A straight answer: 11.3% acceptance rate.
This means for every 100 applicants, only 11 actually get in. No guessing. University of Notre Dame is a UNIV institution located in Notre Dame, IN — competition varies by program, but this is the official average.
Who Actually Gets In? (Men vs Women)
Quick breakdown so you get the real picture:
Men
Women
If you think one gender has an edge — the data tells what’s up.
Applications vs Admits: The Funnel That Matters
This is where the reality hits:
Yield Rate: N/A
This shows how many admitted students choose University of Notre Dame. High yield = high confidence. Low yield = students had better options.
What Scores Do You Need?
If you're applying without knowing what scores to aim for… that’s how rejection letters happen.
SAT Score Range
ACT Score Range
Aim for the 75th percentile if you want peace of mind.
Interpreting the Acceptance Rate at University of Notre Dame as an Applicant
When students ask about the acceptance rate at University of Notre Dame, they’re usually looking for reassurance or clarity. The challenge is that acceptance rates don’t operate at the individual level—they summarize institutional outcomes.
An acceptance rate of 11.3% reflects the admissions cycle as a whole, combining applicants with different goals, backgrounds, and levels of readiness. This makes the statistic helpful for broad comparison, but limited for personal decision-making.
Why Acceptance Rate Alone Isn’t Enough
Acceptance rates don’t show how competitive specific programs are or how admissions decisions vary across applicant types. At University of Notre Dame, some majors attract far more interest than others, which can create uneven competition.
Additionally, universities that receive a high volume of exploratory applications often appear less selective than they truly are. That’s why acceptance rates can sometimes feel misleading when viewed without context.
Turning Acceptance Data into Useful Insight
The best way to use the acceptance rate at University of Notre Dame is as a directional signal. It helps applicants understand the admissions environment, but real outcomes depend on preparation, academic focus, and alignment.
Students who combine acceptance rate data with thoughtful self-assessment tend to approach the application process with more confidence and better expectations.
Admissions Insight
Holistic Admissions? Or Score-Centric?
Some colleges love essays and activities. Some love high numbers.
Your Chances of Getting Into University of Notre Dame
Let’s keep it real:
- ✅ Great scores + strong extracurriculars → Solid chance
- 🔶 Good scores + average profile → Toss-up
- ❌ Below 25th percentile → You’re relying on miracles
If you’re international, competition goes up a notch. If you're applying to CS, Business, or Engineering → multiply difficulty by 2.
What's my real shot?
Acceptance Odds Estimator
Estimate your admission probability at University of Notre Dame based on your unique profile.
Pro Tip: Many more factors influence admission. For a deeper analysis that includes major, essays, and personal context — use Orbit's values-based matching.
Try Right Fit MatcherHow to Use University of Notre Dame’s Acceptance Rate in Your Application Strategy
Understanding an acceptance rate is only valuable if it informs better decisions. For applicants considering University of Notre Dame, the real advantage comes from knowing how to use this data—not just react to it.
Acceptance rates work best as a planning tool. They help applicants gauge competitiveness, balance college lists, and set realistic expectations. However, they should never be used in isolation. A strategic approach combines acceptance data with self-assessment and program-specific research.
What Acceptance Rate Means for Different Types of Applicants
Applicants with academic profiles that closely match the university’s typical admits may find that the acceptance rate understates their chances. On the other hand, students applying to high-demand majors or with weaker preparation may face more competition than the headline number suggests.
This is why acceptance rates often feel confusing in hindsight. Two students can apply to the same university with very different outcomes—not because the system is random, but because admissions decisions are contextual. Academic rigor, course selection, and alignment with institutional goals all play a role.
Making Smarter Decisions with the Data
The most effective applicants use acceptance rate data to refine their approach rather than limit their options. At University of Notre Dame, this means evaluating where your strengths genuinely lie, understanding how competitive your intended program is, and deciding how this university fits within your broader application strategy.
Acceptance rate should guide balance—not fear. It helps identify whether a school functions as a reach, target, or safety option, but it does not replace thoughtful preparation or strong application execution. Students who treat acceptance rates as directional signals tend to make more confident, informed decisions.
Ultimately, acceptance rate is not a judgment—it’s context. When paired with realistic self-assessment and careful planning, it becomes one of several tools applicants can use to navigate the admissions process with clarity and confidence.
Should You Apply to University of Notre Dame?
If 11.3% feels scary — that’s the point. High stakes → high payoff.
- Will I be a standout here?
- Do I like the vibe?
- Can I afford it? (Check scholarship opportunities)
- Is this my best-fit major here?
Explore University of Notre Dame
Jump to related stats for this same university.
FAQs About University of Notre Dame Acceptance Rate
Is Notre Dame still test-optional?
Notre Dame currently operates a test-optional policy for SAT and ACT submissions, allowing applicants to omit scores if they feel other parts of their application better reflect their strengths.
What is Notre Dame's acceptance rate?
Notre Dame is selective and competitive; acceptance rates are low relative to many institutions, reflecting a large applicant pool and selective admissions decisions.
Does Notre Dame superscore the SAT and ACT?
Yes, Notre Dame superscores both the SAT and ACT when applicants choose to submit test scores, combining highest section scores across test dates.
What are Notre Dame's application deadlines?
Notre Dame's Restrictive Early Action deadline is typically November 1, and the Regular Decision deadline is typically January 1 or 2; verify current-year dates on the university website before applying.
How many letters of recommendation are required?
Notre Dame typically requests two letters of recommendation: one from a core academic teacher and one from a counselor or other school official, to provide academic and contextual perspectives on the applicant.
Final Verdict: Don’t Play It Casual
University of Notre Dame isn’t a lottery — but it sure feels like one if you apply blind.
Know where you stand. Play strengths. Show why you belong.
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