Notre Dame will require the SAT or ACT again, starting with applicants for fall 2028

On September 9, 2026, the University of Notre Dame announced "it will reinstate a standardized testing requirement for undergraduate applicants, beginning with the 2027-28 admissions cycle. First-year and transfer applicants seeking to enroll in fall 2028 will need to submit either ACT or SAT scores."

The admissions office's policy page adds: "The University will remain test optional for those applying for Fall 2027."

What the policy page says about how scores are used:

• No minimum. "There are no minimum test score requirements for admission," and each score is considered in the context of the applicant's circumstances.
• Superscoring. With several sittings, Notre Dame uses your highest score in each section. On the ACT, Science and Writing are optional.
• Self-reporting. You can self-report scores on the application. Admitted students send official scores that must match before they enroll.
• Outside the U.S. Predicted IB Diploma, A-Level (3 or more) or French Baccalaureate results can stand in for the SAT or ACT, only for students finishing secondary school outside the U.S.
• Exceptions. Students facing significant financial or personal hardship, no access to a test center, or a disaster can ask for an exception, and Notre Dame says approved students "will not be at a disadvantage."

If you are a senior applying for fall 2027, nothing changes. Notre Dame is test-optional for you this year, so decide whether to send a score the way you would anywhere else.

If you are a junior and Notre Dame might be on your list, plan a test into this year. The spring of junior year leaves room for a second sitting, and because Notre Dame superscores, a second try can only help your best section scores.

If testing is out of reach for you, for money or access, read the exception rules now rather than next fall.