Understanding the Average GPA and Admission Requirements at the University of Notre Dame
Gaining admission to the University of Notre Dame is a coveted goal for many ambitious high school students. As a selective private research university, Notre Dame attracts numerous applicants with impressive academic records. This article delves into the GPA, SAT scores, acceptance rate and other crucial factors that influence admission to Notre Dame.
The Selectivity of Notre Dame: Acceptance Rate
The University of Notre Dame is extremely selective. For the Class of 2029, the acceptance rate reached a record low of 9.0%. The previous year, the acceptance rate for the Class of 2028 was 11%, while the Class of 2027 saw a slightly higher rate of 12.38%. These figures highlight the competitive nature of the admissions process. Because this school is extremely selective, getting a high SAT score and GPA is vital to having a chance at getting in. If you don't pass their SAT and GPA requirements, they'll likely reject you without much consideration.
Decoding the GPA Landscape at Notre Dame
The average GPA at Notre Dame is 4.13. This high average signifies that successful applicants are typically at the top of their class, with nearly straight A's in all their courses. Securing admission to Notre Dame with a low GPA is possible but improbable. Some students do the improbable by meeting other institutional needs (e.g., the recruited athlete with tons of coach backing (a.k.a. not a walk-on like Rudy!), the child of a major donor whose admission comes with a major windfall, etc.).
Although there is no minimum grade point average or class rank required to apply to Notre Dame, the university seeks 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.
Standardized Testing: SAT and ACT Scores
While Notre Dame is test-optional for applicants through the 2025-26 school year, the university 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 admitted and you enroll, official SAT/ACT scores (if taken) must be submitted by the end of June.
Read also: SAT Requirements for LSU
The 25th percentile SAT score is 1470, and the 75th percentile SAT score is 1540. In other words, a 1470 places you below average, while a 1540 will move you up to above average. 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 average ACT score at Notre Dame is 34. The 25th percentile ACT score is 33, and the 75th percentile ACT score is 35.
To have the best shot of getting in, you should aim for the 75th percentile, with a 1540 SAT or a 35 ACT. You should also have a 4.13 GPA or higher.
Beyond Grades and Scores: A Holistic Review
Admission to Notre Dame hinges on more than just academic performance. The university employs a holistic review process, taking into account various factors, including:
Coursework Difficulty: Notre Dame seeks students who have challenged themselves with rigorous courses, such as AP, IB, dual enrollment, honors, or other advanced classes offered by your high school. There is no single right curriculum. 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.
Read also: Decoding Princeton Admissions
*If Calculus is not offered at your high school, IB: Analysis and Approaches (SL or HL) or Pre-Calculus are good alternatives.
**A minimum of 2 units are required. If only 2 units are earned, they must be in the same language.
Extracurricular Activities: Meaningful involvement in extracurriculars demonstrates your passions, commitment, and ability to contribute to the Notre Dame community. 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.
Letters of Recommendation: Strong letters of recommendation from teachers and counselors can provide valuable insights into your character, work ethic, and potential. 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).
Essays: Your essays offer a chance to showcase your personality, values, and writing skills. Your essays are our favorite part of the application reading process. Why? We use your essays to hear your authentic voice-we want to know the real you beyond lists of courses, numbers, and activities.
Read also: Applying to Ole Miss: ACT Requirements
Talent Samples: 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).
Strategies for Aspiring Notre Dame Students
- Aim High Academically: Strive for a GPA of 4.13 or higher and aim for the 75th percentile on the SAT (1540) or ACT (35). If your GPA is at or below the school average of 4.13, you'll need a higher SAT score to compensate and show that you're prepared to take on college academics. If you're a junior or senior, your GPA is hard to change from this point on.
- Challenge Yourself: Take rigorous courses that align with your interests and showcase your academic abilities.
- Engage Meaningfully: Participate in extracurricular activities that you are passionate about and where you can make a significant contribution.
- Craft Compelling Essays: Write authentic and engaging essays that reveal your personality, values, and aspirations.
- Cultivate Strong Relationships: Seek out teachers and counselors who can write compelling letters of recommendation on your behalf.
Additional Tips for First-Year Students
- Your First Year, your Primary Advisor is your First-Year Advisor.
- Group Advising for Health Professions usually provides sufficient information at this level. Please see our homepage for when these group advising sessions will occur.
- Individual Advising will occur for specialty questions not answered in the Group Advising.
- Classes include calculus and chemistry, other sciences as your major requires, social science, or literature requirements.
- Attend all review sessions and get to know your professors.
- Get involved in extracurricular activities, such as clubs, dorm involvement, or service through the Institute for Social Concerns.
- First Year to Sophomore Summer: Perform clinical work, service work, or research, even part-time. Research on your application will demonstrate a depth of interest in a topic. Clinical experience demonstrates knowledge of the profession. Service work illustrates your caring for others, leadership, and character.
- GPA 3.71 (national avg. ND Science GPA 3.64 (national avg.
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