The University of Notre Dame combines the elite cache of a major research university with the Catholic values of a close-knit spiritual community. Located just north of South Bend, Indiana, Notre Dame was once ubiquitous with American Catholic culture itself. Its reputation for academic achievement, athletic rigor, and religiosity have cemented its place in the forefront of faith-driven higher education in the United States and around the world. Fighting Irish alumni include Nobel Prize-winning biologist Eric Wieschaus, U.S. Senators Joe Donnelly and Jeffrey Chiesa, and television personalities Sunny Hostin and Hannah Storm.

8,900 undergraduates at Notre Dame enroll between six programs and colleges located on a campus renowned for its beauty: The College of Arts and Letters, The College of Science, The School of Architecture, The College of Engineering, The Mendoza College of Business, and The Keough School of Global Affairs. The university’s core curriculum for all undergraduates consists of “six courses in the general liberal arts” (including math, science, social science, and humanities requirements) “four courses exploring explicitly Catholic dimensions of the liberal arts” (two theology and two philosophy courses), “two courses in writing” completed in the first year, and a first-year experience course.

Notre Dame was established in 1842 when priest Edward Sorin was commissioned by the Catholic Church to construct a college on 524 acres of land in northern Indiana. In the late nineteenth century, under the presidency of Thomas Walsh, Notre Dame invited literary intellectuals to campus through a “belle-lettres” campaign. As the university was swept into the twentieth century, tensions grew around whether Notre Dame should become a research university, as was the tendency of elite institutions at the time. Eventually the administration made the shift, expanding the chemical engineering program, attracting more faculty, and increasing the graduate population on campus.

Knute Rockne, alum and coach of the Notre Dame football team during the early twentieth century, is widely regarded as the greatest college football coach in history. His winning record and legacy of modernizing the game on behalf of all football players continues to be the pride of many Leprechauns, making athletics an integral part of campus culture. The 1940 film Knute Rockne, All American dramatizes his incredible story. And, of course, the 1993 movie Rudy dramatized the story of Daniel “Rudy” Ruettiger whose underdog story of walking on Notre Dame’s football team is widely regarded as one of the greatest sports movies ever made.

The football team has won at least eleven national championships (and more depending on the metrics you use!), while all Fighting Irish teams compete in Division I. Home games are a whole-campus affair, beginning with the drumline of the marching band and punctuated by a revelrous procession to the football stadium.

Undergraduate residence halls are another cornerstone of student life. These dorms are populated by student, Catholic rectors, and resident assistants. Students are required to live on campus for their first three years, and most stay in the same residence hall for three to four years. There is no Greek life on campus because of the university’s Catholic mission, but there are over 400 student organizations, including a variety of media, intramural athletic, faith, advocacy, and affinity organizations. 80% of the Student body identify as Catholic, but students of other faiths are also represented on campus and maintain their own religious organizations.

Notre Dame received 35,401 applications to the Class of 2029, but only accepted 9.0% of applicants. Successful applicants demonstrated their academic prowess through completion of required high school coursework and an extensive supplemental essay component. Students interested in taking part in the cultural and educational phenomenon that is Notre Dame should turn to NEW IVIES to perfect their applications!

What are University of Notre Dame looking for?

Our admissions process considers academic preparedness, test scores, extracurriculars—and your capacity for empathy, humility, and growth.

Notre Dame students are intellectually curious and inspired by a sense of purpose. They seek more than a degree. They seek to become a force for good.

Here’s what we’re looking for:

1. Academic performance in high school

There is no minimum grade point average or class rank required to apply to Notre Dame. Instead, we look for students who challenge themselves within the context of their high school by taking rigorous courses—such as AP, IB, dual enrollment, honors, or other advanced classes offered by your high school—and who earn strong grades. There is no single right curriculum. We are looking for you to take rigorous classes, achieve strong grades, and demonstrate your academic curiosity and potential to thrive at Notre Dame.

2. Rigor of coursework and academic preparation

Students are required to take a minimum of 16 units (equivalent to the credit for a year of satisfactory work in an accredited secondary school). The exact distribution of courses may vary slightly depending on a student’s interests. Although we require at least 16 academic units for admission, our most competitive applicants will have four units in each major academic area and at the most rigorous level your high school offers. We do include algebra and/or world language courses completed during eighth grade in our count of admissions requirements. For example, if you earned credit for one full-year introductory French course as an eighth grader, then completed French II in ninth grade, both credits will be counted.

The strongest applicants to Notre Dame complete the following coursework during high school:

*If Calculus is not offered at your high school, IB: Analysis and Approaches (SL or HL) or Pre-Calculus are good alternatives. The University does not recommend substituting Statistics for Calculus for those interested in a STEM or Business major.

**A minimum of 2 units are required. If only 2 units are earned, they must be in the same language. While any world language may be studied in high school, please refer to this website for the language options that are available at the University.

3. Standardized tests

Notre Dame is test-optional for all applicants through the 2026-27 school year, meaning ACT and/or SAT scores are not required. This policy applies to both first-year and transfer students. That said, significant quantitative evidence is typically demonstrated by our strongest applicants.

The University of Notre Dame considers a number of academic factors that demonstrate quantitative evidence. While the SAT and ACT are not required, you can submit other scores like AP or predicted IB exam results to demonstrate your academic strengths. You can self-report your test scores on your application or via your applicant status portal. If you are unable to, or prefer not to submit test scores, you will still be given full consideration in the admissions review process.

If you are admitted and you enroll, official SAT/ACT scores (if taken) must be submitted by the end of June. Notre Dame superscores both the SAT and ACT, considering your highest composite and section scores across all test dates. The writing sections of the ACT and SAT are not required. The science section of the ACT is optional.

Please visit the ACT website and College Board website for testing dates.

Application information for international applicants, including information about demonstrating English proficiency, can be found here.

4. Extracurricular activities?

Part of what makes each applicant unique is how you choose to spend your time. Have you immersed yourself in research? Are you demonstrating your athletic prowess on the field, court, ice, or in the pool? Do you perform on stage, on the sidelines, or on screen? Are you someone who commits your time to serving others, your community, or your family? Have you dedicated your time to your faith, a job, or a cause that you feel passionate about? We can’t wait to learn about the ways you pursue truth, faith, community, and progress through your extracurricular activities. Don’t forget to tell us about the ways you are leading and making an impact in these experiences.

5. Letters of evaluation

Notre Dame requires a total of two letters of evaluation. One letter of evaluation must come from a high school teacher who taught you in a core academic subject area (math, science, English, social science, or world language). We highly recommend that your school counselor complete the second letter of evaluation, but an additional member of your school community (e.g., additional teacher, advisor) may submit a letter if no counselor evaluation is available.

6. Essay: Reflect, have fun, show us who you really are.

The essay portions of both the application and the Notre Dame Writing Supplement provide our Admissions Committee with the opportunity to get to know you.

Your essays are our favorite part of the application reading process. Why? Because we learn about important decisions you’ve made, communities you’re a part of, lessons you’ve learned, your family traditions, tough moments you’ve faced, and the values that guide your life.

We use your essays to hear your authentic voice—we want to know the real you beyond lists of courses, numbers, and activities. You can view the current essay questions here.

While we don’t conduct interviews, applicants from U.S. high schools are welcome to record an optional Glimpse video, and international high school applicants can access a similar opportunity through InitialView. These 60-90 second videos are a valuable way for us to gain a deeper understanding of your personality and perspective beyond your written application. Please note that a fee applies; fee waivers can be obtained from Glimpse and you are able to send your video to multiple schools.

7. Examples of Talent (Optional)

If you intend to pursue a first or second major in the Department of Art, Art History, and Design or the School of Architecture, you are welcome to submit examples of your talent in a creative portfolio. Additionally, the Department of Music invites any applicant, regardless of intended major, to submit talent samples (video examples required). All portfolios should be submitted via SlideRoom.

Admissions Statistics

ADMISSION INFORMATION

APPLICATION DATES & DEADLINES

Additional essay questions of the application.

The University of Notre Dame Writing Section consists of responses to one (1) short essay question and three (3) short-answer responses to questions you select from the options provided.

Short Essay

Please provide a response to the following question. The word count is a maximum of 150 words.

-Everyone has different priorities when considering their higher education options and building their college or university list. Tell us about your “non-negotiable” factor(s) when searching for your future college home.

Short Answer

Please choose three questions from the options below. Your response to each short-answer question should be between 50-100 words.

- How does faith influence the decisions you make?

- What is distinctive about your personal experiences and development (eg, family support, culture, disability, personal background, community, etc)? Why are these experiences important to you and how will you enrich the Notre Dame community?

- Notre Dame’s undergraduate experience is characterized by a collective sense of care for every person. 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?