Understanding the Decision Process
Application Review
The Graduate School processes all applications for graduate study at the University of Notre Dame (with the exception of studies housed in the Law School and the School of Architecture, and master's programs within the the Mendoza College of Business). The application and supporting materials are processed and distributed to the appropriate department or program for review. Departmental or program admission committees review the application and supporting materials and then make a formal recommendation of acceptance or denial to the Graduate School. The official decision letter from the Graduate School will be provided to you through the online application.
Acceptance or Denial
After the program’s decision is reviewed by the Graduate School, the applicant will receive an email stating that the application decision is ready. To review the decision, you must log in to the application page and click on “View Update” under the yellow box titled “Status Update.” If an offer of admission has been extended, you may click the link in the last paragraph to begin the enrollment process.
Please note: the department or program may provide unofficial information about the status of applications, but official results of the application will be communicated only by the Graduate School, via the application system.
When to Expect Notification of Decision
Programs typically make their first round of offers by late February or early March. Applicants not included in the first round of offers may still receive an offer, although this may occur as late as April 15 or shortly thereafter. This timing is due to a resolution adopted by the Council of Graduate Schools that permits admitted applicants to wait until April 15 to accept offers of admission and financial assistance.