Example:

My non-negotiable factor is finding a university where education is explicitly linked to a mission of service. After volunteering at a local food bank, I realized that good intentions alone couldn't solve the complex issue of food insecurity in my community. We could hand out meals, but we weren't addressing the root causes. I saw that real change required not just compassion, but also a deep understanding of economics, policy, and logistics.

I am looking for an education that will give me the tools to be a "force for good." This is why Notre Dame’s mission resonates so deeply with me. I don't want to just learn; I want to learn with a purpose. The opportunity to apply my studies in real-time through programs at the Center for Social Concerns is exactly the kind of integrated, mission-driven education I am seeking.

"Notre Dame’s undergraduate experience is characterized by a collective sense of care for every person. How do you foster service to others in your community?"

Example:

I foster service by identifying and filling small, overlooked needs. Last year, I noticed that many of the younger kids in my neighborhood struggled with homework after school, and their parents were often still at work. I started a "homework club" in my garage, offering a quiet space and help with math and reading. It wasn't a formal organization, but it created a supportive network. For me, service isn't always about grand projects; it's about paying attention to the people around you and offering what you can to make their day a little easier.

"What compliment are you most proud of receiving, and why does it mean so much to you?"

Example:

The compliment I am most proud of came from a friend after I helped mediate a disagreement between her and another classmate. She said, "You don't just wait for your turn to talk; you actually listen." This meant so much to me because it affirmed a value I consciously practice. In a world where everyone is quick to speak, I believe the real power is in understanding. That compliment wasn't about being smart or right, but about being present and empathetic, which is the person I always strive to be.

"What would you fight for?"

Example:

I would fight for the preservation of local stories. In my town, the memories of our oldest residents, stories of the main street before the highway, of the businesses that have come and gone, were fading. I spent a summer recording interviews with them for our local historical society. I fight for this because I believe a community that forgets its past loses its identity. These stories are not just history; they are the threads that connect us to each other and to the place we call home.