Feeling swamped with college admission deadlines and decisions?
Here's how to put your best foot forward at Luther:
Apply For Admission
Apply (free!) online or download the application and submit it as soon as you're sure Luther is one of your top schools. Visit www.luther.edu/admissions/apply/ to get started. Luther begins reviewing applications and admitting students in early November.
The process continues throughout the winter; you'll receive notification of your acceptance status usually within two weeks of submitting your complete application.
There's no deadline to apply, per say, but the sooner we know about your interests, the better we can help you explore your options on campus, including departmental scholarships.
Arrange a Campus Visit
If you've never been on campus—or you want to revisit Luther to further explore your interests—please consider scheduling an individual visit or attending a group visit event. Visit www.luther.edu/admissions/visit/ to get started. As a senior, you may also request an overnight stay in a first-year residence hall.
Audition for a Music Scholarship
If you're planning to participate in Luther's many musical ensembles, it's worth your time to prepare for and perform an audition for music scholarship. Visit http://music.luther.edu/admissions/scholarships_auditions/index.html for details.
These awards, ranging up to $4,000 per year, can definitely add incentive to the hours you'll spend rehearsing and practicing! And you don't have to major in music to qualify.
The deadline for auditions is March 15. You may schedule an audition nearly anytime by calling Luther's Admissions Visit Center at 800-4 LUTHER ext. 1287.
Fill Out a Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA)
The FAFSA (http://fafsa.ed.gov/) is designed to help Luther and other colleges nationwide establish a student's need for financial assistance (including institutional grants, federal and state low-interest loans, and work-study jobs). All families are encouraged to apply, even if they don't perceive great eligibility, because a variety of circumstances can align to make aid possible.
The application requires information about your family's income based on the previous year's tax filings. Read about the FAFSA online, apply for PINs for yourself and your parents (you each need one), and start plugging in your family's tax data as soon as it's available.
FAFSAs may be submitted after January 1; Luther encourages students to submit them by March 1 to ensure the most timely financial aid evaluation.
Luther will send you a financial aid award, which spells out your financial aid eligibility, in March. Please contact Luther's Financial Aid Office at 800-458-8437 or visit www.luther.edu/financial-aid/ to answer any questions you might have.
Submit Your Enrollment Deposit
If you've decided to attend Luther, submit your $200 nonrefundable enrollment deposit to the Luther Admissions Office, and sign and return your financial aid award, if applicable, to Luther's Financial Aid Office.
Once Luther receives this deposit, the Residence Life Office will send you a housing application (the form through which you choose your dorm), and you'll receive information about registering for your first Luther classes.
The national deadline for notifying colleges of your enrollment decision is May 1.
And just FYI, your enrollment deposit becomes your student deposit, which is collateral to pay off any outstanding library fines, parking tickets, or other damage incurred in your time as a student. Graduate with a clean slate and the full deposit will be refunded!
Transfer Your Transcripts
When you graduate from high school, be sure to have your official transcript sent to Luther. You'll also need to send transcripts for any college-level classes you took while in high school.
Remember, Advanced Placement (AP) test scores of 4 or better and International Baccalaureate (IB) Higher Level exam scores of 4 or better count for credit at Luther.
For more information, read the Admissions FAQs at www.luther.edu/admissions/process/faqs/.