圣母大学 International FAQs

http://admissions.nd.edu/information-for/international-students/international-faqs/

 

Get your questions answered. 

Am I an international student? 

We typically have three categories of “international” students: non-U.S. citizens abroad, non-U.S. citizens living in the U.S., and U.S. citizens/permanent residents abroad. 

 

If I’m a permanent resident or hold U.S. citizenship, but live outside of the U.S., should I apply as a U.S. student or as an international student?

On the Common Application, a student must list their country/countries of citizenship. Therefore, we’ll see that a student is a U.S. citizen on their application, but that they’re applying from abroad. We’ll take this into consideration when we evaluate the application, as we know there are cultural and social contexts. 

 

Is the admission process need-blind for international students?

We are need aware for international students, meaning that a student's ability to pay does affect the admissions decision. Every non-U.S. citizen is required to submit a Certification of Finances and supporting financial documents with their application.  

 

Is financial aid available for international students?

We offer need-based financial aid for international students, but it’s limited and competitive. To apply for financial aid, you must submit the Certification of Finances, as well as the CSS/Profile. 

 

Are there any full scholarship offers?

There is not a maximum or minimum amount of need-based financial aid scholarships. However, the less you need to attend Notre Dame, the easier it is for us to meet your financial need. That is to say, it’s easier to award five scholarships to five different students, rather than one full scholarship to one student. Although we have full scholarships, those are given to students who truly need the entire cost to attend Notre Dame and stand out across the board in our application process.

 

How can I receive a financial aid scholarship?

When determining scholarships, the Admissions Committee evaluates your academic qualifications, extracurricular activities, essays, letters of recommendation, and financial need. The best way to earn a scholarship is to meet Notre Dame’s qualifications.

 

Are merit scholarships available for international students? 

All international students and U.S. citizens abroad will be considered for merit scholarships. Most scholarships don’t require a separate application for consideration.  

 

I’m in the International Baccalaureate program. Does this help?

When we evaluate applications, we look at the rigor of your curriculum. We recognize the demands of the International Baccalaureate program. Being in the IB program assists in the application process, and in the transition to college life. Oftentimes, students are able to obtain credits for their IB classes. They also adapt quickly to the college curriculum, since they’re used to performing at a challenging level.

 

If I’m in the International Baccalaureate program, do I need to send my predicted IB scores?

We ask that students in the IB program send their predicted IB scores. 

 

If my school does not offer AP courses and does not have the IB curriculum, will I be at a disadvantage?

We evaluate applications within the context of your high school and cannot expect you to take classes that your school doesn’t offer. Instead, we look towards what is offered at your school and how you performed there. We have students from over 50 countries at Notre Dame, so we’re used to evaluating different types of curriculums. 

 

Can the application fee be waived?

Eligibility for the Common Application Fee Waiver is based on financial need. Qualified applicants may use this payment method to satisfy the application fee requirement. Your counselor will receive notice of your intent to use the Fee Waiver, and will need to verify that you meet the eligibility criteria outlined by the Common Application. Once eligibility is confirmed, the Common Application process will bypass the payment step. 

 

Can I obtain a fee waiver for the CSS/Financial Aid PROFILE?

We are not able to offer fee waivers for the CSS/Financial Aid PROFILE. If you have difficulties completing the CSS profile, please contact the Admissions Office at international@ND.edu.

 

Is the SAT or ACT mandatory, or can it be waived?

We require all students to take either the SAT or the ACT. We do not have a preference as to which standardized test you choose.  

 

Can the TOEFL be waived?

We will waive the TOEFL if an applicant scores 600 or above on the Critical Reading section of the SAT and/or 26 or above on the English or Reading sections of the ACT. Oftentimes, a TOEFL score helps balance your testing record. 

 

What’s the minimum TOEFL score for admission?

We require 100 out of 120 on the Internet-based TOEFL exam. 

 

Will submitting SAT Subject Tests help me when applying for admission? If so, which subject tests should I take?

We do not require the SAT Subject Tests in the application process. If you choose to take the Subject Tests, however, you can certainly send us your scores for consideration. Please check the First Year of Studies website for specific tests and scores we accept for credit.

 

Can I send documents by email or fax?

We strongly encourage students to submit documents electronically to international@nd.edu.

 

How can I schedule an interview?

We don’t offer alumni or on-campus interviews in the application process. Students from China are encouraged to do an interview with InitialView or CIEE-CAI

 

As an international student, can I work on campus?

Yes, but you cannot work more than 20 hours a week.

 

When do I receive my I-20?

Assuming all of your documents are in order, students should receive their I-20 by June. 

Is the International Student Orientation required for all international students?

 

International Student Orientation is mandatory for all F-1 and J-1 visa holders. U.S. visa holders, U.S. citizens who grew up abroad, and parents are also invited to attend Orientation.