You’ve spent your time and energy learning about us … now it’s our turn to do the same for you! We’re eager to know how you will contribute to our great student community.
| Application | Date |
| Early Decision (binding) | Deadline: November 1 at 11:59 p.m. Pacific Time |
| Early Action (nonbinding) | Deadline: November 1 at 11:59 p.m. Pacific Time |
| Regular Decision (nonbinding) | Deadline: January 15 at 11:59 p.m. Pacific Time |
| Transfer | Deadline: Rolling (recommended all credentials submitted by April 1) |
It’s easy to apply to Lewis & Clark through the Common Application site, and we don’t charge an application fee. As a leader in test-optional admissions since 1991, we adopted a test-free admissions policy beginning with the fall 2025 entering class. As part of your application, you will need to submit:
First-year applicants need to submit a secondary school report that shows completion of a rigorous curriculum including at least four years of math and English, three to four years of history and social science, two to three years of foreign language, three years of lab science, and a year of fine arts.
Teacher recommendation completed by a teacher who taught you in an academic course (English, mathematics, science, world language, history, or social studies) in 10th, 11th, or 12th grade.
We require one personal essay. Your writing helps us get acquainted with you in ways different from courses, grades, test scores, and other objective data. It also gives you a chance to demonstrate your ability to organize your thoughts and express yourself. Not sure what to say? Check out our tips!
Your L&C Portal gives you access to the most up-to-date information about your application credentials. The first time you log in, use the temporary PIN provided in the email sent upon receipt of your application.
We are happy to consider additional materials along with the required parts of the application for admission. Academic materials—graded writing samples, science research summaries, etc.— tend to be more helpful for us than those that are nonacademic. We do not require special portfolios or applications for admission to particular majors, so items such as artwork, slides, performance recordings, and creative writing portfolios will be considered only as background for the overall admissions decision. Please note that submissions will not be returned.
Supplemental materials can be uploaded through your L&C Portal after your Common Application is received by our office and your application file has been established.
Interviews are a great way to have a more personal experience during the application process. Interviews are recommended, but not required. You can schedule a virtual interview, or email your admissions counselor for more interview availability.
Please schedule your interview prior to the application deadline under which you are applying:
I wanted to attend a smaller college that was on the West Coast. I felt like the international community at L&C was stronger than many of my other choices, and I was interested in the liberal arts curriculum.
Farjad Madataly BA ’25
Antananarivo, Madagascar
I was looking for a small liberal arts school that had good student-to-teacher ratios, as well as a breadth of majors to choose from, and L&C fit that description.
Helen Guyton BA ’23
Cologne, Germany
The diverse community of international students, study abroad programs, College Outdoors trips, and small class sizes made me want to come to Lewis & Clark.
Uwella Rubuga BA ’19
Dar es Salaam, Tanzania
L&C has a great variety of classes and majors. I came into college wanting to pursue something where I could write and learn about interesting, relevant events and discussions. Plus, the campus is incredibly gorgeous!
Grace Marchant BA ’25
Upland, California
I was captivated by the gorgeous scenery, and only grew more in love as our tour guide talked about the small class sizes, the warm community, and the variety of programs L&C offers. I have felt at home since the moment I arrived.
Haley Wildhirt BA ’22
Longmont, Colorado
The main reasons I came to L&C were the liberal arts education and the small size of the school.
William Lew BA ’23
San Ramon, California
I was immediately drawn to Lewis & Clark by its natural beauty, and I was also on the hunt for a smaller school that offered close relationships with professors and peers alike.
Bijou Macdonald BA ’21
Broomfield, Colorado
I chose L&C because it was evident that people had a life outside of academics. It was important for me to find a place where I could see myself not just learning, but also living, for four years.
Venus Edlin BA ’23
San Jose, California
Lewis & Clark gives students the freedom to discover many wonderful opportunities on and off campus. It is a unique liberal arts college that encourages individuality.
Bennett Gazor BA ’25
Tiburon, California
Lewis & Clark’s small campus has a uniquely homey feel that made me feel like I belonged there.
Hannah Ronningen BA ’20
San Diego, California
Because it is a small college, the sense of community here is strong. It is easy to make close relationships with your professors, find other students with similar interests through various clubs and opportunities, and feel supported on your college journey.
Annabelle Samson BA ’27
Olympia, Washington
I chose L&C because I had high hopes for my future here and the unique experiences that it would offer me.
Marta Ružić BA ’25
Travnik, Bosnia and Herzegovina
The environment of a smaller liberal arts college was the best fit for me, allowing for the right opportunities to succeed. I was also excited to have the opportunity to continue my track and field career while also being in a rigorous academic environment.
Syrah Starnes BA ’20
Corvallis, Oregon
The beautiful campus drew me in, but ultimately the small class sizes, professor to student ratio, and the unique community led me to make my decision to come to L&C.
Claire Lyman BA ’18
Wilmette, Illinois
I wanted to come to Lewis & Clark because of the beautiful campus, the supportive athletics program, the interesting variety of classes, the impressive professors, and the emphasis on community!
Helena Brown BA ’26
Billings, Montana
The waiting is always the hardest part, but there are still plenty of things to do and learn after you’ve submitted your application. Here are some of the most important things to know about Lewis & Clark.
The cost of college can be daunting, but don’t be discouraged. The sooner you can submit the FAFSA for financial aid consideration, the better! Our federal school code is 003197, and our Office of Financial Aid is here to help.
There’s no better place to live than in the residence halls, where you’re surrounded by friends and close to your classes and activities. Get a feel for what on-campus life is all about.
We offer 29 majors, 33 minors, and robust preprofessional programs. Get a sense for what it’s really like to be a student here—and what our alumni do with their degrees—by browsing our program pages and reading student, alumni, and faculty profiles.
If Lewis & Clark is the college that is clearly the best fit for you, there is no better way to indicate to us that L&C is your top choice than by applying Early Decision. Your college selection process may be completed months before many of your peers if you apply under Early Decision. Since the application is binding, if admitted, your selection is made and you can look forward to becoming a Pioneer while focusing on finishing your high school career.
The main advantage to applying under our non-binding Early Action plan is timing. Since you get your materials to us earlier (November 1) we are able to get a decision letter to you earlier (by January 1). The admissions committee will look for all the same criteria that we look for in the Regular Decision timeframe (see what are we looking for), so a student is not necessarily more likely to be admitted if they apply Early Action.
Keep in mind that there is one important difference between the early application plans and Regular Decision: under Early Decision and Early Action, we require grades through the end of junior year, along with an accurate list of senior year courses. Some Early Decision and Early Action applicants provide first quarter or trimester reports as well. Under Regular Decision, we require that you submit the first set of grades from your senior year. If it is important to you that the admissions committee reviews your senior grades, you may wish to apply Regular Decision. Finally, the Early Decision and Early Action plans are not appropriate for students who will be relying on the November SAT/ACT or later test dates to complete their files.
There is no fee to apply to Lewis & Clark.
You should strive to submit your materials by the application deadline. Late applications may be accepted at the discretion of the Admissions Office. If you are interested in applying after the January 15 deadline, contact the Admissions Office and speak with an admissions counselor about your options.
Please note: students whose applications are received after the deadline may not receive their admissions decisions until after April 1. Financial aid notification may also be delayed and funds may be limited.
It is not necessary for your teacher to use the Common Application Teacher Evaluation form. However, if your teacher will not be using the form, he/she should submit the evaluation on school letterhead, clearly print your full name on the top of the letter, and indicate the course(s) and grade level(s) in which he/she taught you.
We do not require a letter of recommendation from a counselor, only the Secondary School Report form.
However, it is in your best interest for you to get to know your guidance counselor. Beyond completing required college application forms, you may find that your counselor can also provide excellent guidance throughout your entire college search process. If it’s just not possible for you to get to know your counselor (and we certainly understand that situation may arise if you attend a large school) or if you have a new counselor at your school, you should (at minimum) have your current counselor fill in the blanks of the Secondary School Report form. That form provides vital information we need in order to complete your record at the college. You may have another high school administrator or former counselor provide a letter of recommendation addressing your preparedness for college, your high school performance in relation to the rest of your senior class, and other pertinent information. We will only accept such an evaluation in addition to the Secondary School Report form completed by your current high school counselor.
The admissions committee gives all applicants a comprehensive review before making an admissions decision. This is why we ask for a number of credentials to complete your application. The main priority of the committee is to make sure that the applicant is able to meet the college’s academic challenge and the expectations of our faculty.
While all credentials will be carefully reviewed, an applicant’s transcript is most beneficial in providing evidence of a student’s academic potential to thrive at Lewis & Clark. The committee examines course selection, curricular rigor, grade trends, and other academic factors reflected on the transcript.
Teacher and counselor evaluations, the essay, and the actual application form reveal other dimensions of an applicant and are also important in the application process.
Non-academic activities are considered as well, since we need students who will play a role in our small, residential community, but these factors are only considered if a student is academically admissible. In the end, the committee hopes to admit students that are prepared for the challenge that an education at Lewis & Clark will offer while also contributing positively to the college community.
Note: we are test-free, which means we do not consider standardized test scores when making undergraduate admissions decisions.
Admissions Contact UsAdmissions is located in Frank Manor House on the Undergraduate Campus.
MSC: 32
voice 503-768-7040
fax 503-768-7055
Vice President of Admissions and Financial Aid
Eric Staab
