Conquering University of Notre Dame's 2023-2024 Supplemental Essays

Welcome, future Fighting Irish! If you're considering the University of Notre Dame, you're probably aware of its unique supplemental essays. These essays are your chance to illustrate your personality, values, and commitment to the spirit of Notre Dame.

Notre Dame has two required prompts (200 words each) and two optional prompts (150 words each) for their supplemental essays.

Required Prompts

1. The University of Notre Dame is a Catholic university that places a strong emphasis on community and service. How will a Notre Dame education and community support your personal growth?

2. Choose one of the following:

   a. Share an example of a time when you exhibited leadership.

   b. Describe a time when you made a meaningful contribution to others in which the greater good was your focus.

When tackling these prompts, illustrate your story in a manner that reflects your understanding of Notre Dame's community-driven ethos.

Example: "Joining a Catholic university like Notre Dame means becoming part of a community that nurtures faith, service, and knowledge. My personal growth aligns with Notre Dame's mission, as I see education as a tool for empowerment. Through programs like the Center for Social Concerns, I look forward to learning how to translate my biochemistry studies into real-world solutions that serve humanity."

Optional Prompts

1. If you have already graduated, briefly (4000 characters max) summarize what you have done in the time since you graduated.
2. If there is something more you would like the Admissions Committee to know about your candidacy, please share that information here.

For the optional prompts, only write them if you have substantial information to share. The first prompt is an opportunity for gap-year students to articulate their experiences during their time off.

The second optional prompt is a wildcard. Use it to discuss a unique aspect of your background, highlight a significant experience, or explain a part of your application that might be confusing to admissions officers.

Example: "I would like to draw attention to my volunteer stint at a local nursing home during my junior year. Initially, I joined to fulfil community service hours. However, this experience shaped my perspective on healthcare and elderly care, making me passionate about geriatric medicine."

In all your responses, maintain authenticity and provide specific examples to make your narrative vivid and compelling. Remember, Notre Dame seeks students who embody their values of faith, service, and community. Showcase your alignment with these values and your potential to contribute to their vibrant community.

Go ahead, future Fighting Irish, and use these insights to craft your best supplemental essays. We believe in you!