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What we look for

When considering your application, we will look at the key areas listed below. We will also factor in your demonstrated interest in Augustana, so you're encouraged to visit or complete an admissions interview during the application process.

High school record

The breadth and rigor of your high school curriculum is the most important consideration in your application.

Our recommendations:

  • Four years of English
  • Three or four years of mathematics
  • Three years of social science
  • Two years of a laboratory science
  • Two years of a foreign language

Additionally, honors, advanced placement and international baccalaureate courses are recognized if they are available at your school. As part of application review, we will recalculate your grade point average to include academic courses only. The majority of admitted students will have a recalculated GPA of 3.0 or higher.

Submit an unofficial transcript for review (optional)

We understand how important it is for you to know if you can thrive as an Augustana student, which is why we're happy to provide you with the opportunity to upload your unofficial transcript. Our team will review your transcript and give you a sense for your eligibility for admission and merit-based scholarship.

Submit your unofficial transcript

 

Standardized tests

Standardized test scores are only a part of the admissions process at Augustana. We have been test-optional since 2007, and we've updated our processes this year as a result of limited testing due to the COVID-19 pandemic.

For fall 2023 admission, ACT/SAT scores will be considered supplementary application materials, and will only be considered if an applicant submits them. Test scores are not required for admission or merit-based scholarship. 

Applicants wishing to have ACT or SAT scores considered may self-report them on the application or have them sent directly from the testing agency (ACT code: 0946, ST code: 1025). Test-optional applicants may be asked to complete an admissions interview to help us learn more about you.

For those students who submit test scores, the middle 50 percent of Augustana students score between a 23 and 29 on the ACT, which is equivalent to the SAT score of 1130-1380 (M+ERW)

Letters of recommendation

Letters of recommendations are encouraged, but not required. Recommendations from a school counselor or a teacher may be submitted.

We suggest providing your references with a brief résumé so they can learn more about you and emphasize things that are important to you. We are looking for information not only regarding your academic fit, but also your co-curricular and social fit.

Writing sample

We also ask applicants to submit a high-quality writing sample so we can learn more about your personality and individuality. This gives you an opportunity to organize your thoughts and express yourself.

Acceptable writing samples:

  • A graded paper from any high school class, preferably showing the grade earned
  • A personal statement of values, beliefs, idiosyncrasies and talents
  • The application for admission also suggests topics for an original essay

Co-curricular activities

A list of your co-curricular activities gives us an idea of what you are passionate about, and what you might be interested in pursuing as a member of the college community. We want to hear about your leadership roles, activities that you excelled in, community service participation, as well as part-time jobs that you enjoyed.

Demonstrated interest and student engagement

Campus visits and conversations with your admissions counselor, faculty, coaches and others on campus are not formal parts of the admissions process, but they are imperative to making sure you and the college are a good fit.

These campus interactions will give you a glimpse of the Augustana experience while giving us a chance to learn more about you — all with the goal of ensuring you attend the institution that best meets your needs as a whole person — intellect, character and spirit.

Sometimes, during the process of reviewing applications, admissions staff members will call or email applicants to learn more about a student's interest in Augustana.

Questions may include:

  • What attracted you to apply to Augustana?
  • What are some of the important factors that will go into making your final college decision?
  • When do you plan to visit Augustana?

Because these questions are important to us, a final admissions decision may be delayed while the admissions staff attempts to reach a student.

Students can show interest by:

• Visiting and interviewing. There is no better way to indicate interest. There are many visit options throughout the year. We place special significance on a visit that includes an interview.

• Engaging with us. Contact an admissions counselor. Send the counselor a note or email, meet with the counselor visiting at the high school, call and introduce yourself. An admissions counselor is the best advocate at Augustana.

• Contacting others that matter to you: faculty, coaches, activity advisors. These people can offer insight into what life could be like for you at Augustana.

• Responding to communication. If we call or write or email, please respond.