Is Yale generally more selective than Notre Dame for undergraduate admission?

Yes. Yale is generally more selective than the University of Notre Dame for undergraduate admission, meaning that admission is harder to secure even for applicants with outstanding grades, rigorous coursework, and strong activities. Yale draws an exceptionally large, global pool of applicants and has a very limited entering class, so many students with credentials that would be compelling almost anywhere are not admitted. Notre Dame is also highly selective and should not be treated as a likely or “safe” option for any applicant.

The difference is most visible in how much distinction Yale applicants often need beyond academic readiness. At Yale, top grades and demanding courses are usually the starting point; applicants also tend to need unusually clear intellectual engagement, meaningful impact, creative accomplishment, leadership, or another compelling dimension that helps them stand out in a dense pool of high achievers. Yale’s review is holistic, so there is no single profile that guarantees admission.

Notre Dame likewise expects strong preparation and evaluates applicants holistically, but its admissions process can place particularly meaningful weight on alignment with its community-centered and Catholic educational mission. Students do not need to be Catholic to apply or enroll, but a credible interest in service, character, community, and the university’s values can be relevant to fit. Yale’s applicant evaluation is less tied to a faith-based institutional identity.

For planning purposes, both belong in the reach category for nearly all students.