University of Notre Dame

Notre Dame Application Requirements, Admissions Tips, and University Guide

How do I get into Notre Dame?

Admissions counselors at Notre Dame are looking to enroll the creative intellectual, the bold and the ethical, and the relentless seekers of social justice. While community service is not required, 80% of undergraduate students engage in service or service-learning at least once while on campus, which strongly aligns with the campus’ spiritual identity and culture of servitude. In addition to good grades and a strong work ethic, Notre Dame wants to admit students who will be someone’s future best friend and really give to those around them on campus.

Here’s your Notre Dame Application Checklist:

1. Submit your application through the Common App or Coalition App
2. Two essays each under 200 words for the Writing Supplement, submitted through the Common or Coalition Applications
3. Official High School Transcript
   1. Restrictive Early Action applicants are encouraged to submit an optional progress report of first quarter or first-trimester performance.
4. A letter of evaluation from a high school teacher in a core academic subject area who knows you well
5. Counselor evaluation (recommended, not required)
6. SAT or ACT assessment scores- Notre Dame is test-optional for the 2022 and 2023 application cycles.
7. $75 application fee

Is Notre Dame A Jesuit School? Do I have to be Catholic to Attend?

Notre Dame is a Catholic School with a huge emphasis on the values of faith, religion, and spirituality. Religion is also physically and academically interwoven into the college experience; you will see chapels in academic buildings and 2 theology and philosophy classes are part of the graduation requirements. However, you are not required to be Catholic to gain admission. All faiths are welcomed and supported within the Notre Dame Community.

Where is Notre Dame?

Notre Dame is a private Catholic research university in Notre Dame, Indiana. Notre Dame is just outside of South Bend, within driving distance to Indianapolis, and about 90 miles east of Chicago. Although many consider Notre Dame to be in a bit of a remote location, there is very easy transportation from campus to South Bend. Students frequently head into town for performances at the Civic Learning Center or out to the Rapids to enjoy white water rafting.

While some students may hesitate to go to a school that is not located close to a major city or distinct professional opportunities, it’s important to know that Notre Dame’s website notes that “500 employers visit campus every year to recruit our students, conducting more than 7,000 interviews.” Additionally, alumni are located all around the world, so you’ll feel very connected to the Notre Dame alumni network no matter where you find yourself living or job searching post-graduation.

What Standardized Testing is required for Notre Dame?

Notre Dame will continue the Test-Optional policy in 2022 and 2023. Students can choose to submit their SAT or ACT scores. If submitting multiple scores, Notre Dame will superscore results, meaning they will consider the highest composite score and highest scores on each section. SAT Subject Tests, AP tests, and IB tests are not required and only used in the application process if they enhance an application. They may also be used for credit and placement in the first-year program.

What academic majors are offered?

You can study pretty much anything and everything at Notre Dame! The University offers approximately 75 degree programs across its Arts and Letters, Business, Science, Engineering, Architecture, and Global Affairs schools. Notre Dame is particularly known for Finance, Business, Marketing, and pre-med programs. Students can also double major or complete associated concentrations, supplementary majors, and minors offered within each specific department.

Notre Dame students are set up for success. 98% of graduates are placed in careers, graduate schools, or service opportunities within six months of graduating. Support as a graduate is also abundant for the Fighting Irish Alum, 90% are accepted into law school and roughly 80% of pre-med majors get into med school.

Should I apply Restrictive Early Action or Regular Decision?

You should apply to Notre Dame whenever your application is of the highest quality and at the time that makes the most sense for you. If you apply Restrictive Early Action by November 1, you can not apply Early Decision elsewhere. It is not a requirement to attend Notre Dame if admitted Restrictive Early Action. You also have the option to apply Regular Decision by January 1. Make sure you spend as much time as needed to edit and polish your application so that it is of the highest quality possible before you hit submit.

How Difficult is it to get into Notre Dame?

Notre Dame admitted 3,412 of the 26,504 students who applied to the class of 2026, yielding a 13% acceptance rate. Additionally, Notre Dame is need-blind, meaning only academics and nonacademic experiences are factored into decision-making (not financial circumstances).

How expensive is Notre Dame?

The total cost of attendance for the 2022-2023 academic year is $80,211. This is obviously a high sticker price, however, ND offers strong financial aid — and is committed to meeting 100% of every student’s demonstrated financial need. The median need-based scholarship for first year students who demonstrated financial need in Fall of 2021 was $50,000.

What are the students like?

Kind. Generous. Smart. Fun. Students at Notre Dame tend to be friendly, and passionate about their school, but not elitist or in your face about it. The culture at ND is more collaborative than competitive while students still want to learn at a high level alongside their classmates and peers.

Notre Dame’s freshman student body represents all 50 states and over 95 countries. 15% of students are Hispanic/Latino, 59% Caucasian, 11% Asian/Pacific Islander, 14% Black, and 1% Native American.

Notre Dame is known for its wonderful spirit on campus. “Students at Notre Dame love their school and definitely seem to ‘drink the kool-aid,’ but boy does the kool-aid taste good!” – ND alum

What’s it like to be on campus?

Freshman year, students are randomly assigned to one of 32 single-sex dorms, which have their own mascot and identity. Your floormates will likely become your best friends as there is no Greek life on campus. Students tend to stay in their dorms Freshman and Sophomore years. Some students move off-campus for their Junior and/or Senior years, but still, associate themselves with their Freshman year dorm and participate in their dorm’s activities. Students can choose to live on campus all 4 years.

Another incredible aspect of undergraduate life at Notre Dame is the student clubs and organizations. There are over 400! Many students played sports in high school, so there are a lot of clubs and intramural sports for those not who do not play on a D1 varsity team.

Notre Dame is also a very social campus with fun traditions such as attending football games and tailgating.

What other unique opportunities are offered at ND?

• Study abroad opportunities – over 75% of students participate
• 80% of students volunteer in the Notre Dame community
• There are 23 sports teams and several club sports teams
• Research conducted with Nobel Prize winners and guest lecturers at Jordan Hall of Science
• Performances and concerts at the DeBartolo Performing Arts Center
• Study abroad opportunities for Undergraduate Scholarly Engagement for research, internships, and civil engagement

*Updated 2022