Admissions & Eligibility

Apply to the Corde Scholars Program

We seek to attract and retain 10 new students who demonstrate exceptional alignment with our mission and great potential for social impact. You will join 15 second-year students from the first cohort of Corde Scholars.

Globe with grotto candles

Who We Are Looking For

We seek students who:

  1. Aspire to a career in work toward a more just world (e.g., non-profit leadership, public policy, education, international NGOs, social services, community organizing, social entrepreneurship, religious vocations, medicine or law for the disadvantaged, elected office).
  2. Articulate a sense of call, higher purpose, or vocation.
  3. Demonstrate emotional intelligence (awareness of self and openness to others).
  4. Trust spirituality, religion, or faith is central to their lives.
  5. Possess a passion for social justice.

Eligibility & Program Requirements

  • The Corde Scholars Program is designed for incoming first-year students. Transfer students and current Notre Dame students are not eligible.
  • Requires participation in a weekly leadership practicum (Tuesday evenings from 6-7:15) for all four years. This requirement is not compatible with marching band, some NCAA sports, and some ROTC programs.
  • Requires completion of at least one 3-credit course in contemplative leadership skills. 
  • Requires developing a four-year plan for experiences beyond the classroom that culminates in a portfolio.
  • Requires moving onto campus on August 19th in order to participate in a pre-matriculation retreat. This requirement is not compatible with ND Rise South Bend or other programs that require an early move-in for your first year. International students will miss International Student Orientation, but may attend a make-up session.

Application Process & Timeline (for Fall 2026)  

Invited students should apply for the program by April 7th. The program’s leadership will consider your application essay, review your entire university application, and follow up with online interviews as needed.