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Reviewed by:
Former Admissions Committee Member, Columbia University
Reviewed: 2/14/23
Read below to learn more about Notre Dame and what you need to do to study in Indiana.
Football and marshmallows aren’t usually two things people associate with each other. However, at the University of Notre Dame, this is an age-old tradition. When the Fighting Irish’s last football game of the season comes around, Notre Dame’s students throw marshmallows throughout the stadium.
Inspired by its catholic character, Notre Dame is a private research university located in Notre Dame, Indiana. It’s also one of the best universities in the country; U.S. News World and Report ranks it #18 on its National Universities list.
We’ll outline everything you need to know about how to get into Notre Dame, including admissions requirements, application timelines, and more.
Notre Dame's mission statement reads:
“is dedicated to the pursuit and sharing of truth for its own sake. As a Catholic university, one of its distinctive goals is to provide a forum where, through free inquiry and open discussion, the various lines of Catholic thought may intersect with all the forms of knowledge found in the arts, sciences, professions, and every other area of human scholarship and creativity.”
Notre Dame is a top 20 national research institution and provides numerous opportunities to complete undergraduate research with world-class academics.
Community is an important part of every student’s journey at Notre Dame, and every first-year student lives in one of 33 on-campus residence halls. Students also have access to over 500 student clubs and groups.
Notre Dame offers its students a global experience; 75% of students spend time studying abroad. You can pursue over 50 international programs in 26 countries during the academic year and 20+ programs in the summer. Students can also work towards a supplementary global affairs major at the Donald R. Keough School of Global Affairs.
Before you step foot on Notre Dame’s campus as a first-year student, you’ll need to fulfill its standardized testing requirements. Please note that for the current application cycle, Notre Dame doesn’t require SAT/ACT scores.
The middle 50% ACT score range of admitted students is 33-35. While there are no minimum ACT scores you need to achieve, use these scores as a benchmark for what you should aim for.
The middle 50% range of SAT scores of Notre Dame’s admitted students is 1460-1540. Again, while there is no required score, try to aim for the higher end of this range.
If you take either test multiple times, Notre Dame will superscore your tests. The admissions committee will consider the highest scores from each section regardless of when you took the test.
If English isn’t your first language, Notre Dame requires you to take an English proficiency test. The accepted tests include:
Notre Dame acknowledges that the ACT and SAT are geared toward U.S. students. So, it states that if students achieve a high score on their proficiency exam, this can “balance a student’s testing profile.”
If you score 650 or above on the SAT EBRW section or 26 or above in ACT English or Reading, you can obtain an English proficiency test waiver.
There is no GPA requirement at Notre Dame, and the school doesn’t list the average GPA of its students, but it’s estimated to be above 4.0. This is an extremely competitive, GPA as the average GPA of high school graduates is approximately 3.0.
Notre Dame doesn’t conduct interviews. Hailey Oppenlander, a current student at Notre Dame, says Notre Dame looks at your essays as a “stand-in” for the interview.
Of the 26,509 applications Notre Dame received, it admitted 3,420 students. This means Notre Dame’s acceptance rate is 12.9%.
A school’s yield rate tells us how many admitted students chose to enroll. Of the 3,420 admitted students, 2,053 enrolled, meaning Notre Dame’s yield rate is 60%.
Below are recent class profile statistics. We’ve included demographics and faculty-to-student ratios.
Of the 2,063 first-year students at Notre Dame, 52% are male, and 48% are female. Almost 32.7% are U.S. students of color, and 71 nationalities are represented in the class. Enrolled students come from the following regions:
Notre Dame’s student-to-faculty ratio is 9:1. Over 60% of its classes have less than 20 students, and 74% have less than 30.
Notre Dame uses your supplemental essay responses to learn more about you. The admissions committee advises, “Reflect, have fun, and show us who you really are.”
The University of Notre Dame’s supplemental essay prompts requires all students to answer one prompt and to select another from a list. You will write two 200-word responses.
Notre Dame’s required question reads:
“Notre Dame is a Catholic university, founded by members of the Congregation of Holy Cross, with a mission to educate the hearts and minds of students. What excites you about attending Notre Dame?”
For your second response, you can choose to answer one of the following questions:
“People in the Notre Dame community come from many different places, backgrounds, and walks of life. How is where you’re from a part of who you are?”
“Tell us about a time when you advocated for something you believe in.”
“If you were given unlimited resources to help solve one problem in your community, what would it be and how would you accomplish it?”
“What is the greatest compliment you have ever been given? Why was it meaningful to you?”
Remember, your responses carry much weight in the admissions process; getting into Notre Dame requires carefully crafted essays!
Notre Dame applicants must use one of three online applications:
The deadline for submitting your Regular Decision application is early January, and you must include the following application components:
Notre Dame requires a recommendation from a teacher in a “core” academic subject. The school recommends you submit an evaluation from your guidance or college counselor.
You must apply to Notre Dame’s non-binding Restrive Early Action program by November 1st. In a recent admissions cycle, Notre Dame received 11,163 Early Action applications and admitted 1,701 students for an acceptance rate of 15.2%.
Notre Dame is extremely selective. However, we’ve compiled tips on how to get into Notre Dame to help you submit the strongest application possible!
Every student applying to Notre Dame must complete 16 units in high school. These are the classes you must take to apply to Notre Dame:
While these are minimum Notre Dame requirements for courses, the school notes, “our most competitive applicants will have four units in each major academic area and in the most rigorous level their high school offers.”
The difficulty of the courses available to you depends on which high school you attend. Notre Dame considers this and evaluates GPA in the context of your school/class difficulty. Consider taking AP, IB, or dual enrollment classes to enhance your academic profile!
Your extracurriculars matter; Notre Dame wants to admit passionate people with diverse interests. Your application’s activities section is where you can show the admissions committee what you do outside the classroom.
Matt Greene, an Assistant Director with the Office of Undergraduate Admissions, writes, “a very important part of your activities is expressing your leadership roles in these activities and how you have grown in them over the years.”
Leadership experience can distinguish you in a competitive applicant pool. It also indicates how you’ll impact the college’s campus, clubs, and organizations if you’re admitted.
If you want to join a vibrant research community with global ties, Notre Dame is the place for you. If you’re passionate about joining a Catholic institution and being a force for positive change in the world, Notre Dame is a great option!
These FAQs should clear up any lingering questions you have about how to get into Notre Dame.
If you apply to Notre Dame’s Early Action program, you can’t apply to other colleges’ binding Early Decision programs. However, you can apply to other Early Action and Regular Decision programs.
Yes, although only certain applicants are encouraged to attach supplementary materials to their applications. If you intend to study art, music, or architecture at Notre Dame, you’re encouraged to attach materials like a creative portfolio. All supplementary materials must be uploaded through the SlideRoom section of your application.
You can take the ACT or SAT; Notre Dame doesn’t prefer either test.
Notre Dame doesn’t have a GPA cutoff but receives applications from “the best and the brightest in the world.” An unweighted GPA as close to 4.0 will bolster your application!
Notre Dame’s overall acceptance rate is 12.9%, so admission is competitive. However, you can boost your chances of admission by producing a stellar application (and applying early)!
Notre Dame is known for its Econometrics and Quantitative Economics, Finance, and Political Science majors.
Yes, Notre Dame is one of the top 20 schools in the nation.
Notre Dame is one of the nation’s finest research institutions and is an extremely competitive school. The admissions officials at Notre Dame value your GPA and the rigor of your high school coursework highly, so take as many challenging courses as you can.
Pursuing extracurricular activities that illustrate your leadership skills is also an excellent way to stand out. Your supplemental essays allow you to expand upon your experiences and inject your personality into your application. Good luck with your application!
Reviewed by:
Former Admissions Committee Member, Columbia University
Reviewed: 2/14/23
Read below to learn more about Notre Dame and what you need to do to study in Indiana.
Football and marshmallows aren’t usually two things people associate with each other. However, at the University of Notre Dame, this is an age-old tradition. When the Fighting Irish’s last football game of the season comes around, Notre Dame’s students throw marshmallows throughout the stadium.
Inspired by its catholic character, Notre Dame is a private research university located in Notre Dame, Indiana. It’s also one of the best universities in the country; U.S. News World and Report ranks it #18 on its National Universities list.
We’ll outline everything you need to know about how to get into Notre Dame, including admissions requirements, application timelines, and more.
Notre Dame's mission statement reads:
“is dedicated to the pursuit and sharing of truth for its own sake. As a Catholic university, one of its distinctive goals is to provide a forum where, through free inquiry and open discussion, the various lines of Catholic thought may intersect with all the forms of knowledge found in the arts, sciences, professions, and every other area of human scholarship and creativity.”
Notre Dame is a top 20 national research institution and provides numerous opportunities to complete undergraduate research with world-class academics.
Community is an important part of every student’s journey at Notre Dame, and every first-year student lives in one of 33 on-campus residence halls. Students also have access to over 500 student clubs and groups.
Notre Dame offers its students a global experience; 75% of students spend time studying abroad. You can pursue over 50 international programs in 26 countries during the academic year and 20+ programs in the summer. Students can also work towards a supplementary global affairs major at the Donald R. Keough School of Global Affairs.
Before you step foot on Notre Dame’s campus as a first-year student, you’ll need to fulfill its standardized testing requirements. Please note that for the current application cycle, Notre Dame doesn’t require SAT/ACT scores.
The middle 50% ACT score range of admitted students is 33-35. While there are no minimum ACT scores you need to achieve, use these scores as a benchmark for what you should aim for.
The middle 50% range of SAT scores of Notre Dame’s admitted students is 1460-1540. Again, while there is no required score, try to aim for the higher end of this range.
If you take either test multiple times, Notre Dame will superscore your tests. The admissions committee will consider the highest scores from each section regardless of when you took the test.
If English isn’t your first language, Notre Dame requires you to take an English proficiency test. The accepted tests include:
Notre Dame acknowledges that the ACT and SAT are geared toward U.S. students. So, it states that if students achieve a high score on their proficiency exam, this can “balance a student’s testing profile.”
If you score 650 or above on the SAT EBRW section or 26 or above in ACT English or Reading, you can obtain an English proficiency test waiver.
There is no GPA requirement at Notre Dame, and the school doesn’t list the average GPA of its students, but it’s estimated to be above 4.0. This is an extremely competitive, GPA as the average GPA of high school graduates is approximately 3.0.
Notre Dame doesn’t conduct interviews. Hailey Oppenlander, a current student at Notre Dame, says Notre Dame looks at your essays as a “stand-in” for the interview.
Of the 26,509 applications Notre Dame received, it admitted 3,420 students. This means Notre Dame’s acceptance rate is 12.9%.
A school’s yield rate tells us how many admitted students chose to enroll. Of the 3,420 admitted students, 2,053 enrolled, meaning Notre Dame’s yield rate is 60%.
Below are recent class profile statistics. We’ve included demographics and faculty-to-student ratios.
Of the 2,063 first-year students at Notre Dame, 52% are male, and 48% are female. Almost 32.7% are U.S. students of color, and 71 nationalities are represented in the class. Enrolled students come from the following regions:
Notre Dame’s student-to-faculty ratio is 9:1. Over 60% of its classes have less than 20 students, and 74% have less than 30.
Notre Dame uses your supplemental essay responses to learn more about you. The admissions committee advises, “Reflect, have fun, and show us who you really are.”
The University of Notre Dame’s supplemental essay prompts requires all students to answer one prompt and to select another from a list. You will write two 200-word responses.
Notre Dame’s required question reads:
“Notre Dame is a Catholic university, founded by members of the Congregation of Holy Cross, with a mission to educate the hearts and minds of students. What excites you about attending Notre Dame?”
For your second response, you can choose to answer one of the following questions:
“People in the Notre Dame community come from many different places, backgrounds, and walks of life. How is where you’re from a part of who you are?”
“Tell us about a time when you advocated for something you believe in.”
“If you were given unlimited resources to help solve one problem in your community, what would it be and how would you accomplish it?”
“What is the greatest compliment you have ever been given? Why was it meaningful to you?”
Remember, your responses carry much weight in the admissions process; getting into Notre Dame requires carefully crafted essays!
Notre Dame applicants must use one of three online applications:
The deadline for submitting your Regular Decision application is early January, and you must include the following application components:
Notre Dame requires a recommendation from a teacher in a “core” academic subject. The school recommends you submit an evaluation from your guidance or college counselor.
You must apply to Notre Dame’s non-binding Restrive Early Action program by November 1st. In a recent admissions cycle, Notre Dame received 11,163 Early Action applications and admitted 1,701 students for an acceptance rate of 15.2%.
Notre Dame is extremely selective. However, we’ve compiled tips on how to get into Notre Dame to help you submit the strongest application possible!
Every student applying to Notre Dame must complete 16 units in high school. These are the classes you must take to apply to Notre Dame:
While these are minimum Notre Dame requirements for courses, the school notes, “our most competitive applicants will have four units in each major academic area and in the most rigorous level their high school offers.”
The difficulty of the courses available to you depends on which high school you attend. Notre Dame considers this and evaluates GPA in the context of your school/class difficulty. Consider taking AP, IB, or dual enrollment classes to enhance your academic profile!
Your extracurriculars matter; Notre Dame wants to admit passionate people with diverse interests. Your application’s activities section is where you can show the admissions committee what you do outside the classroom.
Matt Greene, an Assistant Director with the Office of Undergraduate Admissions, writes, “a very important part of your activities is expressing your leadership roles in these activities and how you have grown in them over the years.”
Leadership experience can distinguish you in a competitive applicant pool. It also indicates how you’ll impact the college’s campus, clubs, and organizations if you’re admitted.
If you want to join a vibrant research community with global ties, Notre Dame is the place for you. If you’re passionate about joining a Catholic institution and being a force for positive change in the world, Notre Dame is a great option!
These FAQs should clear up any lingering questions you have about how to get into Notre Dame.
If you apply to Notre Dame’s Early Action program, you can’t apply to other colleges’ binding Early Decision programs. However, you can apply to other Early Action and Regular Decision programs.
Yes, although only certain applicants are encouraged to attach supplementary materials to their applications. If you intend to study art, music, or architecture at Notre Dame, you’re encouraged to attach materials like a creative portfolio. All supplementary materials must be uploaded through the SlideRoom section of your application.
You can take the ACT or SAT; Notre Dame doesn’t prefer either test.
Notre Dame doesn’t have a GPA cutoff but receives applications from “the best and the brightest in the world.” An unweighted GPA as close to 4.0 will bolster your application!
Notre Dame’s overall acceptance rate is 12.9%, so admission is competitive. However, you can boost your chances of admission by producing a stellar application (and applying early)!
Notre Dame is known for its Econometrics and Quantitative Economics, Finance, and Political Science majors.
Yes, Notre Dame is one of the top 20 schools in the nation.
Notre Dame is one of the nation’s finest research institutions and is an extremely competitive school. The admissions officials at Notre Dame value your GPA and the rigor of your high school coursework highly, so take as many challenging courses as you can.
Pursuing extracurricular activities that illustrate your leadership skills is also an excellent way to stand out. Your supplemental essays allow you to expand upon your experiences and inject your personality into your application. Good luck with your application!
