<p>I think you are a long shot, to be perfectly honest. The average GPAs and SAT scores for admitted students have been steadily increasing nearly every admission season. Even with perfect grades and SAT scores going forward, you would not only have to present a compelling case for your poor performance during your first two years of high school (preferably involving circumstances entirely beyond your control), but also a solid record of activities. You’re obviously not a first-generation college student. Are you an under-represented minority? A top athlete or artist? The child of a generous donor? Did you work long hours during the summers? Notre Dame gets so many applications from students with significantly better grades in challenging courses – the admissions office does not need to take chances on applicants with uneven records.</p>
<p>If your heart is set on Notre Dame, and you don’t have an admissions “hook,” you will probably have a better chance as a transfer applicant, after earning straight A’s at a reasonably demanding college. The College of Holy Cross has a new program that might work for you (see the waitlist thread).</p>