For individuals interested in the University of Notre Dame, the article includes a comprehensive guide with all the necessary details about the Notre Dame Acceptance Rate.
The University of Notre Dame, historically known for its academically accomplished student body, accepted 43% of applicants in 1986. The Class of 1990, which emerged during that period, showcased an average SAT score of 1200, with 75% of students achieving a position in the top 10% of their high school class.
Over time, the university’s acceptance rate experienced a gradual decline: dropping to 35% by the early 2000s, further to 28% by 2010, and eventually reaching an unprecedented low of 12% by 2023.
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Acceptance Rate – Class of 2027
For the incoming freshman class of 2023-24, the University received a total of 28,351 applications and extended offers to 3,399 students. This results in an acceptance rate of 11.9% for the Class of 2027. Here are the most recent acceptance rates for the University of Notre Dame:
- Class of 2026: 13%
- 2025: 15%
- 2024: 19%
Restrictive Early Action (REA) Acceptance Rate
Among the 11,163 applications received, Notre Dame offered admission to 1,701 students through the Early Action (REA) pathway. As a result, the Class of 2027’s Early Action acceptance rate stood at 15%.
Notre Dame Admissions – SAT, ACT, and Class Rank
Within the Class of 2026 that had been successfully enrolled, the mid-range for SAT scores fell between 1420 and 1550, while for the ACT, the range was 32 to 35. Regarding class rankings, 91% of incoming freshmen held positions within the highest ten percent of their high school classes, with an additional 97% placing within the top twenty-five percent.
Admissions Trends & Notes – (Class of 2027)
- The number of REA applications increased by 25% for the Class of 2027.
- There was a 3% increase in test-optional applicants last cycle.
- Notre Dame’s 11.9% acceptance rate is the lowest in school history.
- The admitted Class of 2027 was made up of individuals from all 50 states and 143 countries around the globe.
Who Actually Gets In?
Let’s look at the demographics of current undergraduates:
In terms of their geographic origin, the admitted students belonging to the Class of 2026 exhibited the subsequent distribution:
- Northeast: 21%
- Southeast: 15%
- Midwest: 12%
- Midwest-Plains: 17%
- West/Southwest: 23%
- Outside the United States: 12%
Similar to other competitive colleges, individuals hailing from less densely populated and more geographically isolated regions of the nation (such as Wyoming, South Dakota, Idaho) experience an enhancement in their chances of admission.
Regarding ethnic background, the composition of the accepted members within the Class of 2026 was distributed in the subsequent manner:
- Asian American: 11%
- Hispanic: 15%
- African American: 14%
- Native American: 1%
The largest count of international students are individuals who hold citizenship from:
- China
- Mexico
- Brazil
- Canada
- India
- South Korea
The gender distribution among current undergraduate students demonstrates a slight predominance of men over women, a phenomenon uncommon in the contemporary higher education setting, except in institutions with a strong focus on engineering.
- Male: 52%
- Female: 48%
The accepted members of the Class of 2026 originated from the subsequent categories of high schools:
- Public: 47%
- Catholic: 33%
- Private/Charter: 19%
The Majority of People Who Get Accepted Choose to Attend
Last year, the yield rate, which signifies the proportion of accepted students who choose to enroll compared to the total number of admitted students, stood at 60%.
In contrast, prestigious institutions like Stanford and Harvard reported yield rates exceeding 80%, while the University of Chicago, MIT, and Yale all exhibited yield rates surpassing 70%. Notre Dame’s yield rate placed it ahead of esteemed private universities such as Vanderbilt, Rice, and Carnegie Mellon.
How Notre Dame Rates Applicants
This institution considers just two elements to be “extremely essential” in their admissions process: rigor of secondary school record and character/personal traits.
Class rank, GPA, essays, references, extracurricular activities, talent/ability, first-generation status, legacy status, and volunteer experience all receive “important” ratings. They “consider” an applicant’s religious affiliation, racial/ethnic status, employment experience, standardized test results, and indicated degree of interest.
“The most competitive applicants to the University of Notre Dame are well-rounded, so we take a well-rounded, or holistic, view of students’ applications,” said Notre Dame admissions staff. Notre Dame admissions counselors assess both the academic and non-academic components of the application as part of the holistic examination.”
The university’s comprehensive evaluation also delves into an applicant’s individual situation. The admissions process at Notre Dame places significant importance on the background of a student’s application. This involves considering the high school the student attended and the opportunities accessible to them. Context entails refraining from direct comparisons between applicants from varying schools.
Tips for Applying
If you’re considering being part of the upcoming admissions cycle along with over 28,000 other aspiring Fighting Irish candidates, it’s important to be aware of the following points:
- Familiarize yourself with the application checklist.
- The school will remain test optional for the 2023-24 cycle.
- The school does favor those with a legacy connection; 28% of one recent freshman cohort were legacies.
- There are no interviews offered through the university. Notre Dame states that “it is through your essays that we are able to hear your voice, learn your sense of humor, empathize with your struggles.”
- They do not consider “demonstrated interest” so it is important to make contact with the admissions office, connect through social media, and (when COVID-19 is no longer an issue) visit campus or meet Notre Dame reps at college fairs near you.
- Make sure to dedicate sufficient time and effort to three supplemental essays required by Notre Dame. In the 2022-23 cycle, the instructions/prompts are were follows:
The Notre Dame Writing Supplement comprises two essay responses: one mandatory essay in response to a specific question and another essay in response to a chosen question from a provided list. Combined, you’ll be writing two essays. Each essay should not exceed 200 words in length.
Mandatory Prompt:
- Notre Dame is a Catholic university, founded by members of the Congregation of Holy Cross, with a mission to educate the hearts and minds of students. What excites you about attending Notre Dame? (200 words)
Alternate Options (Select 1):
- People in the Notre Dame community come from many different places, backgrounds, and walks of life. How is where you’re from a part of who you are?
- Tell us about a time when you advocated for something you believe in.
- If you were given unlimited resources to help solve one problem in your community, what would it be and how would you accomplish it?
- What is the greatest compliment you have ever been given? Why was it meaningful to you?
University of Notre Dame Acceptance Rate – Conclusion
As the University’s competitiveness increases annually, it’s probable that achieving exceptional SAT scores, nearly flawless grades, and securing a spot in the upper 5-10% of your high school class will be necessary. Opting for Restrictive Early Action (REA) could offer a slight advantage if you’re hovering near the admissions threshold.
All students planning for college must ensure they create a suitable list of colleges, encompassing both “target” and “safety” options. Collaborating with an admissions expert, such as your high school counselor, is highly recommended during this process.
