Pranav Guntupalli

What made you choose Notre Dame?

My ideal college experience was always an uncommon combination of the poetic and prudential. Of course, I wanted the best possible education in economics as well as opportunities to successfully enter the professional world. I knew that Notre Dame’s dedicated professors, interesting courses, and unmatched alumni network would help me achieve that. But so would any other peer institution. What makes Notre Dame different, you may ask?

Although I'm not religious myself, the prospect of having people of different faiths congregate together in a shared mission to inquire and challenge each other intellectually and spiritually was incredibly exciting. It was the warm embrace of the members of my local Dallas Alumni club who not only supported me financially but also welcomed me into their family. It was the residential life system, that eschewed raucous greek life in favor of more welcoming and familial dorms where practices like random roommates would push me out of my comfort zone. I knew that this combination of family and intellectual inquiry is unique to Notre Dame.

What advice do you have for international students?

The decision to move to Notre Dame from a foreign country is a daunting one, and the homogeneity of the student body might give you the impression that the community isn't welcoming to people of different racial and national backgrounds. This couldn't be farther from the truth. The community is unusually courteous (especially for someone coming from a different country) and my professors have gone out of their way to make me feel welcome. There are multiple student organizations that are committed to fostering a sense of community and creating a "home away from home". Events like Asian First-Year Retreat were incredibly helpful to help me meet and connect with other international students. Everyone here wants to help you succeed and I think that's what makes Notre Dame special.