- <a href="/live/image/gid/186/width/650/90786_PEO-C3a-1020-0016.jpg" class="lw_preview_image lw_disable_preview" tabindex="-1"><picture class="lw_image lw_image90786"> <source type="image/jpeg" media="(max-width: 500px)" srcset="/live/image/gid/186/width/500/height/240/crop/1/90786_PEO-C3a-1020-0016.rev.1634160376.jpg 1x, /live/image/scale/2x/gid/186/width/500/height/240/crop/1/90786_PEO-C3a-1020-0016.rev.1634160376.jpg 2x, /live/image/scale/3x/gid/186/width/500/height/240/crop/1/90786_PEO-C3a-1020-0016.rev.1634160376.jpg 3x"/> <source type="image/jpeg" media="(max-width: 800px)" srcset="/live/image/gid/186/width/800/height/383/crop/1/90786_PEO-C3a-1020-0016.rev.1634160376.jpg 1x, /live/image/scale/2x/gid/186/width/800/height/383/crop/1/90786_PEO-C3a-1020-0016.rev.1634160376.jpg 2x, /live/image/scale/3x/gid/186/width/800/height/383/crop/1/90786_PEO-C3a-1020-0016.rev.1634160376.jpg 3x"/> <source type="image/jpeg" media="(max-width: 1200px)" srcset="/live/image/gid/186/width/1200/height/575/crop/1/90786_PEO-C3a-1020-0016.rev.1634160376.jpg 1x, /live/image/scale/2x/gid/186/width/1200/height/575/crop/1/90786_PEO-C3a-1020-0016.rev.1634160376.jpg 2x"/> <source type="image/jpeg" media="(min-width: 1201px)" srcset="/live/image/gid/186/width/1440/height/690/crop/1/90786_PEO-C3a-1020-0016.rev.1634160376.jpg 1x, /live/image/scale/2x/gid/186/width/1440/height/690/crop/1/90786_PEO-C3a-1020-0016.rev.1634160376.jpg 2x"/> <img src="/live/image/gid/186/width/1440/height/690/crop/1/90786_PEO-C3a-1020-0016.rev.1634160376.jpg" alt="" width="1440" height="690" srcset="/live/image/scale/2x/gid/186/width/1440/height/690/crop/1/90786_PEO-C3a-1020-0016.rev.1634160376.jpg 2x" data-max-w="3200" data-max-h="2136"/> </picture> </a><div class="hero-full_image_caption collapsable-caption"></div>
- <a href="/live/image/gid/186/width/650/98147_CAM-L-0719-0001.jpg" class="lw_preview_image lw_disable_preview" tabindex="-1"><picture class="lw_image lw_image98147"> <source type="image/jpeg" media="(max-width: 500px)" srcset="/live/image/gid/186/width/500/height/240/crop/1/98147_CAM-L-0719-0001.rev.1679093776.jpg 1x, /live/image/scale/2x/gid/186/width/500/height/240/crop/1/98147_CAM-L-0719-0001.rev.1679093776.jpg 2x, /live/image/scale/3x/gid/186/width/500/height/240/crop/1/98147_CAM-L-0719-0001.rev.1679093776.jpg 3x"/> <source type="image/jpeg" media="(max-width: 800px)" srcset="/live/image/gid/186/width/800/height/383/crop/1/98147_CAM-L-0719-0001.rev.1679093776.jpg 1x, /live/image/scale/2x/gid/186/width/800/height/383/crop/1/98147_CAM-L-0719-0001.rev.1679093776.jpg 2x, /live/image/scale/3x/gid/186/width/800/height/383/crop/1/98147_CAM-L-0719-0001.rev.1679093776.jpg 3x"/> <source type="image/jpeg" media="(max-width: 1200px)" srcset="/live/image/gid/186/width/1200/height/575/crop/1/98147_CAM-L-0719-0001.rev.1679093776.jpg 1x, /live/image/scale/2x/gid/186/width/1200/height/575/crop/1/98147_CAM-L-0719-0001.rev.1679093776.jpg 2x"/> <source type="image/jpeg" media="(min-width: 1201px)" srcset="/live/image/gid/186/width/1440/height/690/crop/1/98147_CAM-L-0719-0001.rev.1679093776.jpg 1x, /live/image/scale/2x/gid/186/width/1440/height/690/crop/1/98147_CAM-L-0719-0001.rev.1679093776.jpg 2x"/> <img src="/live/image/gid/186/width/1440/height/690/crop/1/98147_CAM-L-0719-0001.rev.1679093776.jpg" alt="Our campus is even prettier in person." width="1440" height="690" srcset="/live/image/scale/2x/gid/186/width/1440/height/690/crop/1/98147_CAM-L-0719-0001.rev.1679093776.jpg 2x" data-max-w="3200" data-max-h="2133"/> </picture> </a><div class="hero-full_image_caption collapsable-caption"> Our campus is even prettier in person.</div>
- <a href="/live/image/gid/186/width/650/90782_DIV-A3-0220-0014.jpg" class="lw_preview_image lw_disable_preview" tabindex="-1"><picture class="lw_image lw_image90782"> <source type="image/jpeg" media="(max-width: 500px)" srcset="/live/image/gid/186/width/500/height/240/crop/1/90782_DIV-A3-0220-0014.rev.1634160348.jpg 1x, /live/image/scale/2x/gid/186/width/500/height/240/crop/1/90782_DIV-A3-0220-0014.rev.1634160348.jpg 2x, /live/image/scale/3x/gid/186/width/500/height/240/crop/1/90782_DIV-A3-0220-0014.rev.1634160348.jpg 3x"/> <source type="image/jpeg" media="(max-width: 800px)" srcset="/live/image/gid/186/width/800/height/383/crop/1/90782_DIV-A3-0220-0014.rev.1634160348.jpg 1x, /live/image/scale/2x/gid/186/width/800/height/383/crop/1/90782_DIV-A3-0220-0014.rev.1634160348.jpg 2x, /live/image/scale/3x/gid/186/width/800/height/383/crop/1/90782_DIV-A3-0220-0014.rev.1634160348.jpg 3x"/> <source type="image/jpeg" media="(max-width: 1200px)" srcset="/live/image/gid/186/width/1200/height/575/crop/1/90782_DIV-A3-0220-0014.rev.1634160348.jpg 1x, /live/image/scale/2x/gid/186/width/1200/height/575/crop/1/90782_DIV-A3-0220-0014.rev.1634160348.jpg 2x"/> <source type="image/jpeg" media="(min-width: 1201px)" srcset="/live/image/gid/186/width/1440/height/690/crop/1/90782_DIV-A3-0220-0014.rev.1634160348.jpg 1x, /live/image/scale/2x/gid/186/width/1440/height/690/crop/1/90782_DIV-A3-0220-0014.rev.1634160348.jpg 2x"/> <img src="/live/image/gid/186/width/1440/height/690/crop/1/90782_DIV-A3-0220-0014.rev.1634160348.jpg" alt="" width="1440" height="690" srcset="/live/image/scale/2x/gid/186/width/1440/height/690/crop/1/90782_DIV-A3-0220-0014.rev.1634160348.jpg 2x" data-max-w="3200" data-max-h="2136"/> </picture> </a><div class="hero-full_image_caption collapsable-caption"></div>
- <a href="/live/image/gid/186/width/650/90785_PEO-C3a-0418-0030.jpg" class="lw_preview_image lw_disable_preview" tabindex="-1"><picture class="lw_image lw_image90785"> <source type="image/jpeg" media="(max-width: 500px)" srcset="/live/image/gid/186/width/500/height/240/crop/1/90785_PEO-C3a-0418-0030.rev.1634160361.jpg 1x, /live/image/scale/2x/gid/186/width/500/height/240/crop/1/90785_PEO-C3a-0418-0030.rev.1634160361.jpg 2x, /live/image/scale/3x/gid/186/width/500/height/240/crop/1/90785_PEO-C3a-0418-0030.rev.1634160361.jpg 3x"/> <source type="image/jpeg" media="(max-width: 800px)" srcset="/live/image/gid/186/width/800/height/383/crop/1/90785_PEO-C3a-0418-0030.rev.1634160361.jpg 1x, /live/image/scale/2x/gid/186/width/800/height/383/crop/1/90785_PEO-C3a-0418-0030.rev.1634160361.jpg 2x, /live/image/scale/3x/gid/186/width/800/height/383/crop/1/90785_PEO-C3a-0418-0030.rev.1634160361.jpg 3x"/> <source type="image/jpeg" media="(max-width: 1200px)" srcset="/live/image/gid/186/width/1200/height/575/crop/1/90785_PEO-C3a-0418-0030.rev.1634160361.jpg 1x, /live/image/scale/2x/gid/186/width/1200/height/575/crop/1/90785_PEO-C3a-0418-0030.rev.1634160361.jpg 2x"/> <source type="image/jpeg" media="(min-width: 1201px)" srcset="/live/image/gid/186/width/1440/height/690/crop/1/90785_PEO-C3a-0418-0030.rev.1634160361.jpg 1x, /live/image/scale/2x/gid/186/width/1440/height/690/crop/1/90785_PEO-C3a-0418-0030.rev.1634160361.jpg 2x"/> <img src="/live/image/gid/186/width/1440/height/690/crop/1/90785_PEO-C3a-0418-0030.rev.1634160361.jpg" alt="" width="1440" height="690" srcset="/live/image/scale/2x/gid/186/width/1440/height/690/crop/1/90785_PEO-C3a-0418-0030.rev.1634160361.jpg 2x" data-max-w="3200" data-max-h="2136"/> </picture> </a><div class="hero-full_image_caption collapsable-caption"></div>
Join our community!
Lewis & Clark College brings together challenging, supportive academics; an institutional commitment to sustainability; conservatory-calibre fine arts offerings; leadership in overseas and off-campus study; an inclusive, welcoming community; and excellent preparation for whatever path you take after graduation. The icing on the (Voodoo!) donut is that we do this on arguably the most beautiful campus in the U.S. in the cool, progressive city of Portland, Oregon.
We’d love for you to join us.
Apply Now on the Common App Website Transfer Students International Students
- <blockquote><p></p><div class="lw_profiles_774"><p><span style="font-weight: 400;">The environment of Lewis & Clark was unlike any other college I visited. It is an amazing place to wake up to every day.</span></p></div><p></p><p class="quote-author"><a class="quoted-profile_name" href="/live/profiles/16643-whitney-maxfield">Whitney Maxfield BA ’25</a><br/><span class="quoted-profile_meta">Riverton, Utah</span></p></blockquote>
- <blockquote><p></p><div class="lw_profiles_774"><p><span style="font-weight: 400;">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.</span></p></div><p></p><p class="quote-author"><a class="quoted-profile_name" href="/live/profiles/14557-haley-wildhirt">Haley Wildhirt BA ’22</a><br/><span class="quoted-profile_meta">Longmont, Colorado</span></p></blockquote>
- <blockquote><p></p><div class="lw_profiles_774"><p><span style="font-weight: 400;">I wanted to attend a college that was smaller and more personal, but still allowed me to have access to a big city.</span></p></div><p></p><p class="quote-author"><a class="quoted-profile_name" href="/live/profiles/16676-laura-everson">Laura Everson BA ’22</a><br/><span class="quoted-profile_meta">Sitka, Alaska</span></p></blockquote>
- <blockquote><p></p><div class="lw_profiles_774"><p> I wanted to attend a small school because I perform best in smaller class environments where I can connect with my peers and work closely with my professors.</p></div><p></p><p class="quote-author"><a class="quoted-profile_name" href="/live/profiles/18351-bryn-romig">Bryn Romig BA ’25</a><br/><span class="quoted-profile_meta">Albuquerque, New Mexico</span></p></blockquote>
- <blockquote><p></p><div class="lw_profiles_774"><p><span style="font-weight: 400;">L&C, in particular, was attractive to me because of its beautiful campus, its excellent English program, and its warm and welcoming environment.</span></p></div><p></p><p class="quote-author"><a class="quoted-profile_name" href="/live/profiles/16683-ashleen-smith">Ashleen Smith BA ’23</a><br/><span class="quoted-profile_meta">Madras, Oregon</span></p></blockquote>
- <blockquote><p></p><div class="lw_profiles_774"><p> Lewis & Clark stood out from the other options I was considering because of the variety of things I could DO here: accessible study abroad programs, a variety of STEM majors, and varsity athletics in a hybrid city/nature setting.</p></div><p></p><p class="quote-author"><a class="quoted-profile_name" href="/live/profiles/18311-katie-ingersoll">Katie Ingersoll BA ’25</a><br/><span class="quoted-profile_meta">Bothell, Washington</span></p></blockquote>
- <blockquote><p></p><div class="lw_profiles_774"><p> While walking the tree-lined cobblestone paths that wind through campus, I immediately felt at home. I also felt that the intimate classroom sizes and smaller college community would be a great support system for me to grow and to learn.</p></div><p></p><p class="quote-author"><a class="quoted-profile_name" href="/live/profiles/19664-alex-olsen">Alex Olsen BA ’20</a><br/><span class="quoted-profile_meta">Elmira, Oregon</span></p></blockquote>
- <blockquote><p></p><div class="lw_profiles_774"><p> I was drawn to Lewis & Clark’s beautiful campus, its proximity to Portland, and the stellar reviews I had heard of the school’s faculty and staff.</p></div><p></p><p class="quote-author"><a class="quoted-profile_name" href="/live/profiles/19828-sophie-vigeant">Sophie Vigeant BA ’19</a><br/><span class="quoted-profile_meta">Tomales, California</span></p></blockquote>
- <blockquote><p></p><div class="lw_profiles_774"><p> I wanted to come to Lewis & Clark because of the beautiful campus, the small class sizes, and the liberal arts education style.</p></div><p></p><p class="quote-author"><a class="quoted-profile_name" href="/live/profiles/20474-apollo-beaber">Apollo Beaber BA ’25</a><br/><span class="quoted-profile_meta">Denver, Colorado</span></p></blockquote>
- <blockquote><p></p><div class="lw_profiles_774"><p> I tried going to another school, but I ended up struggling greatly there and had to withdraw for my own mental health. Once I felt ready for a four-year school again, I realized that the supportive, friendly environment I felt at L&C was exactly the kind of atmosphere I needed to be able to succeed at college—and I was right!</p></div><p></p><p class="quote-author"><a class="quoted-profile_name" href="/live/profiles/19756-terin-trachtenberg">Terin Trachtenberg BA ’21</a><br/><span class="quoted-profile_meta">Lincoln City, Oregon</span></p></blockquote>
- <blockquote><p></p><div class="lw_profiles_774"><p> The campus took my breath away. Everything felt wet and alive and vibrant. It was small enough that I could see myself finding a community quickly, but not so small as to be constraining. There was room to grow without getting lost in a sea—a perfect-sized pond if you will.</p></div><p></p><p class="quote-author"><a class="quoted-profile_name" href="/live/profiles/19829-jonah-svihus">Jonah Svihus BA ’18</a><br/><span class="quoted-profile_meta">Monterey, California</span></p></blockquote>
- <blockquote><p></p><div class="lw_profiles_774"><p> Lewis & Clark’s combination of academic excellence, community, and location made it a great fit for me.</p></div><p></p><p class="quote-author"><a class="quoted-profile_name" href="/live/profiles/17730-hashim-salman">Hashim Salman BA ’25</a><br/><span class="quoted-profile_meta">Amman, Jordan</span></p></blockquote>
- <blockquote><p></p><div class="lw_profiles_774"><p> 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. </p></div><p></p><p class="quote-author"><a class="quoted-profile_name" href="/live/profiles/19669-syrah-starnes">Syrah Starnes BA ’20</a><br/><span class="quoted-profile_meta">Corvallis, Oregon</span></p></blockquote>
- <blockquote><p></p><div class="lw_profiles_774"><p> One of the benefits of getting a degree at L&C is the fact that professors are so accessible and interested in student development through research. At larger universities, these opportunities are often reserved for graduate students.</p></div><p></p><p class="quote-author"><a class="quoted-profile_name" href="/live/profiles/18362-cloe-moreno">Cloe Moreno BA ’24</a><br/><span class="quoted-profile_meta">San Diego, California</span></p></blockquote>
- <blockquote><p></p><div class="lw_profiles_774"><p> I fell in love with Portland and the campus when I first visited as a high school student. When the time came to make a decision, I strongly felt that I would receive a more personalized, engaging education at L&C than at a large state university. And I was not mistaken!</p></div><p></p><p class="quote-author"><a class="quoted-profile_name" href="/live/profiles/19696-ryan-nguyen">Ryan Nguyen BA ’19</a><br/><span class="quoted-profile_meta">Santa Rosa, California</span></p></blockquote>
February 2024 Update
Reply Deadline Extension for Early Action and Regular Decision applicants
In light of the government’s recent additional FAFSA delay, we have pushed back our deadline to reply to offers of admission to June 1. This applies to Early Action and Regular Decision applicants! We understand the uncertainty around the FAFSA process can cause stress to students and families. We are here to help! Please contact admissions@lclark.edu with any questions or concerns.
Plan Your Visit
Visiting our beautiful campus is the best way to get to know us. Whether you are just starting to think about college or you’re an admitted student (congrats!) on the brink of making your decision, we have virtual and in-person options for you.
- Best
Lewis & Clark is on the list of “America’s Best Colleges,” per Money magazine.
- #10
Lewis & Clark is #10 on Architectural Digest’s “53 Prettiest College Campuses in America.”
- Leader
The 2023 Fiske Guide to College listed Lewis & Clark as the “West Coast’s leader in international and study abroad programs.”
- 1 of 7
L&C is one of seven Oregon schools to make the national Colleges of Distinction list in 2023–24.
- #1
L&C is #1 when it comes to Niche’s 2024 list of “Best Colleges for Music in Oregon.”
Admission Requirements for First-Year Applicants
Lewis & Clark accepts the Common Application, and there is no application fee. A leader in test-optional admissions since 1991, we will be adopting a test-free admissions policy beginning with the fall 2025 entering class. As part of your application, you will need to submit:
- A secondary school report
- A personal essay
- A teacher recommendation
Optional Application Submissions
- Academic and nonacademic work
- Interview
Lewis & Clark Admission Deadlines
Application | Deadline to Apply | Notice of Decision |
Early Decision (binding) | Deadline: November 1 at 11:59 p.m. Pacific Time | Late November |
Early Action (nonbinding) | Deadline: November 1 at 11:59 p.m. Pacific Time | Mid-December |
Regular Decision (nonbinding) | Deadline: January 15 at 11:59 p.m. Pacific Time | Mid-March |
Transfer | Deadline: Rolling (recommended all credentials submitted by April 1) |
Rolling |
- Hannah Harrington BA ’19
This year I became more involved than I have been since the pandemic as I was a part of the Alumni Weekend Planning Committee, and attended Alumni Weekend. L&C truly has an amazing community, and I was so happy to reconnect to other alumni, and the school, through those events.
International Affairs | FrenchMore about Hannah - Laura Everson BA ’22
Community can be found anywhere on campus.
English and Classics (double) | Sitka, AlaskaMore about Laura - Jason Kowalski BA ’23
I’ve found a lot of community through clubs. Being very involved with Chinese Club and College Democrats have connected me with friends I wouldn’t have made otherwise.
International affairs and art history (double) | Vancouver, WashingtonMore about Jason
Learning at Lewis & Clark
We offer 29 majors, 33 minors, and robust preprofessional programs. You will graduate ready to take on the world with a bachelor of arts (BA) degree. Our liberal arts curriculum emphasizes the top things you need for success in any career: critical thinking, written and verbal communication, teamwork, and problem solving.
Find Your Pacific Northwest Home
Portland, Oregon, is the perfect launching pad for adventures throughout the gorgeous Pacific Northwest, and Lewis & Clark is the perfect community to find friends who will want to adventure with you.
Already Applied
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.
Check Your Application StatusFinancial Aid
Admissions FAQ
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, SAT and/or ACT scores (if submitted), 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.
More Frequently Asked Questions
Featured News
International Affairs Symposium Focuses on Control
The 62nd annual Lewis & Clark International Affairs Symposium is one of the oldest student-run symposia in the country. This year’s event, which runs from April 8 to April 10, is titled Strings Attached: Tracing the Global Systems That Bind.
Admissions is located in Frank Manor House on the Undergraduate Campus.
MSC: 32
email admissions@lclark.edu
voice 503-768-7040
fax 503-768-7055
Vice President of Admissions and Financial Aid
Eric Staab
Admissions
Lewis & Clark
615 S. Palatine Hill Road MSC 32
Portland OR 97219