Notre Dame Transfer Acceptance Rate
Notre Dame’s transfer admit rate: 27.6% — among the most transfer-friendly elite privates. ND’s Catholic tradition, athletic culture, and Mendoza Business School are its signature identity markers.
Notre Dame transfer admissions, at a glance
Notre Dame transfer figures
Notre Dame reports transfer admit data via its Common Data Set. ND is significantly more transfer-friendly than peer elite privates — one of the reasons transfer applications have grown steadily.
| Cycle | Applicants | Admits | Acceptance Rate | Source |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Recent cycle | 1,200 | 331 | 27.6% | NotreDame CDS |
What GPA do you need for Notre Dame?
Notre Dame’s competitive GPA band: 3.5+ for College of Arts & Letters; 3.7+ for Mendoza Business and College of Engineering. Show A’s in major-prep coursework.
Notre Dame’s admissions reviewers value evidence of alignment with ND’s Catholic tradition. Not required, but essays should engage authentically with what draws you to ND specifically.
What a competitive Notre Dame transfer applicant looks like
Competitive Notre Dame transfer admits share a consistent profile. Below any of these bars, you’re likely competing uphill.
Notre Dame Application Requirements
Application Essays
Common App transfer essay + Notre Dame-specific supplements. ND essays value engagement with Catholic tradition and service.
Letters of Recommendation
Two academic recommendations from college instructors.
Credits
Minimum one year of college coursework. ND enters most transfers as sophomores or juniors.
Test Scores
Test-optional policy varies year to year. Many elite privates reinstated SAT/ACT requirements post-2024 — verify NotreDame’s current policy. If submitting, top-quartile scores strengthen a competitive application.
Interested in transferring to Notre Dame?
Book a 1-hour Zoom consultation with “The Goat” — a Stanford transfer student turned advisor, who’s spent the last decade helping applicants transfer into elite schools.
Why most Notre Dame transfer applications get rejected
Most rejections trace back to one of five patterns. Here’s what they are — and how to fix them before you apply.
- Not having strong extracurriculars.A strong GPA isn’t enough — admissions officers want to see sustained commitment and leadership outside the classroom.
- Not having a competitive GPA.AOs need to know you can handle the coursework.
- Not telling a story that catches the AO’s attention.A list of accomplishments isn’t a narrative. The strongest essays connect who you are, why you’re transferring, and why Notre Dame specifically — in a way that’s memorable, not generic.
- Not having a compelling reason to transfer.“I want a bigger school” or “better opportunities” reads as vague. Admissions officers want a specific, personal reason tied to your goals and to Notre Dame.
- Not having strong personal recommendation letters.A rushed request to a professor who barely knows you shows. Build real relationships early so your recommenders can speak to specifics, not generalities.
Want us to spot these in your file before you submit? Book a 60-minute review ?
How Notre Dame compares to peers
If Notre Dame is your target, apply to these schools in parallel. Boston College and Georgetown are Catholic peers; WashU is a strong non-Catholic alternative.
Frequently asked questions
What is Notre Dame’s transfer acceptance rate?
Approximately 27.6% in recent cycles — one of the most transfer-friendly elite privates.
Is Notre Dame Catholic?
Yes. Notre Dame is a Catholic university and its identity, campus life, and mission are shaped by that tradition. You don’t have to be Catholic to attend.
Which Notre Dame college is hardest to transfer into?
Mendoza School of Business (Finance) runs a competitive track.
Does Notre Dame accept the Common App?
Yes — Common App with ND-specific supplements.
When is Notre Dame’s transfer application deadline?
March 15 for Fall entry.
Where this data comes from
- Notre Dame OIR — Common Data Set — D2 transfer admit data
- Notre Dame Admissions — Transfer — deadlines, requirements
Want a real shot at Notre Dame?
Notre Dame’s 27.6% transfer rate is among the friendliest elite privates. We’ll help you position your file — and craft essays that engage authentically with ND’s tradition.