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Evaluation Criteria

How to Stand Out in Your Application to Notre Dame

Students often ask us how they can prepare the best possible application to Notre Dame. Here’s some advice for how to make yourself stand out in our applicant pool. We know that every student has their own context and lived experiences, so we always take those into consideration as we review applications comprehensively.

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:

  • 4 units of English

  • 3-4 units of Mathematics (STEM, Architecture, and Business major intents need 4 units, which should include Calculus.*)

  • 3-4 units of History / Social Science

  • 3-4 units of a World Language**

  • 3-4 units of Science (STEM and Architecture major intents should take Biology, Chemistry, and Physics.)

*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.