<p>Hi domer16 - you mentioned that you were tied between Duke and ND for your top school, and that Duke’s research facilities were one factor in its favor. In my opinion, Notre Dame’s research facilities are excellent. There are many fantastic biochemistry labs, and there are several other labs that are basically biomedical engineering without the name (in particular, check out the Roeder Lab and others in the [“BIO</a>” group](<a href=“http://www.nd.edu/~amebio/index.html]"BIO”>http://www.nd.edu/~amebio/index.html)). There’s also the new Indiana University School of Medicine-South Bend practically next door. Of course, all the pre-meds want to do research so they have something to talk about on their med school app, so there is definitely competition…but professors weren’t born yesterday, and they can definitely tell true passion for research from the resume-builders. And I’ve honestly never heard of someone not getting some sort of research position if they really busted their butt to find one. Moreover, there are not a lot of ND students interested in applying engineering to biology, so you will stand out in that regard.</p>
<p>Your ACT’s look good except for the science composite, which might cause Admissions to scratch their heads (considering that you are a science intent). </p>
<p>You also asked about your decision to take more liberal arts classes - ND prides itself on being a well-rounded, liberal-arts institution, so I think that can definitely help, especially if you (or your advisor) call attention to it in your essay (or rec).</p>
<p>As a separate point, I think your plan of doing Biochem + pre-med + Air Force ROTC is likely to kill you, or at least your social life, if (when?) you get in. But that’s a whole different can of worms…if you’re interested in discussing those plans, or anything else, shoot me a PM. Best of luck!</p>