Notre Dame is a world-renowned university with a long history of academic excellence. As a result, its admissions process is highly competitive, and ACT scores play a significant role in determining which students are offered admission.
Average ACT Scores
In the fall of 2021, the average ACT score for incoming Notre Dame students was 34. This is well above the national average of 20.8. The breakdown of scores is as follows:
| Score Range | Percentage of Students |
|---|---|
| 36 | 22% |
| 35 | 28% |
| 34 | 25% |
| 33 | 16% |
| 32 | 9% |
Percentile Rankings
The following table shows the percentile rankings for ACT scores at Notre Dame:
| ACT Score | Percentile Rank |
|---|---|
| 36 | 99th |
| 35 | 97th |
| 34 | 95th |
| 33 | 91st |
| 32 | 85th |
ACT Score Requirements
Notre Dame does not have a strict ACT score requirement, but it is important to note that the vast majority of admitted students have scores in the 34-36 range. Students with scores below 32 are unlikely to be admitted, and those with scores below 30 are very unlikely to be admitted.
How to Improve Your ACT Score
If you are planning to apply to Notre Dame, it is important to start preparing for the ACT early. There are a number of things you can do to improve your score, such as:
- Take a practice test to identify your strengths and weaknesses.
- Study for the test using official ACT prep materials.
- Take a prep course.
- Get a tutor.
Common Mistakes to Avoid
When preparing for the ACT, it is important to avoid the following common mistakes:
- Not practicing enough.
- Not taking practice tests.
- Studying for the wrong sections.
- Guessing on questions you don’t know.
- Getting discouraged.
Pros and Cons of Notre Dame
Here are some of the pros and cons of attending Notre Dame:
Pros:
- Excellent academic reputation
- Strong alumni network
- Beautiful campus
- Vibrant student life
Cons:
- High tuition and fees
- Competitive admissions process
- Large class sizes
- Conservative religious environment
Conclusion
Notre Dame is a great school for students who are looking for a challenging academic experience in a beautiful and supportive environment. However, it is important to remember that the admissions process is highly competitive, and ACT scores play a significant role in determining which students are offered admission. If you are planning to apply to Notre Dame, it is important to start preparing for the ACT early and to aim for a score in the 34-36 range.