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Admission: Application Processes and Deadlines

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Admission

Applicants for admission to Gustavus are considered by the Admission Committee on a holistic basis that includes course selection, academic achievement in secondary school, ACT or SAT scores (Test Optional available), letters of reference (recommended, but not required), and an application essay (recommended, but not required). An on campus conversation with an admission counselor is encouraged. Successful applicants to Gustavus typically have taken a variety of college-preparatory courses in high school such as, but not limited to, AP, IB, PSEO or dual enrollment. 

The middle 50 percent of students admitted to Gustavus score between 25 and 30 composite on the ACT or have an average combined verbal and math score of 1300 on the SAT. Applicants for admission have the option to submit standardized test scores, known as the “Test Optional” admission policy. Students who feel their test scores accurately reflect their academic ability and potential should submit test scores. Additionally, students should take the ACT and/or SAT in order to explore all options and practice for the standardized tests required for entrance to graduate school. Students who matriculate must have a high school diploma, General Education Development certification (GED), or a passing Ability to Benefit Test (ATB) score. In order to be eligible for Federal Title IV financial aid funds, students must have one of these three proofs of high school completion.

The Application Process 

First Year Applicants

To apply for admission to Gustavus, complete the following steps: 

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

  • Submit an official or unofficial transcript complete through the most recent term. (Required)

  • Submit Test Scores (Optional)

    • 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.

  • Submit letters of recommendation (Optional) 

Transfer Applicants

To apply for admission to Gustavus, complete the following steps: 

  • Submit the Common App. This application asks for personal details, accomplishments and experiences, transfer credits, and an optional writing sample. 

  • Submit an official or unofficial high school transcript complete through the most recent term. (Required)

  • Submit an official or unofficial college transcript complete through the most recent term. (Required)

    • Submit letters of recommendation (Optional) 

  • We welcome recommendations from teachers and counselors. They may submit their own letters or use the Gustavus Recommendation Form.

Masters of Athletic Training (MAT) Applicants

  • The Gustavus MAT program participates in the Athletic Training Centralized Application Service, known as ATCAS. All students must complete the online application. 

  • ATCAS charges an application fee. For all applicants, the Commission on Accreditation of Athletic Training Education offers a fee waiver assistance program. For current Gustavus students, please contact Mary Westby, at mwestby@gustavus.edu or 507-933-6462 for information about an internal candidate discount.

PSEO Applicants

Both Full-time and Part-time applicants must submit:

International Applicants

An international student is any candidate who wishes to enroll with non-immigrant visa status (i.e., F-1, J-1, H-4). International students, including those currently attending schools in the United States, should apply online using the Common Application and will be asked to pay a $50 processing fee. Additional items needed to complete the application are below:

  • Submit the Common App (a $50 processing fee is to be paid within the Common App; the fee cannot be waived, transferred, or refunded)

  • Submit an official or unofficial transcript complete through the most recent term. (Required)

  • TOEFL/IETLS/Duolingo/Cambridge English, only if you are not fluent in English, or if it has not been the medium of instruction in your school.

  • Submit the ISFAA form 

  • Submit Test Scores (Optional)

    • 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.

  • Include certified financial documents, which are bank statements of parents or educational sponsor.

  • If a deposited international transfer student, Gustavus requires the student please request official transcript(s) from all post-secondary institutions attended (for documents not in English, please include the English translation) accompanied by a Professional Credential Evaluation from World Education Services, Educational Credential Evaluators or any NACES accredited organization. We require a course-by-course evaluation to show your complete course listing with credit values and grades received for each course. 

Students who are US citizens (including those living outside of the United States), who are legal permanent residents, who have refugee status, who have been granted asylum, or who are undocumented are not considered international students and should apply through the Office of Admission. Please refer to our website for detailed information regarding the international admission application process or contact Joy Reese, Associate Dean of Admission and Coordinator of International Recruitment at jreese2@gustavus.edu. 

Admission Dates and Deadlines

First Year Applicants

Transfer Applicants

  • August 1 | The Common App opens.

  • October 1 | The Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA) opens.

  • November 1 | Early Action Deadline: Completed applications due.

  • November 8 | Priority deadline for Fine Arts Scholarship applications.

  • December 1 | Rolling Admission application review begins.

  • January | First financial aid awards will be released.

  • February 8 | Rolling Admission deadline for Fine Arts Scholarship applications.

  • May 1 | Referral Scholarship due.

  • June 1 | Enrollment Deposit deadline.

Masters of Athletic Training (MAT) Applicants

The admission decisions will be made on a rolling basis until the cohort is full or April 1st.

PSEO Applicants

The Minnesota Department of Education has set deadlines for students enrolling in PSEO during different times of the year. Set deadlines are non-negotiable. Please see the Minnesota Department of Education's PSEO webpage for more information. 

  • May 30 | Application deadline for fall semester

    • You must inform your high school of your intent to enroll by May 30

  • October 30 | Application deadline for spring semester

    • You must inform your high school of your intent to enroll by October 30

International Applicants

The deadlines listed below are for both first year and transfer applications:

  • November 15 | Spring Entry Term: Completed applications due.

  • December 1 | Spring Enrollment Deposit Deadline

  • March 1 | Fall Entry Term: Completed applications due.

  • June 1 | Fall Enrollment Deposit Deadline.