Application and Selection
The Great Conversation is a team taught, interdisciplinary program introducing students to the liberal arts, to which all accepted students of St. Olaf may apply. The program consists of a sequence of five courses, spread over the first two years, providing an integrated means to satisfy several of the general education requirements of the College. Taught primarily through discussion of great works, the Great Conversation provides a broad foundation both for a St. Olaf education and for a life of engaged citizenship.
How to Apply
On March 18 all students admitted to St. Olaf will be sent a brochure explaining the Great Conversation and the American Conversation Programs, with instructions for applying. These instructions are also available on the admitted students’ website. If study in the Great Conversation appeals to you, carefully write the required short essay in response to one of two assigned questions. The essay, the primary means by which students are selected, will be evaluated by three professors who teach in the program. The admissions procedure for the Great Conversation gives you the option of two due dates:
| Apply by: | Notification mailed on or before: |
|---|---|
| April 15 | April 22 |
| May 13 | May 17 |
To apply, go to https://admissions.stolaf.edu/status and login. You will need the email address with which you applied to the common application and your St.Olaf password. If you haven't set up a password, call the Admissions Office at 1-507-786-3025, and they can resend your pin and instructions for setting up your password.
Although the program reserves positions for the May applicants, it is in your interest to apply earlier rather than later. Those who are waitlisted in April are reconsidered with the May applicants. All students selected to participate in the program live together in either Ellingson or Kildahl Residence Halls. This shared living arrangement not only allows great conversations to continue outside the classroom but also helps create friendships based on shared experiences.
