COLLEGE SEARCH TIMELINE
Each student's college search timeline will be different from another student's-- some families start the process later, people visit campuses at different times, and students are admitted throughout the school year. But, each college search follows this basic order:
1. Learn about your options
2. Visit interesting colleges
3. Apply to a shortened list
4. Be admitted
5. Apply for scholarships and need-based aid
6. Receive financial aid awards
7. Re-visit your final options
8. Decide and deposit at your college choice
Gustavus admission counselors will help you through all the steps-- whether you're following the typical timeline or not. As you proceed, use this guide to make sure you're not missing something.
Use this key, 
, as a guide through the months of the year; for example, below you'll see that August through November is the best time to apply for admission.
THROUGH SOPHOMORE YEAR
LEARN
Use our website and conversations with friends, neighbors, co-workers, guidance counselors, and alumni to learn the basics about Gustavus. Think about what classes you like (this could potentially be your major; you don't yet need to know what job it will lead to), your interests outside the classroom, and the kind of college environment that's the best fit for you. Have no idea what to ask or look for? No problem. You'll sort it out as you move along.
JUNIOR YEAR
VISIT
Especially as you begin visiting colleges, you'll be able to better-articulate your priorities. And, don't be worried about selecting a major. The professors and curriculum at Gustavus will inspire you and help you identify your passions. Visit colleges during the school year, if possible, since you get to see the campus in action and more people. And, it's the people that really differentiate one college from another.
SENIOR YEAR
APPLY
Narrow down your college list to three to five institutions. If you apply to many more, it will be a challenge to meet all the individual deadlines and do all the paperwork. You can apply to Gustavus using our paper application, online application, or Common Application.
BE ADMITTED
However you apply, aim for November 1. Students who apply to Gustavus (get all parts of their application completed) by November 1 will receive an admission decision by November 20. Or, aim for December 1. Students who apply by December 1 will receive an admission decision by December 20. After December 1, our "rolling" admission notification begins January 20 and new decisions are sent every few weeks. Typically, more than half of students have already applied by December 1, but we usually receive applications through April.
APPLY FOR AID
After we admit a student to Gustavus, we automatically review their Application for Admission for scholarship eligibility. Some of our scholarships-- our top academic, forensics, and four fine arts scholarships-- require separate applications. These are due by January 4, 2008.
Families can also apply for need-based financial aid by submitting the CSS PROFILE. This form, along with the Gustavus Financial Aid Application (and possibly the FAFSA) are used to determine eligibility for grants, loans, and student employment awards.
More more details about the financial aid process, go here.
RECEIVE AWARDS
The first scholarship and need-based aid awards will go out in mid-January, but notification depends on when you were admitted and when your family submitted your financial information. Finalists for the scholarships you apply for (see section above) are notified in late January with interviews and auditions occurring on Scholarship Days, February 23 or March 1, 2008.
RE-VISIT
While there are 22 visit events annually at Gustavus, individual campus visits are always encouraged. Especially as you discover your "short list" of colleges, re-visiting (or being certain to visit at least once) can reinforce your impressions and help you make direct comparisons.
DECIDE
Once you've made your college decision (and some students do the day they're admitted to Gustavus!), you can let us know by sending your $300 non-refundable deposit. This signifies that you'll be a Gustie and that we should make plans for your enrollment. Housing and class registration priority are determined by your deposit date, but you should take the time you need to fully explore Gustavus (your offer of admission, financial aid, and housing availability are guaranteed until May 1). Deposits must be postmarked by May 1.
