University of Notre Dame
A Catholic research university with an exceptionally tight undergraduate community, strong athletics tradition, and globally recognized programs in business, engineering, and the humanities.
- Next deadline
- Nov 1, 2026Restrictive Early Action
- Essays
- 2Prompts
- Supplement
- Required2026-2027 cycle
- Platform
- Common AppAccepted platform
- Selectivity
- 11.1%Selective
- Enrollment
- 8,973Mid-size undergrad
Build your University of Notre Dame application plan
Track the deadline, review every supplemental essay prompt, and shape each response around one clear admissions story.
Application deadlines
Supplemental essay prompts
- Why School200 words2026-2027
What excites you about the University of Notre Dame that makes it stand out from other institutions?
- Supplement200 words2026-2027
Choose one of the following: reflect on a community you have been part of and how it has shaped you; describe a time your belief system was challenged; or share something that brings you joy.
How to approach University of Notre Dame's supplemental essays
Make fit concrete
Name one academic or community reason, then connect it to a scene from your life. The school detail should prove fit, not decorate the paragraph.
Choose a role before you draft
Decide what this essay should add to the application: evidence, range, bridge, or a new window into your life. Avoid repeating the Common App essay in miniature.
Use this as a blank structure for a University of Notre Dame why-school response, then replace every bracket with your own specifics.
- Open on [specific scene, object, problem, or conversation].
- Show what [choice/action/constraint] reveals about how you think.
- Connect that trait to [school program, community, lab, class, or value].
- End with the contribution you want to make at University of Notre Dame, not a compliment.
Need more help with this application?
Use our guides to plan your supplement, sharpen your Why Us research, and review your draft before you submit.
Frequently asked questions
How many supplemental essays does University of Notre Dame require?
University of Notre Dame has 2 supplemental essays listed for the 2026-2027 application cycle, in addition to the shared application essay.
Does University of Notre Dame accept the Common Application?
Yes — University of Notre Dame accepts the Common Application.
What is University of Notre Dame's acceptance rate?
University of Notre Dame's most recently reported acceptance rate is 11.1%.
When is University of Notre Dame's next application deadline?
University of Notre Dame's next listed application deadline is the Restrictive Early Action round on November 1, 2026.
What is University of Notre Dame's "What excites you about the University…" prompt (#1, 200 words)?
What excites you about the University of Notre Dame that makes it stand out from other institutions?
What is University of Notre Dame's "Choose one of the following: reflect…" prompt (#2, 200 words)?
Choose one of the following: reflect on a community you have been part of and how it has shaped you; describe a time your belief system was challenged; or share something that brings you joy.
Sources and verification
We prioritize University of Notre Dame's official admissions pages for school-specific prompts and deadlines, then use application-platform and federal sources as cross-checks. This record is labeled for the 2026-2027 cycle but still needs a fresh verification pass.
Review official source →