The Parent & Guardian Guide to Gustavus

Student with their parents

Whether you're preparing to send your first child off to college or getting your last one launched, the college search can be overwhelming. We’re here to partner with your family and be a resource every step of the way. This is your guide to navigating the college search. 

Best Advice for the College Search Process

  • Encourage your student to regularly check for emails from Gustavus. We will copy you on the most important messages as long as your student has provided us with your email address.
  • Visit campus or visit more than once to gain a fresh perspective.
  • Ask if your student has logged into their Applicant Portal, which is loaded with helpful info.
  • Apply for financial aid including Gustavus scholarships and file the FAFSA, whatever your family’s financial situation.
  • Help your student think beyond majors. Though choosing a major is important in college, consider how Gustavus shapes students into well-rounded and successful citizens.
A student gives a family a college tour.

Junior Year: Discovery & Exploration

Your student’s junior year in high school is about exploring what’s out there. This is the time to think big, be open-minded, and help your student expand their view of what’s possible.

City of Saint Peter with Minnesota River

The Junior Year Checklist

  • Cast a Wide Net: Encourage your student to explore a variety of college environments: big, small, urban, rural, private, and public.
  • First Look: Try to plan visits to campuses during the academic year to see what life is really like when classes are in session and students are busy. 
  • Beyond the Major: Help your student think about how they want a college to help them develop a range of skills, not just a specific job title or degree.

 

Next Steps: Explore Gustavus

Schedule a Campus Visit 
– Tours depart daily.

Virtual Tour 
– Explore our 340-acre campus from home.

Saint Peter, Minnesota 
– See our hometown. 

Explore Academics 
– Browse majors and minors.

Junior FAQs

How many colleges should my student visit? We recommend visiting several schools and a wide variety: big, small, close to home, and far away. This helps your student determine the environment where they will truly thrive.

When should we make college visits? Start in the junior year. This gives your student time for "second look" visits at their top two to three schools as seniors. If possible, visit during the academic year to see students in action.

Am I supposed to go on college visits? Yes! Most prospective students visit colleges with a parent or guardian. Your perspective is a vital part of their decision-making process.

What should I expect on a college visit? Typically, a visit includes a meeting with an admission counselor and a campus tour. At Gustavus, you can also request to meet a professor, coach, or conductor, or even sit in on a class.

Senior Year (Fall): The Application Season

It’s time to apply! This phase is all about checklists, deadlines, and getting prepared.  

Heritage Scholarship students

The Senior Fall Checklist

  • Apply Early: Encourage your student to complete the Gustavus Application or Common App by November 1 (Early Action) for an admission and scholarship decision by November 15. 
  • File the FAFSA: This is the key to unlocking the full range of available financial aid, including an extra $2,000 FAFSA Filer Award at Gustavus. The FAFSA typically opens on October 1.
  • Check the Portal: Ensure your student logs into their Applicant Portal: their hub for next steps and notifications.

 

Financial Resources

Gustie Guarantee 
– Our financial commitment to your family. Guaranteed scholarship, four-year graduation, and more.

Scholarships 
– Explore merit and talent-based awards.

Net Price Calculator 
– Get a custom estimate in three minutes.

FAFSA Guide 
– How to navigate the Free Application for Federal Student Aid.

Find Your Student’s Admission Counselor 
– Your family’s personal guide to this process.

Application & Financial Aid FAQs

How many colleges should my student apply to? We recommend five to seven schools. Managing the communication from 10+ schools can become overwhelming for students.

Should I help my student with their application? You can guide the process and encourage them to hit the November 1 deadline, but the student should be the one to fill out and submit the application.

How long does it take to apply? The Gustavus Application only takes about 10 minutes for the student to complete. We require either the Common App or the Gustavus Application, plus a high school transcript. That’s it! Essays and letters of recommendation are optional. 

What is the difference between Early Action and Rolling Admission? Applying Early Action is non-binding (different from Early Decision at other schools) and means that your application will be among the first that we review and you’ll get an admission decision by November 15 at the latest. Rolling Admission review begins after Early Action, with an admission decision typically sent within two weeks.

How much does college cost? While colleges post "sticker prices," these don't include scholarships or other financial aid. At Gustavus, 100% of incoming students receive financial aid through our Gustie Guarantee. Use our Scholarship Calculator to get an idea of your student’s award and our Net Price Calculator to see an estimate of your family’s actual cost. Learn more about paying for college.

What are the different types of aid?

  • Merit-based: Awarded based on the quality of the student’s academic record.
  • Need-based: Awarded based on family financial data from the FAFSA.
  • Talent-Based: Awarded based on demonstrated talent, typically related to fine arts.

Senior Year (Spring): Decisions & Outcomes

This is where you evaluate the best place for your student to thrive academically, socially, and financially.

Gus with CFs on move in

The Senior Spring Checklist

  • Review Outcomes: Look at graduation rates and career success.
  • Academic Planning: Confirm that your student’s interests and goals align with the curriculum.
  • Another Look: Attend an event or two for admitted students to get connected and dive deeper.
  • Commit: Submit the enrollment deposit by May 1 to officially join the Gustie family.

 

The Gustie Edge

Explore SigX 
– Learn about our guaranteed experiential learning for all students.

The Gustie Guarantee 
– Our four-year graduation commitment and scholarship guarantee.

Career Outcomes 
– See our recent graduate data.

Academics & Outcomes FAQs

Is it easy to double major at Gustavus? Yes. One-third of a student’s schedule is open for electives, allowing them to easily pursue a second major or minor.

Will my student graduate in four years? As part of the Gustie Guarantee, academic advisors guide students to ensure they graduate in four years, or Gustavus will cover tuition for a ninth semester.

What is the academic calendar like? Classes end in late April, allowing students to start summer internships or jobs sooner than students at other institutions.

Will my student be prepared for a job? Yes. Employers look for critical thinking, problem-solving, and teamwork, skills built through our liberal arts curriculum and Signature Experiences such as internships and research.

Transition: Life as a Gustie Parent 

As your student prepares to connect with their new home, here is what to expect from life in Saint Peter once you're officially part of the Gustie family.

Family members at Family Weekend 2026

Future Gustie Checklist

  • Next Steps: Our Get Ready Gusties program will keep your student on track for housing, class registration, and more! Welcome packets begin to be mailed in mid-March.
  • Gustie Gear-Up!: Typically held in June, Gustie Gear-Up! is a summer orientation where you and your student are invited to campus to review your student’s class schedule, get connected, and complete next steps before Move-In Day. 
  • Fall Planning: Save the date for Move-In Day, Homecoming & Family Weekend, and more. 

Campus Life & Location FAQs

What do students do for fun? With 100+ student organizations, athletics, and fine arts, the action is on campus. Students also love the charm of Saint Peter, from Patrick’s on Third to River Rock Coffee & Tea.

Is there transportation for students? Students don't need a car to feel connected. We organize buses to the Twin Cities for day trips and offer shuttles to the Minneapolis-St. Paul Airport and local transit.

Are there summer terms? Yes, in May and June. While not required, they offer opportunities for music tours, research, and study away.

How can I stay in the loop? We will copy you on the most important messages as long as your student provides your email address in their application.

We’re Here For You

Our experienced team of admissions counselors is here to help you and your family every step of the way. Your student is always a name here, never a number. We’re happy to help at any point along the way.

 

Find Your Counselor

Reach far. Dig deep.
Go Beyond.