Notre Dame Supplemental Essays 2024-2025: Writing Tips + Examples

The University of Notre Dame, a “New Ivy League” school, has four supplemental essay requirements: one short essay and three short-answer responses chosen from a list of prompts. Since these essays are short, every word counts. You want your responses to stand out, especially as getting into Notre Dame is harder than ever, with a record-low 11% acceptance rate for the Class of 2028.

The Notre Dame supplemental essays are your chance to stand out from thousands of other applicants, so it’s important to take them seriously and plan ahead. With many students having good GPAs and test scores, admissions officers want to know more about you beyond your stats.

Below, we’ll go over how to tackle each prompt and craft a compelling response. We’ll also share writing tips and common mistakes to avoid to help strengthen your application and show why you’re a great fit for Notre Dame.

• Notre Dame Supplemental Essay Prompts
• How to Write the Notre Dame Supplemental Essay #1
• How to Write the Notre Dame Supplemental Essay #2
• Mistakes to Avoid When Writing Notre Dame Supplemental Essays
• Frequently Asked Questions
• Takeaways

Notre Dame Supplemental Essay Prompts

Like many universities, Notre Dame has its own supplemental writing section in addition to the personal essay for the Common App or Coalition App. This section includes one short essay and three short-answer responses, which you choose from a list of prompts.

Short essay

This essay question is required for all applicants, with 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.

Short-answer responses

For this section, you need to choose three short-answer questions from the options below. Each response 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?

You can treat these essays as a way to share things not covered in your personal statement or elsewhere in your application. You don’t have much space with only 50 to 150 words, so your answers need to be clear and straight to the point. No fillers or unnecessary details—just answer the question straight up!

Admissions officers don’t have a preference for which prompts you choose to answer, so pick the ones that help you show who you really are. Whatever you choose, be honest and personal in your responses to stand out as a genuine applicant.

In the next section, we’ll break down each prompt, share tips on how to write better answers, and show you examples of Notre Dame essays that actually worked.

How to Write the Notre Dame Supplemental Essay #1

Think of this as a “Why Notre Dame” essay—it asks you to think about one or two things you absolutely must have in your college life. Notre Dame wants to know what matters most to you in your education and why. Your answer will help them understand your process for choosing a college and whether Notre Dame is the right fit for you.

Brainstorming ideas

Before anything, take a moment to do the following:

• Think about what matters most to you in a college. Is it academics, extracurriculars, campus culture, faith, or something else? Why is it so important to you?
• Reflect on past experiences. Did a specific event, mentor, or hardship influence what you value in a college?
• Consider how Notre Dame aligns with your non-negotiables. What unique aspects of the school make it a perfect fit? How will having this factor in your college experience help you succeed?
• Ask yourself: If you had to choose between two great schools, what would be the deciding factor?

Since you’ve probably put together your college list in the past few months, your answer to this prompt should be fresh in your mind. Look back at any notes from campus tours or research you did while exploring schools for inspiration.

Admissions officers will see plenty of answers about modern campuses or strong football teams, so dig deeper. Reflect on what genuinely matters to you and how Notre Dame meets those must-haves.

Essay structure tips + examples

Once you have your non-negotiables ready, here’s how to start writing your essay:

• Start with a hook. Begin with a short anecdote, experience, or statement explaining your non-negotiable factors and why they matter to you. For example, “Growing up in a small town where droughts were common, I saw how climate change affected people’s lives and realized the importance of protecting the environment.”
• Connect your story. Tie your non-negotiables to specific aspects of Notre Dame, like programs, values, or traditions. “Notre Dame’s sustainability initiatives are exactly what I’m looking for to turn my passion for the environment into real action.”
• Finish strong. End your essay by reiterating how your non-negotiable will shape your college experience and why Notre Dame is the best place to help you do that. “At Notre Dame, I’ll have the chance to work on meaningful environmental projects with other students who share my goals, helping me make a bigger impact.”
• Be specific! Avoid vague answers like “excellent academics” or “a vibrant community.” (This could apply to any college!) Instead, make it personal. “It’s important to me to go to a college that seriously cares about the environment, and Notre Dame stands out with its green buildings and sustainability work, which will help me make a real difference.”

With only 150 words, whittle your response down to one non-negotiable factor rather than trying to list them all. Remember, there’s no right answer anyway. What’s important is to paint a clear picture of why you’re a great match for the Notre Dame community. Keep it personal, specific, and true to who you are.

Supplemental essay example

At my high school retreat, we cooked dinner in teams and stayed up late swapping stories on the chapel floor. It was the first time I realized how much I value shared spaces, the kind where people live together and not just pass each other in hallways.

That’s why a strong residential community is non-negotiable for me. I want to live in a place where people know each other, eat together, and show up for one another. Notre Dame’s stay-hall system stood out immediately. The idea of staying in the same hall for three years—with its own traditions, chapel, and community events—makes campus feel less like a collection of buildings and more like a home.

Living in a close-knit community shapes how you lead, grow, and show up for others. At Notre Dame, I see that kind of steady, rooted connection—one that builds belonging over time.

How to Write the Notre Dame Supplemental Essay #2

For the second Notre Dame supplemental essay, you must choose three short-answer questions from five prompt options. Take your time to read through each one and pick the three that best reflect your personality, interests, and experiences. Keep in mind that each response should be between 50 to 100 words only.

Notre Dame is a Catholic university, and faith will be part of your education and experience there. In fact, 82% of incoming first-year students are Catholic. But don’t worry! That doesn’t mean students from other religious backgrounds aren’t welcome.

If you’re religious, spiritual, or have a strong faith, think about how that influences your daily life and decisions. On the other hand, if faith doesn’t play a role in your life or choices, it’s perfectly okay to skip this one—not answering this prompt has no bearing on your admission decision.

Brainstorming ideas

If you choose to answer this prompt, take some time to reflect on what your faith means to you now and how it might grow or evolve during your time at Notre Dame. Consider the following:

• Impact of your faith. Think about how your faith shapes your actions and decisions. For example, does it guide how you treat others or handle challenges?
• Values. What values are most influenced by your faith? Kindness, humility, patience?
• Daily decisions. How do faith and spirituality affect your daily routine? Maybe prayer or meditation helps you stay calm in stressful situations.
• Challenges. Consider how your faith has helped you overcome personal challenges. For example, your faith might have strengthened you during a tough time, like a family loss or illness.
• Community involvement. Reflect on your participation in faith-based groups or service projects. Perhaps you volunteer at your church or join outreach programs because your faith teaches you to help others.

Essay structure tips + examples

The prompt asks you to explain how faith has inspired your decisions, so connect your experiences and perspectives to Notre Dame’s spiritual identity. Keep these tips in mind:

• Start with a personal experience. Begin with a moment where your faith inspired you to take action. For example, you can start with, “In high school, I helped organize a protest for religious freedom after seeing unfair treatment toward some religious groups.”
• Explain the impact. Show how your faith influences your decisions. “Because of my faith, I stand up for equal rights, especially for people to practice their religion without fear. It also strengthened my beliefs, knowing I could make a difference.”
• Link it to Notre Dame: Connect your faith and personal values to what you’re looking for at Notre Dame. You might say, “I love that Notre Dame cares about religious freedom and encourages students to support different beliefs. It’s the perfect place for me to continue this work.”
• End with your plans for the future. Wrap up by explaining how your faith will guide your college experience and future goals. “I want to study political science and explore how faith and politics can drive change. As a Catholic university focused on service, Notre Dame is the perfect place for me to grow in my faith while advocating for the rights of others.”

Again, you don’t have to be religious or Catholic to get into Notre Dame. What matters is that you understand the importance of faith in people’s lives and are open to believing in something bigger than yourself.

Supplemental essay example

When a classmate was teased for her accent, I stepped in. When my neighbor’s son struggled with reading, I offered to tutor him after school. I didn’t do it for recognition. I did it because my faith teaches me that love requires action. It reminds me to put people first.

I try to live those values every day—through service, empathy, and speaking up when it matters. Faith doesn’t hand me easy answers, but it helps me move forward with purpose and keep becoming the kind of person I want to be.

This is a typical Diversity Essay where you talk about a part of your identity. Notre Dame isn’t just looking to understand what molded you into who you are now, but they also want to know how you will contribute to their campus community.

Brainstorming ideas

Start by thinking about the things that make up your background or community, such as:

• Ethnicity or race
• Country of origin or language spoken
• Gender identity or sexual orientation
• Geographical location or hometown
• Socioeconomic background or income class
• Disability or health challenges
• Personality traits or characteristics
• Extracurricular interests or passions

We recommend picking one part of your identity to focus on. Even though you might feel connected to several communities or groups, 100 words aren’t enough to cover them all. Choose the most important to you and dive deeper into that.

Essay structure tips + examples

• Start with something memorable. Begin your essay by describing a moment that shaped your identity—whether it’s a challenge, lesson, or an important part of your family or cultural background.
• Then, explain how you’ll contribute. Be specific about what you bring to the table and how your perspective adds value to campus life.
• Keep it straightforward. With a very limited word count, choose one key experience that highlights your unique qualities and shows why you’d be a great fit for Notre Dame.

For example, if you were raised in a Filipino-American community, you’re likely familiar with bayanihan—the spirit of coming together to help those in need. You could share your experience of organizing a disaster relief drive, collecting food, clothing, and medical supplies from your community, and sending them to those affected by a disaster.

Then, connect that to how you’d bring those same values to Notre Dame. Perhaps by joining the Filipino-American Student Organization to connect with other Filipinos on campus and organizing initiatives that continue to make a positive impact.

Explain things clearly, but keep it short and sweet. And don’t worry about making your diversity sound “extra special.“ Diversity can be anything that makes up your identity—your background, values, experiences, or perspective. Keep it real!

Supplemental essay example

For the past two years, I’ve volunteered at a memory care center, helping seniors with cognitive decline through music sessions, games, and conversation. I’ve learned how patience, eye contact, and even silence can make someone feel seen. It’s taught me to listen closely and value moments others overlook. These experiences shaped my interest in psychology and reminded me that dignity doesn’t fade with memory.

At Notre Dame, I hope to stay involved by volunteering with local senior programs and taking courses that help me understand aging—so I can keep learning from a generation that still has so much to teach.

This is basically a community service essay that should talk about how you’ve contributed to your community and not just about what communities you’ve been part of. It’s your chance to show how you’ve made a difference—whether through volunteer work, leadership, or small acts of service—and how you plan to bring that same spirit of service to campus life at Notre Dame.

Brainstorming ideas

Community service can be as simple as stepping up to help—whether it’s supporting a friend, assisting a classmate, or giving back to your community. Ask yourself these questions:

• When was the last time I volunteered or helped others in my community?
• What specific projects have I organized or participated in that served others?
• What causes am I passionate about?
• Have I mentored or guided someone, especially someone who needed extra help?
• What small acts of service do I do that make a difference in people’s lives?

For the Notre Dame supplemental essays, the more specific you can be, the more memorable you’ll sound. Choose experiences that reveal who you are and why you took the actions you did.

Maybe volunteering at an animal shelter sparked your passion for animal welfare, or working with children with disabilities taught you patience and empathy. Whatever experience you choose should reflect a passion or perspective that makes you the person you are now.

Essay structure tips + examples

• Start with a snapshot. Share a vivid story that shows how you’ve served others. For example, you can say, “Every Saturday, I tutor elementary school students in reading. One of my favorite moments was when a student who had been struggling finally read a full paragraph on his own. His excitement was contagious!”
• Explain the “why.” What drives you to help others? Is it something you’ve learned from your family, culture, or past experiences? “As an only child, I always craved connection with younger kids, and tutoring became a way to build those relationships while making a real difference. Seeing their confidence grow inspires me to keep helping.”
• Connect your experiences. Explain how you’ll help contribute to Notre Dame’s community. “At Notre Dame, I’d love to continue tutoring through Mercy Works, helping local students gain the skills and confidence they need to succeed.”
• Wrap things up on a high note. Close with how you’ll continue to serve others at Notre Dame and beyond. “For me, service is more than just giving back. It’s about forming meaningful connections. I’m excited to bring that mindset to Notre Dame and keep supporting those who need extra help and support.”

Remember, Notre Dame looks for applicants who are service-oriented. More than 80% of students actively participate in service or service learning before they graduate, so if giving back is already part of who you are, you’ll fit right in.

Supplemental essay example

When my neighbor’s car broke down, I spent three afternoons driving her to medical appointments. When my church needed volunteers, I showed up with a clipboard and stayed late to stack chairs. Service, to me, isn’t always formal. It’s checking in, staying after, and helping without being asked.

As the oldest in a working-class household, I’ve learned that care often looks like consistency—picking up your siblings, translating a bill, or walking someone home. At Notre Dame, I hope to keep serving in that way: not through grand gestures, but through presence, reliability, and care that lasts.

If you choose this prompt, keep your response humble. The compliment should serve as a way to highlight a personal value, growth moment, or meaningful lesson you’ve learned.

Choose a compliment that genuinely reflects who you are and gives a glimpse into your character. Avoid generic phrases like “You’re smart” or “You’re kind.” You could be talking about anyone!

Brainstorming ideas

Think about compliments that have stuck with you, ones that reflect who you are and can be tied back to your talents, skills, and interests. Here are some examples:

• Compliments that reflect your character. “You’re such a good listener.” “I admire your work ethic.”
• Compliments on your achievements or personal traits. “You are a natural leader.” “Your creativity always inspires me.”
• Compliments about your resilience or perseverance. “You never give up, no matter how tough things get.” “You handle challenges better than anyone I know.”
• Compliments on your problem-solving skills. “You always find a way to make things work.” “You’re great at thinking outside the box.”
• Compliments on your impact on others. “You made a real difference in my life.” “Because of you, I believed in myself.”

Essay structure tips + examples

• Choose a meaningful compliment. Pick one that reveals something important about you rather than something vague or generic.
• Explain why it means so much. Briefly explain who complimented you and why. A short anecdote can make your response more engaging.
• Talk about what it says about you. Focus on what the compliment reflects about your character, growth, or values.
• Make it personal. Instead of just stating why the compliment mattered, connect it to your experiences and how it shaped you.

It’s important to keep things authentic—no need to exaggerate! A small, genuine moment can be just as powerful as a big achievement.

For example, the compliment you’re most proud of came from your grandmother, who told you, “You have a heart like your grandfather’s.” She said this after seeing you help neighbors with groceries and organizing visits for elderly community members. It was a simple compliment, but it meant so much to you.

Remember, the compliment doesn’t have to be grand or from someone with authority. It could be something small but significant or hold special meaning because it came from someone unexpected or important.

Supplemental essay example

A classmate sat alone at lunch, eyes on her tray, shoulders tense. I asked if I could sit with her. By Friday, we were walking to class together and she was laughing at my bad jokes. After that week, my teacher pulled me aside and said, “You make people feel safe.”

That meant more than any award or grade. It reminded me that quiet actions like checking in and showing up can matter most. I didn’t solve all her problems, but I made her feel less alone. That’s the kind of impact I want to keep making.

When asked what you’d fight for, it’s important to be specific about your cause and why it’s meaningful to you. Whether it’s a personal value or a larger social issue, this prompt allows you to express what drives you to act and stand up for what matters.

Brainstorming ideas

Think about your core values. Consider these ideas:

• A cause you’re passionate about, like climate change, racial justice, or mental health awareness
• Personal values or beliefs you’d stand up for, like equality or integrity
• Moments you’ve stood up for others, such as advocating for a friend or defending someone in need
• Ways you’ve spoken up against injustice, including raising awareness or joining protests
• What motivates you to take action, which could be your passion for change or a genuine desire to help

Essay structure tips + examples

• Get to the heart of your passion. Share what cause or belief you’d fight for, and explain why it’s important. Think about what drives you and why it matters.
• Be specific and personal. Dive into a story or experience that shows why this cause is meaningful. The more personal and real it feels, the better. Show how it has shaped your thinking, actions, or goals.
• Connect your passion to the future. Highlight how your dedication to this cause will continue at Notre Dame. How will it inspire your contributions to campus life or the bigger community?
• Close with action. Finish your essay by explaining how you plan to fight for this cause. What steps will you take in college and after? Make it clear that this passion isn’t just a fleeting interest.

Whatever you choose to write about, make it personal and authentic. With limited space, a strong personal connection will make your response more compelling. Think about the values truly important to you and why they matter.

For example, if your family speaks a language with few remaining native speakers, you might say preserving linguistic history and cultural identity is worth fighting for. At Notre Dame, you could continue this fight by joining programs and initiatives at the Center for the Study of Languages and Cultures (CSLC), where you can engage with language preservation efforts and connect with like-minded students and faculty dedicated to keeping cultures alive.

Supplemental essay example

After it rains near my cousin’s house, the air smells sharp, almost metallic. The factories hum day and night, and kids grow up knowing not to drink from the tap. That’s when I realized what I’d fight for: environmental justice.

I’ve seen how pollution targets certain communities more than others. I want to study Environmental Sciences at Notre Dame to understand how to push for policies that protect both people and the planet. Clean air and safe water shouldn’t depend on your zip code, and I’d fight to make those rights real for everyone.

Mistakes to Avoid When Writing Notre Dame Supplemental Essays

1. Repeating information

One mistake to avoid when writing your Notre Dame supplemental essays is repeating information you’ve already shared in other parts of your application.

Admissions officers have your application in front of them, so if you restate things they already know, you’re wasting space—especially since your word count is limited. Instead, provide new insights into who you are and what motivates you. Use the essay to highlight aspects of yourself that haven’t been touched on elsewhere.

2. Trying too hard to sound academic

You don’t want to sound like a textbook when writing your supplemental essay! Admissions officers want to hear your authentic voice, not an overly formal or academic one. Trying too hard to sound smart or sophisticated can make your writing stiff and unnatural.

Be yourself! Write how you’d speak to a friend while maintaining a respectful and thoughtful tone. This will make your essay feel genuine and help your personality shine.

If you’re worried your essay might blend in with all the others, consider hiring a professional editor. They can help you polish your writing and make your voice memorable so your Notre Dame supplemental essays stand out.

3. Using clichés

Clichés are ineffective and—let’s face it—lazy. “I want to change the world” or “I’m a hard worker” doesn’t make you stand out from other applicants because they’ve been used many times.

Instead, think about how you can express your ideas in a fresh and personal way. Use specific examples and stories to show what makes you unique, rather than relying on generic statements that anyone could write.

For example, you can replace “I’m a hard worker” with something like, “Last summer, I balanced studying full-time and tutoring younger students in math. I learned that managing my time carefully and staying focused helped my students improve and taught me to thrive under pressure.“

By focusing on concrete experiences and personal stories, you differentiate yourself from thousands of other applicants and give admissions officers a deeper understanding of who you are and why you’d fit well at Notre Dame.

Frequently Asked Questions

1. Does Notre Dame require supplemental essays?

Yes, Notre Dame requires supplemental essays on top of your personal statement. Consider these essays an opportunity to highlight aspects of yourself that weren’t covered in the rest of your application.

2. How many supplemental essays does Notre Dame have?

Notre Dame has four supplemental essays. The first is a short essay of 150 words, and the rest are short-answer responses, each between 50 and 100 words, chosen from a list of prompts.

3. How important are Notre Dame supplemental essays?

The Notre Dame supplemental essays are important as they’re your chance to showcase your personality, values, and fit for the university. However, other factors such as your GPA, letters of recommendation, and extracurricular activities are also considered in the admissions process.

Takeaways

• Notre Dame has four supplemental essays: one required short essay question (150 words) and three short-answer responses (50-100 words) from five available options.
• These essays are short, so make sure every word counts and your responses are clear and concise.
• Avoid common mistakes such as repeating the same information, not using your authentic voice, and using cliches that weaken your supplemental essays.
• Consider hiring a private admissions consultant to get expert feedback on your essays and help make sure the rest of your Notre Dame application stands out.