Gustavus Adolphus College

Click any of the Frequently Asked Questions below for an answer.  If you can't find your question and answer, click on "Ask Us" above.

• Academic Life
  • Q:   How will I register for classes? What guidance services are available for academic planning?
  • Q:   Can I graduate in four years?
  • Q:   What is the first-year profile?
  • Q:   What types of courses should I be taking prior to college?
  • Q:   Do you prefer the SAT or ACT? How important are these scores in the admission decision?
  • Q:   Do you accept AP or IB credit? What is the minimum score that will transfer as credit?
  • Q:   What is the academic calendar? Do you have J-term?
  • Q:   What courses are typical for a first-year student? How big will the classes be?
  • Q:   In what ways will I be challenged-- academically and socially?
  • Q:   When do I declare a major?
  • Q:   Will I be taught by professors or teaching assistants?
  • Q:   How accessible are faculty outside the classroom?
  • Q:   How many students do individual research or research with faculty?
  • Q:   What percentage of students go to graduate school? Where?
  • Q:   What is your retention rate?
  • Q:   Can I study abroad? When can I do this? Will it cost me more than staying on campus?
  • Q:   Will I have an academic advisor?
  • Q:   Will I have help in selecting courses?
  • Q:   Do you offer an honors program?
  • Q:   Can I double major or double minor? Will I still graduate in four years?
  • Q:   Do you offer more than one curriculum option?
  • Q:   How much time do students spend on homework each week?
  • Q:   Are tutors available if I need one?
  • Q:   How is technology used in the classroom?
  • Q:   What are the differences between a public and private education?
• Campus Life
  • Q:   Are students expected to participate in religious life activities?
  • Q:   Do students remain on campus over the weekend?
  • Q:   What is the college's alcohol and tobacco policy?
  • Q:   How safe is campus and St. Peter?
  • Q:   What health services are readily available on campus?
  • Q:   How big is Gustavus?
  • Q:   Am I required to live on campus?
  • Q:   How am I matched with a roommate?
  • Q:   Are there residence halls strictly for first-year students?
  • Q:   Do you have a career center? What student services are offered?
  • Q:   Is there a religious affiliation here? What types of religious activities and organizations are offered? Is there daily chapel? Is attendance voluntary?
  • Q:   What type of food service is offered? Can special dietary needs be met?
  • Q:   What do students do in their spare time? How many students stay here on the weekend?
  • Q:   Is there a first-year student orientation program?
  • Q:   Can I do an internship or career exploration here? How many students do one?
  • Q:   What happens if I get a cold? Do you provide health care on campus?
  • Q:   What are the expectations for student-athletes? Are there intramural sports offered?
  • Q:   What are the cultural events offered?
  • Q:   What is the ratio of men to women here?
  • Q:   Where are most students from?
  • Q:   What kinds of student organizations are on campus and how active are they?
  • Q:   How many students have their own computers?
  • Q:   What are the core values of Gustavus?
  • Q:   Are all residence halls co-ed?
  • Q:   What is your post-graduation placement rate?
  • Q:   Can I have a car on campus?
• Admission
  • Q:   How do I apply to Gustavus?
  • Q:   Do you have Early Decision?
  • Q:   When will I know if I'm admitted?
  • Q:   How many colleges should I apply to?
  • Q:   What should I write about in my application essay? Can I submit a paper from a class?
  • Q:   What does a test-optional admission policy mean?
  • Q:   When do I have to decide which school to attend?
  • Q:   How do I arrange a campus visit? When is the best time to visit?
  • Q:   Are there any open houses I can attend?
  • Q:   Can I attend a class and meet the professor or a coach?
  • Q:   Can I stay overnight with a current student? How is that arranged?
  • Q:   What are you looking for in an applicant?
  • Q:   Is an on-campus interview required?
• Financial Aid
  • Q:   What is tuition at Gustavus?
  • Q:   What is the FAFSA? CSS PROFILE? Do you require either?
  • Q:   Can you give us an estimate of our need-based award?
  • Q:   How is financial need determined?
  • Q:   Do financial aid awards transfer to study abroad programs?
  • Q:   Are January Term courses included in the cost of tuition?
  • Q:   What is the estimated cost for living expenses while on campus?
  • Q:   What merit-based scholarships are offered? Are there separate applications for those?
  • Q:   We are not going to file the FAFSA. Are there payment options?
  • Q:   Where can I buy my books? Can I sell them back at the end of the term?
  • Q:   Do students have to pay for campus activities or facility usage?
  • Q:   Do you have Army ROTC scholarships?
  • Q:   How do outside scholarships affect my financial aid award?
  • Q:   Will my financial aid award change from year to year?
  • Q:   Is there a deadline in applying for financial aid?