Is Notre Dame in My Future?

[Ryno]

<p>First, here are my stats etc.</p>

<p>White male
Class rank: 1/8 (yah, I know)
GPA: 3.93 UW
SAT: V- 700 M- 620 W- 720
I am going to take the SAT at least once more, my goal is M+V= 1380-1400
My school does not offer AP courses</p>

<p>Essay: Very good, about my passion for music, and how it has developed from a mere hobby.</p>

<p>EC's</p>

<p>State fiddle champion
Classical violinist
Honors Chamber Music at my music school
fiddle teacher
NHS 3 years
Student gov't (running for school president,)
4 years varsity baseball
Altar server
A lot of community service (church, school)</p>

<p>Recs</p>

<p>One of my recs is simply AMAZING, another will be excellent as well.</p>

<hr>

<p>I am studying like MAD for the October SAT to get my scores to a more acceptable ND level... but as I stand now what do you think?</p>

<p>If you could advise me I would really appreciate it.</p>

<p>Thanks,</p>

<p>Ryno</p>

[Calcruzer]

<p>Since your school is so small (as you point out, only eight students), I expect Notre Dame to put a lot of emphasis on your test scores and ECs and a bit less on your GPA.</p>

<p>Let's look at the Notre Dame average test scores:</p>

<p>SAT Is 676/693/685 (2054) with a 25%/75% range of 630/650/650 (1930) and 730/740/720 (2190)
ACTs average is 31 with a 25%/75% range of 30 to 33</p>

<p>Your scores are: SAT: V- 700 M- 620 W- 720 (2040) meaning right around the middle of the range.</p>

<p>I would say your ECs are right around the middle of the range also--and unfortunately, you have no legacy. However, Notre Dame accepts only 30% of applicants--meaning it's a tough place to get into. Nevertheless, with your 3.93 GPA UW you are probably around a 55% to 60% chance to get in. I'd say it will really come down to your essay and recommendations. So tell them how crazy you are to get in, what you hope to do to bring honor to the school, how your volunteer and religious service is what you live for, and then hope for the best.</p>

<p>P.S. I'd worry less about retaking the SAT--and spend that time instead on your essays and working with people to get fantastic recommendations. As I said, these are the important things (at this point) in getting you in .</p>

<p>Good luck.</p>

[par72]

<p>Might want to look at Holy Cross-top 30 LAC 1 hour from Boston. Holy Cross offers good academics/athletics and is SAT optional.</p>

[Ryno]

<p>Thanks for the replies!</p>

<p>So cruzer, what you are saying is that my SAT's are almost average for ND?
I thought that my M+V was like 60 points below the average...</p>

[Calcruzer]

<p>No, your scores are only like 14 points below the average (and that's for three parts--so that's like 5 points for each section--or like missing one more question on the entire test than the average). For this reason, Notre Dame will consider you competitive--and then will look at the rest of the application to determine if you get in. That's why I say you shouldn't even worry about retaking the test, but should focus on the essay and recommendations.</p>

<p>P.S. The only exception to this would be if you seriously think you could move your total up by 100 points or more--then I would consider retaking. (In other words, how are you doing on the practice tests?) Also, consider that if your scores go down, this will hurt your application quite a bit.</p>

<p>Lastly, don't forget to apply to other schools including a safety, just in case that Notre Dame application doesn't work out.</p>

[OneMom]

<p>In addition to Holy Cross, you should look at Boston College. It seems easier to get into than Notre Dame (a little at least).</p>