ADMISSIONS
What is the application deadline?
Students planning to enroll in the fall semester should submit their application no later than February 1. We will accept applications after the deadline, but priority consideration (especially for financial aid) will be given to applicants who meet the deadline.
Mid-year applications are considered but acceptance is based upon a space available basis.
What is the application fee and can it be waived?
The $40 fee is waived for those completing the Online Common Application.
How do I apply to St. Olaf?
All students apply using the Common Application, and must also complete the St. Olaf Common Application supplement, as well as other required papers. You can access the application forms here.
Can I apply to St. Olaf as a degree-seeking student? Non-degree seeking exchange student? Transfer student?
St. Olaf accepts degree-seeking students and those who would like to attend St. Olaf on short-term exchanges. St. Olaf also accepts international transfer students who would like to complete their bachelor degree here. St. Olaf does not offer graduate degrees.
Can international students apply to St. Olaf College through the Early Decision or Early Action program?
International students may apply under non-binding Early Action or Regular programs. Priority consideration is given to those applicants who submit by February 1. Learn more about the different deadlines here.
What is the TOEFL test and what is the minimum TOEFL score required?
Competence in English must be demonstrated before admission. All international applicants whose native language is not English are required to take the Test of English as a Foreign Language (TOEFL). St. Olaf requires a minimum score of 80 on the iBT, 213 on the CBT, or 550 on the PBT. Scores must be sent directly to the Admissions office from TOEFL. The code assigned to St. Olaf is 6638.
The TOEFL requirement applies also to students whose courses may have been taught in English (in India, Pakistan, the Philippines, Hong Kong, Tanzania, etc.), but whose native language is not English. Exceptions will be granted only to applicants who have studied for at least two years in a U.S. secondary school or college or in a school in a country where English is the native language (England and Australia, for example). Information on the TOEFL may be requested directly from TOEFL.
Does St. Olaf accept the IELTS?
Yes. St. Olaf accepts the results of the International English Language Testing System (IELTS). Minimum band or score is 6.0, and more information can be found here.
What is the minimum SAT/ACT score a student must receive in order to get accepted to St.Olaf?
All degree-seeking applicants must take the Scholastic Aptitude Test (SAT-I) or American College Test (ACT) no later than the January prior to the year of enrollment, and request that the results be mailed directly to St. Olaf. The codes assigned to St. Olaf are 6638 (SAT-I) and2150 (ACT). In all cases, test scores are not the sole determinant for admission. The Admissions Committee evaluates both academic records and test scores.
There is no minimum score needed, however, the median SAT composite score for the class of 2011 was 1320, while the ACT was 29.
Do you require the SAT II (subject) tests?
No, the SAT subject tests are not required. We will review the official Subject Tests Score Reports for those applicants who submit them, but no credit will be given for the tests.
Can I receive credit for AP, IB exams?
With certain departmental restrictions, St. Olaf College accepts credit earned through the College Board Advanced Placement and International Baccalaureate upon receipt of official documentation. Generally, AP scores of 4 or 5 will receive credit and/or placement. St. Olaf will award credit for scores of 5 through 7 on the Higher Exams of the IB Program. More information can be found at this site.
How many international students apply and enroll each year?
International student applications and enrollment vary from year to year. St. Olaf generally welcomes about 20 new international students to campus each year.
I’m a Norwegian student. How do I apply? How do I qualify for sophomore standing?
Norwegian students should check the following website for specific information regarding admissions and Norwegian scholarships.
The St. Olaf Admissions Office does not determine sophomore standing (second year status) for Norwegian applicants. Only the St. Olaf Registrar can determine sophomore standing based upon official transcripts from Norwegian institutions of higher education.
I attended a British educational system. Are there any special instructions?
Applicants should present the General Certificate of Education, Ordinary (O) Level, Advanced (A) Level, or the Higher Education Certificate.
I’m a student from the People’s Republic of China. Are there any special instructions?
Because students from the P.R.C. still cannot readily take the SAT or ACT, candidates may substitute the aptitude portion of the Graduate Record Exam (GRE) for the SAT or ACT. Request that your GRE results be sent to St. Olaf College, but leave blank the department designation on the GRE registration form.
