Cornell University Admits 5,824 Students to Class of 2029
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The University of Notre Dame’s Acceptance Results for the Class of 2029
27/03/2025•14 minute read
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Key Trends
RD Acceptance Rate
REA Acceptance Rate
How To Stand Out
What Makes Notre Dame Unique?
The University of Notre Dame, often ranked among the top twenty universities in the US, has completed its admission cycle for the Class of 2029 guided by a new initiative designed to promote greater access and affordability.
Out of a record-breaking 35,401 applicants, Notre Dame admitted 3,186 students, resulting in an overall acceptance rate of 9%.
This year's acceptance rate results testify to strong and growing student interest in this iconic institution, with the number of applications up 18% compared to last year.
Here's a detailed breakdown with insights to help prospective applicants better understand the school's evolving admissions landscape.
Class of 2029 Overview
| Admission Round | Applicants | Admitted | Acceptance Rate |
|---|---|---|---|
| Restrictive Early Action (REA) | 12,917 | 1,669 | 12.9% |
| Regular Decision (RD) | 22,484 | 1,517 | 6.7% |
| Overall | 35,401 | 3,186 | 9% |
Key Trends and Insights
- The Regular Decision acceptance rate declined significantly from 8.6% to 6.7%, reflecting increased competition fueled by a rising number of applicants.
- The Early Action acceptance rate also dropped, down to 12.9% from 15% last year, with the number of early-round applicants increasing 12%.
- Overall interest in the school is on a strong upward trend, with the school marking a record-high yield rate last year, and its acceptance rate hitting all-time lows two years in a row.
Broader Admissions Trends:
- Increasing Overall Selectivity: Over the past five years Notre Dame's overall acceptance rate has cascaded downward from 19% (Class of 2024) to 9% this year.
- Pandemic-Era Spike in Applications: Applications surged more than 40% during the pandemic years, starting with the Class of 2025, influenced by test-optional policies. The application numbers have continued to notch significant year-over-year increases into this year.
- REA Advantage: REA acceptance rates consistently exceed Regular Decision rates, typically by 1–2 percentage points, due to the highly qualified, self-selecting REA applicant pool.
- Fluctuations Influenced by External Factors: Acceptance rates and application totals can vary due to external influences such as policy changes, global events (e.g., COVID-19), or targeted recruitment efforts. Noteworthy at Notre Dame this admission cycle is the rollout of a new initiative, Pathways to Notre Dame, that marks a historic investment in increasing accessibility and affordability.
Advice From Our Crimson Strategists
The University of Notre Dame is, year over year, attracting more and more students. The increasing demand is reflected in lower acceptance rates, making it crucial for applicants to strive for exceptional academic achievement while considering how their interests align with the school's commitments to faith, service, and social justice. As students pursue a strong record of learning and service, they should also focus on standing out authentically rather than merely fitting into a perceived mold.
Notre Dame's Regular Decision Acceptance Results
Regular Decision Results: Class of 2029 vs 2028
| Admission Round | Class of 2029 | Class of 2028 | % Change |
|---|---|---|---|
| Applications Received | 22,484 | 18,445 | +21.9% |
| Applications Accepted | 1,517 | 1,600 | -5.1% |
| RD Acceptance Rate | 6.7% | 8.6% | -22% |
The RD acceptance rate continues to be exceptionally competitive, dropping from last year's 8.6% to 6.7%.
Despite a nearly 22% increase in the number of regular-round applications, the number of admitted students slightly decreased, underscoring increasing interest in the school reflected by increasing selectivity for admissions.
Notre Dame's Restrictive Early Action Acceptance Results
Restrictive Early Action Results: Class of 2029 vs 2028
| Admission Round | Class of 2029 | Class of 2028 | % Change |
|---|---|---|---|
| Applications Received | 12,917 | 11,498 | +12.3% |
| Applications Accepted | 1,669 | 1,725 | -3.2% |
| REA Acceptance Rate | 12.9% | 15% | -2.1% |
Notre Dame's REA acceptance rate dropped to 12.9% this year, a notable decrease from last year's 15%.
The number of early-round applicants increased just over 12% compared to last year, but the number of students admitted decreased slightly, from 1,725 last year to only 1,669 this year, as reflected by a lower REA acceptance rate for the Class of 2029, a record low for Notre Dame.
Why Apply Early Action?
- Higher Acceptance Rates: Early-round applicants typically enjoy higher acceptance rates compared to Regular Decision applicants.
- Demonstrated Interest: Applying early shows Notre Dame your strong interest in joining their academic community.
Historical Acceptance Rates at the University of Notre Dame
| Class Year | Total Applications | Total Accepted | Overall Rate | RD Rate | REA Rate |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2029 | 35,401 | 3,186 | 9% | 6.7% | 12.9% |
| 2028 | 29,934 | 3,324 | 11% | 8.6% | 15% |
| 2027 | 28,351 | 3,399 | 12% | 10% | 15% |
| 2026 | 26,506 | 3,412 | 13% | 10% | 17% |
| 2025 | 23,639 | 3,446 | 14.6% | 13% | 22% |
These historical data demonstrate the University of Notre Dame’s growing appeal, with acceptance rates decreasing consistently in the wake of growing applicant pools.
How To Stand Out in Notre Dame’s Admissions Process
Academic Excellence: Maintain top grades in rigorous coursework and a high overall GPA.
Strong Essays: Use well-crafted essays to showcase your unique voice and story.
Leadership and Extracurriculars: Demonstrate meaningful engagement outside the classroom.
Test Scores: If submitting, aim for high SAT or ACT scores within or above Notre Dame’s reported range.
What Makes Notre Dame Unique?
Notre Dame’s outstanding national and world rankings, its faith-based traditions, vibrant school culture, thriving research initiatives, robust financial aid commitments, and overall academic excellence make it a highly attractive institution. With a holistic, test-optional admissions process and strong commitments to affordability and diversity, Notre Dame stands out as an exceptionally attractive destination for young scholars.
Final Thoughts
Congratulations to the students admitted to the University of Notre Dame's Class of 2029 — your achievement reflects remarkable dedication.
For students aspiring to get into Notre Dame, strategic preparation guided by a personally-tailored roadmap is essential.
Crimson Education specializes in helping ambitious students navigate this challenging process, offering them informed guidance so they can build compelling applications that reflect their authentic strengths and passions.
If you're a student or parent interested in Notre Dame or other top universities, speak with one of Crimson Education’s admissions advisors today and start charting your path to success.
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About the Contributor
Arkesh Patel
Arkesh Patel is the Chief Operating Officer of Crimson Education, the world's largest and most successful university admissions consulting firm. Crimson Education has helped thousands of students gain admission into the Ivy League and top universities such as Oxford, Cambridge, Stanford, MIT, and many others. Arkesh graduated from the University of Cambridge with a B.A in Chemistry (First Class Honors) and received his M.B.A with Distinction from Harvard Business School.
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