First-Year Student AdmissionAdmission

How to Apply

Gustavus offers two application options, the Gustavus Application and the Common App, allowing you to choose whichever one fits best. Both give you the option to submit an essay and test scores ... or not. Ready to apply right now? The Gustavus Application has only 22 required questions and should take less than 5 minutes!

Your Path to Gustavus

Applying to Gustavus is simple—and we’re here to help at every step. From required materials like your transcript to optional items like test scores and recommendations, this checklist keeps you on track. Plus, you’ll get your admission decision and scholarship info fast—often within two weeks of a completed application. Everything you need is just a click away in your Applicant Portal.

Checklist Items

High School Transcript (Required)
Essay (Optional)
Test Scores (Optional)
1. Be sure to select test optional if not submitting your ACT or SAT scores. Gustavus accepts self-reported test scores, the student score report, official scores from the testing center, or the scores reported on your official high school transcript.
Letters of Recommendation (Optional)
1. We welcome recommendations from teachers and counselors. They may submit their own letters or use the Gustavus Recommendation Form.
Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA) (Recommended - everyone who files the FAFSA gets at least a $2,000 FAFSA Filer Award)
Fine Arts Scholarships (Optional)

Status and Notification

Admission decision within two weeks of a completed application!
- Students will be notified of their decision two weeks after receipt of their application and required materials (beginning September 1 for Early Action applicants and December 1 for Rolling Admission Application).
View your admission decision on your Gustavus Applicant Portal
- This website 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.
Scholarship award
- At the time of admission, you will be notified of any scholarships for which you’re qualified.

Dates and Deadlines

August 1 | Application opens for 2026 enrollment.
October 1 | FAFSA opens.
November 1 | Completed Early Action applications due.
November 8 | Priority deadline for fine arts scholarship applications.
December 1 | Rolling Admission application review begins.
Mid December | Financial aid offers start to release.
March 15 | $2,000 FAFSA Filer Award preferred deadline.
May 1 | Enrollment deposit due.

Scholarships

Applicants are automatically considered for merit-based scholarships - renewable all four years!
Fine Arts Scholarships (Separate application required)
- Music (up to $25,000 per year)
- Theatre and Dance (up to $6,000 per year)
- Art (up to $2,000 per year)
Additional Scholarships
Use the calculator below to see what scholarship you might receive.
- See Your Scholarship

Early Action vs. Rolling Admission

If you're ready to apply and consider Gustavus a top college choice, you should apply Early Action. You'll get a decision and financial aid offer sooner, but you'll still have until May 1 to decide if Gustavus is right for you. Early Action applications are due November 1.

Need more time? Then go ahead and apply Rolling Admission. We'll start reviewing those applications on December 1.