University of Notre Dame 2021-2022 Essay Prompts

The University of Notre Dame has released its essays for students who will apply for admission during the 2021-2022 admissions cycle in the hope of earning a slot in the Class of 2026. Students applying to Notre Dame’s incoming class are asked to answer two essay questions.

The first essay prompt reads, “The founder of the Congregation of Holy Cross, Blessed Basil Moreau, wrote, “We shall always place education side by side with instruction; the mind will not be cultivated at the expense of the heart.” How do you hope a Notre Dame education and experience will transform your mind and heart?” In short, it’s a spiritual Why College essay, with an emphasis on the word spiritual.

For the second prompt, applicants have the choice of answering one of two prompts. The first option reads, “During the spring semester, Notre Dame faculty gave 3-Minute Lightning Talks on exciting topics within their fields of expertise. While you don’t have a Ph.D. yet, we bet you’re developing an expertise in something. If you were giving a Lightning Talk, what topic (academic or not) would you choose?” The second option reads, “There is a story or meaning behind every name or nickname — both those we’re given and those that we choose. What is meaningful to you about your name?”

Applicants are asked to answer both essays — the Why College essay and one of the two other essays — in 200 words. Have a question about the Notre Dame Class of 2026 admissions essays? Let us know your question by posting it below. We look forward to hearing from you!