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Notre Dame

University of Notre Dame

One 150-word essay plus three short answers from a set of five. Annotated examples.

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Main essay

150 words

Short answers

3 of 5, 50 to 100 words

Test scores

Optional

Supplement

Required

What Notre Dame rewards

Notre Dame keeps its supplement short but pointed: one essay of 150 words or fewer, plus three short answers chosen from five options, each 50 to 100 words. The required essay asks about your non-negotiable factors when searching for your future college. The short answers range across character, community, values, and, in keeping with Notre Dame's Catholic identity, the role of faith or something larger than yourself. Notre Dame is test-optional.

Notre Dame is one of the most distinctive top universities in the country: deeply Catholic, fiercely communal, and proud of a student body that genuinely loves the place. The essays are short, so every word counts, and they reward warmth and sincerity over polish. Notre Dame wants to know whether you would thrive in, and contribute to, its unusually tight community, so authenticity matters more than impressiveness here.

01Genuine fit. The non-negotiable essay reveals whether what you need from a college matches what Notre Dame is. Honest, specific priorities read better than flattery.
02Community and care. Notre Dame prizes students who invest in others. Warmth, service, and real relationships resonate across the short answers.
03Comfort with the big questions. Notre Dame's Catholic mission means it welcomes reflection on faith, meaning, and something larger than yourself, whatever your own beliefs.
04Sincerity over polish. In 50 to 150 words there is no room to perform. A true, plainly told answer beats a clever one every time.

Essay prompts for 2026-2027

2 prompts for Notre Dame, each broken down with annotated examples.

Your non-negotiable150 words

Everyone has different priorities when considering their higher education options and building their college or university list. Tell us about your 'non-negotiable' factor(s) when searching for your future college home.

Short answers (choose three of five)50 to 100 words each

Notre Dame asks you to answer three of five short-answer prompts in 50 to 100 words each. Recent options include: a compliment you have received that reveals something about your character; how faith or belief in something larger than yourself shapes your life and decisions; and prompts about your community, your background, and what brings you joy. Choose the three that are most genuinely you.

See all 2 prompts and get a read

Your chance

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Add your GPA, test scores, and profile to estimate your odds at Notre Dame and build a balanced list.

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Deadlines

Restrictive Early ActionNov 1
Regular DecisionJan 1

Cost

Sticker price$84,301
Avg net after aid$28,500
Meets full needYes
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How to get inAcceptance rate, the GPA and SAT profile, and what Notre Dame weighs most Supplemental essays2 prompts, each broken down with annotated examples Cost & financial aidAverage $28,500/yr after aid · net price by income + calculator InterviewDoes Notre Dame interview? Format, tips, and practice The Notre Dame Reader ProScore your draft against Notre Dame's exact prompts
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Notre Dame FAQ

What is Notre Dame's acceptance rate?

Around 12% in recent cycles, from roughly 30,000 applicants. Restrictive Early Action is non-binding but limits other early applications. Notre Dame is test-optional. At Notre Dame, a strong application essay and a well-balanced school list matter alongside your grades and test scores.

What supplemental essays does Notre Dame require?

Notre Dame requires 2 supplemental essays on its application. On EssayLens each prompt is broken down with annotated examples, and you can get a free admissions-style read of your draft against the exact prompt.

How much does Notre Dame cost?

Notre Dame's published sticker price is about $84,301 per year, but the average family pays $28,500 after financial aid. Your net price depends on your family income; use the calculator to estimate yours.

Does Notre Dame require SAT or ACT scores?

Notre Dame is test-optional: you can apply without SAT or ACT scores, and strong scores are just one factor among many when you do submit them.

When are Notre Dame's application deadlines?

Notre Dame's application deadlines are Restrictive Early Action Nov 1; Regular Decision Jan 1. Add Notre Dame to your plan on EssayLens to track its deadlines automatically.

Campus photo via Wikipedia.

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