University of Notre Dame Pre-College Programs Psychology and the Self

Dr. Anré Venter, who directs undergraduate studies in Notre Dame's psychology department, is the course's academic director. He earned his PhD in social psychology at Notre Dame and teaches introductory psychology, statistics, social psychology and upper-level seminars on the philosophy of the self there. His research looks at how self-complexity buffers stress and how culture relates to the self.

Classes mix lectures, discussion sessions and documentary and film screenings. The reading list runs from scholarly articles to Aldous Huxley, Walker Percy, Herman Hesse and Ryszard Kapuscinski. You're expected to take part actively, and you'll have chances to lead discussions. Notre Dame says it keeps Summer Scholars classes small, although it doesn't publish a class size or daily class hours.

Being a sophomore or junior who turns 16 by 1 August 2027 isn't enough on its own. Notre Dame also wants strong grades and solid extracurriculars, plus what it calls a high level of maturity and a sincere desire to be part of the Notre Dame community. There are no exceptions to the age rule, which Notre Dame ties to its insurance and child-protection policies.

The online application includes two essays, which Notre Dame calls very important, along with a transcript, a counselor report and a teacher recommendation. The recommendation should speak to your ability to handle college-level work and to your maturity, integrity and leadership. It helps if it comes from a teacher who can back your interest in this subject. SAT, ACT or PSAT scores are encouraged but not required, and you can list your activities in the application, upload a resume or do both.

• English tests

  If you don't attend an English-speaking high school, you need a TOEFL (5.5+), IELTS (7.5+), PTE (55+) or Duolingo (120+) score.

• More than one course

  You can apply to as many Summer Scholars courses as you're eligible for.

Notre Dame puts the 2027 cost of tuition, housing and the enrollment fee at $5,200. The $75 application fee comes on top, so an admitted student's family pays $5,275 in all. That covers classes, room and board, extracurricular activities and class field trips, and you get your books and class materials when you arrive. Travel to Indiana isn't on that list, and Notre Dame recommends travel insurance. Parents also pay for any medical or mental health care during the two weeks.

Nothing is refunded once it's paid. That includes a student sent home for breaking the rules, and in that case the family also pays for the trip home.

Notre Dame describes its aid as very limited and meant for students facing extreme economic hardship. It has some need-based scholarships covering part or all of tuition but offers nothing for merit. Two grants pay tuition, room and board for qualifying students who live in Indiana or the Philadelphia area. A parent requests aid on the Financial Aid Request Form by 17 February 2027, and any award is announced with the admission decision.

If you complete every program requirement, you can receive one transferable Notre Dame credit with a Satisfactory (S) grade, and you order the transcript from the University Registrar. Notre Dame doesn't say which colleges accept the credit, so check with any school where you'd want it to count.

Students live in campus residence halls, and you can't leave campus outside a scheduled, supervised activity unless a staff member or Resident Counselor goes with you. That's one of the rules Notre Dame published for summer 2026. The same rules keep students out of residence halls of the opposite gender and require written approval for any guest. Classes, meals, check-ins and scheduled events are compulsory, and students may not drive at all.

Students handle their own medication, because staff won't store or give it. Parents need to arrange any medical or mental health accommodations at least 30 days before the program starts. A mandatory welcome weekend after move-in introduces students to the faculty, Resident Counselors and staff.

You apply through Notre Dame's enrollment portal, where you first create an account.

1. 1

   Once your teacher has agreed to write for you, start the application and add their contact details and your counselor's, so Notre Dame can email them to request your transcript, counselor report and recommendation.

2. 2

   If you're sending SAT, ACT or PSAT scores, upload them by 31 January 2027.

3. 3

   Submit the application with both essays and pay the $75 fee by 17 February 2027, which is also the deadline for your counselor's and teacher's documents.

4. 4

   If you're admitted, pay the $300 enrollment fee by 23 April 2027 to secure your place.

5. 5

   Pay the $4,900 balance by 14 May 2027.