Notre Dame Acceptance Rate: Class of 2029 Admissions Statistics

The University of Notre Dame’s Class of 2029 acceptance rate stands at 9%, making the school one of the most selective in the country. This means they’re only admitting the best of the best, so if you’re aiming to get into this ”New Ivy” school, your application needs to stand out in an intensely competitive pool.

But don’t stress! In this blog, we’ll break down what Notre Dame’s acceptance rate really means, how it has changed over time, and what you can do to improve your chances of getting in. Whether you’re applying through Early Action, Regular Decision, or considering a transfer, we’ll help you create a more strategic approach to your application.

• What Is Notre Dame’s Acceptance Rate?
• Notre Dame Acceptance Rate Trends
• Notre Dame Regular Decision Acceptance Rate
• Notre Dame Early Action Acceptance Rate
• How to Get Accepted into Notre Dame
• Notre Dame Transfer Acceptance Rate
• Notre Dame Waitlist Acceptance Rate
• Frequently Asked Questions
• Takeaways

What Is Notre Dame’s Acceptance Rate?

The acceptance rate for Notre Dame’s Class of 2029 is just 9%, around two percentage points lower than the Class of 2028’s 11.1%, and the lowest in the university’s history. Out of 35,401 applicants, only 3,186 secured a spot.

Here’s a deeper dive into the Class of 2029 numbers:

If you applied through Regular Decision, the competition was even tougher, with only 6.7% of 22,484 applicants admitted. Early Action applicants had slightly better chances, with a 12.9% acceptance rate out of 12,917 applications. But let’s be real, even those “better” odds are still incredibly competitive.

Notre Dame’s yield rate

Another key metric Notre Dame monitors is its yield rate, which measures how many admitted students actually choose to enroll. They successfully achieved a 62% yield rate, their highest so far, when 2,061 out of the 3,324 admitted students decided to join the Class of 2028. In other words, despite offers from other top-tier schools, most admitted students opted for Notre Dame.

To give more context, the national average yield rate in 2022 for four-year colleges was 30%. Public colleges also had a lower rate of 25% compared to the 33% average yield rate of private colleges. If we compare these numbers, Notre Dame is still admittedly way ahead.

Its high yield rate also highlights the university’s ability to attract genuinely eager students to be part of its community. More than that, it’s one of the ways Notre Dame maintains its highly selective admissions process, all while ensuring each incoming class is filled with motivated and committed students.

Notre Dame Acceptance Rate Trends

Notre Dame’s acceptance rate has been on a steady nosedive over the past decade, and it’s not showing any signs of slowing down. Just a few years ago, it was above 15%. Now? For the Class of 2029, it’s down to a mere 9%.

Let’s look at the numbers, which we gathered from Notre Dame’s Common Data Sets:

The takeaway? It’s getting harder and harder to snag that acceptance letter. The number of applicants has skyrocketed, especially since Notre Dame went test-optional during the pandemic. For the Class of 2029, applications soared past 35,000, partly fueled by students hoping that skipping SAT/ACT scores would improve their chances.

But it’s not just the number of applications causing the drop in acceptance rates. Notre Dame has kept its class size small and selective, even as more and more students try their luck. They’re still focused on finding those well-rounded applicants—not just the ones with perfect grades and test scores, but those with standout extracurriculars, leadership, and unique stories.

The message is clear: with acceptance rates getting tighter each year, strong academics won’t be enough. To cut through the noise, you’ve got to bring something extra to the table.

Notre Dame’s acceptance rate vs other Ivy League schools

Understanding Notre Dame’s acceptance rate in context helps highlight how it compares to other highly selective schools, including those in the Ivy League. Since Class of 2029 data is not yet available for all Ivy League schools, let’s compare Notre Dame’s and the Ivy League schools’ Class of 2028 acceptance rates instead:

Notre Dame’s acceptance rate for the Class of 2028 was 11.1%, notably higher than those of its Ivy League counterparts. Harvard and Yale posted rates of 3.6% and 3.7% respectively, while Princeton, Columbia, and Brown ranged from 3.85% to 5.2%. The University of Pennsylvania, Dartmouth, and Cornell were slightly less selective, with rates of 5.4%, 5.3%, and 8.4%.

While Notre Dame’s higher acceptance rate might suggest it’s less selective, it’s important to consider the context behind the numbers. Admissions rates are influenced by factors such as applicant pool size, institutional priorities, and recruitment strategies.

Notre Dame attracts a self-selecting group of applicants—many of whom are drawn to its Catholic identity and strong undergraduate focus—which can impact overall application volume and yield. Moreover, its academic rigor, alumni network, and national reputation remain on par with many Ivy League institutions, making it a top-choice school for thousands of high-achieving students each year.

Notre Dame Regular Decision Acceptance Rate

For the Class of 2029, the Regular Decision (RD) acceptance rate at Notre Dame was 6.7%. Out of 22,484 applicants, only 1,517 made the cut. In comparison, Notre Dame’s overall acceptance rate of 9% highlights just how much tougher the odds are for applicants taking the RD route.

If you’re wondering why RD is tougher, it’s because Notre Dame’s Restrictive Early Action (REA) program snaps up a big chunk of its incoming class. With an REA rate of 12.9%, early birds definitely catch more worms, leaving fewer spots open for RD hopefuls.

And the trend is not looking easier anytime soon. Just check the numbers:

For context, back in the Class of 2024, the RD acceptance rate was still around 17.9%. Fast forward to the Class of 2029, and it dipped to a mere 6.7%. What’s driving this downward trend? More applications year after year, paired with Notre Dame’s commitment to keeping its class size small and selective.

So, what does this mean if you’re eyeing a spot through RD? Sure, you’ll need top grades, but you’ll also need strong essays, standout extracurriculars, and glowing recommendation letters to really make your case.

Notre Dame Regular Decision deadline and notification date

Notre Dame’s RD deadline is January 1, and they usually release decisions in late March. After that, you’ve got until May 1, which is College Decision Day, to send in your confirmation.

Notre Dame Early Action Acceptance Rate

For the Class of 2029, Notre Dame’s Restrictive Early Action (REA) acceptance rate landed at 12.9%. Out of 12,917 students who applied through REA, around 1,669 secured a spot.

When you stack that up against the Regular Decision (RD) acceptance rate of 6.7% and the overall rate of 9%, it’s clear: applying early gives you a leg up. Notre Dame aims to secure a significant portion of its freshman class early, prioritizing students who demonstrate a strong commitment to joining their community.

REA at Notre Dame is non-binding. So, even if you get admitted, you’re not locked into going. Still, it’s usually the route for students who’ve got Notre Dame as their dream school, which doesn’t hurt when admissions officers are sizing up your commitment.

Let’s break Notre Dame’s REA acceptance rate down with some numbers:

Over the past eight admissions cycles, Notre Dame’s Early Action program has experienced a sharp rise in application volume alongside a steady decline in acceptance rates. For the Class of 2022, the university received 6,598 EA applications and admitted 24.8% of them. By the Class of 2029, applications had nearly doubled to 12,917, while the EA acceptance rate dropped to just 12.9%.

This represents a consistent year-over-year trend: as interest in Notre Dame grows, admission through EA is becoming increasingly competitive.

Historically, EA acceptance rates have been higher than those for Regular Decision and the overall admit rate, making it a strategic option for applicants. However, the advantage of applying early appears to be diminishing. With EA rates falling from over 24% to under 13% in just eight years, the gap between EA and RD is narrowing.

While applying early may still offer a modest edge, it no longer provides the significant boost it once did. As Notre Dame continues to attract a larger and more competitive applicant pool, students should approach the EA round with the same level of preparation and strategy as they would for any highly selective process.

Notre Dame Early Action deadline and notification date

Notre Dame REA’s deadline is November 1, and they typically send out notifications by mid-December. If you’re accepted, you still have until May 1 to confirm your spot.

How to Get Accepted into Notre Dame

So, you’ve set your sights on Notre Dame? First things first—you need to get that application in through either the Common or Coalition Application.

But don’t think it’s just about getting your forms in on time. Notre Dame takes a good, long look at your whole application, assessing you from every angle. Sure, grades and test scores play a big part, but the admissions committee also wants to see essays that are thoughtful, extracurriculars that show passion, and recommendation letters that actually say something about who you are.

Let’s dig into a few key areas that could boost your chances of beating the Notre Dame acceptance rate:

Target GPA

While Notre Dame doesn’t outright say, “Here’s the GPA you need,” let’s be real: you’re up against some pretty fierce competition.

According to Notre Dame’s Common Data Set for 2023-2024, the average GPA for admitted students is an impressive 4.2 on a weighted scale. This indicates that most successful applicants aren’t just excelling in their standard coursework. They are also taking on advanced classes like AP or IB to boost their GPAs even higher.

Striving for a 4.2 or above will put you on par with the typical Notre Dame admit, showcasing that you’ve been a top achiever throughout high school. If your GPA falls a bit short, don’t worry as you’ll need to focus on other standout elements in your application to capture the admissions committee’s attention.

Target standardized test scores

Take note that Notre Dame has a test-optional policy in place through at least the 2025-26 admissions cycle. This means that submitting ACT or SAT scores won’t be mandatory when you apply. This policy also applies to both first-year and transfer applicants. 

However, if you’re still intent on submitting your test scores, we can help by giving you a few tips. Yes, Notre Dame doesn’t publish a hard cutoff. But, you’re definitely going to need impressive numbers to stand out. Here’s a score range, based on their latest Common Data Set, to help you know where you stand among their previously admitted students:

Notre Dame’s latest SAT range is pretty tight, so if you’re gunning for a spot, a score of 1540 or higher is ideal. For the ACT, you’re looking at a sweet spot between 33 and 35. But, if you really want to shine, aim for that perfect 35—it places you in the top tier of applicants.

Other requirements

Beyond your GPA and test scores, Notre Dame wants to see the whole you. That’s why the other parts of your application—extracurriculars, essays, and recommendation letters—matter just as much (if not more).

• Extracurriculars. Notre Dame is looking for activities that show real passion, commitment, and impact. Quality over quantity. It’s more impressive if you’ve been deeply involved in a few meaningful projects—like leading an organization, starting a community initiative, or even gaining some national recognition in your field.
• Essays. This is where you can truly shine. For the 2024-25 application cycle, you’ll need to write one personal statement (through the Common App or Coalition App) and then tackle five supplemental essay prompts, each limited to 150 words. Think of these essays as your chance to let Notre Dame in on who you really are. Authenticity is key here.
• Recommendation letters. Notre Dame wants three: two from teachers who know you well and one from your school counselor. Strong letters can really give you an edge, so it’s worth investing time in building solid relationships with your recommenders. Ideally, pick teachers who can vouch for your intellectual curiosity, perseverance, and overall vibe in the classroom.

If you’re looking for a deeper dive into each of these sections, check out our guide that breaks down every requirement step-by-step. It’ll help you craft an application that can give you the best shot at cracking that elusive Notre Dame acceptance rate.

Notre Dame Transfer Acceptance Rate

According to Notre Dame’s Common Data Set for 2023-2024, the transfer acceptance rate is 27.6%. Out of nearly 842 hopefuls, only 232 managed to snag a spot—and just 192 of them actually enrolled.

Why is it hard to transfer to Notre Dame? It’s partly because Notre Dame’s incoming classes are already packed. The vast majority of seats are taken up by incoming freshmen, leaving only a handful of spots for transfer students.

Notre Dame transfer requirements

Unlike freshman admissions, which balance academics with extracurriculars and potential, the transfer process is more focused. Notre Dame wants to see that your academic journey so far aligns with what they offer. You’ll need to show not just top-tier grades, but a clear reason why making the switch to Notre Dame makes sense for you.

Notre Dame is also on the lookout for transfer students who bring something fresh to the table—new perspectives or experiences that can enrich their campus community. The bar’s set even higher because, let’s face it, most transfer applicants are already doing great at other top schools.

If you’re hoping to break through that Notre Dame acceptance rate, you’ll need to prove you’re exceptional. That means showing stellar academics, a compelling reason for wanting to transfer, and clear evidence that you can handle the intensity of Notre Dame’s academic environment.

Notre Dame Waitlist Acceptance Rate

Notre Dame’s waitlist acceptance rates have varied significantly in recent years. For the Class of 2027, the waitlist acceptance rate was 5%, with 90 out of 1,811 confirmed waitlisted students gaining admission. These fluctuations highlight the unpredictable nature of the waitlist process. Given the overall acceptance rate of 9% for the Class of 2029, securing a spot off the waitlist is particularly challenging.

This is because being waitlisted at Notre Dame means the admissions team liked your application, but they just didn’t have room to offer you a spot at the time. So, they put you on hold. You were definitely a strong contender, but since their class was almost full, you ended up on the waitlist.

What to do if you’re waitlisted

If you find yourself on the waitlist, here’s what you can do to nudge your chances (however slim) in the right direction:

• First, write a Letter of Continued Interest (LOCI). Let Notre Dame know they’re still your top choice and fill them in on any cool things you’ve done since you first applied—awards, new projects, whatever. This shows them you’re still committed and excited to attend.
• If Notre Dame allows it, consider sending in some extra materials. Think updated transcripts, improved test scores, or even another recommendation letter. But only if these new additions really boost your profile.
• Finally, don’t put all your eggs in one basket. Sure, it’s okay to keep hoping, but be realistic too. Make sure you’ve got a spot locked down at another school where you’ve been accepted. The waitlist game is unpredictable, so having a solid backup plan is just smart.

In the end, being on Notre Dame’s waitlist is a tricky spot. Staying proactive can help, but you’ve also got to keep your options open and your expectations in check.

Frequently Asked Questions

1. What is Notre Dame’s latest overall acceptance rate?

For the Class of 2029, the Notre Dame acceptance rate is 9%. Out of 35,401 applicants, only 3,186 made the cut.

2. What is Notre Dame’s Restrictive Early Action acceptance rate?

During the REA round for the Class of 2029, Notre Dame accepted 1,669 students from a pool of 12,917. That comes out to an acceptance rate of about 12.9%.

3. What is Notre Dame’s Regular Decision acceptance rate?

In the RD cycle for the Class of 2029, Notre Dame accepted just 1,517 applicants out of 22,484. That translates to a 6.7% acceptance rate.

4. What is Notre Dame’s transfer acceptance rate?

For the 2023-2024 academic year, the Notre Dame acceptance rate for transfers was at 27.6%. Out of 842 hopefuls, only 232 were accepted.

5. What is Notre Dame’s waitlist acceptance rate?

Notre Dame’s waitlist acceptance rate doesn’t show a steady trend, so it’s not easy to predict. Some years, more than 500 manage to get in. For other years, less than 100 get the nod. For the Class of 2027, though, Notre Dame’s waitlist acceptance rate was only 5%.

Takeaways

To really get a grip on the Notre Dame acceptance rate and boost your chances, here are five key things you should know:

• Notre Dame’s latest overall acceptance rate is just 9%. It’s one of the toughest schools to get into.
• Notre Dame’s acceptance rate is comparable to Ivy League schools. Cornell, for example, has a rate of about 8.4%, putting it not far from Notre Dame’s.
• Notre Dame’s latest Restrictive Early Action acceptance rate is 12.9%. Compare that to the Regular Decision rate of only 6.7%, and you can see why going the early route might be worth it.
• If you want to be seriously competitive, you’re looking at a GPA of 4.2 or higher. For test scores, aim for at least 1540 on the SAT and a perfect 35 on the ACT. But don’t stop there: nailing your essays, extracurriculars, and recommendation letters is just as important.
• With such a low acceptance rate, it might be worth getting some expert help. Working with a college admissions consultant could give your Notre Dame application that extra edge you need to stand out.