The Notre Dame Writing Supplement is required in addition to the Common Application or Coalition Application.
Short Essay (Required)
Please provide a response to the following question. The word count is a maximum of 150 words.
"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."
Example: "Not 'research opportunities,' but 'undergraduate research with direct faculty mentorship in astrophysics'."
Q: Detail the "why"?
A:
Connect the factor to a personal experience or deep-seated value.
Show its profound importance to your growth.
Example: "My astrophysics mentorship is non-negotiable: a high school research project lacked direct guidance, hindering my progress. I need hands-on mentorship."
Q: Connect to Notre Dame?
A:
Research specific Notre Dame programs, faculty, or opportunities that embody your non-negotiable.
Show how Notre Dame uniquely fulfills this need.
Example: "Notre Dame's 'Physics Research with Undergraduates' program, specifically Prof. Kelly's exoplanet research, directly fulfills my mentorship requirement."
Q: Manage 150 words?
A:
Focus one core non-negotiable. One clear "why." One Notre Dame connection.
Concise language. Every word counts.
Start with the factor. End with its fulfillment at Notre Dame.
Your response to each short-answer question should be between 50-100 words.
"How does faith influence the decisions you make?"
"What is distinctive about your personal experiences and development (eg, family support, culture, disability, personal background, community, etc)? Why are these experiences important to you and how will you enrich the Notre Dame community?"
"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?"
"What compliment are you most proud of receiving, and why does it mean so much to you?"
"What would you fight for?"
Notre Dame Short Answer Questions Q&A Slides
Q: What are the Notre Dame Short Answers?
A:
Choose three of five questions.
Each response: 50-100 words.
Show personal character, values, and fit.
Q: How does faith influence decisions?
A:
Describe a specific decision. Show faith's direct impact.
Example: "My faith guided my decision to volunteer at a homeless shelter, prioritizing service over personal gain. It shaped my commitment to social justice."
Q: Distinctive experiences & enrichment?
A:
Identify a unique personal experience. Show its impact on your development.
Explain how this experience enriches Notre Dame's community.
Example: "Growing up in a multi-generational household: taught me empathy, active listening. I will bring this perspective to dorm discussions, fostering deeper understanding."
Q: Fostering service to others?
A:
Describe concrete actions of service. Show initiative, impact.
Example: "Co-founded a peer-tutoring program for underserved middle schoolers. Organized weekly sessions. Increased student math scores by 15%."
Q: Most proud compliment?
A:
Choose a specific compliment. Explain its deep meaning.
Show how it affirmed a core skill or value.
Example: "A mentor said, 'Your ability to simplify complex code is remarkable.' It validated my passion for clear, efficient problem-solving."
Q: What would you fight for?
A:
Identify a specific cause or principle. Show active commitment.
Example: "I would fight for equitable access to STEM education. I advocate for funding in low-income schools, mentor aspiring engineers."
