College Counseling
A Notre Dame student starts the journey of finding the right college during the freshman year. By the beginning of the senior year, students are prepared to take the lead in the process of finding the school that best fits their academic and social needs. As a result of this partnership between the student and the school, our students attend some of the finest colleges and universities and go on to become highly successful during their college careers.
Your FUTURE starts HERE
An investment in a Notre Dame education pays dividends not only while a student is enrolled, but long after. Our School and College Counseling Office assists each student in their individual journey through Notre Dame and onto the next step. Representatives from hundreds of schools visit Notre Dame each year, meeting with students and providing current information on academic programs, athletics, and admission policies. Regular workshops highlight the ins and outs of the college application process, financial aid, essay writing, resume building, and much more.
Each and every student is unique, with their own passions, interests, and goals. We believe that the best way to support students is to provide a dedicated freshman counselor who works exclusely with our incoming students. After freshman year, students will work with the same counselor for the next three years. This allows counselors to get to know their students and provide them with guidance throughout their high school careers, and assistance with preparing for life beyond ND. The college counselors work with students to help them develop the skills necessary to be successful in their post-secondary careers. This is done through:
Self-assessment
The college process is a growth experience that offers students the opportunity to examine and learn about their strengths, weaknesses, values and goals in life.
Resume Building
At the start of their freshman year students are encourage strongly to become involved in the school community through extra-curricular activities, community service, athletics, and fine arts programs.
Self-advocacy
Through their four years we nurture them to become independent learners. By senior year the student plays the principle role in the college selection process, the student takes the lead in creating a viable list of schools, then taking the next step of visiting the schools, deciding where to apply, completing the applications, and deciding where to enroll. The college counselors work as guides in this process.
College Planning Timeline
During freshman year, students are encouraged to select courses that challenge them academically while also becoming involved in various organizations, athletics, and service programs both inside and outside of school. In October, all freshmen take the PSAT 8/9 to begin preparing for the SAT. Through a variety of activities and classes, students explore the question "Who am I?" and work on self-discovery. Additionally, students are advised to create their Naviance account. Naviance is a comprehensive college and career software that helps align students' strengths and interests with their postsecondary goals, bridging the gap between learning and life.
Begin building your college resume by reflecting on the question, "What are you doing beyond 2:30?" Consider your involvement in extracurricular activities, work, or volunteer experiences. In October, attend the College Fair sponsored by Notre Dame to explore higher education opportunities. Take the PSAT/NMSQT to prepare for future standardized testing. Challenge yourself by selecting academic courses that push you to excel. Additionally, during your Life Skills class, you will complete a personality and career inventory, and get introduced to the Naviance college search program to help guide your postsecondary decisions.
Fall (August - November)
During the fall of your junior year, get involved by joining school clubs and organizations, take the PSAT/NMSQT in October, and update your resume. After reviewing your PSAT results, start preparing for the SAT using Khan Academy in December.
Winter & Spring (December - May)
In the winter and spring of junior year, plan your SAT/ACT testing schedule, attend college planning sessions, and begin your college search. If applicable, register for the NCAA Clearinghouse and plan your senior year courses. Make time to visit colleges, meet with your school counselor, and take the SATs in May or June. Be sure to request teacher recommendations.
Summer (June - August)
Over the summer, continue your college visits and prepare for the SATs. Register for the Common Application, available starting August 1, and review and clean up your social media presence. Begin drafting your college essays and update your resume.
Fall (August - November)
During the fall of your junior year, get involved by joining school clubs and organizations, take the PSAT/NMSQT in October, and update your resume. After reviewing your PSAT results, start preparing for the SAT using Khan Academy in December.
Winter & Spring (December - May)
During the winter and spring, submit any remaining applications before the Christmas break, complete your first-semester exams, and monitor your application status. Attend accepted student events and make your final college decision by May 1.
College Visit Tips
When scheduling a college visit, be sure to request a specific date and time in your inquiry and ask if the school offers interviews as part of the visit. If you are interested in athletics, consider coordinating a meeting with a coach during your visit. Additionally, take pictures and jot down notes about your thoughts and observations to help you reflect on your experience later.
Here are some sample questions you can ask during a college visit to gain insight into the institution and determine if it’s the right fit for you:
Academics
- What are the most popular majors on campus?
- How easy is it to change or double major?
- What is the average class size, and are most classes taught by professors or teaching assistants?
- What types of academic support services are available (e.g., tutoring, writing centers)?
Campus Life
- What is the campus community like?
- What percentage of students live on campus?
- What kinds of extracurricular activities and clubs are available?
- Are there opportunities to study abroad or engage in internships?
Housing and Facilities
- What are the residence halls like, and are freshmen required to live on campus?
- Are there meal plan options, and what is the quality of campus dining?
- What facilities are available for students (e.g., libraries, recreation centers, health services)?
Career Preparation
- What resources does the career center offer for internships, co-ops, and job placement?
- How active is the alumni network in helping students with career opportunities?
- What are some examples of companies that recruit on campus?
Financial Aid and Scholarships
- Are merit-based scholarships available, and how can students qualify?
- What percentage of students receive financial aid?
- Are there opportunities for on-campus jobs or work-study programs?
Student Perspectives
- What do you love most about this college?
- What is one thing you wish you could change?
- How accessible and supportive are the professors?
Athletics
- What athletic programs are available, and how competitive are they?
- What support is provided to student-athletes for balancing academics and sports?
Meet the COLLEGE AND SCHOOL COUNSELING Team
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"The opportunities that Notre Dame has provided have helped me to plan for my future. I learned how to think about subjects, and not just give facts back on a test. My teachers and coaches became like family to me, and made sure I balanced my athletic activities and academic work. My counselors were with me every step of the way through the process, making sure I researched schools and stayed on top of my applications." - Matthew Prato, Class of 2024, Duke University, Class of 2028
