The figures below are based off 25 responses to a survey of ten questions, the respondents are University of Notre Dame undergraduates.

Did you attend a public or private institution of secondary education?

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When compared to the percentage of schools that private secondary institutions represent, about 25%, this statistic shows an above average number of students from private schools in attendance at the University of Notre Dame. The observed 56% of students coming from private secondary schools is surprising, especially in comparison to the other survey on this site. However, many factors must be taken into account, such as the small sample size (25 students). Also, Notre Dame, being a catholic institution, inevitably attracts more applicants from catholic backgrounds, especially those taught in catholic schools, which belong to the category of private institutions.

Rate your High school (in terms of curriculum, faculty, and facilities).

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This figure shows that a greater number of students from private schools regard the curriculum, faculty and facilities of their High school as being the best possible, relative to students from public schools. However, it should be noted that not one respondent regards their school negatively. This suggests that while private institutions may be regarded more highly by their students, those at ND hailed from very good secondary schools, regardless of their denomination.

Rate the quality of your secondary education as it applies personally.

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Here, private institutions evoked a more positive response in terms of what the student took away from the experience. While absolute comparisons and conclusions cannot be made from this survey, this questions at least suggests a slightly more confident mindset on the part of the private-schooled student.

As a HS student, rate your confidence in your academic prowess.

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Here the figures from Public and Private-schooled students look almost identical. A trend is developing in that the students that were surveyed are currently at Notre Dame, as such they performed well in during their years in secondary school. Just as every student surveyed considered their school to be either the "best" or "good" in terms of the facility, Every student surveyed was a confident, successful student in High school.

As a HS student, rate your motivation in academic pursuits.

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Motivation among students at Notre Dame is likewise high, no matter the secondary education. The trend has now expanded to show that generally, Notre Dame students attended quality High schools and were both effective and motivated students. However, based on the numbers of respondents in the survey a slight edge in motivation is given to students from public schools, this however is a weak suggestion based on the current data.

Rate the level of influence your parents imposed upon you towards academics.

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The data clearly shows that students who attended private schools received a greater degree of influence to perform academically from their parents. This can be explained by a multitude of factors. Firstly, students attending a private school are likely to come from families who place a greater emphasis on education. Students who attend a private school may do so if the public schools in their area aren't as strong, suggesting this greater parental emphasis on education. Also, private schools require the payment of tuition, parents are most likely to push for academic success so that their investment in their child's education is not spent carelessly. There are both positives and negatives to this trend. Less influence from parents, as in the case of those students from public schools can create a situation in which the student is self motivated and self sufficient. Earlier data showed that there is no appreciable difference in the motivation levels between students at Notre Dame from public or private school backgrounds.

Rate your confidence as a student when you first arrived at ND.

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While both groups of students were very confident with their academic performance during High school, a divergence from this trend is seen when applied to the Notre Dame setting. Students who attended private school were generally more confident of their academic ability when first arriving on campus. This could be a result of more rigorous coursework in private schools. Likewise, it could be a result of presentiments on the quality of private school education and the mindset it instills on a student.

Rate how well your HS provided the resources for academic success for those who sought them.

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With this figure we perhaps arrive at the crux of the issue. As Notre Dame students, every respondent was inherently successful during HS. The more important question then becomes, what of the student body at every school who were not as motivated, talented, lucky, or successful as those who made it here? When surveyed, students attending private schools felt that their school more effectively provided resources to students who sought them, not just the typical ND student, but every student in between.

Rate how much you had to adjust to the rigor of collegiate courses.

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This figure again speaks in favor of Private schools. The data shows that private-schooled students generally felt that their adjustment to collegiate level courses here at Notre Dame was less severe than those who attended public schools. This could either be attributed to a greater level of confidence or simply a more rigorous curriculum in private schools, either way it shows an instance of clear benefit in attending a private secondary school.

As a HS student were you towards the top of your class?

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Again, the trend among Notre Dame students continues in that no matter the secondary school, the student body of Notre Dame finished towards the top of the class.

Did you take full advantage of your opportunities in HS, did you work your hardest?

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The similarity between the graphs here again shows that Notre Dame students were very motivated and took advantage of opportunities in order to be successful during their High school years. I believe that the trend that has been demonstrated here would be true for any University of similar caliber.

Do you believe an individual's life-path is partially dependent on their origins?

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Both groups believe that one's origins have an impact on their success during life. However, both groups qualified their responses in the open-ended sections by stating that while origins can supplement one's success in life, one's odds are never insurmountable. Respondents generally stated that a combination of hard-work and natural talent can lead to success no matter who they are or where they are from.