University of Notre Dame Early Admission (UNDE) offers high school seniors the opportunity to apply to the university in advance of the regular admissions deadline. This can be a great option for students who are confident in their academic abilities and who are eager to secure their spot at their dream school.
Benefits of Applying to UNDE
- Early decision: UNDE applicants will receive an admissions decision by December 15th, which allows them to plan for the future with greater certainty.
- Increased chances of admission: UNDE applicants have a higher acceptance rate than regular admissions applicants. In 2022, the UNDE acceptance rate was 48%, compared to 29% for regular admissions applicants.
- Priority consideration for merit scholarships: UNDE applicants are automatically considered for merit scholarships, which can significantly reduce the cost of attendance.
- Early access to housing and registration: UNDE applicants will be able to select their housing and register for classes earlier than regular admissions applicants.
How to Apply to UNDE
To apply to UNDE, high school seniors must submit the following materials:
- Common Application
- Official high school transcript
- SAT or ACT scores
- Two letters of recommendation
- Personal statement
- Supplemental essays
The supplemental essays are an important part of the UNDE application. They give applicants the opportunity to showcase their unique qualities and why they think they would be a good fit for Notre Dame.
What to Expect After Applying
After submitting your UNDE application, you will receive a confirmation email. You can then track the status of your application online.
Admissions decisions for UNDE applicants are typically released by December 15th. If you are admitted, you will have until May 1st to accept or decline your offer of admission.
Can High School Seniors Apply to UNDE Safely?
Yes, high school seniors can apply to UNDE without jeopardizing their chances of admission to other colleges. Notre Dame uses a holistic admissions process, which means that they consider all aspects of an applicant’s profile, including their academic record, extracurricular activities, and personal qualities.
Applying to UNDE does not affect your chances of admission to other colleges because Notre Dame does not participate in binding early decision. This means that you are not obligated to attend Notre Dame if you are admitted to UNDE, and you can still apply to other colleges through the regular admissions process.
Common Mistakes to Avoid When Applying to UNDE
There are a few common mistakes that high school seniors can make when applying to UNDE, including:
- Not submitting all of the required materials. Make sure to complete the Common Application, submit your official high school transcript, and provide SAT or ACT scores.
- Not writing a strong personal statement. The personal statement is your chance to make a personal connection with the admissions committee. Take the time to write a well-crafted statement that highlights your unique qualities and why you think you would be a good fit for Notre Dame.
- Not submitting strong letters of recommendation. Letters of recommendation should come from people who know you well and can attest to your academic abilities and personal qualities.
- Not applying for financial aid. Notre Dame offers a variety of financial aid options, including scholarships, grants, and loans. Make sure to apply for financial aid if you need help paying for college.
Pros and Cons of Applying to UNDE
Pros:
- Higher acceptance rate
- Priority consideration for merit scholarships
- Early access to housing and registration
- Peace of mind knowing that you have secured your spot at your dream school
Cons:
- Early deadline
- More competitive applicant pool
- Not binding, so you can still apply to other colleges