Podcast
Welcome to College Bound, the Notre Dame Admissions Podcast
We know that researching colleges and filling out applications can be a stressful process. Our weekly podcast will provide you with an understanding of the Notre Dame review process and deadlines, and help you get to know Notre Dame a little better.
Meet Your Hosts
Admissions counselors and Notre Dame alumnae Maria Finan and Montanna Kirven are passionate about Notre Dame and the University’s mission. We know that high school is a busy time for students, and we want to help you navigate the application process.
How to Listen
Listen and subscribe via Buzzsprout, Spotify, Apple, or Amazon Music. Episode transcripts are available via the same link.
Episodes
Season 7
Season 7 of College Bound: The ND Admissions Podcast is hosted by admissions counselors and Notre Dame grads Maria Finan and Montanna Kirven. We're here to share all things ND Admissions—from information about the admissions and financial aid processes to episodes on academics, community, and faith.
Episode 1: Visiting Notre Dame
Looking forward to visiting campus? We're excited to welcome you! This episode answers a common question from prospective studets, which is, "How do I make the most of my visit to Notre Dame?"
Episode 2: What Classes to Take
This episode answers the question: What classes should I take to be a strong applicant for Notre Dame? Short answer: Focus on taking rigorous classes, like AP and IB classes, across different subject areas to prepare you for your college coursework. Admissions counselors Maria Finan and Montanna Kirven also offer advice on which classes to take to make sure you’re prepared for your intended major.
Episode 3: When should I apply? Restrictive Early Action vs. Regular Decision
Season 6
Season 6 of College Bound is hosted by current Notre Dame admissions interns. In this season, we bring you The Post Notre Dame Experience—a conversation with Notre Dame graduates about what their life has been like after graduation. Whether that was attending graduate school, going into the workforce, or moving abroad, we are ready to share with you the endless possibilities that are at your hands, when you graduate from Notre Dame.
Episode 1: Post-ND: The Neuroscience Major and Medical School
In episode 1, we have Lauren Michels, a Notre Dame graduate talking to us about what her journey and career has been since she graduated in 2017. Lauren was a Neuroscience major in the College of Science during her time at Notre Dame.
Episode 2: Post-ND: The Interdisciplinary Chemical Engineer
Luis Alejandro Lazalde shares his experience at ND studying Chemical Engineering and Theology and how his time at ND has helped him in his career as a Chemical Engineer.
Episode 3: Post-ND: American Studies Leader
Phyllis Washington Stone '80 shares how her American Studies major and campus involvement helped shape her into the leader she is today as an executive coach in leadership development.
Episode 4: Welcome Home: Tips for the ND Class of 2027
In this week's bonus episode, ND Admissions interns Ceci and Ryan share their tips on the college discernment process, share their favorite ND traditions, and tell you why they chose Notre Dame as the place they call home. Congratulations once again to the newly admitted Class of 2027! Please reach out to us on social over the next few weeks so we can tell you about all things ND!
Episode 5: Post-ND: The Liberal Arts Entrepreneur
Woody Northup '70 shares how his time at Notre Dame helped prepare him to start his own business. His liberal arts education equipped him with the skill necessary to lead that business and persevere through the challenges of building a company from the ground up.
Post-ND: The Architecture Program
Rebekah Patterson '13 shares what she has gone on to achieve since graduating from Notre Dame's School of Architecture. Listen now to see how she paired a classical architecture education with a modern focus on stability to succeed as an architect.
Episode 7: Post-ND: Senior Send-Off
With graduation approaching, senior interns Liz Maroshick and Nicole Campbell reflect on their time at Notre Dame. Listen now for great advice on making the most of your time on campus, and thank you Nicole and Liz for all that you do for our team!
Season 5
Season 5 of College Bound is hosted by admissions counselors Maria Finan and Zach Klonsinski. They walk you through the college application process and Notre Dame's holistic application evalution. Episodes will be released weekly on Tuesdays leading up to the November 1 Restrictive Early Action application submission deadline.
Episode 1: Test-Optional and the Academic Review Process
Your co-hosts Maria Finan and Zach Klonsinski kick off season 5 by covering the extension of Notre Dame's test-optional pilot program and how they evaluate test-optional applications.
Episode 2: Non-Academic Review
Admissions counselors Maria Finan and Zach Klonsinski cover the non-academic side of your application evaluation in this episode. They discuss holistically evaluating everything from your extracurricular activities or your letter of recommendation to your college application essay.
Episode 3: Understanding the College Essay
Admissions counselors Maria Finan and Zach Klonsinski answer some FAQs about the college application essay and share a few tips on how you can write your best essay for your application to Notre Dame.
Episode 5: Should You Apply to Notre Dame?
Is Notre Dame the right place for you? In our final episode of season 5, admissions counselors and co-hosts Maria Finan and Zach Klonsinski help you explore what the University of Notre Dame offers its undergraduate students. They help you determine whether the University is a good fit for you.