant director with the Office of Undergraduate Admissions.

He is the regional counselor for Minnesota, Missouri (Kansas City), Wisconsin, Rwanda, Kenya, France, Portugal, Spain, Andorra, Monaco, and China - Beijing

• Read Zach's profile.

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

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

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

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

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

Writing the University of Notre Dame Supplement

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Option C: Defend an unpopular opinion you hold.

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Some Final Thoughts

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

DO: give yourself time  

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

DON’T: regurgitate what’s on the website

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

DO: Be Specific

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

DO: Be true to yourself

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

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

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

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How to Write the Notre Dame Supplemental Essays 2020-2021

Padya Paramita

August 28, 2020

The University of Notre Dame prides itself on its close-knit community and strong alumni network. It says a lot about a school when the biggest stereotype surrounding it is that the people are exceptionally friendly. But simply being a nice person will not help you stand out in your college application! If you want to get into this Indiana college , you must take advantage of the Notre Dame supplemental essays 2020-2021 to convey how you would fit in with this lively community. . 

At Notre Dame, students can major in one of the 75 programs available across the School of Architecture, School of Business, College of Arts and Letters, College of Engineering, School of Global Affairs, and School of Science. No matter the field, this Indiana university has a program to suit your academic interests. So let the college know who you are and what you can bring to your chosen program by presenting informative and well-written essays. To guide you through the Notre Dame supplemental essays 2020-2021 , I’ve outlined the prompts, the dos and don'ts of your response, and more tips to provide you with a smooth-sailing process.

Prompts for the Notre Dame Supplemental Essays 2020-2021

The University of Notre Dame Writing Supplement consists of one (1) essay response to a required question and two (2) essay responses to questions you select from the options provided. In total, you will write three (3) essay responses. The word count is a maximum of 200 words per essay. 

Required Question

Please provide a response to the following question:

The founder of the Congregation of Holy Cross, Blessed Basil Moreau, wrote, “We shall always place education side by side with instruction; the mind will not be cultivated at the expense of the heart.”  How do you hope a Notre Dame education and experience will transform your mind and heart?

The first and only required prompt among the Notre Dame supplemental essays 2020-2021 asks the classic “why this school” question. Admissions officers want to know which features of the college appeal to you the most and how the resources at Notre Dame can benefit you compared to those at other schools. The key to writing this essay lies in going beyond a listing of things that make Notre Dame an exceptional school. Since these essays are for your college application, your answer should be geared as specifically to you as possible, especially because the word limit is so restricted.

You need to spend a considerable amount of time digging into the university’s website, taking note of which opportunities support your aspirations the most, and letting your knowledge of Notre Dame shine through in your essay. Because your word limit is so tight, you don’t have space to wander all over the place.. Pick one or two criteria that are important to you. Look through academic programs, research opportunities, and extracurricular offerings. How does the particular college within Notre Dame that you’re applying to stand out over other similar undergraduate programs? Are there any particular courses that the university offers in your field that you can’t find elsewhere? Is there a student organization that perfectly aligns with a current club you enjoy? Highlight how you will grow. Make sure your essay can’t be applied to any other college on your list, and convince the admissions officers that Notre Dame is the school for you.

Download Every Supplemental Prompt Here!

Optional questions.

Please provide responses to TWO (2) of the following questions:

A Notre Dame education is not just for you, but also for those who will benefit from the impact you make. Who do you aspire to serve after you graduate?

On its website, Notre Dame states that it looks for students “who are involved—in the classroom, in the community, and in the relentless pursuit of truth.” Part of this means showcasing that you’re a driven individual who has goals that centre around making an impact, and helping others. 

You can tie your aspirations to your academic interests. If you’re a prospective biology major and wish to pursue medicine eventually, what kind of patients do you want to help out when you’ve become a full-fledged MD? If your goals revolve more around architecture, who do you hope will benefit from your designs. Don’t spend too much time describing what your aspirations are. Focus more on why you’ve chosen a particular group of people. Does it connect with the way you grew up? Is there something you’ve always wished to help people who come from the same ethnic background as you with? You should also talk about how those you wish to serve would benefit from what you may have to offer? Why is it crucial that you serve this particular group of people? Finally, if you have space, outline how a Notre Dame education can help you get there.

In response to the rising momentum behind the Black Lives Matter movement during June 2020, G. Marcus Cole, the Joseph A. Matson Dean of the Notre Dame Law School, penned an open letter entitled, “I am George Floyd. Except I can breathe. And I can do something.” He issues a call to the Notre Dame community saying, “Each of us must do what we can, wherever we are.” What is one action you are taking “to change this world for the better?” 

Choosing to tackle this second optional prompt within the Notre Dame supplemental essays 2020-2021 is a good way to inform the university about your role as an impactful leader and change maker. Admissions officers don’t want a detailed description of the logistics of the action. Within the given 200 words you must focus on how you are taking efforts to make a difference in your community - so you should take a more reflective approach. Think about your most significant involvement, but stay wary of commonly cited activities such as service trips. Remember that “change the world” doesn’t have to signify a large-scale activity. You could have helped your entire neighborhood or school, or you might have helped one or two individuals who belong to it, and still made a difference. Because the prompt specifically mentions the George Floyd story, your story could revolve around social justice.

Use a short anecdote to highlight the role you played in the activity. What were some of your tangible achievements? How did you involve the rest of the community? How would the result have been different if you weren’t present? What have you learned in the process? While you definitely don’t want to undermine your role in the activity, remember that you shouldn’t sound arrogant either. Talk about your achievements in a way that still conveys humility and portrays you as both a team player and respected leader. And of course, make sure your account is truthful and not overly exaggerated. Don’t write about an initiative your brother has really spearheaded and try to pass it off as your own story.

God and the Good Life is an interdisciplinary course created by the departments of Philosophy and Film, Television, and Theatre that asks students to consider moral questions about what they believe and how they want to live their lives. What do God and a good life mean to you?

This is an essay option that can appeal to students with various interests — philosophy, religion, or applicants who are interested in media studies. First and foremost, you should visit the God and the Good life website and learn as much about the course as possible. It’s crucial that you have a baseline understanding of what the class offers before sitting down to write an essay about why you would be interested in exploring the topics within the class. Watch the course trailer, look at the upcoming topics, and skim through the readings for the next lesson. If you believe that you’d want to take this class and are keen on learning more about the lesson materials, this option is a good one for you.

Now we come to the two parts of the actual essay. First, consider the moral questions about what you believe in and how you want to live your life. Is there a unique outlook you have on morals and ethics that have always guided you? Second, what kind of role has God played in your journey and how would you define a good life? Notre Dame may be founded on a Catholic principle, but it welcomes students from all backgrounds. This essay has a lot of nuance and hidden layers, so be very careful about how you tread the waters. Allow admissions officers to learn more about you through this essay, and make sure you haven’t written anything that can offend or harm any individual or group of people. If your view on what God is or what a good life means is unpopular, you may need to be especially sensitive about how you are writing about it. You never know who could be on the other side reading your application.  

Notre Dame has a rich history deeply rooted in tradition. Share how a favorite tradition from your life has impacted who you are today.

Pay attention to the words “impacted who you are today.” A good way to start your brainstorming process would be to think about your background and experiences. Is there a part of your identity that you feel adds a unique element to your story? Does your favorite club, neighborhood, or family background allow you to celebrate a particular tradition that has shaped you? Notre Dame prides itself on its diverse student body - how do you feel you can add to it? The word “diverse,” while a buzzword, can help you try and figure out the focus of your essay. While it may definitely evoke your cultural identity, sexual orientation or religious views, you can also think out of the box when it comes to tradition. You could talk about nearly anything, from what the preparation of food from your family’s culture has taught you about community to how your tradition of annual hikes with your friend group has changed your worldview.

Because this is part of your college application, you should also look to answer the question of how the perspective from your experiences would help you contribute to Notre Dame if you have space. Similar to the other essays, don’t talk about what you think admissions officers want to hear. What are you genuinely excited about participating in at Notre Dame? What kinds of activities have you led in high school that you believe have prepared you to continue to make an impact in while at Notre Dame? 

What brings you joy?

This is the most open-ended question among the Notre Dame supplemental essays 2020-2021 . The school values students who are particularly invested in activities and topics that are meaningful to them, no matter what the scale. If you have a meaningful hobby that isn’t a conventional extracurricular per se, or you have a favorite movie that you watch over and over again, Notre Dame is telling you to write about it. Just the introductory paragraph to most essays requires over 200 words - you might find it difficult to restrain yourself while talking about your favorite pastime. In order to get your point across, you need to put less emphasis on describing the activity or object - limit it to one or two sentences - and more on what about it brings you joy. Why is it your favorite? How does it recharge you in a way others may not? Has it shaped your perspective in a significant way?

Since admissions officers will see your activities list through the Common App, you should find ways to include anecdotes which will convey additional information about yourself. While you should not pick a purely academic activity or something that you think Notre Dame wants to hear, you also should think of something beyond sleeping, eating, or hanging out with friends. Your outlook on the activity or subject should be unique, and help you stand out among your peers.

Additional Tips for the Notre Dame Supplemental Essays 2020-2021

• Choose Your Optional Prompts Wisely - Since the Notre Dame supplemental essays 2020-2021 have provided you the liberty of picking only two of the four optional essays, you must take advantage of this circumstance. Go through all of the prompts carefully and decide which ones can inspire the most powerful essays from your perspective. You could begin by eliminating prompts that might be too risky, for example, if you feel like your view on God might lead to red flags from admissions officers, it’s better not to write that essay.
• Don’t Repeat the Personal Statement - Choose a topic where you don’t have to repeat information that’s already included in the rest of your application. If your personal statement highlights the people you wish to help out later in your career, choose essay prompts from the four other options. Your Notre Dame supplemental essays 2020-2021 are designed to provide new information about you. Narrating the same story won’t work in your favor, as admissions officers might think it’s a waste of their time.
• Be as Specific to Yourself As Possible - Remember these are your supplemental essays. In all of the responses, it’s easy to be tempted to elaborate more generally on the topics - whether it’s Notre Dame’s resources or your most meaningful activity. But resist that urge! You’re under a very strict limit. Use it wisely - connect the majority of your points to yourself. Why does it matter to you if Notre Dame has particularly good resources? What is your personal connection to an unpopular opinion? Avoid generic responses at all costs. 

The Notre Dame supplemental essays 2020-2021 ask questions which provide admissions officers with the chance to get to know you in order to gauge how you would fit into the community. Don’t miss this chance to show your perspective and convey what makes you a unique and memorable candidate. You got this!

Tags : notre dame essays , notre dame supplemental essays 2020-2021 , university of notre dame , applying to the university of notre dame , college supplemental essays

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Successful University Writing

• Before You Start Writing...

Structuring an essay

• Report writing
• Annotated bibliography
• Literature review
• Reflective writing
• Using Ideas from sources in your writing
• Writing concisely and editing your work
• Student Success study support

Thesis statements

Most academic writing at university will require you to argue a position. This means including a thesis statement upfront in the first paragraph that concisely states the central argument and purpose of the essay. This video addresses the key features of a thesis statement.

• Parts of an essay
• Writing introductions and conclusions
• Writing paragraphs
• Making your writing flow

Academic writing structures may vary, but the main sections are the introduction, the body, and the conclusion. Here is an overview of what these sections contain:

Introduction

• The introduction tells the reader what your writing is about.
• Start by defining the topic and any terms which will be crucial for your discussion.
• The introduction should also state what position you will argue and how you will do it. This is the thesis statement .
• Use words and phrases which are in the assignment question to help the reader see that you are directly addressing the main issues.
• It can help to write the introduction last. This is particularly helpful if you have not yet fully determined what your document is going to say and what your arguments will be.
• This is the most important part of your writing. Begin each sentence with a "topic sentence" which is then discussed and explained.
• Each paragraph must discuss a different point. Each paragraph should be a discussion on the point you have made in the first sentence.
• Paraphrase or summarise the sources you have read in your research. If using direct quotes, ensure they are relevant and impactful. Evaluate what is being said. Never assume the reader knows what you are talking about.
• Always reference any ideas you have used in your writing. 
• Paragraphs should flow in an organised and logical sequence. One way to do this is by introducing the next paragraph (topic) in the last sentence of the previous paragraph.
• Avoid repetition and rewriting another version of what you have already said.
• Transition or linking words ,   such as  however, therefore,  and  although tell the reader about the direction you are arguing or when there is a change of direction.
• Avoid using first person point of view.
• Avoid slang or jargon (use academic language).
• Avoid using long and complicated sentences. Make your point obvious and easy to read.
• The work should read as one organised discussion, not a mix of unrelated information. Make sure each sentence in the paragraphs has a role in the discussion and contributes to the overall argument and topic you are addressing.
• Restate what you planned to do in your introduction and discuss how you have done it. You should tell the reader that your discussion led to the conclusion that your thesis (argument/position) supported.
• No new information should be included in the conclusion.

An essay introduction usually:

• clearly states the topic that will be the focus of the essay;
• offers a preview of main aspects that will addressed, or the particular angle that will be taken in; and
• clearly articulates the position that will be argued. This is known as the thesis statement.

Consider this introduction:

Leadership has been defined as “the process of influencing the activities of an organized group toward goal achievement” (Block & Tackle, 2019 , p. 46). This essay compares and contrasts two approaches to leadership from Western and Eastern traditions. The first is Fayol’s Administrative Principles approach, considered to be one of the foundations of the study of Management. The second approach is Confucianism, which is said to continue to guide leadership and management across China and much of South-East Asia (Shih, Wong, Han, Zheng, & Xin, 2004). It will be argued that these two approaches share certain core values, and a critical understanding of both approaches can support management decision-making.

The first sentence clearly states the topic. Leadership has been defined as “the process of influencing the activities of an organized group toward goal achievement” (Block & Tackle, 2019 , p. 46).

The middle sentences preview the aspects that will be addressed and hints at the approach (compare and contrast). This essay compares and contrasts two approaches to leadership from Western and Eastern traditions. The first is Fayol’s Administrative Principles approach, considered to be one of the foundations of the study of Management. The second approach is Confucianism, which is said to continue to guide leadership and management across China and much of South-East Asia (Shih, Wong, Han, Zheng, & Xin, 2004).

The final sentence clearly states the thesis, or position that will be argued. This is essentially a succinct version of the response to the essay question. It will be argued that these two approaches share certain core values, and a critical understanding of both approaches can support management decision-making.

In any academic essay, the paragraphs should follow the key points that have been outlined in the introduction. Each paragraph then contextualises and expands upon these points in relation the thesis statement of the essay. Having a paragraph plan is an effective way to map out your essay and ensure that you address the key points of the essay in detail – especially for longer forms of essays and academic writing that students engage with at university.

An basic paragraph plan would generally contain:

• The thesis statement (for an essay)
• A topic heading for each paragraph
• The claim of argument to be made in each paragraph (this will be, or will inform, your topic sentence)
• The evidence that will be presented to support the claim
• Summary of the conclusion paragraph

Consider this example of a paragraph plan:

Paragraph plans provide an overview of your essay and provide an effective starting point for structured writing. The next step is using this plan to expand on the points as you write your essay.

Getting your writing to flow.

In almost all cases, written assignments call for students to explore complex topics or aspects of an area of study. Any academic writing task  is an opportunity to show how well you understand a particular topic, theme or area. Usually this means demonstrating how various ideas, knowledge, information or ways of thinking are connected within the context of the task or area of focus. 

This means that successful academic writing presents ideas logically, and that there is high connectivity within the writing. In other words, the aim should be for writing to have high flow to help make the connections clear.

Three ways to achieve this include:

• ensuring that there is good connection from one paragraph to another;
• ensuring that there is good connection from one sentence to another; and
• using transition words effectively to make the logical connections between ideas clear.

Flow from one paragraph to another

Topic sentences, or the leading sentences of a paragraph, play a key role in connecting the ideas of an essay. High-flow topic sentences should look to include three key elements:

• An explicit reference to the topic of the essay.
• A reference to the main aspect of the previous paragraph
• An introduction to the topic of the new paragraph

Consider the following examples of topic sentences in response to an essay question about Virtue Ethics.

A low-flow topic sentence : Aristotle defined phronesis as practical wisdom.

This sentence does not reference the topic (virtue ethics), nor does it link to an idea from a previous paragraph. It does however, introduce the sub-topic of the paragraph (phronesis).

A high-flow topic sentence:  Another fundamental concept in Virtue Ethics is phronesis.

This sentence refers to the essay topic (virtue ethics), acknowledges that this is an additional concept that build on the previous paragraph, and introduces the topic of this paragraph (phronesis).

Flow from one sentence to another

Well-constructed paragraphs have high connections between sentences. In general sentences that promote flow should:

• reference the topic of the previous sentence;
• add new information in the second half; and
• use topic words.

The following paragraph example can be considered high-flow. It includes sentences that reference the previous sentence ( underlined ), add new information ( maroon ) and use topic words ( green ).

Another fundamental concept in Virtue Ethics is phronesis. According to Aristotle, phronesis is a form of practical wisdom through which individuals make principled decisions in line with virtues such as courage and honesty (reference). Its practical nature means that phronesis can only be developed over a lifetime of carefully considered actions and sober reflection . This practice builds a person’s moral character, allowing them to make morally-defensible choices even in unfamiliar and complex situations (reference). In other words, it is a kind of social and professional skill, which at first requires conscious effort and can still result in mistakes. However, through discipline and persistence, it becomes second nature. As a result, practitioners consistently act wisely and in accordance with the virtues they uphold . Their wise actions further strengthen their own character and contribute to human fulfilment at both individual and community levels (reference). 

Transition words that improve flow

Transition words help make the relationships and connections between ideas clear. Some examples of helpful transition words and phrases for various types of connections include:

Success Now! workshops and consultations

Success Now! workshops are available live online or on campus. Register here for workshops on research and writing . You can also organise an individual consultation here to talk to a learning advisor about planning your assignments.

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Opening Spread Released for Notre Dame-Purdue Game

Dustin schutte | 8 hours ago.

• Purdue Boilermakers
• Notre Dame Fighting Irish

Purdue (1-0) will play the role of underdog heading into Saturday's game against Notre Dame (1-1). The Fighting Irish are a 10.5-point favorite over the Boilermakers, according to FanDuel .com.

Notre Dame is coming off a devastating home loss to Northern Illinois, falling 16-14 in front of a home crowd in South Bend. The Huskies converted on a 35-yard field goal attempt by Kanon Woodill to pull off the upset.

It was a huge blow to the College Football Playoff hopes of the Fighting Irish.

The Boilermakers enjoyed an off week after defeating Indiana State 49-0 in the season opener on Aug. 31. Quarterback Hudson Card tied an FBS record, completing 24-of-25 passes (96%) for 273 yards and four touchdowns in the blowout victory.

Purdue hasn't had much luck against the Irish recently. The Boilermakers have lost six straight games to the in-state rival, with the last victory coming in 2007 — a 33-19 win in Ross-Ade Stadium.

The Boilers and Irish last played in 2021, with the Irish posting a 27-13 victory in South Bend. Notre Dame also won the last meeting at Ross-Ade Stadium 31-24 in 2013.

Kickoff between Purdue and Notre Dame is scheduled for 3:30 p.m. ET at Ross-Ade Stadium. The game will air on CBS.

Game odds refresh periodically and are subject to change

If you or someone you know has a gambling problem and wants help, call 1-800-GAMBLER.

Related stories on Purdue football

RYAN WALTERS TALKS SCHEDULING : Purdue has regularly played one of the most challenging nonconference schedules in the Big Ten. But coach Ryan Walters hinted at changes potentially coming. CLICK HERE

HARRELL'S OFFENSE CAN WORK AT PURDUE : Purdue's offense racked up 49 points in a blowout win over Indiana State. Is it the real deal? It looks like Graham Harrell's scheme can work.  CLICK HERE

PURDUE FOCUSING ON DETAILS IN OFF WEEK : A 49-0 final score looks great on paper, but Purdue coach Ryan Walters says the Boilermakers still have a lot of room for improvement moving forward.  CLICK HERE

UPDATES ON PURDUE FOOTBALL INJURIES : Key Purdue players Nyland Green, CJ Smith, Corey Stewart and Kam Brown missed the season opener on Saturday. Coach Ryan Walters provided updates on all of them.  CLICK HERE

DUSTIN SCHUTTE

University of Notre Dame

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Nietzsche’s Struggle Against Pessimism

Patrick Hassan, Nietzsche’s Struggle Against Pessimism , Cambridge University Press, 2023, 278 pp., $110.00 (hbk), ISBN 9781009380287.

Reviewed by Julian Young, Wake Forest University and University of Auckland

A familiar way of writing a book about Nietzsche is to follow a particular topic through the corpus: art, religion, or truth, for instance. Patrick Hassan’s topic is pessimism. This is a good choice. Nothing is more central to Nietzsche than his “struggle” against the pessimism of his always revered “educator”, Arthur Schopenhauer. What is distinctive of Hassan’s discussion, however, is that he focusses not on Schopenhauer, but on the post-Schopenhauerian pessimists of whom Nietzsche had some knowledge: philosophers such as Julius Bahnsen, Eduard von Hartmann, and Philipp Mainländer. The confrontation between neo-Schopenhauerians such as these and critics such as Eugen Dühring constituted the “pessimism dispute” that endured from Schopenhauer’s death in 1860 until the end of the century. Though Nietzsche hardly even mentions such figures in the published texts—evidence of Nietzsche’s knowledge of them relies almost entirely on the  Nachlass— Hassan justifies this change of focus by quoting Frederick Beiser (9). Unless we study Nietzsche’s “dialogue” with such contemporaries, he claims, “Nietzsche, despite the vast literature about him, will remain largely unknown” (9). [1]

The book is divided into three parts corresponding to the three phases into which Nietzsche’s career is usually divided: an early Wagnerian phase, a middle, positivistic phase, and a final mature phase that one might think of as a synthesis of the two earlier phases.

Part I discusses Nietzsche’s initial engagement with pessimism in The Birth of Tragedy . [2] The form of pessimism it considers is an argument from description to evaluation. “Descriptive pessimism” claims that “life’s sufferings essentially outweigh life’s pleasures” (34), while “evaluative pessimism” concludes that “Life is not worth living; non-existence is preferable to existence” (21). The suppressed premiss is “axiological hedonism”: “The only thing good for its own sake is pleasure or the absence of pain” (227). Not only Schopenhauer but also Hartmann and Mainländer subscribe to the hedonic principle.

The Birth accepts the truth of descriptive pessimism, but rejects the evaluative conclusion. It approaches the problem through art. According to Schopenhauer’s quasi-Kantian metaphysics to which The Birth subscribes, the world of spatio-temporal individuality is a realm of mere appearance, behind which is hidden the single, genuinely real entity, “the primal unity”. Nietzsche claims that in the Greek tragic festival we are carried away by the hypnotic singing of the chorus and as a result penetrate the illusion of individuality. We “become one” with the primal unity and share in its “creative delight” in the world of appearance (89). As Hassan puts it, the tragic audience “experiences a rapturous dissolution of their individuality and takes up a certain third-person, cosmic perspective on life as a whole, akin to an “artist-god” looking at existence as if it were a painting of a battlefield, and each individual was a soldier depicted in the spectacle (BT 5)” (91). From this Nietzsche concludes that as, but only as, an “aesthetic phenomenon” is existence “justified” (91). In transcending individuality, “the primal source of all evil” (BT 10), we transcend pain. Pessimism ceases to be our problem.

Hassan calls this “ the artistic approach” (93: my emphasis) that The Birth takes to pessimism. This is odd since the whole point of the work is to explain the “Dionysian-Apollonian genius” (BT 5) that gave birth to Greek tragedy, a duality that never appears in Hassan’s discussion. In The Birth , there are, in fact, two kinds of art: the purely “Apollonian” art of Homer that covers over the horrors of life with a “veil” of glamorous illusion, and the art of the fifth-century tragedians. Here, while the singing of the Dionysian chorus gives us the “metaphysical comfort” of sensing our identity with the primal unity, the “healing balm” (BT 19) of Apollonian illusion make us incapable of understanding why we are comforted. The words and actions produce the “noble deception” (BT 21) that the world of individuals is the only real world, so that we exit the festival deceived into thinking that existence in the world of individuals is worth having (which implies that subjectively at least, it is worth having).

The problem with Hassan’s failure to recognise the element of Apollonian deception is that, as he presents Nietzsche, there is not even the appearance of a response to pessimism. On his account, life as the “artist god” is indeed enjoyable. But that is irrelevant to evaluative pessimism which claims that life as an individual (as one of the “soldiers” on the “battlefield”) is not worth having. And so the noble lie is an essential element in The Birth ’s “solution” to pessimism. Needless to say, it is not a very good solution, if only because smart people like Nietzsche cannot help seeing through the deception. This is why the “struggle” against pessimism has to continue.

Part II of the work focusses on Nietzsche’s middle period. In Human-All-Too-Human , its central work, Nietzsche rejects neo-Kantian metaphysics and turns instead to naturalism, positivism, and axiological non-cognitivism. Influenced by Dühring and Paul Rée, he decides that the question of whether life is worth living is not a question of fact: “the world is neither good nor evil” because “‘good’ and ‘evil’ possess meaning only when applied to men” (120). Value judgments are “projections” of feeling, the varying ways which “paint” the world of facts (113). The only cognitive information they disclose concerns the psychology of the judger. The issue between life affirmation and life denial thus reduces to the familiar glass of beer: half-empty or half-full, depending on one’s psychological disposition.

Part III of the book begins with The Gay Science in which, says Hassan, Nietzsche’s attitude to pessimism takes its final form. As Human-All-Too-Human suggests, pessimism is “not really a philosophical theory at all but rather a non-cognitive state rooted in and expressive of the adherent’s character” (155). This sets the stage for an inquiry into the difference between the life-denier’s and the life-affirmer’s character. Nietzsche’s claim is that while the pessimist’s life-denial is the expression of a sick, “degenerate” character, life-affirmation is the expression of psychic “health”. Though Hassan goes into great detail concerning the “degeneration theory” circulating among Nietzsche’s contemporaries, his presentation of pessimism as pathological is really just an elaboration of the commonsense knowledge that while an increase in psychic energy brightens the world, a decrease darkens it. After a good night’s sleep the world sparkles and our problems are trivial; infected by the flu, the world is black and our problems are insurmountable. Pessimism and pessimistic worldviews such as Christianity are, says Nietzsche, the products of a lack of energy, of exhaustion: “Weariness . . . creates all gods and afterworlds” (184). Nietzsche’s (non-physiological) account of weariness and vigour as character traits seems to me an elaboration of Plato’s claim that to achieve anything significant one must become “one man”. The vigorous, puissant person has disciplined his or her drives into a hierarchy under the command of a single “master-drive” (168), the weary pessimist is someone who is exhausted by the effort of trying to make the horses of the soul pull in the same direction.

This presentation of the pessimist as a negative role model is part of Nietzsche’s “project of life-affirmation” (197). The problem, however, is that Schopenhauer, the zestful, flute-playing eviscerator of Hegel is anything but a low-energy type. Recognising the problem, Nietzsche resorts to a desperate expedient: Schopenhauer played the flute; therefore Schopenhauer was “not a pessimist” (193). But, of course, Schopenhauer is not an exception: the philosophical pessimists in general are likely to be reasonably vigorous types—it takes a lot of energy to write a book—so it seems clear to me, if not to Hassan, that Nietzsche is on a losing wicket here. “Assassinating” (EH III 2) the pessimist’s character will not do; if it is to be defeated, philosophical pessimism must be accorded theoretical status and subjected to rational critique. [3]

Recall that, in the main, Nietzsche confronts pessimism in its hedonistic form: (1) life’s suffering outweighs its pleasures; (2) the only thing that makes life worth living is pleasure; therefore (3), life is not worth living. Hassan says that the “mature” Nietzsche never questions (1) (a claim to which I shall return). Instead, he attacks (2). There are “sources of value other than hedonism on the basis of which life can be found worth living” (228–9). Specifically, there is “greatness”, high, “history-shaping” achievement (245). Stereotypically, the lives of great individuals—Beethoven, van Gogh, tortured poets in general—are filled with suffering. Yet at least some of that suffering is “constitutive” of their greatness. Just as winning a race would not be a great achievement without stiff competition, so writing a “brilliant symphony” would not be a great achievement without “resistance”, i.e., suffering, without the achievement being, both subjectively and objectively, very difficult (248–9). I am sceptical of the analogy between athletics and art—Mozart’s Symphony no. 41 was called the “Jupiter Symphony” because it seemed (and perhaps was) tossed off with the effortless ease of a god—but Hassan is surely right that (at least in the case of military heroes such as Caesar and Napoleon), suffering is constitutive of their stature. And so since we allegedly admire great individuals more than any other while recognising that their lives often contain more pain than pleasure, greatness is a value we recognise as making a life worth living even though it contains more pain than pleasure.

One of the problems with this response to pessimism is that it seems to confine the possibility of a worthwhile life to the great, leaving the rest of us to live lives that are actually worthless.

Nietzsche deals with this problem, says Hassan, by allowing ordinary people to find derivative value in their lives either by committing themselves to the production of greatness (someone other than Goethe needs to wash his socks) or by basking in the reflected glory of the great (234–5). This is Nietzsche’s “aristocratism” that most people will find repellent—Hassan hastens to emphasise that his book is “wholly exegetical” (263). What he misses, however, is a quite different element in the “mature” Nietzsche’s response to pessimism according to which all of us, great and non-great alike, can, in fact, live worthwhile lives.

To become healthy life affirmers we must, says Nietzsche, become “poets of our lives” (GS 299). We must (long story short) narrate our lives as Bildungsromanen , stories of progress towards a life-defining goal in which the traumatic events—“the loss of a friend, sickness, slander, the failure of some letter to arrive, the straining of an ankle”—turn out to be things that have a “profound significance and use precisely for us” so that they “must not be missing” (GS 277). In a well-narrated life, traumas turn out to be causal contributions to (or possibly constitutive of) one’s life-defining goal: it was the injury to the ankle, perhaps, that turned me from the nasty, brutish, and short life of professional football to the wonderful life of professional philosophy. Here, the key concept is not “greatness” but rather “meaning”. “If you have your ‘ why? ’ of life”, says Nietzsche, “you can put up with almost any ‘ how? ’: man does not strive for pleasure ( Glück ); only the Englishman does that” (TI I 12).

This critique of hedonistic utilitarianism is clearly a rejection of the second premiss in the pessimist’s argument (only pleasure makes life worth living). But I think that Nietzsche also rejects the first premiss (life’s suffering outweighs its pleasures). In Thus Spoke Zarathustra , the hero is asked by his “animals” whether he is “searching” for happiness. “What matters happiness to me”, he replies, “I have my work”—his mission to redeem humanity. “But”, reply the animals, “do you not dwell in a sky-blue lake of happiness?” Smiling at their unexpected perspicacity, Zarathustra admits that he does (Z IV 1). This is the “paradox of happiness”. As psychologists increasingly recognise, happiness is achieved not by its “pursuit” but is rather the by-product of absorbed dedication to a project, best of all, to a life-defining project. This, however, is precisely what is achieved in a life of meaning, a life constructed and lived as a Bildungsroman . And so—barring some unsurmountable tragedy—the life of meaning is a happy life. What follows from this is that Nietzsche has an impressive, and in my view conclusive, argument against descriptive pessimism. Most well-constructed lives will be, on balance, happy—i.e., “pleasurable”—lives, [4] in which traumas are all “redeemed” (TI IX 49) as essential parts of a happy whole. Barring catastrophe, those who live lives of suffering will be those who narrate their lives badly, or not at all.

If one is interested in nineteenth-century German intellectual history, Nietzsche’s Struggle Against Pessimism is a fascinating book. The reader will have noticed, however, that despite Hassan’s claim that without a close examination of Nietzsche’s “dialogue” with Schopenhauer’s epigones he remains “largely unknown”, I have managed to summarise most of the content of his book with virtually no reference to the epigones. Apart from the treatment of Hartmann’s philosophy as a joke in the second Untimely Mediation (which Hassan does not discuss) and two other glancing references to him, GS 357 is the only place in which the epigones appear in the published texts. This raises the question of why, if there really was a “dialogue”, Nietzsche never allowed it to become public. He was, after all, far from unwilling to interact with those he recognised as “significant others”—Socrates, Plato, Epicurus, Spinoza, Goethe, Darwin, Wagner, and, of course, Schopenhauer—in the published texts. In GS 357 he says that while Schopenhauer is an essential figure who really understood what pessimism was, neither Hartmann, Bahnsen, not Mainländer did—and are thus discountable. I have not been convinced that he was wrong about this.

[1] Frederik C. Beiser. Weltschmerz: Pessimism in German Philosophy 1860–1900 (Oxford: Oxford University Press, 2016), 12.

[2] Abbreviations: BT The Birth of Tragedy , trans. R. Speirs (Cambridge University Press, 1999); EH Ecce Homo, in The Anti-Christ , Ecce Homo, Twilight of the Idols , trans. J. Norman (Cambridge University Press, 2005); GS The Gay Science , trans. J. Neuhoff (Cambridge University Press, 2001); TI Twilight of the Idols , Z Thus Spoke Zarathustra , both in The Portable Nietzsche trans. W. Kaufmann. Numerals refer to sections not pages. I have made minor modifications to some of the translations.

[3] Hassan recognises that Nietzsche indeed provides such a critique but sometimes (though not always) treats it as a falling away from the official and best view, as something Nietzsche “often cannot help himself” from doing (262).

[4] As the above reference to the English utilitarians indicates, neither the Germans nor Nietzsche draw a sharp distinction between “happiness” and “pleasure”. The translation of Glück —usually “happiness”—as “pleasure” is Walter Kaufmann’s.

• Faculty Issues

The Science of Public Communication

Scientists have the knowledge to combat misinformation online, and now some are receiving the institutional support to communicate with a broad public audience.

By  Kathryn Palmer

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Kate Biberdorf, known to her fans as Kate the Chemist, breathes fire during a chemistry demonstration at the University of Notre Dame in 2023.

University of Notre Dame

When Kate Biberdorf, a professor known to her 287,300 TikTok followers as Kate the Chemist , gave a guest lecture at the University of Notre Dame last December, she deployed one of her signature science influencer moves: breathing fire to demonstrate a combustion reaction.

Her performance led to another dramatic outcome: Notre Dame offered Biberdorf, then an associate professor of instruction in chemistry at the University of Texas at Austin, a job as its inaugural professor for the public understanding of science.

Biberdorf’s new position, which she started this fall, is among the first professorships of its kind in the United States. It’s part of a broader plan by Notre Dame’s College of Science to engage scientific experts with a general public that’s both increasingly distrustful of scientists and bombarded with misinformation.

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Biberdorf isn’t required to teach classes; instead, she has her own makerspace to develop ideas for publicly promoting scientific research through demonstrations and other projects.

“We have been treating science outreach as a side gig. It’s not a side gig,” said Santiago Schnell, dean of Notre Dame’s College of Science, who modeled the new professorship on one the University of Oxford first created in the mid-1990s. “It’s time that we get very serious about this, because the more advanced the science becomes, the more distance there will be between the general public and politicians and academia.”

Already the public’s view of scientists has taken a hit since the COVID-19 pandemic. In 2019, a Pew Research Center survey found that most Americans had a positive view of research scientists (though only about half viewed them as good communicators). But between 2019 and 2023, the share of American adults who said they had little to no trust in scientists rose from 13 percent to 27 percent, according to a 2023 Pew survey .

If anyone is equipped to overcome such challenges, it’s a professor like Biberdorf.

She got the job at Notre Dame in part because she already had years of experience translating her scientific knowledge into publicly digestible snippets. In addition to reaching people through her popular videos on social media, she hosts a podcast on NPR called Seeking a Scientist , has written science-related children’s books and appeared on television, and launched Fun with Chemistry , a Texas-based outreach organization designed to get K-12 students interested in science careers.

While Biberdorf has always had a flair for performance, she refined her stage presence and public messaging through a partnership with Amy Poehler’s Smart Girls, an organization the former Saturday Night Live cast member launched as a “place where people can truly be their weird and wonderful selves.”

“You don’t have to look like a stereotypical nerd with a bow tie. You can just be a scientist,” Biberdorf said in a video posted on the Smart Girls’ webpage back in 2018. “I’m coming for you, Bill Nye,” she warned, referring to the host of the hugely popular science education program Bill Nye the Science Guy , which aired on PBS in the 1990s.

And after an agent told her she had the potential to indeed become the next Bill Nye, she rebranded herself as a science entertainer named Kate the Chemist.

Over the past several years, Biberdorf has posted viral videos of herself doing science experiments and filmed science segments on programs such as The Late Show with Stephen Colbert , the Today show and The Kelly Clarkson Show .

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“I’ve been on a 10-year journey to make science fun and accessible,” said Biberdorf, adding that she “loves to blow up stereotypes” and considers herself a role model for the next generation of scientists. “I want to show young kids—and everybody—that science is laced into everything we do.”

‘Part of What Being a Scientist Is’

To be sure, the rise of social media platforms such as YouTube, Instagram and TikTok has given a diverse cohort of medical professionals and research scientists the opportunity to share their expertise with people who are also exposed to other creators peddling inaccurate pseudoscience.

“It’s allowing many more people to have a voice,” said mathematician Marcus du Sautoy, who has served as Oxford’s Charles Simonyi Professor for the Public Understanding of Science since 2008. “Of course, then we have to question if we trust those voices. This new professorship at Notre Dame will be able to use the university as a platform to legitimize the messages that are coming through a new channel that a professor might create.”

In addition to Notre Dame and Oxford, other universities in England, including the Universities of Sussex and Birmingham, are making investments in advancing the public understanding of science. But du Sautoy believes it’s incumbent on the entire scientific community to prioritize communicating their knowledge.

“We shouldn’t just rely on a few of these professorships,” he said. “We need to make it part of the whole fabric of the profession, that this is part of what being a scientist is: discovering science, teaching science, administering science—but also communicating to the public about science.”

Some academics say formalizing support for the ever-expanding group of social media–savvy scientists like Biberdorf is an overlooked tool universities could use to raise their research profiles as well as fight scientific misinformation.

While at UT Austin, Biberdorf juggled public communication with the traditional faculty responsibilities as both a chemistry instructor and director of demonstrations and outreach.

When it came time to apply for grants, both experiences helped her—and her colleagues—write successful applications that brought thousands of dollars in funding to their department. That’s because many granting agencies, including the National Science Foundation, require applicants to explain the broader impact of their proposed projects.

In an email to Inside Higher Ed , an NSF spokesperson said the agency prioritizes “outreach and transparency to the entire American public so they can see firsthand how that investment has improved their everyday lives and will continue to produce impacts that strengthen our economy and security for decades to come.”

It’s especially helpful when researchers can point to a concrete mechanism, like Biberdorf ’s outreach program, to show how they’ll communicate with the public.

“All of my colleagues immediately realized they could use me in their broader-impact section for their grant applications,” said Biberdorf, who worked with her UT colleagues to strategize ways to publicize their research. “It actually gets out into the community so researchers can talk about what they’re doing. Hopefully that gets people excited about it and will help that researcher get more grants in the future and more notoriety.”

One of her former colleagues, Michael Rose, an associate professor of chemistry at UT Austin, believes that pledging to use Biberdorf’s outreach program has helped him secure nearly $500,000 in grants.

Still, Rose said, “it’s hard to convince institutions” that having a faculty member dedicated solely to publicizing science can more than pay for itself by elevating an institution’s research efforts. “There’s not a historical model for it.”

That doesn’t mean departments should stop trying, he added. “It’s important to make the case that somebody who would be in that position would be catalytic in terms of being able to extract grant money from different agencies.”

@dr.brein How to properly wear masks for going out in public #quarantine #coronavirus #fyp #facialmask ♬ original sound - Dr. Ben Rein

Ben Rein, a neuroscientist with 713,800 followers on TikTok, was still completing a doctorate at the University at Buffalo when he made a viral video about proper mask wearing at the start of the pandemic. At first he kept his online persona separate from his professional life, fearful of negative reactions from his colleagues. Then he realized most of them had already seen his videos and approved of his efforts to debunk public health myths, explain how the human brain works and offer insights into the world of scientific research.

Rein, who went on to a research fellowship at Stanford University, didn’t get any explicit institutional support for his public communication endeavors, but he said doing so has return-on-investment potential.

For smaller schools especially, having a social media–savvy researcher is “a hugely overlooked resource,” Rein said, adding that while he was at Buffalo he recruited some students with an interest in science after they watched his videos.

Fighting Misinformation

Rein, who recently left academe to become chief science officer of the Mind Science Foundation, said his time as a science influencer showed him both “how fraught the relationships between science and society” are and how bringing more scientists into public conversations is an effective weapon against misinformation.

According to a peer-reviewed research paper he published in the journal Neuroscience in 2023, 84 percent of TikTok users he surveyed reported feeling more trustful of science and scientists after following Rein’s account.

“If we are not making efforts to engage the public beyond traditional methods, we are not only failing to achieve a major goal of science, but we’re also setting ourselves back because we’re actively losing to misinformation and nonexperts who pose as experts,” Rein said.

Figuring out the best way to combat scientific misinformation is one of Biberdorf’s priorities as she settles into her new role at Notre Dame.

“We want to be a safe, resourceful place for the community,” she said, adding that she plans to take a delicate approach to tackling misinformation in her new role. “We don’t want to attack any of the other people out there who are trying to communicate science and do good. We have to figure out what the balance is.”

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