A straight answer: 61.8% acceptance rate.
This means for every 100 applicants, only 62 actually get in. No guessing. Gustavus Adolphus College is a 4YEAR institution located in Saint Peter, MN — competition varies by program, but this is the official average.
Who Actually Gets In? (Men vs Women)
Quick breakdown so you get the real picture:
Men
Women
If you think one gender has an edge — the data tells what’s up.
Applications vs Admits: The Funnel That Matters
This is where the reality hits:
Yield Rate: N/A
This shows how many admitted students choose Gustavus Adolphus College. High yield = high confidence. Low yield = students had better options.
What Scores Do You Need?
If you're applying without knowing what scores to aim for… that’s how rejection letters happen.
SAT Score Range
ACT Score Range
Aim for the 75th percentile if you want peace of mind.
Putting the Gustavus Adolphus College Acceptance Rate into Perspective
Acceptance rates are often treated as shortcuts in college research. The acceptance rate at Gustavus Adolphus College offers a quick snapshot of admissions outcomes, but it’s only meaningful when placed in context.
An acceptance rate of 61.8% reflects aggregate decisions, not personalized evaluations. It includes applicants with a wide range of academic preparation and intentions, which limits how directly it can be applied to individual cases.
Why Acceptance Rates Don’t Equal Admissions Difficulty
Admissions difficulty isn’t uniform across a university. At Gustavus Adolphus College, some programs attract more applicants than others, creating differences in competitiveness that a single acceptance rate can’t capture.
Additionally, universities that encourage broad applications often appear more accessible than they actually are. This makes acceptance rate data easy to misread without deeper analysis.
Using Acceptance Rate as a Planning Tool
For applicants, the most productive way to use the acceptance rate at Gustavus Adolphus College is to guide expectations and list-building—not to predict outcomes.
When combined with an honest assessment of academic fit and preparation, acceptance rate data becomes one of several inputs that help students navigate admissions decisions more thoughtfully.
Admissions Insight
Holistic Admissions? Or Score-Centric?
Some colleges love essays and activities. Some love high numbers.
Your Chances of Getting Into Gustavus Adolphus College
Let’s keep it real:
- ✅ Great scores + strong extracurriculars → Solid chance
- 🔶 Good scores + average profile → Toss-up
- ❌ Below 25th percentile → You’re relying on miracles
If you’re international, competition goes up a notch. If you're applying to CS, Business, or Engineering → multiply difficulty by 2.
What's my real shot?
Acceptance Odds Estimator
Estimate your admission probability at Gustavus Adolphus College based on your unique profile.
Pro Tip: Many more factors influence admission. For a deeper analysis that includes major, essays, and personal context — use Orbit's values-based matching.
Try Right Fit MatcherWhat This Means If You’re Considering Applying to Gustavus Adolphus College
Once you’ve looked through admissions data, the next step isn’t finding more numbers — it’s deciding what they mean for you. Many students reach this stage feeling unsure, especially when outcomes seem hard to predict.
The reality is that universities like Gustavus Adolphus College don’t admit students in a vacuum. Applications are evaluated within context, and that context includes academic preparation, intended area of study, and how well an applicant’s goals align with what the institution offers.
How Applicants Should Think About Their Chances
Rather than asking, “Will I get in?”, a more productive question is, “Does applying here make sense for my profile?” Students who approach admissions this way tend to build stronger, more balanced college lists.
If your academic background matches the expectations of your intended program, the admissions process may feel far less intimidating than it looks on paper. On the other hand, students applying to high-demand majors or with less preparation should plan accordingly — not avoid applying, but approach it strategically.
In the end, admissions data is meant to guide decision-making, not discourage it. Used correctly, it helps applicants apply with confidence rather than guesswork.
Should You Apply to Gustavus Adolphus College?
If 61.8% feels scary — that’s the point. High stakes → high payoff.
- Will I be a standout here?
- Do I like the vibe?
- Can I afford it? (Check scholarship opportunities)
- Is this my best-fit major here?
Explore Gustavus Adolphus College
Jump to related stats for this same university.
FAQs About Gustavus Adolphus College Acceptance Rate
Is Gustavus test-optional for admissions?
Gustavus has adopted a test-optional policy in recent admission cycles; applicants may choose whether to submit SAT/ACT scores. Admissions decisions emphasize high school record, recommendations, essays, and extracurricular involvement when scores are not submitted.
What is the typical class size and student-faculty ratio?
Class sizes are generally small, with an average student-faculty ratio around 11:1. Many upper-level seminars are quite small, fostering discussion and close faculty interaction.
What kinds of majors and academic programs are available?
The college offers around 75 majors and programs across the liberal arts and sciences, including humanities, social sciences, natural sciences, education, and niche programs such as Scandinavian studies. Interdisciplinary study and double majors are common.
How accessible are research and internship opportunities?
Students have access to research and internship opportunities, often facilitated directly by faculty mentors or through the college’s career services. While there may be fewer large-scale research facilities than at big research universities, undergraduates frequently participate in hands-on projects and can secure meaningful internships through college networks.
What is campus life like and what housing options exist?
Gustavus emphasizes a residential campus experience with active student organizations, arts and music programs, and Division III athletics. Most students live on campus in residence halls, with themed living communities and leadership opportunities that foster community engagement.
Final Verdict: Don’t Play It Casual
Gustavus Adolphus College isn’t a lottery — but it sure feels like one if you apply blind.
Know where you stand. Play strengths. Show why you belong.
Unlock Your Best Shot with Orbit
Everything you need to maximize your college application success