The Fighting Irish are at it again, with the University of Notre Dame recently announcing admissions decisions for the Class of 2029. And how are things looking for this cornerstone of Catholic higher education? Well, let’s say Notre Dame’s prayers for a groundbreaking admissions cycle have been answered.

A record-breaking 35,401 students applied to get into the Notre Dame Class of 2029, but only 9.0% were admitted, making for the lowest acceptance rate and highest number of applicants in the private research university’s 182-year history. The Notre Dame motto rings true in this whirlwind admissions cycle: Vita Dulcedo Spes (Life, Sweetness, Hope) indeed! Read on to find out more:

University of Notre Dame Acceptance Rate and Admissions Statistics (Classes of 2029 — 2017)

Notre Dame Class Year	Total Applications Received	Total Applications Accepted	Overall Acceptance Rate
Class of 2029	35,401	Not Yet Published	9.00%
Class of 2028	29,942	3,374	11.27%
Class of 2027	28,353	3,510	12.38%
Class of 2026	26,509	3,421	12.91%
Class of 2025	23,654	3,562	15.06%
Class of 2024	21,253	4,035	18.99%
Class of 2023	22,200	3,515	15.83%
Class of 2022	20,371	3,608	17.71%
Class of 2021	19,564	3,702	18.92%
Class of 2020	19,505	3,654	18.73%
Class of 2019	18,157	3,595	19.80%
Class of 2018	17,901	3,785	21.14%
Class of 2017	17,647	3,936	22.30%

Notre Dame’s Class of 2029 in Historical Perspective

The above paints an accurate portrait. Admissions officers at Notre Dame have reason to celebrate, with a whopping 5,459 additional first-year applicants trying their luck at admission this year compared to last year. This is especially impressive considering that last year’s tally, 29,942 applicants, was at the time a new record.

Over the last 13 years, the acceptance rate of Notre Dame has dropped precipitously. You wouldn’t be remiss to characterize the Notre Dame of the 2010s as moderately selective, dealing in relatively small batches of applicants each year. That’s all changed — now Notre Dame is among the country’s most selective and prestigious universities. So, what accounts for this seemingly sudden rise in popularity? Let’s unpack.

Putting Notre Dame’s Class of 2029 in Context

The University of Notre Dame has had niche appeal since its inception. American Catholics, football fans, and pious partiers are drawn to its unique student culture and close-knit campus each admissions cycle. But clearly, something has changed over the last few years. True, college acceptance rates have dwindled across the board over the past few decades, as international applicants take more interest in American schools and online applications make sending off many applications at once easier than ever. But that’s not the only factor at play here.

Could it also be that many of America’s academically ambitious high schoolers are turning away from secular elite schools (many of which have crumbling reputations in the face of the many scandals of this past year) for a slightly more religious collegiate experience? Or perhaps students and families are responding to Notre Dame’s impressive ranking in the most recent edition of US News & World Report’s annual list, which currently has Notre Dame tied for the distinction of 18th best school in the nation.

If you are one such student who took note of Notre Dame’s increasing reputation and applied, only to be waitlisted, have faith that this is not the end of your rope. 

How Ivy Coach Helps Students Get Off The University of Notre Dame’s Waitlist

Over the last 10 years, around 42% of students who have first come to Ivy Coach after being placed on the Notre Dame waitlist have earned admission — compared to a 14.05% overall waitlist acceptance rate for the university over the most recent 23 years in which the institution has released the requisite data.

If you’re interested in optimizing your child’s case for admission to Notre Dame off the waitlist to the Class of 2029, fill out our complimentary consultation form and indicate that your child’s been waitlisted. We’ll then be in touch to outline Ivy Coach’s waitlist services for seniors.