NOTRE DAME LAW SCHOOL

Introduction

Are you dreaming of going to one of the best law schools in the country? As one of the oldest schools on the list, Notre Dame Law School has consistently provided legal practical experience and ethical foundations to law students since 1869. Not many get admitted, but understanding the process and the school admission standards can increase your chances of getting in.

In this article, we’ll share tips on how you can make an application that will truly strengthen your application. We will cover Notre Dame Law School admissions, rankings, requirements, tuition, and many more. After this overview, you should be all set to present your best application to the admission committee.

Overview of Notre Dame Law School

Located in Notre Dame, Indiana, and with roots dating back to 1869, Notre Dame Law School mixes a proud heritage with a modern, engaged approach. This prestigious institution honors its centuries-old intellectual and moral traditions rooted in common law principles. But it is also a leader in addressing modern legal issues in legislation, regulation, and international problems and featuring a community of students and professors from different backgrounds and walks of life that enrich the landscape of teaching and learning.

With the advantage of advanced technology, the school still doesn’t offer a law school online program as it still emphasizes the value of in-person education to foster a strong community and hands-on learning experiences. Their learning approach transcends books and cases, instilling a calling to use your legal training as a force for positive change in communities around the world. The Notre Dame way prepares you not just for career success, but for a life of profound purpose.

Notre Dame Law School Stats

When you’re setting your sights on a top-tier law school like Notre Dame, getting a good grasp of their admission stats is a big help. These numbers give you a view into the kind of students they typically welcome aboard. Having that insight allows you to take an honest look at where you currently stand and what areas might need a little extra effort before submitting your Notre Dame Law School application.

2024 University of Notre Dame Law School Ranking

Reputable organizations like US News & World Reports rank Notre Dame Law School right up with the best. With an overall Best Law Schools rank of #20, a Business/Corporate Law program ranked #22, and a Constitutional Law program ranked #22, graduates of the school are well-prepared to take on their legal careers. The Notre Dame Law School ranking is important to be considered by new students as it is the reputation of the institute that can open up some pretty golden opportunities job-wise.

Here’s a breakdown of the US News & World Reports Law School rankings:

Notre Dame Law School Acceptance Rate

The Notre Dame acceptance rate of 24.4% makes it one of the most selective schools in the country. That low percentage rate tells you that this school is quite competitive to earn a seat in their limited law program. Knowing this acceptance rate upfront allows you to manage your expectations and put in the hard work needed to truly make your application shine.

Notre Dame Law School LSAT Percentiles

The Notre Dame Law School LSAT percentile represents the caliber of students admitted and the institution’s commitment to academic excellence. A high LSAT score is helpful to be a stronger candidate and demonstrate an ability to handle an intense law school curriculum.  The higher you can score, the better your chances of getting that coveted “yes.”

Here are the LSAT percentiles for Notre Dame Law School:

• 25th Percentile LSAT score: 164
• 50th Percentile LSAT score: 169
• 75th Percentile LSAT score: 170

At the very minimum, try to hit the 169 median LSAT score. But an even higher score will only strengthen your application much more. Don’t wait until the last minute to start preparing for the LSAT as early as you can. Sign up for our Live Online LSAT Prep Course that offers full flexibility where you set the study schedule that works best.

Notre Dame Law School GPA Percentiles

Along with test scores, your undergrad GPA is a huge factor that admissions will closely consider. Notre Dame clearly prioritizes admitting students with a strong academic track record.  At the bare minimum, aim for Notre Dame’s 3.83 median. However, an even higher GPA will only make your application that much more competitive.

Here are the GPA percentiles of the 2023 incoming class for reference:

• 25th Percentile GPA: 3.67
• 50th Percentile GPA: 3.83
• 75th Percentile GPA: 3.92

Notre Dame Law School Admission Requirements

The admission process can be overwhelming. However, our admission consultants will help break down the process for you through the use of an admission roadmap. Below are the things you must have to get ready for Notre Dame Law School:

1. Application Form

Complete all parts of the application form, which you can access on the Notre Dame Law School website. Be honest with the questions and answer accurately. If a question does not pertain to you or is optional, respond accordingly in the form.

2. LSAC’s CAS Report

Register for the Credential Assembly Service of the LSAC. This combines your scores, transcripts, and letters of recommendation into a report for Notre Dame Law School. This includes a one-time registration fee and an extra charge for each law school to which you apply.

3. Transcripts

Send all of your post-secondary transcripts to LSAC to have them included in the CAS report. While advanced degrees and subsequent bachelor’s coursework aren’t included in the LSAC calculated GPA, they are given considerable emphasis. Applicants should update LSAC with new transcripts after each academic term, especially if applying during their senior year or final year of graduate school. Address any concerns about your coursework or grades in the Addendum section of your application.

4. LSAT/GRE Scores

You are required to take the LSAT or GRE, and you must submit valid scores for tests taken between June 2018 and to present. You must request separate scores for both the LSAT and GRE to be sent to the Law School Admission Council and Educational Testing Service respectively. LSAC will deposit LSAT scores into your CAS report, and GRE scores must be sent to the Notre Dame Law from ETS. These exams should be taken 1 year before the application. 

5. Personal Statement

Your personal statement should highlight why you are interested in legal education and career. It should reflect your character, culture, or motivations asking how your background, culture, and experiences influenced you. You must write the following up to 2 double-spaced pages on your own. Your header should include your name, and LSAC account number, and title it as “NDLS Personal Statement.”

6. Resume

The purpose of a resume is to highlight your education, experience, leadership, and service. Include any honors, awards, or special skills you’ve acquired in bullet for better format. Make it concise, typically a 1-2 page document that presents your qualifications and achievements.

7. Letters of Recommendation

Submit at least 2 letters of recommendation, with a maximum of 4 allowed. Choose those who can speak to your academic abilities and personal qualities. Ideally, these should come from professors or employers who know you well. Use the LSAC Letter of Recommendation Service for submission.

8. Character and Fitness Information

Provide accurate and complete information about any academic or legal disciplinary actions in your past. If you answer ‘yes’ to any character and fitness questions, include a full explanation of the circumstances. Keep this information updated throughout the application process.

Secure your spot at Notre Dame Law School with expert guidance and support from our seasoned consultants specializing in law school admissions. Our admission consultants can help you polish a standout application by providing personalized guidance, from essay editing to interview preparation and advice on securing scholarships. We ensure every aspect of your application highlights your strengths and aligns with the high standards of Notre Dame Law School.

Application Dates for Notre Dame Law School

The school uses a rolling admissions process, so applying early will give you an advantage. The binding Early Decision policy has been eliminated to foster inclusivity. 

Keep these important admission deadlines in mind as you plan your application:

• Application Opening- September 1
• Application Deadline- March 15
• Supporting Documents Deadline- March 25

Tips to Ace the LSAT

Given the impressive Notre Dame Law School class profile of their 1L, a standout application is a must. Although Notre Dame now accepts the GRE, we recommend taking the LSAT. This exam directly tests skills that are particularly valuable for law school, including critical thinking and logical reasoning. Aside from that, a strong LSAT can broaden the number of law school options you can choose and harness better scholarship offers. 

The LSAT is a difficult exam, but there are things you can do to make good on your potential. The following are some of the main tips to make a difference:

Understand the LSAT Format

Familiarize yourself with the test format, as this is important in anticipation of changes in August 2024. The Analytical Reasoning section will be replaced by another Logical Reasoning section, shifting the focus more toward argument analysis and critical thinking skills. 

Enroll in our comprehensive LSAT Prep Course to boost your score and increase your chances of getting into Notre Dame Law School. Our LSAT prep materials and practice tests have been updated accordingly to help you be ready for the new version. We provide detailed explanations for each question type, helping you grasp the reasoning behind correct answers and improve your overall comprehension.

Active Learning

We recommend using flashcards, online quizzes, and interactive LSAT prep tools to engage actively with the material. This approach, combined with the strategies we teach, will help you internalize concepts and master the logic behind each question type. Active learning is key to retaining information and developing the critical thinking skills the LSAT demands.

Practice Regularly

Regular practice is essential for LSAT success. Consistently practice with full-length and timed tests, so, you can mimic your test-day situation. If you need even more help, our LSAT tutoring is here for you. Take advantage of personalized LSAT Tutoring with our experts to achieve the competitive edge needed for Notre Dame Law School. You can review practice tests with our 170+ LSAT scorer tutors. These tutors will review your answers thoroughly, help you understand your mistakes, and track your progress over time. They can adjust your study plan as needed to ensure consistent improvement.

Work on Your Timing

Learn to pace yourself to complete each section within the time limit. Practice skipping and returning to difficult questions to ensure you answer as many questions as possible. Incorporate short, timed drills into your study routine to build speed and accuracy. 

Use a watch or timer during practice to get comfortable with time pressure. Remember, improving your speed should not come at the cost of accuracy. Focus on understanding the questions first, then work on increasing your pace gradually.

Notre Dame Law School Tuition and Financial Aid

The Notre Dame Law School tuition is $70,606 for the 2024-2025 academic year. Your total costs could be a lot higher depending on the cost of living and personal expenses. To minimize the cost, Notre Dame offers a variety of financial aid programs to cover these costs, including law school scholarships, grants, law school loans, and loan repayments

Here’s the full breakdown of the average student expense budget this school year:

Most students pay for their law school expenses by combining loans with scholarships, work within and outside the university, and savings. Creating a budget, borrowing only what you need, applying for scholarships outside of Notre Dame, and reducing optional expenses can make a big difference. By following these tips, you can better manage the financial challenges of earning your law degree.

Final Thoughts: Is Notre Dame Law School Good?

With a remarkable bar passage rate of 92.7%, far above the national average of 73.2%, and an impressive 96.7% of graduates landing jobs within 10 months, Notre Dame Law School stands out as a top choice for many aspiring lawyers. Combined with the extensive and effective alumni network, the school provides outstanding career services that help graduates get jobs in the best companies, government agencies, or other top organizations. These statistics, along with its esteemed ranking, make Notre Dame Law School a dream for many students. 

We already discussed the detailed admission process, deadlines, and expectations for prospective students. Understanding these elements is essential for you to prepare for the competitive admissions standards. To help you get started, we offer a 3-week LSAT Free Class. This lets you experience our program and see if our learning style fits your needs. You can book an LSAT Free Consultation for any LSAT prep questions or concerns.

Jumpstart your LSAT and law school journey with us!