Mendoza School of Business

Notre Dame MBA Application

MBA Admissions Process

Phil Drendall, Associate Director of Admissions at Mendoza College of Business, provides insights into what makes our admissions process unique and provides tips to help you submit the best application.

Application Deadlines

RoundApplication DeadlineDecision ReleaseConfirmation Deadline
(typically 30 days)
Early ActionSept. 4, 2025Oct. 17, 2025Nov. 17, 2025
Round 1Oct. 14, 2025Dec. 12, 2025Jan. 12, 2026
Round 2Jan. 8, 2026Mar. 13, 2026Apr. 13, 2026
Round 3Mar. 17, 2026May 1, 2026Jun. 1, 2026
  • Early Action Deadline
    Applying in the Early Action round automatically qualifies you for an interview, demonstrating your commitment to Notre Dame’s MBA program. For subsequent rounds, interviews are by invitation only. The Early Action round, though non-binding, is tailored for applicants who are eager to join our community. Interviews for this round will be conducted from August to September on a first-come, first-serve basis.
  • International Applicants
    International candidates are strongly encouraged to apply by January 8, 2026, to allow time for visa paperwork and processing.

 

MBA Application Requirements

GMAT and GRE scores are required for all applicants, though waivers may be available. Answers to common test waiver questions can be found in our FAQ. To request a waiver, please complete this form and provide all required documentation.

We do not accept test scores older than five years. GMAT® and GRE® scores should be reported directly to the MBA program using the University of Notre Dame Mendoza College of Business codes: XM7-2D-89 for GMAT and 6998 for GRE.

Try our GMAT mini quiz to get familiar with the types of questions you’ll encounter on the GMAT.

Transcripts are required from all colleges and universities attended. Please include all prior coursework including summer sessions and any graduate studies. International transcripts must be accompanied by an official English translation.

Please note: Only full term-by-term transcripts are accepted; degree audits are not. Submitted documents cannot be returned. Applications are reviewed once all materials are received. Applicants with an MBA are ineligible.

One recommendation is required as part of the application process. The Notre Dame MBA utilizes the Common Letter of Recommendation, which is also used by several programs within Graduate Management Education. We suggest selecting someone who can provide a comprehensive assessment of your qualifications, skills, and work experience.

The individual you choose should be familiar with your professional or academic background and capable of offering detailed insights into your abilities and achievements. Ideally, this recommender will have observed your performance closely and can provide specific examples that highlight your strengths and potential.

Applicants should submit a one-page resume summarizing your education, work experience, skills, and accomplishments. Include academic qualifications and professional experience with key responsibilities and achievements. Highlight relevant technical and soft skills, along with notable accomplishments such as awards or publications. Include professional affiliations, volunteer experience, and extracurricular activities that demonstrate your leadership and personal development.

Applicants will respond to the prompt below in 500 words or fewer. This required written statement helps the MBA Admissions Committee gain a deeper understanding of your goals, background, and the perspective you would bring to Notre Dame.

Prompt:
“What are your detailed post-master’s degree career plans?

Illustrate how your background, experiences, interests, and personal attributes, in conjunction with your studies at the University of Notre Dame, will equip you to successfully realize these ambitions. Please share both your short-term and long-term career goals, and be specific about the industry and function you hope to pursue.”

In addition to your resume and transcripts, the Applicant Snapshot offers a chance to highlight qualities and experiences that may not be reflected elsewhere in your application. This required component allows you to share personal dimensions of who you are—beyond your academic and professional background—and will be uploaded as part of your submission.

In addition to your resume and transcripts, the Applicant Snapshot offers a chance for candidates to showcase unique qualities and experiences not captured elsewhere in the application.This required component allows you to share personal dimensions of who you are—beyond your academic and professional background—and will be uploaded as part of your submission.

Applicant Snapshot Guidelines:

  • Format your Applicant Snapshot as a slide presentation (up to four slides).
  • Create slides using any software and save/upload as a PDF.
  • Avoid using audio or video files.
  • The Admissions Committee will review the applicant snapshot; no presentation is required.
  • Share meaningful insights about yourself for the Admissions Committee.
  • Use a lighthearted tone that reflects your personality to highlight your uniqueness beyond academic and work achievements.

This is an opportunity to share information not covered elsewhere in your application. You can include additional context about your background, gaps in employment, unique experiences, personal challenges you have overcome, or any other insights that may not be fully represented in other sections of your application.

As part of our application process, we require a video assessment. During this assessment, members of our Admissions Committee will ask you a series of questions to better understand you as an individual. This holistic approach allows the Committee to thoroughly review your application beyond what’s on paper.

A link to complete your video assessment will be emailed after you submit your application, and it must be completed to move forward in the application process.

Non-U.S. citizen applicants (and U.S. citizens with extensive international study) must submit an English proficiency test score. Accepted tests include TOEFL®, IELTS™, PTE Academic, or the Duolingo English Test. Test scores may be waived if you completed at least six full-time semesters or nine full-time quarters at a university where English is the primary language. Transcripts will verify this, and the Admissions Committee will notify you if additional information is needed.

Report your English proficiency scores directly to the MBA program using Notre Dame Mendoza College of Business TOEFL code 2456.

The $175 non-refundable application fee is the final requirement in the application process. After submitting your application, you will be directed to the application status page where you can submit a payment by credit card through the online application system.

Your application will not be considered complete until this fee is paid.

Application fee waivers are available for individuals who satisfy the following eligibility requirements:

  • United States Active Duty Military or Veterans
  • Current or former Peace Corps volunteers
  • Current or former Teach for America volunteers

If you fulfill any of these criteria, please reach out to the admissions team for further details at mba.business@nd.edu.

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Mendoza School of Business