University of Notre Dame Reinstates SAT/ACT Requirement Starting Fall 2028; International Admissions Are Need-Blind

University of Notre Dame announced on its admissions website that it will reinstate the standardized testing requirement for undergraduate applications. Starting with the 2027-2028 application cycle, first-year and transfer applicants for Fall 2028 enrollment must submit ACT or SAT scores. Applicants for Fall 2027 enrollment will remain under the test-optional policy.

Specific Impact on High School Seniors and Juniors

For current high school seniors applying for Fall 2027 enrollment, standardized test scores remain optional and are not required. For current high school juniors applying for Fall 2028 enrollment, preparing and submitting ACT or SAT scores is mandatory. The university accepts superscoring (taking the highest section scores across multiple test dates), and the ACT Science and Writing sections are optional. There is no minimum score requirement.

Alternative Options for International Curriculum Students

International students studying outside the U.S. who are enrolled in the IB Diploma Programme (IBDP), Cambridge A-Levels (requiring 3 or more subjects), or the French Baccalaureate may use predicted scores in place of SAT or ACT scores.

Financial Aid Application and Financial Support

University of Notre Dame operates on a need-blind admissions policy for international undergraduate applicants. Students who need to apply for need-based financial aid must complete the CSS Profile, which will open on October 1.

Test Preparation and Application Advice

• High school juniors should plan for standardized testing early. The university partners with Schoolhouse.world to offer free SAT boot camps for students at select partner schools and community organizations; the website does not specify if this is open to international students.
• Score Submission: Students may self-report scores during the application process, but official scores must be submitted upon admission. Discrepancies between self-reported and official scores may affect enrollment.
• Testing Waivers: Students unable to take the ACT/SAT due to severe financial or personal hardship, lack of accessible testing centers, natural disasters, or community unrest may apply for a waiver under special circumstances. Approved waivers will not disadvantage the applicant.
• For other specific application details, please refer to subsequent official announcements.

Source: https://admissions.nd.edu/apply/standardized-testing-policy/. For international student financial aid policies, see https://admissions.nd.edu/apply/resources-for/international-applicants/. Policies are subject to the latest official updates.