Notre Dame Admissions 2024-2025

University of Notre Dame recently released their Common Data Set for 2024-2025, offering valuable insights into what it takes to be admitted to this highly selective institution. Let's examine the data to understand who gets into Notre Dame and what factors matter most in their admissions process.

Notre Dame's Extreme Selectivity

Notre Dame's admissions statistics continue to demonstrate its position among the most selective universities in the country:

• Total applicants: 29,942

• Admitted students: 3,374

• Enrolled students: 2,082

• Acceptance rate: Approximately 11.3%

With just over 1 in 9 applicants receiving an offer, Notre Dame remains one of the most selective institutions in the United States, significantly more selective than many public flagships and on par with many Ivy League schools.

Academic Profile of Admitted Students

The academic credentials of Notre Dame's Class of 2029 are, unsurprisingly, exceptional:

Test Scores

• SAT Composite (middle 50%): 1470-1540

• SAT Evidence-Based Reading and Writing: 720-770

• SAT Math: 735-790

• ACT Composite: 33-35

These test scores place Notre Dame students in the top 1-2% of all test-takers nationally.

GPA and Class Rank

• 92% were in the top tenth of their high school class

• 98% were in the top quarter of their high school class

• 100% were in the top half of their high school class

These statistics demonstrate that virtually all Notre Dame admits are at or near the top of their high school classes academically.

Interesting Demographic Information

Notre Dame's first-year class shows significant geographic diversity but could improve in racial and ethnic diversity:

• Out-of-state students: 91% of first-year students (remarkable geographic diversity)

• International students: 8.6% (159 students)

• Hispanic/Latino: 17.6% (366 students)

• Black or African American: 3.4% (70 students)

• White: 59.2% (1,232 students)

• Asian: 5.6% (117 students)

• Two or more races: 4.3% (89 students)

• American Indian/Alaska Native: 0.1% (2 students)

• Native Hawaiian/Pacific Islander: 0.1% (2 students)

• Race/ethnicity unknown: 2.2% (45 students)

It's worth noting that while Notre Dame draws students from across the country (with 91% of students coming from outside Indiana), the student body remains predominantly white.

What Matters Most in Notre Dame Admissions

Notre Dame's Common Data Set provides valuable information about what factors weigh most heavily in their admissions decisions:

"Very Important" Factors

• Rigor of secondary school record

• Academic GPA

• Application Essay

• Recommendation(s)

"Important" Factors

• Standardized test scores

• Extracurricular activities

• Talent/ability

• Character/personal qualities

• First generation status

• Volunteer work

• Work experience

• Level of applicant's interest

"Considered" Factors

• Class rank

• Interview

• Alumni/ae relation

• Geographical residence

• State residency

• Religious affiliation/commitment

"Not Considered" Factors

None listed - Notre Dame appears to take a holistic approach where almost all factors receive some consideration.

What These Ratings Mean for Applicants

Notre Dame's ratings reveal their holistic approach to admissions:

• Academics are foundational: The rigor of your curriculum and GPA are "very important" - you need to challenge yourself with the most demanding courses available to you and perform exceptionally well.

• Essays and recommendations matter tremendously: Both are rated as "very important," suggesting that Notre Dame values the qualitative aspects of your application as much as the numbers.

• Character and personal qualities are significant: This factor is rated as "important," underscoring Notre Dame's interest in who you are beyond your academic achievements.

• Religious affiliation is considered: Unlike some schools that don't factor this in at all, Notre Dame does consider religious affiliation/commitment, though it's only in the "considered" category, not "very important" or "important."

• Test scores are important: Unlike some peer institutions that rate standardized tests as merely "considered," Notre Dame places them in the "important" category, suggesting they play a meaningful role in admissions decisions.

Notable Observations

Several other details from the Common Data Set stand out:

• Retention rate: An exceptional 99% of first-year students return for their sophomore year, indicating extremely high student satisfaction.

• Six-year graduation rate: 95%, showing that once admitted, the vast majority of students successfully complete their degrees.

• Student-to-faculty ratio: 8:1, offering students excellent access to faculty.

• Housing: 100% of first-year students live in college-owned housing, and Notre Dame maintains a strong residential community with 82% of all undergraduates living on campus.

• Financial aid: Notre Dame meets 100% of demonstrated financial need for admitted students, with an average financial aid package of $67,855 for first-year students with need.

• Costs: Tuition for 2024-2025 is $67,100, with an additional $18,438 for room and board.

• No Greek life: Notre Dame does not have fraternities or sororities.

• Strong international focus: Notre Dame offers robust study abroad opportunities with 51% of students participating.

What This Means for Future Applicants

For students aspiring to Notre Dame, these numbers highlight the importance of:

• Academic excellence: Taking the most challenging courses available and excelling in them.

• Authentic engagement: Developing genuine interests and making meaningful contributions.

• Character development: Demonstrating positive personal qualities through your actions and impact.

• Powerful writing: Crafting essays that reveal your authentic voice and perspective.

• Strong recommendations: Building relationships with teachers who can speak to your intellectual curiosity and classroom contributions.

• Demonstrated interest: The "level of applicant's interest" is rated as "important," suggesting that Notre Dame values students who show genuine enthusiasm for the university.

Remember that while these statistics provide insight into Notre Dame's admissions process, they don't tell the full story of what makes a successful applicant. Notre Dame seeks students who will contribute to their community in diverse and meaningful ways, not just those with perfect numbers.

Need help applying to Notre Dame for the 2025-2026 admissions cycle? If so, contact an admissions expert at Cosmic College Consulting today.