Apply for Admission
Admission
We want you to apply to Gustavus! By applying, hopefully you'll discover that Gustavus is a good match for you while we learn if you're a good match for us.
Our office has a holistic approach to admission, which means we evaluate all the information in your application-- not just "the numbers." That's much fairer to you and a much better way for us to build a class. Consequently, as you apply, emphasize your academic preparation for college, give details about any involvement, offer explanations for any challenges, and help us understand what makes you distinctive. We only know what you tell us, so be thorough in your application!
As we get to know you through your application, campus visits, and contact, we hope to make your college search more informative and less complicated.
Keep the following tips in mind as you begin your application:
- There is no application fee;
- Early Action applicants must have all materials in by November 1;
- Rolling Admission applications are reviewed on a rolling basis beginning November 15;
- Though there is no application deadline, we receive the majority of our applications by early winter and our class is usually filled by late spring;
- Admitted students should confirm their intention to enroll at Gustavus by submitting a $300 non-refundable deposit postmarked by May 1; and,
- While you should only deposit at one college and have until May 1 to explore all your college options, your housing selection priority is determined by your deposit date.
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Admission Process
Step 1: Apply to Gustavus
Gustavus offers two admission plans — early action & rolling admission — allowing you to choose whichever one fits you best. Learn more about the differences.
All application formats ask for personal details, a list of accomplishments and experiences, and a writing sample. Apply to Gustavus online or by submitting the Common Application.
Supporting Materials
- High School Transcript Required : Please ask your school counselor to send us your transcript.
- Recommendations Optional : We welcome recommendations from teachers and counselors. They may submit their own letters or use the Gustavus Recommendation Form.
- Scholarship Applications Optional
- FAFSA Optional
- Test Scores Optional : Be sure to select test optional if not submitting test scores. Gustavus accepts self-reported scores, the student score report, official scores from testing center or the scores reported on your official high school transcript.
Dates to Remember
For the entering class of fall 2021, Gustavus Adolphus College will superscore the ACT. Superscoring allows Gustavus to consider a student’s highest subject scores across all testing dates. For instance, if a student takes the test multiple times, we will consider the highest English, Math, Reading, and Science subject scores to calculate a student’s new composite superscore. We encourage students to send us the results from each test date. Gustavus will superscore both the ACT and SAT exam.
Step 2: Status, Notification, & Scholarships
Scholarship Award: Beginning November 15, within three weeks of receiving your admission letter, you'll receive another letter awarding any scholarships for which you're qualified.
You may check what pieces of the application have been received at anytime.
Admission notification three weeks after receipt of application and required materials.
Gustavus Application Portal: The Gustavus Applicant Portal is your one-stop shop for updating your information, uploading materials, scheduling a visit, and viewing your admission decision. Within a few days of submitting their application, all applicants will receive an email providing access to their portal.
Dates to Remember
Action Items
Step 3: Deposit
Regardless of when you were admitted, you can confirm your intention to enroll at Gustavus by mailing a $300 non-refundable deposit postmarked by May 1. You can also deposit any time online.
Financial aid, housing, and class registration are available to all students, but housing priority is determined by when we receive your deposit. After May 1, accepting your deposit depends on available space in our first-year class.
Applicants who do not hold a United States Passport or have United States Permanent Residence status are recognized as International Students. Joy Reese works with all international students as well as United States passport holders who live outside of the U.S.
Upon arrival to the Gustavus campus, students can look forward to working with the International Student Services Coordinator, Jeff Anderson.
Step 1: Apply to Gustavus
Apply to Gustavus by submitting the Common Application. All application formats ask for personal details, a list of accomplishments and experiences, and a writing sample.
Have a question regarding the process? Learn more about international requirements.
Supporting Materials
- Transcripts Required :
Please ask your school counselor to send us your transcript. - TOEFL/IELTS scores Required :
Minimum TOEFL score is 85 and IELTS score is 6.5. - CSS Profile/ISFAA Required :
- ACT/SAT scores Optional
- Test Scores Optional : Be sure to select test optional if not submitting test scores.
Dates to Remember
Action Items
Step 2: Status, Notification, & Scholarships
You will be notified of your admission decision and financial aid based on when you completed your application for admission. Decisions will be sent November 15 for Early Action, by January 1 for applications completed by December 2, and on a rolling basis beginning January 1.
International students are eligible for the Count Folke Bernadotte International Student Scholarship, as well as talent-based scholarships that require a separate application.
Student employment is also part of the financial aid packet, if qualified, as determined by the CSS/ISFAA form.
Dates to Remember
Action Items
Step 3: Deposit
Regardless of when you were admitted, you can confirm your intention to enroll at Gustavus by mailing a $300 non-refundable deposit postmarked by May 1 for Fall Semester, December 15 for Spring. You can also deposit any time online with a credit card with no additional fees or by electronic transfer from a savings or checking account.
Financial aid, housing, and class registration are available to all students, but housing priority is determined by when we receive your deposit.
Dates to Remember
Action Items
Step 1: Apply to Gustavus
Apply to Gustavus by submitting the Common Application. All application formats ask for personal details, a list of accomplishments and experiences, and a writing sample.
Have a question regarding the process? Learn more about transfer requirements.
Supporting Materials
- Final High School Transcript(s) Required :
Please ask your school counselor to send us your transcript. - College transcript(s) Required :
For each institution attended - Gustavus Transfer Report Required :
Print and complete the top portion, and bring it to the Dean of Students Office at your current institution. The Gustavus Transfer report should be completed by someone with access to your disciplinary records. - ACT/SAT scores Optional :
Gustavus is proud to offer a test optional admission policy
Dates to Remember
Action Items
Step 2: Status, Notification, & Scholarships
Once the application is complete, transfer students receive their admission decision within two weeks. If admitted, the Financial aid package will follow their admission notification within two weeks.
Scholarships
Merit-based aid: Admitted transfer applicants will be automatically considered for Gustavus scholarships, including the Dean’s Scholarship, Gustavus Legacy Award, Paul R. Rucker Scholarship and Phi Theta Kappa Scholarship.
Need-based aid: We encourage transfer applicants to submit the FAFSA in order to be considered for need-based aid (grants, loans, and student employment). A student may file a new FAFSA or add Gustavus to a previously completed FAFSA online
Step 3: Deposit
Admitted transfer students who decide to enroll at Gustavus may make their intentions known by submitting a $300 non-refundable enrollment deposit. You may deposit anytime online with a credit card with no additional fees or by electronic transfer from a savings or checking account.
Information regarding class registration, housing, orientation and more will then be mailed as the semester approaches.