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How to Write the Notre Dame Supplemental Essays and Get Into Notre Dame

Notre Dame isn’t just about stellar academics and Saturday football games. It’s about a culture of belonging, respect, and alignment with values. This isn’t a school that’s impressed by talent alone—it’s about fit. Notre Dame wants students who embrace their traditions, thrive within their community-focused ethos, and see education as a moral journey. Here’s how to approach Notre Dame’s supplemental essays to show why you belong.

Notre Dame Supplemental Essay Prompts

1. How do you foster service to others in your community? (150 words)

2. What is distinctive about your personal experiences and development (e.g., family support, culture, disability, personal background, community, etc.)? Why are these experiences important to you, and how will you enrich the Notre Dame community? (150 words)

3. Choose three short-answer questions (50 words each):

  1. Everyone has different priorities when considering their higher education options and building their college or university list. Tell us about your “non-negotiable” factor(s) when searching for your future college home.
  2. What brings you joy?
  3. What is something that genuinely interests you, and how does this tie to the academic area you hope to study at Notre Dame?
  4. How do you celebrate your faith in your daily life?

How to Tackle Each Prompt

Prompt #1: Service to Others

Notre Dame’s Catholic mission emphasizes selflessness and community care. This essay is your chance to show how you naturally fit into their culture, demonstrating your alignment with their values of service and mutual respect.

Step 1: Choose a Specific Example Forget generic examples—go for a vivid story that brings your service to life.

  • Helping rebuild homes in a flood-stricken area and learning firsthand about resilience and gratitude.
  • Coordinating a parish drive for winter coats and seeing the impact on families in your community.
  • Offering English lessons to recent immigrants while learning about their journeys and sacrifices.

Step 2: Reflect on Your Motivations Connect your actions to your faith, values, or personal growth. Why do you feel compelled to serve? How has it shaped your sense of responsibility?

Step 3: Tie It Back to Notre Dame Explain how this spirit of service will thrive at Notre Dame. For example, mention opportunities like the Center for Social Concerns or Faith and Justice Alliance.

Prompt #2: Distinctive Experiences

This essay should illustrate how your unique background has shaped your perspective and what you’ll contribute to Notre Dame’s community.

Step 1: Pick a Meaningful Story Highlight a pivotal, transformative moment that truly shaped you:

  • Being dropped off at a boarding school during the pandemic and learning to create connections despite masks and distance.
  • Starting a tradition of evening family prayer during a time of loss, deepening your faith and family bonds.
  • Organizing a community forum to address rising tensions and finding your voice as a mediator and peacemaker.

Step 2: Highlight the Values You’ve Gained How has this experience influenced your character? Show qualities like perseverance, compassion, or respect for tradition.

Step 3: Connect It to Notre Dame What specific aspects of Notre Dame’s culture or values resonate with your story? Highlight how you already embody the traditions and community ethos that Notre Dame cherishes—whether it’s through faith-based programs, respect for order, or the care you bring to your relationships.

Short-Answer Questions

1. Non-Negotiables

This is about fit. What makes Notre Dame your dream school? Be specific.

  • Example: “Notre Dame’s integration of faith and academics is unmatched. Programs like Theology and Business show me how I can combine moral principles with practical solutions.”

2. What Brings You Joy?

Showcase the deeper meaning behind your joys.

  • Example: “Walking through the woods at dusk reminds me of God’s presence in creation. It’s not just nature; it’s a quiet moment of connection and gratitude.”
  • Example: “Teaching my younger cousin how to play chess isn’t just a game—it’s sharing strategy, patience, and love in a way words can’t capture.””

3. Academic Interests

Tie your passion to Notre Dame’s offerings.

  • Example: “I’m drawn to Notre Dame’s Business Ethics and Social Impact program, where I can merge my entrepreneurial mindset with Catholic values to create responsible innovations.”

4. Celebrating Faith

Notre Dame is deeply rooted in Catholic tradition, so share how you integrate faith into your life.

  • Example: “I pray the Rosary daily, finding strength in its rhythm and reflection. At Notre Dame, I’ll join others in prayer at the Grotto and deepen my connection to God.”

Final Thoughts

Notre Dame values thoughtful, faith-driven applicants who thrive in a culture of tradition and respect. They care more about how well you align with their mission than just your accomplishments. Use these essays to show how your character, values, and experiences make you the perfect fit for Notre Dame’s community. At Top Dog, we specialize in helping you bring your authentic self to the page. Ready to show Notre Dame why you belong? Let’s get started.