Each year, Gettysburg College welcomes a diverse class of highly-motivated students who, surrounded by history and opportunity, Do Great Work as they progress toward building a better world for themselves, their families, and their communities.
Applying to Gettysburg College is the first step toward joining a global community of changemakers and trailblazers who are invested in helping you realize and achieve your potential. At Gettysburg, we offer three distinct application plans designed to fit your college search:
- Early Decision (ED) applicants make a commitment to Gettysburg College as their primary choice and agree that, if admitted, they will enroll and withdraw applications to other institutions. These applicants are most likely to be admitted and will have priority consideration for financial aid. There are two Early Decision periods—Early Decision I and Early Decision II—and notifications of admission and scholarship delivered within a month of the submission deadline. Roughly 40% of each incoming first-year class are accepted via Early Decision.
- Early Action (EA) applicants submit their application to Gettysburg College early, but do not make a binding commitment to enroll or to withdraw applications to other institutions. These applicants will receive notifications of admission and scholarship by February 1, but will have until May 1 to choose to enroll.
- Regular Decision (RD) applicants submit their application by mid-January, and receive notifications of admission and scholarship in March. These applicants will then have until May 1 to choose to enroll at Gettysburg College.
| Application Plan | Application Deadline | Document Deadline | Financial Aid Application Deadline | Decision Notification |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Early Decision I | November 15 | November 20 | November 15 | December 15 |
| Early Action | December 1 | December 5 | December 1 | February 1 |
| Early Decision II | January 15 | January 20 | January 15 | February 15 |
| Regular Decision | January 15 | January 20 | January 15 | March 15 |
Required Documents for Admissions
A completed application file contains the following items:
- Completed Common Application*- Apply online
- Official high school transcript
- Teacher recommendation
- Counselor recommendation
- Senior mid-year grades (when available)
- Early Decision Form (only if applying for Early Decision admission)
- SAT I or ACT scores are not required, but may be submitted as self-reported or official scores, if you choose. (View our test optional policy for more information.)
*Please note that Gettysburg does not require you to complete the new Courses & Grades section of the Common App.
Quick Links
Common Application
International Admission
Transfer Admission
Can my high school submit information online?
Gettysburg accepts online submission of transcripts, secondary school reports, counselor recommendations and teacher recommendations through the Common Application online. We consider these official documents; there is no need to follow up with paper copies.
Get the Facts
Visit the facts & figures pages along with the academic programs section for additional information about Gettysburg College.
In compliance with federal requirements, we also provide extensive information on campus policies and safety measures as well as our commitment to providing equal opportunities.