University of Notre Dame

University of Notre Dame Supplemental Essay Outlines

Here is our suggested essay outlines for every prompt.

1. Fully Customizable Outlines

Adapt, reorder, or rewrite any paragraph structure to fit your voice.

2. Deep-Dive AI Interview

Meet Wiz, your AI wizard who interviews you for real, personal stories.

3. Instant Rough 1st Drafts

Turn your unique stories into a tailored rough 1st draft as a strong model for your essay.

Upgrade to Plus, Pro, or Elite to unlock complete paragraph-by-paragraph strategy guides and Wiz rough drafting for this school.

Get Started For Free
Essay outlines

Every Notre Dame prompt, outlined

Required Essay

Non-Negotiable Factor

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. (150 words).

Paragraph 1: My Personal Backstory

  • Open with a vivid personal backstory or a specific moment that shows a priority of yours.
  • Describe this priority as a non-negotiable factor.
  • Avoid generic descriptions of beautiful campuses or broad, empty phrases.
  • Focus instead on establishing a deeply personal value.

Paragraph 2: The Core Priority

  • Deepen the explanation of why this factor is non-negotiable for you.
  • Focus on how it connects to your values, personal experiences, or identity.
  • Avoid boasting about your accomplishments or restating your activities.
  • Keep the focus strictly on your values and character.

Paragraph 3: The Notre Dame Fit

Optional Essays (Choose 2)

Influence of Faith

100 words

How does faith influence the decisions you make?

Paragraph 1: The Initial Practice

Paragraph 2: My Decision Making

Paragraph 3: My Campus Contribution

Distinctive Background

100 words

What is distinctive about your personal experiences and development (eg, family support, culture, disability, personal background, community)? Why are these experiences important to you and how will you enrich the Notre Dame community?

Paragraph 1: My Unique Background

Paragraph 2: The Lessons Learned

Paragraph 3: My Future Contribution

Fostering Service

100 words

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?

Paragraph 1: My Service Work

Paragraph 2: My Motivation

Paragraph 3: My Notre Dame Service

What Would You Fight For

100 words

What would you fight for?

Paragraph 1: The Spark

Paragraph 2: My Active Struggle

Paragraph 3: My Future Advocacy