First Year Student AdmissionAdmission

How to Apply

Gustavus offers two admission plans — Early Action and Rolling Admission — allowing you to choose whichever one fits you best. Learn more about the differences.

Choose your application: either the Gustavus Select Application OR the Common App. Both application formats ask for personal details, accomplishments and experiences, and a writing sample. 

Tip!  You can begin the Gustavus Select App by doing Part 1 in less than 5 minutes!

Checklist Items

  1. High School Transcript (Required)
  2. 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.
  3. Letters of Recommendation (Optional)
    1. We welcome recommendations from teachers and counselors. They may submit their own letters or use the Gustavus Recommendation Form.
  4. Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA) (Recommended)
  5. 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

November 1 | Early Action: Completed applications due.
November 8 | Early Action: Fine Arts Scholarship applications due.
December 1 | Rolling Admission application review begins.
December | FAFSA opens. Due to the simplification of the 2024-2025 FAFSA by the Department of Education, the opening of the FAFSA has been delayed. Specific date to be announced.
January | First financial aid awards will be released.
February 8 | Rolling Admission Fine Arts Scholarships due.
May 1 | Enrollment Deposit deadline.

Scholarships