Notre Dame’s Mendoza College of Business has quietly become one of the most in-demand business programs in the country, not just among our clients. Mendoza attracts students who are not only academically strong but also embody ND’s values around ethical leadership, social impact, and long-term purpose. That unique mix makes the program increasingly selective.
While Notre Dame’s overall acceptance rate hovers around 11–13%, admission to Mendoza is more competitive. Though Notre Dame doesn’t publish program-specific data, we estimate Mendoza’s acceptance rate is in the high single digits, especially as more students apply directly into business. In short: it’s no guarantee, and definitely not a fallback.
But don’t let that intimidate you. With the right academic track, focused extracurriculars, and a compelling narrative that speaks to both your business interests and values, you can absolutely make a strong case. Let’s break down the smartest steps you can take to build a standout application.
Is Mendoza your top choice? We’ve helped countless students gain admission to Mendoza and other top undergrad business schools. Our counselors are ready to provide expert, personalized guidance to help you meet your goals – reach out to us today.
Get the Grades
If you’re aiming for Mendoza, academic excellence isn’t optional — it’s expected. The students who get in aren’t just pulling solid grades; they’re excelling in the most rigorous classes their schools offer. Whether that means AP, IB, or honors, you should be challenging yourself across the board, especially in quantitative subjects like calculus and economics. Straight As should be the goal, not the exception.
As for test scores, Notre Dame is also test-optional, but strong scores can still strengthen your application, particularly for business. We recommend aiming for a 1550+ on the SAT or a 35+ on the ACT if you plan to submit. Mendoza is a competitive direct-entry program, and applicants who rise to the top typically outperform even Notre Dame’s already impressive averages. If you want to be in that group, your academic record needs to reflect serious discipline and drive.
Build a Niche
Writing “I’m interested in business” on your Mendoza application won’t get you very far. Notre Dame wants to see clarity – students who have started to figure out what part of business actually excites them, and who’ve taken real steps to pursue it. That means moving beyond buzzwords and into specifics.
Maybe you start with a general curiosity about finance. Over time, that leads you to explore financial markets more seriously. Maybe you’re following the Fed, tracking interest rate changes, or reading up on how portfolio management strategies differ across sectors. From there, you dig into ethical investing or how financial systems can impact economic development – a topic that fits well with Mendoza’s focus on business for good. That kind of progression shows depth, not just surface-level interest.
Admissions officers want to see that you’re already engaging with the field and building the kind of mindset that will thrive at Mendoza. Let’s talk about how to make that come through clearly in your application.
Courses and Reading
If you’re serious about business, and especially if you’re aiming for Mendoza, you can’t rely solely on what’s taught in the classroom. The most competitive applicants take initiative to explore the field independently. That might mean enrolling in online courses through platforms like Coursera to build core knowledge in topics like finance, business ethics, or global markets.
Books matter, too. Reading biographies of financial leaders, case studies in corporate responsibility, or deep dives into economic theory can sharpen both your knowledge and your perspective. And staying current is essential, too! Make a habit of following financial news, market trends, and global business developments through trusted sources like Bloomberg, Financial Times, Forbes, or Harvard Business Review. Building these habits will help you hone in on your niche and figure out exactly what makes you passionate about business.
Remember, the key isn’t just breadth – it’s depth. Mendoza wants students who have gone beyond surface-level interest. Show them that you’ve invested real time in understanding your niche, and that you’re ready to keep building on it.
School Extracurriculars
If your school has business-related clubs, don’t just sign up – get involved meaningfully. Join DECA, FBLA, a finance or investment club, or even your school’s economics team. These are great ways to build early exposure to core business concepts and demonstrate commitment. If your school doesn’t offer anything in this space, that’s your cue to lead. Start a new club that reflects your interests, whether it’s Women in Finance, Ethical Business Leadership, or a student-run investment portfolio.
You can also look for opportunities to connect business to other areas. Mendoza appreciates interdisciplinary thinking and service-driven leadership. That might mean leading a club that partners with local nonprofits for fundraising, launching a sustainability-focused entrepreneurship group, or organizing a speaker series that brings in alumni or local professionals to talk about business and ethics.
Not everything needs to be a club at school: running your student council’s treasury, managing a school store, or coordinating logistics for a major event all demonstrate the kinds of real-world skills that matter. What’s most important is that your club involvement isn’t random – it should connect to your larger goals and the story you’re telling through your application.
Out of School Extracurriculars
We strongly encourage our students to work, whether it’s over the summer, on weekends, or during school breaks. For business-focused applicants, especially those targeting Mendoza, having a job shows responsibility, maturity, and a strong work ethic. It doesn’t have to be glamorous. Whether you’re bagging groceries, taking orders at a local restaurant, or helping out at a family business, what matters is that you’ve stepped into the real world and handled responsibility.
It’s also worth exploring pre-college summer programs, especially those with a business or leadership focus. Some are hosted at universities, including Notre Dame, and offer a great chance to deepen your understanding of business fundamentals while getting a feel for campus life. These programs can help you clarify your interests and strengthen your application narrative, and you get to meet other students who are excited about the same things as you!
Internships can also be valuable, but only if they make sense in the bigger picture. If your application focuses on finance, but your experience is entirely in event planning or social media, that disconnect can hurt your case. The strongest Mendoza applicants build a cohesive story – one where each experience reinforces their focus and potential. Make sure what’s on your resume reflects where you want to go.
Start a Company
Let’s talk to the students interested in studying “entrepreneurship” for a second. That’s a personality trait, not a good (or particularly smart) major to declare.
Just saying you’re “interested in entrepreneurship” doesn’t tell Mendoza much. It’s a vague label that’s used so often, it’s started to lose meaning. Notre Dame isn’t looking for students who want to chase a flashy startup dream and call it a day. They’re looking for future business leaders who are serious about learning, building something with integrity, and creating long-term value – not just hype.
If you’re drawn to entrepreneurship, back it up with substance. Learn what it actually takes to run something well: financial planning, operational logistics, marketing strategy, team leadership. More importantly, put those skills into practice. Maybe you launched a tutoring business, created a student-run apparel brand, or started a community initiative that addressed a real need. These experiences speak volumes – not because they’re impressive on paper, but because they show commitment, resourcefulness, and a willingness to start small and improve over time.
That’s what stands out to Mendoza: not the title of “entrepreneur,” but the quiet work behind it.
Apply Early
Notre Dame offers Restrictive Early Action (REA), and if you know Mendoza is at the top of your list, applying early is a smart move. While REA doesn’t come with a huge statistical edge, it does send a clear signal that you’re serious about Notre Dame – and when you’re applying to a selective program like Mendoza, that kind of demonstrated interest can matter. Plus, having your application reviewed early gives you a chance to stand out before the regular pool becomes even more competitive. Keep in mind that with REA, you’re unable to apply ED to any other college, but you can apply Early Action to public universities like UNC, Michigan, or UT. All of whom also have excellent undergrad business schools (wink wink).
A strong Mendoza applicant brings more than just good grades. Top candidates have pursued rigorous coursework, built a resume that shows initiative, and taken on leadership roles that reflect both ambition and values. If you’re hoping to join this community, it’s important to start early and build with purpose. Waiting until senior year to get focused won’t cut it.
If Mendoza is your goal, we can help you map out a plan that aligns with your strengths and sets you up for success. Reach out – we’re ready when you are.
Need help strategizing for Mendoza? Contact us now.