If you’re targeting a top-25 law school with a strong reputation and a tight-knit community, the Notre Dame Law School acceptance rate is one of the first numbers you should understand. Notre Dame is a selective program, and knowing where you stand on LSAT, GPA, and overall competitiveness can shape how you build your application.
Overview of Notre Dame Law School
Located in South Bend, Indiana, Notre Dame Law School is the oldest Catholic law school in the country and consistently ranks among the top 25 law schools in the nation. It’s known for strong outcomes in litigation, international and human rights law, and a values-driven culture that emphasizes ethics alongside legal training. Class sizes are relatively small, which supports close faculty relationships and strong bar passage and employment outcomes.
Admitted Students’ Score Range
LSAT Scores
Recent entering classes at Notre Dame Law have posted a median LSAT score in the range of 166 to 168, with the middle 50% of admitted students typically scoring between roughly 163 and 169.
GPA
The median undergraduate GPA for recent classes has generally fallen between 3.75 and 3.85, with the middle 50% range spanning approximately 3.55 to 3.92.
These figures reflect the most recently published admissions cycle data available. Exact numbers shift slightly each year, so always confirm current stats on Notre Dame’s official admissions page or its ABA 509 disclosure report.
Class Size and Acceptance Rate
Notre Dame Law School typically receives around 3,000 to 4,000 applications per cycle and enrolls an incoming class of roughly 180 to 190 students. Based on recent cycles, the overall acceptance rate has hovered near 25% to 30%, making it a genuinely selective program rather than a safety option for most applicants.
Because application volume and yield can shift year to year, treat this as a reliable estimate rather than a locked-in figure for the current cycle.
How to Increase Your Chances of Acceptance
LSAT Prep Strategy
Aim to test at or above the median score of 166 to 168. Give yourself at least three to four months of structured prep, use official LSAC practice tests, and retake the exam only if you have a clear plan to raise your score meaningfully.
Personal Statement Advice
Notre Dame values mission-driven applicants. Use your personal statement to show genuine motivation for law, not just credentials. Be specific about experiences that shaped your interest in justice, service, or advocacy, and tie your story to why Notre Dame’s values-based culture fits you.
Letters of Recommendation
Choose recommenders who know your academic or professional work closely, ideally a professor or supervisor who can speak to your analytical skills and work ethic. Avoid letters that are generic or based on a single class.
Work Experience
Meaningful work or internship experience, especially in legal, nonprofit, or public service settings, can strengthen a borderline application. It signals maturity and a clearer sense of purpose.
Application Timing
Apply early in the cycle, ideally by November or December, since many law schools including Notre Dame use rolling admissions. Early applications are reviewed against a less crowded pool.
Final Thoughts
Notre Dame Law School is competitive but achievable for applicants with LSAT scores in the mid-160s or higher and a GPA around 3.7 or above. A strong personal statement, focused recommendations, and early submission can meaningfully improve your odds.
Admissions statistics, including acceptance rate, LSAT, and GPA figures, vary from year to year. Readers should confirm current numbers on Notre Dame Law School’s official admissions website before applying.