<p>I agree with all of the comments above. Your GPA and course-load are great; your test scores are also good, but I would definitely advise trying out the SAT and retaking the ACT once. Every point counts, and most people’s scores go up the second time around. </p>
<p>A word about essays: make sure that whatever you write reflects who YOU are, beyond your stats. In a sea of thousands of kids with 4.0UWs and 32s, a well thought-out and written essay can set you apart. </p>
<p>It sounds like your mom is a very important part of your life, and that her struggle with cancer has touched your life in a big way. That is definitely something that you could write about…BUT make sure that, in the end, the essay is about you, your character, and your personal experience. Make sure that you are the main character in your essay, if that makes sense.</p>
<p>Also-remember that for ND, you have to write a CommonApp essay (which can basically be about anything) and an ND-specific one. 
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<p>Best of luck!!</p>