Here you will find information about admission. To make browsing easier, we have organized questions by topic. If you have additional questions, don’t hesitate to contact us at admissions@css.edu or call us at (218) 723-6046.
Many students apply during the fall of their senior year of high school. This gives them time to visit us and other schools several times before making a final decision. Apply here.
St. Scholastica has a "rolling" admissions process, meaning we process applications as they come in. The College would only impose a deadline if capacity is an issue, and students will be given sufficient notification. We encourage students to apply early as we provide priority consideration for scholarships and financial aid based on application timing and certain types of aid.
Application deadline: November 15
Admission response: December 1
Application deadline: February 1
Admission response: Within 3 weeks of complete application
Application deadline: August 31
Admission response: Within 3 weeks of complete application
Early Action is a non-binding application option for students who want to apply early to St. Scholastica. You will receive priority scholarship consideration, a decision no later than December 1 and will still have until May 1 to submit your enrollment deposit.
No, it is free to apply.
Accepted students do not officially need to decide until May 1 of their senior year. However, we do encourage students submit a $200 enrollment deposit soon after being accepted to reserve a spot in the class. These deposits are completely refundable until May 1.
Students applying will have the option to decide whether or not they want their standardized test score (ACT/SAT) included in their admission review.
Applicants can still submit an ACT or SAT scores as part of their application but also have the option to submit an essay describing overall academic achievements if they do not feel their standardized test scores reflect their academic ability.
Students choosing test-optional admission will be prompted to write an essay answering the following question in the application. Essay question: Please share your most significant academic accomplishment. What did this experience teach you and why was it important to you?
Our research shows more qualitative indicators other than test scores often allow better insight into a student’s capacity for success at St. Scholastica. A test-optional admissions process aligns with our Benedictine Values and aids in maintaining the College’s rigorous academic standards while ensuring we remove barriers to admission and admit students who will succeed at St. Scholastica.
If you are satisfied with your test scores and believe they are indicative of your academic achievement, then we are happy to consider them as part of your application. If you have a strong academic record demonstrated by good grades and a challenging curriculum, but do not feel your test results are an accurate reflection of your academic performance, you can choose not to submit them.
There is no one answer for all students. We accept students based on a review of their high school performance and ACT or SAT scores. If you would like to send your standardized test scores to St. Scholastica, use ACT code 2098 and SAT code 6107 or include them on your high school transcript. St. Scholastica does not require the writing sample portion of the ACT or SAT to be considered.
The review process for students who submit ACT or SAT scores and students who do not submit scores is similar. Those students who choose to apply test-optional will be asked to submit an essay.
For all applicants, we evaluate your overall academic record, including grades earned in academic coursework, performance in honors, International Baccalaureate and Advanced Placement courses, and grade trends throughout your high school career.
Yes, there are two groups of students who cannot apply test-optional:
International students: If English is neither the native language nor the primary language of secondary school instruction, the results of an English-proficiency test such as the TOEFL or IELTS is required
Homeschooled students are required to submit a standardized test score
Yes, you will still be given full consideration for a Benedictine Scholarship based on your academic achievements in a strong curriculum and evaluation of an essay.
Removing barriers to education is a reflection of our Benedictine Values of community, respect and love of learning. Test-optional admissions furthers a climate which values the uniqueness of the individual while preserving and enhancing the intellectual heritage entrusted to us by past generations.
For more information about test-optional admission policies and for a list of other colleges and universities who give students options with standardized testing and admission, visit FairTest.org.
Depending on when you apply, you will have an admission decision within a couple of weeks assuming your application is complete with application, transcript and ACT/SAT score or test-optional essay.
Admission response: December 1
Admission response: Within 3 weeks of complete application
Yes. If you have new academic information to share with the committee you can appeal your decision. This process would start by contacting your admission counselor.
You fill out the same application and indicate you want to begin spring semester.
Credits from accredited institutions will transfer. However, we need to do an official transcript evaluation to see exactly which courses they will "waive" here at St. Scholastica. You can get an idea of what will transfer using our PSEO/CITS Credit Transfer Tool or Transferology.
No. You are considered a first-year student, but you will have advanced standing. You will qualify for any and all freshman-level scholarships.
Yes, but just like PSEO credits, we need to do an official transcript evaluation in order to see exactly which courses they match up with here at CSS. Again, you can get an idea of what will transfer using our PSEO/CITS Credit Transfer Tool.
Our Incoming Credits and Course Information page has links to look up both AP and IB tests scores that are needed to be able to waive classes or transfer credits into St. Scholastica.
You must have equivalent to three years of a language before you leave CSS. So, if you took two years of Spanish in high school, then you need to take one more year of Spanish here (unless you test out of a class or two on a foreign language assessment). If you have taken three years of the same language in high school (grades 9-12), you aren't required to take any language courses at CSS. However, the courses are great and you may want to think about taking upper-level courses for more experience and increased marketability later on in your career.
The College of St. Scholastica does not discriminate on the basis of race, color, creed, religion, national origin, sex, sexual orientation, age, marital status, status regarding public assistance, disability, or local commission status in its programs, procedures and activities. The following person has been designated to handle inquiries regarding the nondiscrimination policies:
Human Resources, Affirmative Action Officer
Tower Hall 2101A
The College of St. Scholastica
1200 Kenwood Avenue
Duluth, MN 55811
(218) 723-6602
TTY/TDD Hearing Impaired Information/Assistance (218) 723-6790
E-mail: admissions@css.edu
Next Steps...
Apply Now Come for a Visit Accepted Students Meet Your Counselor Contact Admissions