Leadership and civics
Notre Dame Leadership Seminars
Leadership Seminars is a 10-day residential program run by University of Notre Dame Office of Pre-College Programs. Open to: current high school juniors.
- Application deadline
- January 20, 2027
- Cost
- Free
- Who can apply
- Grade 11
- current grade when applying
- Length
- 10 days
- Residential
What students do
Students spend 10 days on Notre Dame's campus in one seminar on a topic such as global issues, inequality, AI and business, or investing. They take part in discussion-based classes and can earn one transferable college credit.
- Leadership
- Global issues
- Inequality in America
- AI and business
- Investing
Key facts
- Run by
- University of Notre Dame Office of Pre-College Programs
- Where
- Notre Dame, IN (residential)
- Who can apply
- Current high school juniorsMust be at least 16 by August 1, 2027; admitted students are generally in the top 10% of their class with demonstrated leadership.
- Dates
- Session I: June 19 to 30, 2027; Session II: July 10 to 21, 2027
- Cost
- Tuition, housing and meals are paid by the University for admitted students; $75 application fee
- Deadline
- January 20, 2027Application opens October 19, 2026.
- Selectivity
- Approximately 150 students are admitted to Leadership Seminars each year.
Official program siteOfficial application pageUniversity of Notre Dame admissions profile
What the application asks for
- Transcript
- Counselor recommendation
- Teacher recommendation
- Application fee
Online application, transcript, counselor report with school profile, one teacher recommendation and a $75 fee; SAT, ACT or PSAT scores are optional but preferred.
How a mentor helps with your Leadership Seminars application
- Decide whether Leadership Seminars fits, and which similar programs to apply to alongside it.
- Work backward from the deadline so essays, recommendations, and forms are not left to the last week.
- Draft and revise the essays or short answers with one-on-one feedback.
Email me the Leadership Seminars deadlines and requirements
A link to this page, plus our list of similar programs.
Similar programs
| Program | Where | Who can apply | Cost | Deadline |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| ALA Girls NationAmerican Legion Auxiliary | Washington, DCResidential | ALA Girls State participants entering their senior year | Not posted | Not posted |
| ALA Girls StateAmerican Legion Auxiliary | Multiple locationsResidential | High school students who have completed their junior year | Free | Not posted |
| Boys NationThe American Legion | Washington, DCResidential | Boys State participants (rising seniors) | Not posted | Not posted |
| Boys StateThe American Legion | Multiple locationsResidential | High school juniors | Not posted | Not posted |
| USSYPUnited States Senate and The Hearst Foundations | Washington, DCResidential | High school juniors and seniors | Free with stipend | Varies by state; December 1, 2026 is the national deadline for states to submit their selections |
Frequently asked questions
When is the Leadership Seminars application deadline?
The deadline is January 20, 2027. The application opens October 19, 2026.
How much does Leadership Seminars cost?
Tuition, housing and meals are paid by the University for admitted students; $75 application fee.
Who can apply to Leadership Seminars?
Current high school juniors. Must be at least 16 by August 1, 2027; admitted students are generally in the top 10% of their class with demonstrated leadership.
What does the Leadership Seminars application require?
Transcript, Counselor recommendation, Teacher recommendation, Application fee. Online application, transcript, counselor report with school profile, one teacher recommendation and a $75 fee; SAT, ACT or PSAT scores are optional but preferred.
How hard is it to get into Leadership Seminars?
Approximately 150 students are admitted to Leadership Seminars each year.
Read from the program’s own site and last checked 2026-10-09. Programs change dates, fees, and requirements each year, so confirm on the official site before you apply. Dewey Smart is not affiliated with this program.
