How to Get into Notre Dame: Admission Requirements and Tips

If you’re stressing about how to get into Notre Dame, you’re not alone. Ranked #18 in the nation by the U.S. News & World Report, Notre Dame is one of the most competitive schools in the country. With its acceptance rate for the Class of 2028 dipping to 11.1%, getting in is like scoring a touchdown in overtime: you need preparation and determination.

But here’s the thing: Notre Dame isn’t just looking for perfect SAT scores or straight-A students (though those help). They’re after students with heart. Leaders who lift others up. Visionaries who think big and make things happen. Notre Dame wants people who will thrive in their close-knit community and leave their mark on the world.

So, how do you convince Notre Dame you’re that person? We’re breaking down exactly how to get into Notre Dame and what you need to stand out. Let’s jump straight in.

• How Hard Is It to Get into Notre Dame?
• Notre Dame Admission Requirements
• Notre Dame GPA Requirements
• Notre Dame SAT Scores
• Notre Dame ACT Scores
• How to Increase Your Chances of Getting into Notre Dame
• Notre Dame Application Deadlines
• Frequently Asked Questions
• Takeaways

How Hard Is It to Get into Notre Dame?

Let’s not sugarcoat it: getting into Notre Dame is tough. For the Class of 2028, Notre Dame received 27,643 applications and admitted just 3,098 students, giving it an overall acceptance rate of 11.1%. 

Notre Dame’s acceptance rate puts it among some of the most selective universities in the nation. For the Class of 2028, Notre Dame admitted 11.1% of applicants, which makes it highly competitive but not as daunting as Ivy League schools like Harvard (3.59%), Yale (3.7%), or Princeton (4.6%).

That said, Notre Dame’s acceptance rate is similar to other top-tier universities with rigorous standards. For instance:

• Boston University: 11.1%
• Washington University in St. Louis: 12%
• Rice University: 7.5%

Notre Dame’s admissions process is in the same ballpark as these schools, which means you need a combination of stellar academics, meaningful extracurriculars, and strong essays to stand out. While its acceptance rate is slightly higher than some Ivy League schools, it’s still a challenging feat to earn a spot at Notre Dame.

Here’s a quick look at how Notre Dame’s acceptance rates have evolved in recent years:

Notre Dame’s acceptance rates have been steadily declining, which means the competition is getting tougher each year. But don’t let these numbers discourage you. With a strong application and clear passion for Notre Dame’s mission, you’ve got a chance to stand out.

Remember, Notre Dame is looking for students who bring not just strong academics but also values that align with its community-focused culture.

Notre Dame Admission Requirements

Let’s get real: Notre Dame doesn’t just throw out acceptance letters like candy at a parade. If you’re trying to crack the code of how to get into Notre Dame, you’ll need a strong application and a whole lot of heart.

Notre Dame accepts both the Common Application and the Coalition Application. Pick whichever works best for you, and stay on top of those deadlines like your life depends on it (because, well, it kind of does).

Here’s what Notre Dame looks for in an applicant:

• Transcript of records. Think of your transcript as your academic highlight reel. Advanced Placement, honors, or IB classes? Take as many as you can handle. Notre Dame loves to see students who embrace a challenge and crush it, especially in core areas like math, science, and English.
• Letters of evaluation. You’ll need one letter from a teacher who can vouch for your capabilities both in class and beyond. You can also throw in a letter from your counselor if you want, but it’s totally optional.
• Application essays. You’ll need one personal statement and one Notre Dame-specific essay. This is your chance to show who you are beyond grades: your values, experiences, and why Notre Dame is your perfect fit.
• Extracurricular activities. Forget about listing every club you’ve ever joined. Notre Dame is all about meaningful involvement. Focus on the activities where you made an impact, not just where you showed up.
• Standardized test scores (optional). Submitting your SAT or ACT scores is optional. If you send them in, aim for a strong showing (SAT 1440+ or ACT 33+ is a good target).
• Examples of talent (optional). If you’re planning to major in Art, Design, or Architecture, or if you have serious skills in music, you can submit a portfolio to showcase your talent. The Department of Music even welcomes submissions from students of any major (video examples required).

At the end of the day, Notre Dame wants more than just good stats. They’re looking for students who will bring something special to campus: leaders, dreamers, and doers. Bring your A-game, and you might just find yourself joining the Fighting Irish.

Notre Dame also places a lot of weight on nonacademic factors to get a full picture of who you are. They consider extracurricular activities, talent/ability, and character/personal qualities as very important factors in their decision-making process.

Other important considerations include being a first-generation student, religious affiliation or commitment, and your volunteer work. These elements help Notre Dame see how you’ll contribute to their mission-driven community.

High school coursework requirements

Notre Dame has specific requirements for high school coursework to make sure students are ready for their rigorous academics. To be considered for admission, you’ll need to complete 16 units during your high school career. Here’s the breakdown:

• 4 units of English
• 3 units of Mathematics (Algebra I, Algebra II, and Geometry are required; 4 units preferred)
• 2 units of Foreign Language (in the same language, preferably one offered at Notre Dame; 3–4 units preferred)
• 2 units of Science (4 units preferred)
• 2 units of History/Social Science (3–4 units preferred)

Pro tip: Notre Dame loves students who go above and beyond. If your school offers extra math, science, or foreign language courses, take them. It shows you’re not afraid of a challenge and that you’re ready to tackle college-level work.

Notre Dame GPA Requirements

Let’s cut to the chase: while Notre Dame doesn’t officially state a minimum GPA requirement, you’ll need a strong academic record to have a real shot.

Notre Dame’s average GPA

Most successful applicants tend to have an unweighted GPA hovering around 4.0 or higher. According to Notre Dame’s Common Data Set for 2023-2024, the high school class ranks of admitted students are really impressive:

• 92% of admitted students are in the top 10% of their high school graduating class.
• 99% are in the top 25%.

Notre Dame loves high-achievers who push themselves. This means loading up on honors, AP, or IB courses, especially in core subjects like math, science, and English. It’s not just about getting straight A’s; it’s about showing you can handle tough classes and thrive.

If your GPA is below Notre Dame’s typical range, don’t panic. Notre Dame takes a holistic approach, meaning they look at the big picture, not just your numbers. Let the rest of your application tell the story of who you are beyond your GPA.

Notre Dame SAT Scores

Notre Dame doesn’t have a strict SAT requirement, but let’s be real: if you’re submitting scores, they need to be strong. While Notre Dame has a test-optional policy, impressive scores can give your application an edge. Think of it as another way to show you’re ready for their rigorous academics.

Notre Dame’s average SAT scores

According to Notre Dame’s latest Common Data Set, here’s what the data looks like for students who choose to submit SAT scores:

Here’s a deeper look at the section scores:

A large majority of admitted students demonstrate strong academic performance. Around 84% score between 700 and 800 in Evidence-Based Reading and Writing, while 89% hit that range in Math. Most admitted students fall between 1400 and 1600 on the SAT Composite, which shows Notre Dame’s high academic standards.

To stand out, aim for a composite score near the 75th percentile—around 1540. A strong math score is particularly helpful, with many students scoring 780 or higher in this section. If you’re close to these ranges, your scores can really strengthen your application.

But if you’re below these numbers, don’t stress just yet. Notre Dame takes a holistic approach, meaning they care about more than just test scores. If your SAT isn’t where you want it to be, focus on other parts of your application, like your essays and extracurriculars, to shine.

Does Notre Dame require SAT scores?

Nope! Notre Dame is test-optional, so you’re not required to submit SAT or ACT scores. However, if your scores are competitive, it’s worth sending them in to boost your application.

And good news: Notre Dame superscores, meaning they’ll consider your highest section scores across all test dates, which works to your advantage if you’ve taken the SAT more than once.

Notre Dame ACT Scores

Notre Dame doesn’t have an official ACT requirement, but if you’re submitting scores, you’ll want them to be competitive. ACT scores help Notre Dame assess how ready you are for their challenging academics, especially in key areas like Math and English.

Notre Dame’s average ACT scores

For students who choose to submit ACT scores, here’s what you’re up against:

While Notre Dame hasn’t officially published a subject breakdown for the ACT, the overall composite scores still give a clear picture of what you should aim for to stand out.

An overwhelming 96% of admitted students scored between 30 and 36 on the ACT Composite, which shows the high academic standards expected at Notre Dame.

Does Notre Dame prefer the ACT or SAT?

Notre Dame doesn’t have a preference between the ACT and SAT. It’s entirely up to you which test highlights your strengths better. Statistically, 612 students submitted SAT scores, and 594 submitted ACT scores, which shows that both tests are equally popular among applicants.

Notre Dame also superscores the ACT, which means they’ll take the highest scores from each section across all test dates. While they haven’t shared an official subject breakdown for the ACT, submitting a strong composite score is key to standing out in the competitive applicant pool.

How to Increase Your Chances of Getting into Notre Dame

More than just ticking boxes on an application, getting into Notre Dame is also about standing out in a pool of incredibly talented students. If you’re serious about learning how to get into Notre Dame, here’s how to make your application shine:

1. Keep your GPA competitive.

While Notre Dame doesn’t officially list a minimum GPA, most admitted students boast an unweighted GPA above 4.0. This shows that not only are they excelling academically, but they’re also likely taking rigorous courses like AP, IB, or honors classes. Notre Dame values academic rigor, so showing that you’ve challenged yourself matters just as much as your grades.

If you’re struggling in a class, ask teachers, tutors, or classmates for assistance. Admissions committees notice upward trends, so showing improvement in tough subjects can show resilience and determination.

2. Submit strong SAT/ACT scores (if you choose to).

Notre Dame is test-optional, which means you’re not required to submit SAT or ACT scores. But if you’ve got strong ones, they can definitely help boost your application. Most admitted students score between 1470–1560 on the SAT or 33–35 on the ACT, so if your scores fall in that range (or even higher), you’re in great shape.

Plus, Notre Dame superscores, meaning they’ll take your best section scores from different test dates, which is a nice bonus.

If you’re still working on your scores, focus on the areas where you could use the most improvement. Not a math person? Spend some extra time practicing those tricky problems. Timed practice tests are also super helpful. They’ll get you used to the pacing of the real thing.

And if you feel stuck, it’s worth looking into resources like prep books and online courses. You may also consider hiring a private tutor to give you that extra edge.

But don’t stress if your scores aren’t quite there yet. If they don’t feel like they represent your best work, you can skip submitting them and focus on making the rest of your application shine.

3. Write thoughtful, authentic essays.

Notre Dame’s application essays are where you can stand out and show the admissions committee who you are beyond your grades and test scores. You’ll need one personal essay and one Notre Dame-specific essay.

Here are Notre Dame’s supplemental essay prompts for the 2024–25 application cycle:

One short essay (150 words):

• What are your “non-negotiable” factors when searching for your future college home?

Three short-answer responses (50-100 words each), chosen from the following prompts:

• How does faith influence the decisions you make?

• What is distinctive about your personal experiences and development? Why are these experiences important to you and how will you enrich the Notre Dame community?

• How do you foster service to others in your community?

• What compliment are you most proud of receiving, and why does it mean so much to you?

• What would you fight for?

Tips for writing strong essays:

• Be specific. Instead of general statements, provide vivid anecdotes or examples from your life that show your values, personality, and goals.
• Show your personality. The admissions team wants to see who you are as a person. Let your voice shine through in your essays: be creative, honest, and reflective.
• Connect your values to Notre Dame. Whether it’s a focus on service, faith, or community, show why Notre Dame is the perfect fit for you and how you’ll contribute to campus life.

Essays are a critical component of Notre Dame’s holistic review process. Use them to share your story and show why you’re a strong match for the university.

4. Excel in extracurricular activities.

It’s not about how many extracurricular activities you’ve done but the story they tell. Maybe you’ve organized a food drive that brought your town together, tutored kids who needed help, or led a Habitat for Humanity project. Those kinds of things resonate with Notre Dame’s mission for community care and service.

If faith is a big part of your life, that’s another great way to stand out. Whether you’ve been active in your church, led a youth group, or joined a mission trip, these experiences can show how your values align with Notre Dame’s spiritual focus.

Got a creative streak? Don’t be shy about showing it off. Notre Dame lets you submit a portfolio through SlideRoom, so if you’ve performed in a school play, written a piece for your orchestra, or designed a cool community project, that’s your time to shine. It’s all about giving Notre Dame a glimpse of the unique energy and perspective you’ll bring to their campus.

5. Get meaningful letters of evaluation.

Notre Dame requires one letter from a teacher who knows you well, and you have the option to include an extra letter from a counselor. These letters are your chance to let someone else brag about your strengths, character, and contributions, so make it count.

Start by actually building a connection with your teachers. Show up, speak up, and engage in class. Ask thoughtful questions, participate in discussions, and let your teachers see how invested you are in learning.

Teachers are more likely to write a glowing letter for a student they know beyond just a name on the roster. So, sit in the front row (or at least close enough to show you’re paying attention), and make an impression.

When deciding who to ask, pick a teacher who really gets you, not just someone who gave you an A. Ideally, they’ve seen you tackle challenges, grow as a student, or lead in some way. For the optional counselor letter, choose someone who knows your story and can highlight your leadership, involvement, or resilience.

Make it easy for them to write something great. Give them a little cheat sheet: a list of your accomplishments, extracurriculars, and goals. Even better, remind them of specific moments they might want to highlight. The more details you provide, the more personal and impactful their letter will be.

Also, don’t wait until the last minute to ask. Teachers and counselors are juggling a million things, and a rushed letter isn’t going to do you any favors. Aim to ask at least a month in advance, and be respectful when you do.

And once they’ve submitted the letter, don’t forget to say thanks. Whether it’s a handwritten note, a quick email, or even a small token of appreciation, showing gratitude matters.

6. Look into the Restrictive Early Action option.

Notre Dame’s Restrictive Early Action (REA) is a unique opportunity to show the admissions team that you’re genuinely excited about joining the Fighting Irish. Unlike Early Decision, REA is non-binding, so if you’re accepted, you can still take your time to explore other options before making a final decision.

Here’s the deal: REA applicants are restricted from applying early to other private colleges, but you can still apply early to public universities or schools with rolling admissions. Why does this matter? It gives Notre Dame a signal that you’re serious about them, which can boost your chances of acceptance.

More than just showing your enthusiasm, applying early is also about strategy. Notre Dame’s REA had an acceptance rate of approximately 12.9%, slightly higher than the Regular Decision (RD) rate of 11.1%. 

With a smaller applicant pool, REA can give you an edge. If your essays are polished, your application is strong, and you’re ready to showcase your best self by the early deadline, REA is definitely worth considering.

But let’s not forget the trade-offs. REA is a big step, so make sure Notre Dame truly feels like a top contender for you. It’s also a good idea to double-check the restrictions on other early applications to avoid any hiccups.

Notre Dame Application Deadlines

Here’s how to stay on top of your Notre Dame application process. Keep track of these important deadlines to make sure you don’t miss a step:

For applicants applying under REA, all supporting documents and SlideRoom submissions must be in by November 15. For RD applicants, the deadline to submit supporting documents and SlideRoom materials is January 15. Don’t miss these additional deadlines, they’re just as important as your application submission!

Make sure to hit these dates so your application is in perfect shape. If you’re applying under REA, you’ll hear back by mid-December, which gives you a head start on planning your next steps.

For RD applicants, notifications arrive in late March or early April, so hang tight! Don’t forget to finalize your decision and submit your confirmation by May 1, the universal College Decision Day.

Frequently Asked Questions

1. How do I get into Notre Dame with low test scores?

Not hitting Notre Dame’s usual test score range (SAT 1400-1550 or ACT 32-35)? Don’t sweat it. Notre Dame is test-optional, so you can skip submitting them. Instead, focus on what makes you shine: your GPA, extracurriculars, essays, and recommendations. Use your essays to highlight your unique story, leadership, and impact. A strong overall application can still make you a competitive candidate.

2. What are Notre Dame’s GPA requirements for admission?

Notre Dame doesn’t have a strict GPA cutoff, but let’s just say most students admitted have an unweighted GPA above 4.0. They want to see that you’re able to take challenging courses like AP, IB, or honors, and that you’re doing well in them. If your GPA isn’t perfect, don’t panic. Just make sure the rest of your application shows that you’re driven, passionate, and ready to thrive.

3. Does applying Restrictive Early Action improve my chances of getting into Notre Dame?

Applying through Notre Dame’s REA definitely has its perks. For the Class of 2028, the REA acceptance rate was about 12.9%, higher than the RD rate of 11.1%. Applying early shows you’re serious about Notre Dame, and it puts you in a smaller applicant pool. Just keep in mind that REA means you can’t apply early to other private colleges, so make sure Notre Dame is truly your top choice before going for it.

4. Is Notre Dame test-optional?

Yes, Notre Dame is test-optional. This means you don’t have to submit SAT or ACT scores if you feel like they won’t strengthen your application. But if you’ve got solid scores, go ahead and include them. Either way, Notre Dame looks at the whole picture, so your GPA, extracurriculars, essays, and recommendations will carry plenty of weight.

5. How much is Notre Dame’s tuition?

Notre Dame’s tuition is $65,025 for the 2024-2025 school year. And once you add in housing, meals, books, and fees, you’re looking at a total cost of $82,925. But here’s the good news: Notre Dame has generous financial aid options. From scholarships to grants to need-based aid, they have many resources to help make it work.

Takeaways

If you’re exploring how to get into Notre Dame, focusing on these key areas will set you up for success:

• With an acceptance rate of 11.1%, Notre Dame is highly selective.
• Notre Dame’s GPA sweet spot is an unweighted 4.0 or above. Academic rigor matters too, so load up on challenging courses like AP, IB, or honors and ace them to show you’re ready for Notre Dame’s academic demands.
• Notre Dame is test-optional, but high SAT or ACT scores (SAT 1440–1540 or ACT 33–35) can give you a competitive edge. If your test scores are lower, focus on other areas of your application like essays, recommendations, and extracurriculars.
• Essays and extracurriculars are key to how to get into Notre Dame. Use your essays to tell a compelling story about your values, experiences, and aspirations. Dig deep into a few activities that show leadership and meaningful impact.
• Notre Dame’s application process can feel overwhelming, but you don’t have to do it all alone. A college admissions consultant can offer expert and personalized advice to boost your chances of securing a spot at Notre Dame.