University of California, Berkeley vs University of Notre Dame

University of California, Berkeley is the more selective of the two at 11%, versus 11% at University of Notre Dame. Here is how they compare on selectivity, test scores, and what they weigh, plus a free way to estimate your odds at each.

University of California, Berkeley

Highly selective

11%

acceptance rate

SAT 75th pct: 1530

Public · California

University of Notre Dame

Highly selective

11%

acceptance rate

SAT 75th pct: 1550

Private · Indiana

University of California, Berkeley vs University of Notre Dame: the differences that matter

How University of California, Berkeley and University of Notre Dame stack up on selectivity, scores, and what they value.

University of California, Berkeley and University of Notre Dame are almost equally selective (11% vs 11%), so neither is a clear safety relative to the other. Your odds at each come down to fit, not headline difficulty.

The two also read applications a little differently. University of California, Berkeley leans more on state residency, while University of Notre Dame puts more weight on class rank, standardized test scores, application essay. The same profile can land differently at each, which is why a per-school estimate matters more than a single GPA.

On test scores, University of California, Berkeley's admitted 75th-percentile SAT is around 1530 and University of Notre Dame's is around 1550. Admitted students at University of Notre Dame post somewhat higher scores. Run your own numbers below to see where you stand at each.

What each school weighs

Factors either school weighs heavily, side by side.

Factor	University of California, Berkeley	University of Notre Dame
Rigor of secondary school record	very important	very important
Academic GPA	very important	very important
Class rank	considered	important
Standardized test scores	not considered	very important
Application essay	considered	very important
Recommendations	not considered	very important
Extracurricular activities	very important	very important
Talent / ability	very important	very important

Calculate your chances at both →

Frequently asked questions

Is University of California, Berkeley or University of Notre Dame harder to get into?

University of California, Berkeley is harder to get into, with a 11% acceptance rate versus 11% at University of Notre Dame.

What's the difference in SAT scores between University of California, Berkeley and University of Notre Dame?

University of California, Berkeley's admitted 75th-percentile SAT is around 1530, and University of Notre Dame's is around 1550.

What are my chances at University of California, Berkeley and University of Notre Dame?

That depends on your full profile. CollegeCalcAI gives a free, personalized estimate for each school in a few minutes.