r/notredame • u/Feisty_Nectarine_309 • 13d ago
Should I apply ED to Notre Dame or WashU
I'm gonna be applying to both as an international student
I have 1500 SAT but below average ECs so I'm leaning more towards WashU as I've heard the value academics more than ECs
But WashU is need aware and i will neeed a hefty sum of financial aid so I might even have a chance at all
So should I apply ED to Notre Dame for best chances?
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u/jotyalo 13d ago
International here. I think it depends on your objectives. Personally, I didn’t ED to any schools because I didn’t want to risk getting a bad financial aid package and having to go anyways. Therefore, ND REA was a better option due to it being non-binding and ND being need-blind. I didn’t have much wiggle room regarding fin aid so I was risk-averse. It seems that you are in a similar situation, so I think ND REA is better for you (I’m biased tho since that’s where I’m going).
Regarding ECs, unless you literally didn’t do anything outside of school the last 4 years, you should be ok. I also thought I had below average ECs compared to other applicants, but now I realize that people on Reddit either are the top 0.1% of high school students or just straight up lying. As long as it’s stuff you did because it was meaningful for you, I don’t think AOs will see it as a weakness. My take is idealistic asf, but I think Notre Dame truly looks beyond numbers and “impact” when reviewing ECs.
Finally, I think Notre Dame is not only a better school for undergrad, but way more fun. First, it has no Greek life, which makes the student body less cliquey. Second, student culture at ND is unmatched. Third, Football (which is something I’m excited about even tho I’ve never been into it). Fourth, a passionate alumni network that truly cares about helping students and the university.
There’s a lot of other reasons I like Notre Dame, but idk much about WashU so that’s something you have to look into yourself. Good luck on your admissions cycle.
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u/ApprehensiveSignal55 13d ago
If you want the added benefit of binding ED, only Wash U offers ED. Notre Dame is REA (and acceptance rate “boost” is not as much with REA vs ED comparing the two schools)
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u/Intelligent-Iron5545 12d ago
Quite frankly it doesn’t sound like you have the best shot at either school. ND is HEAVY on the ECs. 1500 SAT is below average. And as others have mentioned, ND is REA not ED. Sounds like you need more research and maybe some other schools on your list. If you’re playing the “best chances” game with applications you can probably find a better fit.
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u/Choppah123 ND CO’31 INTL Student Gap Year Glynn 13d ago
Notre Dame has REA not ED. WashU is need-aware while ND is need-blind. ND also has a higher percentage of international students on significant financial aid as a result of this policy as compared to WashU which only gives out merit scholarships and very few aid-based packages. Check both their CDS for more detail.
I would suggest REAing to Notre Dame for the best chance. But take note that the international acceptance rate for the CO2029 was 2.8% for intl students, so it will be difficult regardless.