Notre Dame essay prompts
2025-26verified University of Notre Dame admissions
These are the most recent published prompts. Final 2026-27 supplements typically land by early August. These are the most recent prompts Kolly has verified for this school. Schools typically publish final 2026-27 supplements by early August; check the official source below before submitting.
Service to Others (Short Answer Option 2 of 5)
Notre Dame's undergraduate experience is characterized by a collective sense of care for every person. How do you foster service to others in your community?
100 words max · Required
Fight For (Short Answer Option 5 of 5)
This is your opportunity to tell us what (or who) you would fight for at Notre Dame, in your career, in your community, through your research, or in whatever other space in which you hope to make an impact.
100 words max · Required
Non-Negotiables / Why Notre Dame (Required Essay)
Everyone has different priorities when considering their higher education options and building their college or university list. Tell us about your "non-negotiable" factor(s) when searching for your future college home.
150 words max · Required
Compliment (Short Answer Option 3 of 5)
What compliment are you most proud of receiving, and why does it mean so much to you?
100 words max · Required
Holy Cross Mission
How does the Holy Cross Catholic mission of Notre Dame influence the way you envision your future at the University and beyond?
200 words max · Required
Something You're Proud Of
What is one thing about you or something you've done of which you are particularly proud that you haven't already shared in your application?
200 words max · Required
Growth Community
Notre Dame is a community of learning and faith. Tell us about a time when you participated in a community that pushed you to grow.
200 words max · Required
Identity / Personal Background (Short Answer Option 1 of 5)
What is distinctive about your personal experiences and development (e.g., family support, culture, disability, personal background, community)? Why are these experiences important to you and how will you enrich the Notre Dame community?
100 words max · Required
Faith (Short Answer Option 4 of 5)
Each student's faith journey is unique and we invite you to share how faith influences the decisions you make. Whether you're Catholic, Muslim, Jewish, Hindu, Protestant, another religion, or have your own distinctive version of faith and spirituality, we are excited to hear about how you are guided by your faith.
100 words max · Required
About the application
Applies via the Common App.
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Common questions
- What are the Notre Dame essay prompts for 2025-26?
- Notre Dame lists Service to Others (Short Answer Option 2 of 5) (1 prompt); Fight For (Short Answer Option 5 of 5) (1 prompt); Non-Negotiables / Why Notre Dame (Required Essay) (1 prompt); Compliment (Short Answer Option 3 of 5) (1 prompt); Holy Cross Mission (1 prompt); Something You're Proud Of (1 prompt); Growth Community (1 prompt); Identity / Personal Background (Short Answer Option 1 of 5) (1 prompt); Faith (Short Answer Option 4 of 5) (1 prompt) for 2025-26.
- How many essays does Notre Dame require?
- Notre Dame requires 9 essays based on the published group instructions for 2025-26. The page lists 9 required and 0 optional prompts.
- What are the word limits for the Notre Dame supplemental essays?
- The published word and character limits are 100 words max, 150 words max, 200 words max.