SAT and ACT Scores For University of Notre Dame

University of Notre Dame is among the most selective universities in the United States. In the latest admission cycle (for the Class of 2028), Notre Dame received roughly 29,000 applications and offered admission to only about 4,350 students—an acceptance rate near 15%. That means just around 15 in 100 applicants earn a spot, underscoring Notre Dame's exceptionally high standards and intense competition year after year.

Notre Dame's Early Action plan is non-binding. It admits a significant portion of each class (around half of enrolled students often come through EA). Applying Early Action signals that Notre Dame is your top choice and usually boosts admission chances. However, because EA is non-binding, students can still consider other offers if admitted.

Testing policy has evolved. Notre Dame was test-optional in recent years, but for the 2025–26 admissions cycle (for fall 2026 entry), Notre Dame will require SAT or ACT scores again (with hardship exceptions). In other words, applicants next year must submit test results. Even before this change, nearly all successful applicants who reported scores were at the very top of the national scale, reflecting Notre Dame's rigorous academic profile.

SAT Scores

  Recommended Score: 1480

When families are curious about Notre Dame SAT or Notre Dame average SAT scores, they find that admitted students' middle-50% composite SAT range is roughly 1410–1550. This elite band mirrors Notre Dame's high academic expectations and means admitted students typically score near the top of the national distribution.

For section detail: the SAT Reading and Writing component (formerly called Evidence-Based Reading & Writing) for Notre Dame's admitted students falls around 700–760 for the middle 50%. These scores reflect the critical reading, writing, and analytical skills Notre Dame expects across all majors.

On the Math portion, Notre Dame's middle-50% range is about 710–790. This upper-tier performance signals comfort with advanced algebra, data analysis, and precalculus—skills that Notre Dame seeks in both STEM and quantitatively rigorous social science applicants.

If you're wondering about a Notre Dame average SAT, aim for the mid-1500s. Notre Dame evaluates applications holistically, so scores below 1410 don't automatically disqualify you. But in such a competitive pool, you'll need compensating strengths (like outstanding coursework, unique talents, or leadership impact) to remain viable.

Policy note: Notre Dame superscores the SAT. They consider your highest Reading and Writing and Math section scores from all test dates. In practice, this means a weak section can be improved with a retake, boosting how your Notre Dame SAT scores are evaluated.

ACT Scores

  Recommended Score: 34

Looking at Notre Dame's ACT range, the middle 50% of composite scores is about 32–35. This implies most admitted students are scoring at or near the top percentile nationally. In other words, Notre Dame ACT results cluster in the mid-30s, reflecting the school's competitive applicant pool.

By section, admitted students tend to excel in English (ACT Reading and Writing). The middle 50% for ACT English is approximately 32–35, meaning the average admitted student often scores a 32 or above on this section. These scores demonstrate the strong critical reading and communication skills Notre Dame expects.

ACT Math scores at Notre Dame are similarly high: the middle 50% falls around 32–35. While there's a bit more spread than English, competitive applicants still show very strong quantitative fluency. Many engineering or economics hopefuls, for example, hit scores in the mid-30s on ACT Math.

Notre Dame superscores the ACT just as it does the SAT, taking the highest section scores across multiple test dates. The optional writing section is not required, but applicants may submit it if it strengthens their profile. Using superscoring, you can focus on improving any weaker sections in additional attempts.

If you're estimating a Notre Dame average ACT, plan around 35. Given Notre Dame's low admit rate, even moving from a 32 to 35 can enhance your profile. Pair high test scores with rigorous coursework, standout essays, and meaningful extracurriculars to maximize your chances.

Admission Numbers

Overall Rating: Very Competitive

Here are the applicant and admissions numbers per year for University of Notre Dame:

Here's the reality: Notre Dame's admit rate is only about 15%, with roughly 29,000 applications for about 4,350 spots (around 2,100 students actually enroll). That's why understanding the Notre Dame average SAT and Notre Dame average ACT benchmarks matters—they align with the profile of those admitted. If your scores fall near or above Notre Dame's 75th percentile (around a 1550 SAT or 35 ACT), you're in stronger territory.

That said, Notre Dame emphasizes holistic review. Admissions officers weigh coursework rigor, grades, essays, recommendations, and personal qualities. In a pool full of near-perfect transcripts, however, top-tier SAT/ACT scores help confirm to Notre Dame that you're ready for the academic rigor. In short, scores aren't everything, but they remain a key part of the competitive signal.

Strategy snapshot: If Notre Dame is your clear first choice, applying Early Action could improve your odds by signaling commitment. Take advantage of superscoring by retaking tests to shore up any weak section. Also balance test prep with maintaining strong senior-year classes and crafting compelling essays. Meet Notre Dame's testing bar (target near the top of the Notre Dame SAT and ACT ranges) and then win the admissions read with the rest of your profile.