Notre Dame Summer Scholars

Notre Dame Summer Scholars

Notre Dame Summer Scholars, offered by the University of Notre Dame Pre-College program, is a prestigious two-week academic immersion opportunity designed for high school students in grades 10-12. Held on the University of Notre Dame’s campus in the USA, this program provides students with the chance to explore diverse academic tracks across STEM, arts, and the social sciences, fostering intellectual growth and preparing participants for the challenges of college-level education. Whether your interests lie in neuroscience, data science, law, or other interdisciplinary fields, Summer Scholars offers an unparalleled learning experience for motivated students ready to embrace academic rigor.

Program Structure

Notre Dame Summer Scholars is a fully in-person program, ensuring students benefit from an immersive collegiate experience. Spanning two weeks, participants engage in daily academic sessions within their chosen track, led by Notre Dame faculty, researchers, and expert instructors. The program emphasizes hands-on learning, critical thinking, and collaboration, with tracks designed to reflect cutting-edge fields like neuroscience, data science, and law. Students also have access to campus resources such as libraries, laboratories, and study spaces, enhancing their ability to deeply engage with their coursework and research.

Outside of academic sessions, students participate in extracurricular activities, social events, and community-building experiences designed to foster connections with peers from diverse backgrounds. This holistic approach ensures participants gain both academic and personal growth throughout the program.

What Students Experience

During Notre Dame Summer Scholars, students delve into innovative and complex topics within their chosen academic track, gaining valuable insights into specialized fields. For example, neuroscience students might study brain function and behavior, while data science participants learn statistical modeling and computational techniques. Law track participants are introduced to fundamental principles of legal studies and ethics.

The program emphasizes interactive learning, including hands-on experiments, case studies, and collaborative projects, enabling students to apply theoretical concepts to real-world scenarios. Additionally, students benefit from mentorship from Notre Dame faculty and staff, who guide their academic exploration and provide insights into pursuing higher education and careers in their field of interest.

Beyond academics, students have the opportunity to experience campus life at one of the nation’s leading universities. From engaging in social events to networking with peers and mentors, participants gain a deeper understanding of what it means to be a part of a collegiate community.

Why It Matters for College Applications

Notre Dame Summer Scholars is an excellent opportunity to strengthen college applications. Participating in this program demonstrates a student’s commitment to academic growth, intellectual curiosity, and readiness for college-level coursework. The program’s rigorous curriculum and focus on specialized fields such as neuroscience, data science, and law highlight a student’s passion for learning and ability to tackle challenging subjects. Additionally, the mentorship and feedback students receive from Notre Dame faculty can help them refine their academic interests and future goals.

Admissions officers value extracurricular experiences like Summer Scholars because they reflect initiative, dedication, and the ability to thrive in a structured academic environment. Completing this program can set students apart as competitive candidates for top universities.

Eligibility

Notre Dame Summer Scholars is open to high school students currently in grades 10, 11, and 12. Applicants must demonstrate academic excellence, intellectual curiosity, and a desire to engage deeply with their chosen field of study. The program seeks motivated and responsible students who are eager to make the most of this unique educational opportunity.

How to Participate

To apply for Notre Dame Summer Scholars, students must complete an online application through the University of Notre Dame Pre-College website. The application typically includes a personal statement, recommendation letters, and academic transcripts. Deadlines vary, so interested students should check the website for specific dates and requirements. The program fee is $4,800, which covers tuition, housing, meals, and activities during the program. Financial aid opportunities may be available for eligible students.

For more details and to submit your application, visit the University of Notre Dame Pre-College website.

How much does Notre Dame Summer Scholars cost?

Notre Dame Summer Scholars costs $5,200. We read that off its official page, which says “$5,200”. Many paid programs offer need-based financial aid or fee waivers — check the official site before ruling it out.

What is the application deadline for Notre Dame Summer Scholars?

Our catalog holds February 18, 2027, carried over from Notre Dame Summer Scholars's previous cycle, and we have not found that date on the program's own page — so treat it as a placeholder, not a deadline, and confirm it at https://precollege.nd.edu/summer-scholars/eligibility-and-application-requirements/.

Who is eligible for Notre Dame Summer Scholars?

Our catalog has Notre Dame Summer Scholars open to high school students in grades 10–12, unconfirmed against the program's own page — check it before you rule yourself in or out, since eligibility is often narrower than a grade range suggests (age floors, "must have completed" rules, enrolment status).

Is Notre Dame Summer Scholars online or in person?

Notre Dame Summer Scholars is an in-person program based in Notre Dame, IN. Expect a time commitment of roughly 30 hours per week.

How do I apply to Notre Dame Summer Scholars?

Apply directly through University of Notre Dame Pre-College's official website. ExtracurricularHub links to the official application — we list and verify programs but don't process applications.