Indiana · 9.0% acceptance · private · Tier 2
REA is non-binding but signals interest. REA rate (17.0%) beats RD (7.0%) without locking you in.
Notre Dame prioritizes demonstrated fit with its Catholic mission and strong communal life, so applicants who show genuine interest in service, faith-informed leadership, and long-term engagement with campus traditions and student organizations stand out. They also reward sustained intellectual curiosity in a chosen field, especially applicants targeting Mendoza, engineering, or pre-med who pair high rigor and clear academic trajectory with concrete experiences like research, internships, or leadership in relevant extracurriculars. Compared with Ivy peers, ND is stricter on demonstrated cultural fit and extracurricular depth tied to future plans, and a bit more forgiving of nontraditional resumes if the applicant shows clear alignment with Notre Dame's community values.
Use the supplemental essays to connect specific Notre Dame resources to your plans, naming concrete professors, Mendoza pathways (e.g., Core curriculum + Mendoza Global Scholars), clubs (e.g., Club Football, Alliance for Catholic Education), or on-campus service programs you intend to join, and explain not just why they appeal but how you will contribute. Avoid vague praise; show prior related work or a plan for the first two years on campus, and if faith or community service matters to you, address it directly with specific examples rather than generic statements.
If you only have time for one thing this month, do this: