To significantly enhance your chances of admission to the University of Notre Dame, aiming for a GPA of 4.11 or higher is recommended.
Recommended GPA for Admission to Notre Dame
While there isn't a single minimum GPA that guarantees admission, prospective students aiming to have the best shot at getting into Notre Dame should target a GPA of 4.11 or higher. This target GPA corresponds to the academic profile of applicants who are in the 75th percentile of admitted students, indicating a highly competitive academic background.
Understanding Your GPA's Role
Your GPA is a crucial component of your application, reflecting your academic performance and rigor throughout high school. Notre Dame evaluates applications holistically, meaning they consider all aspects of your profile, including your coursework, extracurricular activities, essays, and test scores, in addition to your GPA. A strong GPA demonstrates your ability to handle challenging college-level academics.
Compensating for a Lower GPA with Test Scores
If your GPA falls below the recommended 4.11, it is still possible to strengthen your application by compensating with exceptionally high standardized test scores. A stellar performance on the SAT or ACT can signal your academic capabilities and help balance out a slightly lower GPA.
To be competitive, and align with the 75th percentile of admitted students, you should aim for the following test scores:
- SAT Score: 1540 or higher
- ACT Score: 35 or higher
Key Admission Targets for a Competitive Application
For a comprehensive view of the academic benchmarks that give applicants the strongest chance of admission to Notre Dame, consider the following targets:
| Statistic | Target for Best Shot (75th Percentile) |
|---|---|
| GPA | 4.11 or higher |
| SAT Score | 1540 |
| ACT Score | 35 |
Meeting or exceeding these targets indicates a highly competitive academic profile and can significantly boost your prospects for admission to the University of Notre Dame.
