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As the Dragons finish up their last few weeks at Notre Dame, they are sharing reflections of their high school years and hopes for the future.

You can read all their stories here.

Simrin Bhargava

University of California, Berkeley
Economics
Notre Dame galvanized my spirit for social justice and leadership. My education spanned everything from learning calculus in classrooms to witnessing inequality and injustice through immersion trips. Over the past four years, I have used my experiences to mold my voice--a voice that will blossom further at UC Berkeley. Berkeley's exceptional education combined with their historic culture of advocacy make the university my perfect fit! Go Bears!

Sapna Ramappa

University of California, Los Angeles - Regents Scholarship & Alumni Scholarship
Neuroscience
Notre Dame has instilled in me a passion for social justice, leadership, and learning; ND's emphasis on encouraging resourcefulness and compassion will enable me to take on the changing world with alacrity and adaptability. I'm looking forward to growing holistically through UCLA's incredible neuroscience program and research opportunities, spirited student body, and vibrant location in Los Angeles. Go Bruins!

Jelena Buccat

University of San Francisco - Getty Honors College Scholarship, University Scholar Award
Environmental Studies
The diversity and emphasis on social justice at Notre Dame has fostered my creativity, passions, and leadership skills. I’ve had the greatest friends and mentors to teach me the value of staying educated and utilizing my unique assets for a larger, global impact. Through USF’s endless resources and programs, I’m excited to study urban agriculture and sustainable design in the colorful city of San Francisco and all over the world.

Chiara de Leon

UC Merced
Biochemistry
Although going to college in Merced will be a big change in scenery for me, I’m excited to meet new people and study what I love. I chose UC Merced because of the numerous opportunities for research in all years, and because the campus looks like it came straight out of a science fiction movie, meaning it's very high tech. Notre Dame, thank you for all the lessons I’ve learned and for all the memories I’ve made, you will always have a place in my heart. Ora et labora!

Miranda Godinez

UC Davis - Regents Scholarship
Biomedical Engineering
During my time at Notre Dame, I've developed of sense of who I am and who I want to become. Thanks to ND's supportive yet challenging environment, I've realized how I want to make my own unique impact on the world. At UC Davis, I look forward to taking advantage of every opportunity that comes my way and engaging with the people around me in order to achieve this goal and grow into an even better version of myself.

Susan Dahni

UC Merced - Benton Honors
Biological Sciences
ND has helped me grow in my confidence and leadership skills. I found myself participating in many extracurriculars, from being a club officer to editor in journalism. This combined with ND's loving and accepting atmosphere encouraged me in so many ways. When I first saw UC Merced, I knew it was for me. I loved the campus, its proximity to my hometown, and it's focus on STEM, combined with a private school-like faculty-to-staff ratio. I will always remember ND and the connections I've made, and I look forward to a bright future. Go Bobcats!

Sanjana Malik

UC Riverside
Neuroscience
Notre Dame has been one of the most valuable experiences so far. The education, resources, and support of my teachers helped me find my passion and pursue it – to become a doctor and support the community. I choose UCR as it will help me pursue my passion for medicine with its state-of-the-art facilities and resources for aspiring doctors. As I embark on my new journey to college, I’m extremely excited and confident that UCR will help me realize my dreams. GO HIGHLANDERS!!

Melanie Huynh

UC Davis
Neurobiology, Physiology & Behavior
My past four years at Notre Dame have allowed me to grow into the woman I am today. I am excited to further my passion for biology and service in college. Known for its supportive community and pre-medical program, I couldn’t be more thrilled to attend UC Davis. Go Ags!

Amritha Sankarappan

UC Riverside
Biology
I am so grateful for the education, leadership opportunities, and friendships Notre Dame has given me. When I visited UC Riverside, I was amazed by its strong pre-medical program, diverse community, and its limitless research opportunities. I am so excited to start my journey in Southern California and make an impact on my community. Go Highlanders!

Ariel Cheng

UCLA
Molecular, Cell & Developmental Biology
I have always admired Notre Dame’s love for learning and am happy to have found a similarly passionate and welcoming culture at UCLA! Being in LA means I will have ample internship and research opportunities at my fingertips, allowing me to explore a range of interests. The food doesn’t hurt either! Thanks to Notre Dame, I feel ready and excited to tackle the challenges I might encounter in college. Go Bruins!

Emily Vanuy

CSU Long Beach
Animation & Illustration
Notre Dame has given me the opportunity to explore new interests, and the past four years have been unforgettable. I chose CSU Long Beach because of its dedication to building professional artists by teaching students to network and brand themselves.

Gauri Sehgal

University of San Francisco - Provost Scholarship & Global Award
Biological Sciences
As I head to the University of San Francisco, I will be taking the open mind I cultivated at Notre Dame which encourages me to understand, and explore my surroundings. USF is in the heart of San Fransisco, giving me endless opportunities to thrive and obtain an education. Go Dons!

Alondra Arana

Notre Dame de Namur University - Silicon Valley & Belmont Scholarships
Criminal Justice
We all have a voice. At Notre Dame, I learned to use my voice and to advocate for social issues. I am walking away proudly embracing sisterhood, being an advocate, and being there for others.  I chose to attend NDnU because I want to continue growing as a social advocate and giving back to my community as I continue my education.

Nikita Jagdish

Worcester Polytechnic Institute - Presidential Scholarship
Mechanical Engineering
Notre Dame provided me with a supporting community where I was able to find my voice and learn through a social justice perspective. I chose WPI because of it's integration of humanities into STEM, through which I can continue my social justice education by using engineering to help solve global issues. I am so excited to be pursuing my passions and grow more as a woman of impact surrounded by the tight knit community at WPI. Go Goats!

Christina Casillas

San Jose State University
Journalism
Notre Dame’s urban landscape has made me value schools deep in the city. San José State, which is also in the heart of downtown San Jose, naturally seemed like an excellent fit. Finding that they offered the major I wanted to pursue, in addition to the beautiful campus and diverse community, I decided SJSU was where I wanted to be. Notre Dame has truly prepared me for taking the next step by pursuing a higher education, and I hope to find as great a home there as I have at ND.

Sindhu Bijj

UC Merced
Computer Science & Engineering
My four years at Notre Dame have made me a more independent, compassionate, and confident woman. I am so grateful for all the opportunities I had and all the friendships I made. Like ND, UC Merced provides so many opportunities to dive deeper into subjects while being part of a close community. I am so excited to start the next chapter of my life at UC Merced! Go Bobcats!

Maddie Walstrum

University of Maryland
Environmental Science & Policy
Notre Dame has helped me gain confidence and taught me not to be afraid to pursue my passions. Four years ago I could not imagine uprooting my entire life and moving across the country. I chose the University of Maryland because it will put me out of my comfort zone and will help me grow in new ways. With D.C. only a few miles away, I can get involved beyond the classroom and encourage change in what I am passionate about.

Shikha Nischal

University of San Francisco - Provost Scholarship
Psychology & Journalism
Notre Dame has truly helped shape me into the confident young woman I am today. It made me an advocate for others and for myself, allowing me to understand the significance of helping others. Similarly, USF teaches the importance of social justice, education, and serving your community. I can't wait to take everything I've learned with me to USF and continue living out as a woman of impact. Go Dons!

Aliya Merchant

University of California, San Diego
Global Health
Thank you Notre Dame for giving me such a loving and supportive community. I have grown into a confident, empowered individual and I'm ready for my next adventure. Due to its proximity to the beach, beautiful sunny weather, and community of people, I instantly fell for UCSD. With its distinguished pre-medical program and cutting-edge research opportunities, I couldn’t be more excited to make my mark at UCSD! Go Tritons!

Elaine Duh

University of Southern California - University Scholarship
Computer Science
 I chose USC because of its interdisciplinary opportunities that combine engineering and social good. Notre Dame has given me the opportunity to develop my love for computer science and grow into a social justice advocate, and I can’t wait to continue exploring these interests at USC. Fight on!

Leadership Development

Each student has the opportunity to develop her leadership skills within the co-curricular program of her choice. Students develop voice and experience in our empowering environment.

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165 Years of Tradition

In the midst of a rapidly changing world, Notre Dame's spirit and traditions remain. Whether donning crazy costumes for Spirit Week, walking downtown to attend mass, or swaying arm-in-arm while singing the alma mater, generations of women have upheld these traditions and called Notre Dame home.

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A Culture of Innovation

Notre Dame's progressive culture of solution-finding, resource-sharing, skill-building and partnerships promotes curiosity and creativity within a unique learning environment.

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Unique Downtown Experience

A Notre Dame education extends well beyond the footprint of our downtown San Jose campus, out into the tenth largest city in the United States and the thriving center of Silicon Valley.

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News

Honoring the Class of 2018 Dragons

May 24, 2018

Last night we celebrated the Class of 2018 Dragons and their many accomplishments at the Senior Recognition Ceremony! At this morning’s assembly, their Notre Dame sisters cheered and shed a few tears as the Dragons left Julie Billiart Hall for the final time and officially joined the global network of Notre Dame alumnae.

Water Wars 2018

May 24, 2018

Notre Dame's Class of 2018 battled faculty and staff in what has become a well-loved tradition - an epic water balloon showdown! Auctioned off to the highest bidder at Notre Dame's annual 'party of the year' benefit, the rights to participate went to the senior class this year. In addition to being a whole lot of fun, the water balloon battle raised funds for tuition assistance and program development.

Freshmen Strengthen Sisterhood & Care for the Environment

May 3, 2018

Freshmen recently strengthened their bonds of sisterhood through a day-long retreat experience at Santa Teresa Parish. They also spent a day exploring themes of environmental stewardship and personal responsibility at the Guadalupe River Park where they spent time weeding the orchard, removing invasive species and analyzing the various species living in the river.

Class of 2022 Welcomed to Campus

May 3, 2018

More than 400 guests spent a beautiful sunny morning on the Notre Dame campus last weekend, coming together for the first time as the Class of 2022. Joined by their family members, our newest students met with faculty and staff to learn about life on campus and the many co-curricular opportunities.

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Events

JUL 22

UChicago Info Session

3:00 PM - 5:00 PM

UChicago travels around the world to meet with prospective students and their families. Regional counselors host hour-long information session for students and parents at local ...

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AUG 24

Freshman Orientation

8:00 AM - 12:15 PM

Freshman Orientation is an opportunity for incoming freshmen to meet their mentor and their teachers and increase their familiarity with important places on campus before the fi...

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AUG 27

School Resumes

8:00 AM - 2:55 PM

First day of classes for all students. Daily rotation schedules can be found at www.ndsj.org/students.

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SEP 3

Labor Day - No Classes

All Day Event
SEP 13

Back to School Night

6:00 PM - 9:00 PM

Back to School Night is for all parents to connect with their daughter's teachers, mentor and co-curricular program directors. Registration begins at 6:00pm in Sunflower Plaza. ...

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