COLLEGE PROFILE
How to Get Into Notre Dame in 2026
Catholic research university with a famously loyal alumni network.
Quick Answer
University of Notre Dame has a 12.9% acceptance rate with a middle 50% SAT range of 1450-1550 and average GPA of 4.06. Catholic research university with a famously loyal alumni network. Founded 1842 in Notre Dame, IN.
Admissions Snapshot
| Acceptance Rate | 12.9%Highly Selective |
| SAT Range (25th-75th) | 1450 - 1550 |
| Average GPA (Unweighted) | 4.06 |
| Undergraduate Enrollment | 8,970 |
| School Type | Private |
| Location | Notre Dame, IN |
| Founded | 1842 |
| Test Policy | Test-Optional |
| Need-Blind | Yes |
| Meets 100% Need | Yes |
Data source: IPEDS College Navigator and institutional Common Data Set (most recent available year). Data lags approximately one year.
What Notre Dame Values Most (CDS Data)
Who Gets Into Notre Dame: 4 Composite Profiles
These are composite profiles based on publicly available admissions patterns. They do not represent real individuals.
The Academic Powerhouse
Near-perfect GPA and test scores. Strong in STEM or humanities. Multiple AP/IB courses with 5s and 7s. Research experience or independent project.
The Community Builder
Founded or led a significant student organization. Demonstrated measurable community impact. Strong essays connecting service to personal growth.
The Specialized Expert
Deep expertise in one field — national competition winner, published research, or professional-level skill. Clear spike that makes the application memorable.
The Versatile Contributor
Strong across multiple areas without being the best at any single one. Excellent writer who connects diverse experiences into a coherent narrative.
Notre Dame Essay Strategy
Notre Dame's supplemental essays are your chance to demonstrate genuine fit. The "Why Notre Dame?" essay must reference specific programs, professors, courses, or campus resources. Generic essays about prestige or location are immediately recognizable and ineffective.
Read the Notre Dame Essay GuideApplication Strategy: ED vs EA vs RD
With a 12.9% acceptance rate, Notre Dame is competitive but not ultra-selective. Applying early shows demonstrated interest, which some schools value in admissions.
Read our ED vs EA vs RD strategy guide →Use the Notre Dame Fit Worksheet
Score your profile against Notre Dame's admissions criteria. See where you stand across 7 dimensions calibrated to real CDS data. Free, no signup required.
Get Your Free Notre Dame Fit ScoreFrequently Asked Questions
What is Notre Dame's acceptance rate?
University of Notre Dame's acceptance rate is approximately 12.9% based on the most recent Common Data Set. This rate can vary by year and by application round (ED, EA, RD).
What SAT score do I need for Notre Dame?
The middle 50% SAT range for Notre Dame is 1450-1550. Scoring above 1550 does not guarantee admission, and scoring below 1450 does not mean rejection — holistic review considers the full application.
What GPA do I need to get into Notre Dame?
The average unweighted GPA of admitted students at Notre Dame is approximately 4.06. Course rigor (AP/IB/dual enrollment) matters as much as the GPA number itself.
Does Notre Dame have Early Decision?
Check Notre Dame's admissions website at nd.edu/admissions for the most current information on early application options. Policies can change year to year.
Is Notre Dame test-optional?
Yes, Notre Dame is currently test-optional. Test policies can change each admissions cycle.
How many students attend Notre Dame?
University of Notre Dame has approximately 8,970 undergraduate students. As a private university, class sizes tend to be smaller.
What is Notre Dame known for?
Catholic research university with a famously loyal alumni network.
More Notre Dame Resources
Written by AdmitPath team
Data sourced from IPEDS College Navigator and Notre Dame's Common Data Set. CDS publication year noted — data may lag one year.
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