How to Apply

To apply to St. Olaf, submit the items below by the appropriate deadline (Find a PDF of the Application Instructions here):

  1. The Common Application and St. Olaf Supplement
    The St. Olaf application for admission is comprised of the Common Application and a Supplement form specific to St. Olaf College. Both are available online on The Common Application website. You may also download the St. Olaf Common Application Supplement.

    (Music students must complete an additional application, which can be found at: www.stolaf.edu/depts/music/ admissions)

  2. The School Report and your transcript
    Download the School Report form from the Common Application website, submit it to your counselor, and request that they send the report and your transcript to St. Olaf by the application deadline.

  3. Teacher Recommendation
    One letter of recommendation must be from a teacher, preferably from a class taught in grades 10-12 in an academic subject: English, foreign language, history, social studies, mathematics, or the natural sciences. Invite your teacher to write a letter of recommendation through the Common Application or download the teacher evaluation form from the Common Application website, submit it to your teacher, and request that they send the teacher evaluation form and/or a letter of recommendation by the application deadline.

  4. Academic Recommendation(s)
    A second letter is also required, and may come from a teacher, guidance counselor, or music teacher. While additional recommendations are not required, students are welcome to submit additional letters from pastors or other worship leaders, coaches, employers, or others who know them well.
  5. ACT and/or SAT scores
    If your ACT and/or SAT scores are on your official high school transcript (sent from your high school), they will be considered official. If they are not on your transcript, you must have the score(s) sent directly from the testing center.

  6. $40 application fee for paper applications
    If you submit the Common Application online, we waive the application fee.

  7. The Early Decision Agreement Form (IF you are applying Early Decision!)
    To apply Early Decision, download and submit the Early Decision Agreement form by November 16 or January 15. The Early Decision agreement form is not able to be submitted online.

Questions?

If you have questions about the application process, please contact your admissions officer. If you are experiencing technical difficulty with the online Common Application, you can find a list of frequently asked questions as well as technical support contact information here.

 

Financial Aid and Merit Scholarship Applications


Students applying for need-based financial aid must complete the CSS PROFILE, which can be completed in the fall of your senior year. The suggested deadlines for filing the CSS PROFILE are November 16 for Early Decision 1 applicants, January 15 for Early Decision 2 and February 1 for Regular Decision applicants.

Need-based applicants should also complete the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA) after January 1, with a priority deadline of March 1.

In order to be considered for merit-based scholarships at St. Olaf, students must complete a Merit Scholarship Application. Deadlines and information about how to apply can be found here.

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