Meet Some Current Transfer Students
When it comes to the Notre Dame experience, our students say it best.
Carley Sapp
Hometown: Columbia, MO
Majors: Spanish, anthropology
How did you become interested in transferring to Notre Dame?
I didn’t know what Notre Dame was until my older brother attended in 2015 and showed me the amazing community and atmosphere that the school had to offer. After attending my first football game at a fairly young age, I became hooked on the school and loved everything it offered.
However, it wasn’t until my senior year of high school that I considered it a legitimate option for myself. That’s when I decided to look into its fantastic study abroad programs, major options, and extracurriculars. The more I researched, the more I wanted to attend.
After getting waitlisted when I applied as a first-year, I still couldn’t get the idea of going to Notre Dame out of my head or all the amazing experiences I thought I was missing. After much thought, I decided to try transferring and it is one of the best decisions I have ever made.
Which aspects of the Notre Dame experience appealed to you as you considered transferring?
The community was one of the biggest parts of the ND experience that appealed to me. Even at my first ND football game as a child, I remember the fantastic atmosphere and energy of the student section.
I also think the residential aspect of Notre Dame feeds into this great community. This community thrives a lot due to almost all undergraduates living on campus and in a dorm. There are entire separate communities within the dorm system, which is something that seems really special to me.
How did you choose your major and minors?
I came into college having no idea what I wanted to study. However, ever since my freshman year of college, I really wanted to be bilingual so I decided I wanted to continue to pursue Spanish as a major. I briefly looked at many different majors like English, math, and history, but after my first semester in college, I thought about what truly interested me.
One of the classes I really enjoyed taking was an Intro to Anthropology class. I have always enjoyed traveling the world and learning about other cultures, and I feel that Spanish and anthropology encompass these hobbies into a great study area.
Which extracurriculars and/or research are you involved in?
I was involved in the cheer team last year and am excited to continue that this year as a student-athlete at Notre Dame. Cheer has always been a big part of my life, and I always wanted to pursue it in college. I am excited to cheer on the Irish at many sporting events and participate in community events with the team.
Do you have any advice for students interested in transferring?
Never give up. I know the application can feel daunting, but the day I got the email saying "welcome home," it was all worth it. The process is hard and emotional sometimes, but try to persevere. When I got waitlisted going into my first year of college, it was hard, but if you really feel like Notre Dame is the perfect school for you, apply for transfer!
Carl Alexander
Hometown: Atlanta, GA
Major: Finance and Africana Studies
How did you become interested in transferring to Notre Dame?
I became interested in transferring to Notre Dame because it always felt like where I was meant to be. Growing up in a Notre Dame family, the school has always been close to my heart. After participating in the ND Summer Scholars program during my junior year of high school, I was determined to attend. I was fortunate to be accepted, but I chose a different school because it seemed like the best decision at that time.
Over time, I realized that a large public school environment was not the right fit for me. I also discovered that I wanted to pursue finance instead of statistics, and transferring into a program like Mendoza's became extremely appealing. On top of that, having the chance to continue my mother’s legacy at Notre Dame made the idea even more meaningful.
Which aspects of the Notre Dame experience appealed to you as you considered transferring?
The strong alumni network, especially in finance and in Chicago, was a major draw because I knew I wanted to build a long-term career in that area. I was also excited about the tight-knit community that I did not experience at my previous school. Finally, being able to attend football games and cheer for the team I grew up loving made the idea of transferring even more appealing.
How did you choose your majors?
I chose finance because after I majored in statistics my freshman year, I realized I wanted a change. I realized that I wanted pursue a field that had a better quantitative and qualitative skillset balance. After doing research and picking the brains of upperclassmen, I realized that finance was that field for me. I decided to pick up my other major in Africana studies after taking a handful of Africana studies classes to fill my electives, and I realized how much I loved the classes and how passionate I was about them. Then I ended picking up the major my junior year.
Which extracurriculars and/or research are you involved in?
I am the Co-President of Wabruda (Black Men Association of Notre Dame) and I am an Operations Supervisor at RecSports.
Do you have any advice for students interested in transferring?
I would encourage any student considering transferring to follow their heart and trust their own path. The transfer process can feel intimidating, but if you believe it is the right move, you should go for it. Focus on what is best for you rather than what others think or expect. If you do transfer, make an effort to get involved in the community. Putting yourself out there can truly elevate your experience and help you build meaningful connections.
Mason Kacmar
Hometown: Cleveland, OH
Major: Film, Television, and Theatre
How did you become interested in transferring to Notre Dame?
From both my mother and uncle attending Notre Dame, I always had the school in the back of my mind. However, I decided to follow my older sister to California and move away from our home in Northeast Ohio. Throughout my freshman year, I continued to have little signs about Notre Dame, and how my heart continued to tell me that something was waiting for me there.
I craved a college experience that emphasizes community and belonging, and being part of something bigger than yourself. This is what Notre Dame is, and I could not ignore a school that values supporting its students with a family and faith all while dressed in navy and gold.
Which aspects of the Notre Dame experience appealed to you as you considered transferring?
The biggest push for Notre Dame was its sense of community. I remember hearing stories from my mother about her experience in Knott Hall (before it became a men's hall), and how Notre Dame sets its students up for success by creating an environment where friendships naturally form, and eventually how your hallmates become your family.
Additionally, Notre Dame also makes a commitment to do "good" in the world, and put others above self. This type of mission really resonated with me. I love that the school encourages students to give back to their community, to support and promote kindness across its campus, and be selfless advocates for others.
How did you choose your major?
I have always had a passion for the arts and, specifically, theatre. When I found out that Notre Dame had a major called Film, Television, and Theatre, I was immediately hooked. Here is a school that encourages its students to tap into many different facets of the arts, and use their liberal arts education to go out in the world and do anything.
I take classes like the History of Television and Voice and Dialect, but also International Relations and Drama & Poetry in Ukraine at War. The faculty of my department have been incredible, supporting my academic journey and constantly pushing me out of my comfort zone.
Which extracurriculars and/or research are you involved in?
Throughout my Notre Dame experience, I have been part of many performative projects/groups. First, I am a member of the Notre Dame Humor Artists, the premiere and only improvisational club that incorporates students from our tri-campus community. Every week, no matter how difficult or stressful college life can be, I come to practice knowing I can just be silly and creative and decompress with a great group of friends.
Another project I am proud of is my involvement with Notre Dame's Junior Parents' Weekend. As Presidents' Dinner Chair, I was tasked with planning and orchestrating the dinner with over three thousand guests. Lastly, I participate in many Film, Television, and Theatre performances through out the year. Some of my favorite productions include A Chorus Line, John Proctor is the Villain, and Heart On Fire. I am so lucky to be part of these productions, and feel that the cast and crew truly become a family.
Do you have any advice for students interested in transferring?
As a transfer myself, I know how scary this process can be. Trust me. I was there too trying to figure out how I can go through a college admissions process twice, just one year after thinking I was done. But what I can say, is that it was so worth it, and I would do it again in a heartbeat, to be at this school.
Once you get here, I implore you to take as many classes that you normally would not think of taking. Take a theatre class, or pottery making, or even a class about video games. Notre Dame's curriculum has so much to offer, so make the most of it. And finally, know that Notre Dame students are always wanting to make new friends. I get it can be scary, but just "say yes" or perhaps take the initiative to ask someone to dinner or for coffee. You will be so glad that you did!
Elle Strogilos
Hometown: Schererville, IN
Majors: Neuroscience and behavior, political science
How did you become interested in transferring to Notre Dame?
The end-all-be-all of my original college search was: No Midwest, No Notre Dame. But, my first-year college experience was rough. So, I decided to reevaluate what I wanted to define my next three years. Community. Spirit. Character. Those three words scream ND.
Thus, I resonated with Notre Dame’s mission “be a force for good.” People at Notre Dame are driven and intelligent, but there is an innate desire to help others and make the world a better place. The people at ND comprise a remarkable community defined by curiosity, service, and energy.
At ND, I have found my best friends through my dorm, classes, and extracurriculars. Alongside the people, I was looking for a spirited school. ND’s football culture and school pride are unmatched. From the classroom to the football student section to the alums' enthusiasm, I knew Notre Dame was the place for me. Love thee!
Which aspects of the Notre Dame experience appealed to you as you considered transferring?
The community, spirit, and tradition of Notre Dame appealed to me as I considered transferring. I knew I wanted to join a community that people were proud to be a part of. But I also wanted to be challenged in the classroom. Notre Dame is the perfect combination of community, spirit, tradition, and academics. And, as an extra bonus, Notre Dame’s has a beautiful campus!
How did you choose your major and minors?
Growing up, I was told I could pursue anything but that the purpose of life is service. For me, service materialized in the field of international relations and security. I found my home in NDISC, the Notre Dame International Security Center. NDISC provides a forum for national security discussion through specialized coursework, a student-run podcast, research support, mentorship, and bi-weekly seminar discussions.
I have had the privilege to host a podcast with Carmen Medina, a retired Deputy Director of CIA and assist senior career defense officials in research. The resources, community, and coursework NDISC provides led me to declare a major in political science.
My second major is neuroscience and behavior through the College of Arts and Letters. I have an interest in the human mind, specifically, the intersection of biological and psychological processes. In the future, I would love to combine my interests in the human mind, security, and service.
Which extracurriculars and/or research are you involved in?
I am involved in Baraka Bouts (women’s boxing), Adopt-a-Family, interhall sports, teach kids to learn to skate at the ice-rink, and help out with Welcome Weekend!
I am also a research assistant in Dr. Gibson’s Attention, Memory, and Perception Lab.
Baraka Bouts is the largest all female club on campus pairing service with athletic ability. Girls attend practice four times a week combining HIIT workouts with boxing instruction, while also learning about and fundraising for the Holy Cross Missions in East Africa. Participating in Baraka Bouts is an empowering and uniquely Notre Dame experience!
I also enjoy volunteering with Adopt-A-Family, an organization that partners with local families to spread the holiday spirit. Lastly, my extracurricular list would not be complete without plugging interhall sports! I love playing flag football and sand volleyball with other Flaherty Bears.
Do you have any advice for students interested in transferring?
If you have a gut feeling, follow it. Transferring to Notre Dame was the best decision I made. And, if you do transfer, do everything. Put yourself out there: make friends in class, join interhall sports, participate in clubs, and embrace all that ND has to offer!