St Olaf College is somewhat selective in its admission process. The acceptance rate of St Olaf College is 56.41%. This means that 56 out of every 100 applicants get admitted.
How Competitive are St Olaf College Admissions?
- Competitive: Applicants need good academics and extracurriculars.
- GPA, SAT/ACT, and AP/IB courses significantly impact admission chances.
- A holistic review considers essays, recommendations, and leadership roles.
To secure admission, you must convince the admission staff that you are both mentally and physically fit for the course of study. More importantly, your GPA, class performance, SAT/ACT scores, and IB or AP courses can help your application stand out. Additionally, if you do not perform well in one area, you can showcase your strengths in other areas, as the St Olaf College is not very strict in its admission process, so improving other areas will help you secure admission.
As the acceptance rate is above 50%, you still have a chance if your GPA is not excellent. You can make up for a lower GPA by scoring high on the SAT, and ACT, and taking IB or AP courses.
Additionally, a well-written letter of recommendation, your participation in co-curricular and extracurricular activities, and your interpersonal communication skills can enhance your admission chances.
St Olaf College Admission Requirements
St Olaf College GPA Requirement
The average GPA of the admitted students at St Olaf College is 3.68. St Olaf College is highly selective.
Mostly A’s with a few B’s will keep you competitive. Taking AP/IB courses related to your field will improve your chances.
If your GPA is between 3.38 and 3.68, a strong SAT or ACT score is recommended. You need at least a 3.28 GPA to secure admission.
Can I Get Into St Olaf College Without SAT Or ACT?: St Olaf College considers admission test scores (SAT/ACT) during the application process but does not require them. Although it is not strictly a requirement, the test scores are considered for admission decisions. Hence, it is advisable to prepare well for the test and submit the best scores. Normally, students may appear in the test 4 to 5 times to improve their scores. Hence you are required to plan early and appear in upcoming SAT / ACT tests. Check the schedule of the test and plan accordingly. It is advisable to appear multiple times in the test unless you score well above the average SAT / ACT score of the admitted students, as given below.
St Olaf College SAT Requirements
Each school has different requirements for SAT and ACT testing. Only a few schools require the SAT or ACT, but many consider your scores if you choose to submit them. The test score policy is already mentioned.
St Olaf College Average SAT Score: 1377
The average SAT score of the admitted students at St Olaf College is 1377 on the 1600 SAT scale.
St Olaf College SAT Competitiveness
This score makes it Competitive for SAT scores. You need to do well to score 1377 on the SAT.
Key Insight:Aim for the 75th percentile (1480 SAT or 33 ACT) to stand out. If your scores are below average, consider retaking the test. St Olaf College allows Score Choice for the SAT and Superscoring for the ACT, giving you flexibility to submit your best scores.
If your score is below 1300, you must retake the SAT to improve your chances of admission to St Olaf College. It is not strange to appear multiple times for the SAT to improve scores. Colleges don’t mind if you have appeared multiple times, but not more than 5 times.
St Olaf College SAT Scores Breakdown by Sections
| Section | Average | 25th Percentile | 75th Percentile |
|---|---|---|---|
| SAT Math | 695 | 640 | 750 |
| SAT Reading | 695 | 660 | 730 |
| SAT Composite | 1377 | 1300 | 1480 |
It means that if you have scored less than 1300 then you are below most of the admitted students at St Olaf College and your chances of admission are very few. But if you have scored 1480 or more, your chances of admission are higher. 25th percentile means that only 25% of the admitted students have fewer scores than this score. 75th percentile marks the score of the upper 25% of the students. View list of all colleges with average SAT score of 1400
Can I get into St Olaf College with a 1500 SAT?
With a 1500 SAT Score, your chances of admission at St Olaf College are good but the admission staff at St Olaf College tests your all-around personality and your academics. Your GPA, Class performance, SAT/ACT/Test scores, and AP or IB Courses can help your application stand out. Co-curricular and extra-curricular activities and interpersonal communication skills are very important. Additionally, if you cannot perform well in one area, you have a chance to showcase your strengths and abilities in other areas, improving other areas will help you secure admission. You need to show better performance in all areas. An equally high GPA, taking IB or AP Courses and your role in leadership activities will increase your chances of admission. However, if you equally compete well in all other areas, your chances of admission are high.
St Olaf College ACT Requirements
The average ACT Score at St Olaf College is 31.
St Olaf College ACT Competitiveness
This score makes St Olaf College very Competitive for ACT scores. You need to do very well to score 31 on the ACT.
St Olaf College ACT Scores Breakdown by Sections
| Section | Average | 25th Percentile | 75th Percentile |
|---|---|---|---|
| ACT Math | 29 | 26 | 31 |
| ACT English | 31 | 27 | 34 |
| ACT Composite | 31 | 28 | 33 |
Can I get into St Olaf College with a 33 ACT?
With a 33 ACT Score, your chances of admission at St Olaf College are good but the admission staff does not check your ACT Score only. The College Admission process tests your all-around personality and academics. Your GPA, Class performance, SAT/ACT/Test scores, and AP or IB Courses can help your application stand out. Co-curricular and extra-curricular activities and interpersonal communication skills are very important. Additionally, if you cannot perform well in one area, you have a chance to showcase your strengths and abilities in other areas, improving other areas will help you secure admission.
SAT Vs ACT: Which score to send
You can compare your scores in SAT and ACT to the average SAT and ACT Scores of the admitted students at St Olaf College. More importantly, comparing your scores with the 25th and 75th percentiles of SAT and ACT scores will give you a better understanding of where you stand. If your score on the SAT is near the 75th percentile SAT score, then you must send your SAT score. If your ACT score is near the 75th percentile, then you must send your ACT Score.
But there is more, if both of your scores are in the same range, then it is better to send an ACT Score, as in the case of ACT, you can control which score to send as opposed to SAT.
Here is how: When sending the ACT Score, you can decide which score you want to send to the colleges. You could take 8 ACT tests, and only send your highest one. This is not the case with the SAT, where your score report mentions all of your attempts.
View a list of all colleges with an average ACT score of 31.St Olaf College Profile
Name: St Olaf College
City: Northfield
URL: wp.stolaf.edu/
State: Minnesota
Type: Non-Profit Private
Zip: 55057-1098
Campus: Main
Accredited by: Higher Learning Commission (NCACHE)
How much does a degree from St Olaf College Cost?
The average annual cost of the degree at St Olaf College is USD: 66570. As most of the students receive Pell Grants and Federal Grants the average annual net price a student has to pay at St Olaf College is much less than this.
How can I get a scholarship?
20.01% of the students are receiving Pell Grant and 45.28 percent are receiving Federal Grants. So it is a better choice to go to St Olaf College and apply for PELL or federal loan grants.
At St Olaf College, you will have no problem receiving any scholarship from the federal government. Fill in the FAFSA application form at the earliest and enlist St Olaf College as your choice in the form.
How much a St Olaf College Graduate make?
The average annual salary of the St Olaf College graduate after 4-6 years of graduation is USD 65543. An average St Olaf College graduate makes this much after 10 years of enrollment (4-6 years after graduation).
The average annual income of a graduate in the United States is USD: 40595
Less Competitive Schools
These schools have lower average SAT or ACT scores than St Olaf College. If your SAT or ACT score is slightly lower than the requirements of St Olaf College, you'll be competitive for these schools.
| School | Location | SAT | ACT |
|---|---|---|---|
| Thomas Aquinas College | Thomas Aquinas College, CA | 1328 | 30 |
| University of Denver | University of Denver, CO | 1348 | 30 |
| University of Connecticut | University of Connecticut, CT | 1340 | 31 |
| University of Georgia | University of Georgia, GA | 1335 | 30 |
| Illinois Institute of Technology | Illinois Institute of Technology, IL | 1328 | 30 |
| Wheaton College | Wheaton College, IL | 1367 | 31 |
| Centre College | Centre College, KY | 1366 | 30 |
| Bentley University | Bentley University, MA | 1346 | 30 |
| College of the Holy Cross | College of the Holy Cross, MA | 1361 | 30 |
| Wheaton College (Massachusetts) | Wheaton College (Massachusetts), MA | 1346 | 30 |
Equally Competitive Schools
These schools have the same range of average SAT or ACT scores as St Olaf College. If your SAT or ACT score are competitive for St Olaf College, you'll be competitive for these schools also.
| School | Location | SAT | ACT |
|---|---|---|---|
| Loyola Marymount University | Loyola Marymount University, CA | 1378 | 31 |
| Santa Clara University | Santa Clara University, CA | 1379 | 31 |
| Westmont College | Westmont College, CA | 1380 | 32 |
| Trinity College | Trinity College, CT | 1387 | 31 |
| American University | American University, DC | 1386 | 31 |
More Competitive Schools
These schools have higher average SAT or ACT scores than St Olaf College. If you improve your SAT or ACT score, you'll be competitive for these schools.
| School | Location | SAT | ACT |
|---|---|---|---|
| Occidental College | Occidental College, CA | 1434 | 33 |
| Connecticut College | Connecticut College, CT | 1427 | 32 |
| Wesleyan University | Wesleyan University, CT | 1426 | 33 |
| George Washington University | George Washington University, DC | 1420 | 33 |
| University of Miami | University of Miami, FL | 1409 | 32 |
Degree Programs
Bachelor Degree Programs
- Area Studies
- Biology, General
- Chemistry
- Classical and Ancient Studies
- Classics and Classical Languages, Literatures, and Linguistics
- Computer Science
- Dance
- Drama/Theatre Arts and Stagecraft
- East Asian Languages, Literatures, and Linguistics
- Economics
Frequently Asked Questions About St Olaf College Admissions
Answer: Graduates of this university typically earn a moderate salary, $65543 annually, with some fluctuation based on the field.
Question: What is the tuition fee for St Olaf College?
Answer: The tuition fee at this university is quite high, approximately $66570 or more per year for out-of-state students, so it is important to consider additional funding options.
Question: What are my chances of getting a scholarship at St Olaf College?
Answer: Your chances of getting a scholarship are good, with about a 50-80% chance. Scholarships are competitive but achievable if you meet the criteria.
Question: What is the acceptance rate for St Olaf College?
Answer: The acceptance rate of St Olaf College is 56.41 which is relatively high, above 20%, making it somewhat easier to gain admission compared to other top-tier universities.
Question: What is the average GPA of admitted students at St Olaf College?
Answer: The average GPA of admitted students is 3.68. This reflects the competitive academic profile expected from applicants.
Question: What is the minimum GPA required for admission to St Olaf College?
Answer: The minimum GPA required for admission is typically around 3.38, though this can vary depending on other factors such as test scores, extracurriculars, and essays.
Question: What are my chances at St Olaf College with a 3.38 GPA?
Answer: If your GPA is 3.38 or less, it may makes admission difficult. However, your chances may improve if you have strong test scores, extracurricular activities, and essays.
Question: Can I apply to St Olaf College if my GPA is below 3.28
Answer: While the average GPA of admitted students is 3.68, applicants with lower GPAs can still be considered if they have strong test scores, extracurriculars, and compelling personal essays that demonstrate resilience and potential.
Question: How competitive is the SAT score requirement for St Olaf College?
Answer: Admission to St Olaf College is based on SAT, and a strong SAT score is essential. Aim for scores above 1377 for the best chances, although the overall application strength also matters. Your SAT must be in the range of 1300-1480
Question: Is it possible to transfer to St Olaf College from another university?
Answer: Yes, many students successfully transfer to St Olaf College each year. Be prepared with your academic transcripts, recommendation letters, and a solid personal statement to make your application competitive.
Question: What is the campus culture like at St Olaf College?
Answer: The campus culture at St Olaf College is diverse and vibrant, with numerous student organizations, sports teams, and cultural activities. It’s an ideal environment for personal growth and building lifelong connections.
Question: How can I improve my chances of getting into St Olaf College?
Answer: To improve your chances, focus on excelling academically, building a strong extracurricular profile, and submitting standout essays. High SAT/ACT scores are also crucial for competitive admissions.
Full list of All degree programs offered by St Olaf College.
Data on this page is sourced from IPEDS, College Scorecard's latest data as provided in 2024, US Department of Education's latest 2024 statistics, Institute's official websites and printed material as well as additional publicly available sources.